Introduction to Business

Research Methods
1.0 What is Research?
Research
A process of enquiry and investigation
Systematic and methodical
 A series of steps designed and executed
To solve problem and increase/generate
knowledge
2.0 Classifying Research
Research can be classified according to the:
1. Purpose – The reason why it was conducted
2. Process – The way in which the data were
collected & Analysed.
3. Outcome- Whether the expected outcome is
the solution to a particular problem or a
more general contribution to knowledge
4. Logic – Whether the research logic moves
from the general to the specific or vice
versa.
Classifying Research
Basic of classification Type of research

Purpose of the research Exploratory, descriptive,

Hypothesis Testing (analytical or
predictive ) research,
Explanatory

Process of the research Quantitative or Qualitative

Research

Outcome of the research Applied or Basic Research

Logic of the research Deductive or Inductive Research

2.1 Purpose: Exploratory, Descriptive,
Hypothesis Testing Research
2.1.1 Exploratory
 Conducted when very few or no earlier studies can be referred
for information about the problem.
 Aim: To look for patterns, understand the phenomena and
develop ideas or proposition (hypothesis)
 Focus: To gain insights and familiarity with the subject area
for more rigorous investigation at a later stage
 Typical techniques: Case study , observation, interview, focus
group
 Example:
 To explore the attributes of a great leader
 To understand the concept of quality of work life (QWL)
 Current thinking on QWL to narrow (Work related factor only)

 With the changing dynamic at the workplace, we have to redefine the

concept.
2.1.2 Descriptive
To ascertain and describe phenomena as they
exist.
To obtain information on the characteristic of a
particular problem.
Examples:
 To know the characteristics of the organizations
that implement CSR
 To know the profile of the individuals who have loan

payment outstanding for 6 months and more

 To know what type of packaging for a box of

chocolates do consumer prefer.

 To know what type of information do customers

want shown on food label?

The central issue: ‘What’ or ‘how many’.
2.1.3 Hypothesis Testing (Analytical or
explanatory)
Beyond describing the characteristic.
To analyze and explain WHY of HOW the
phenomenon is happening.
Explain the nature of relationship (causal or
correlational) or establish the differences
among groups.
Examples:
 To know the relationship between size of company
and level of turnover.
 To know the factors that contributed for on-line

purchase.
 To know whether female workers less productive

than male workers

2.2 Quantitative & Qualitative Research
 Refer to the approach or process of a research
 The choice will be influenced by:
 Nature of research project
 Quantitative: Normally applied in descriptive & hypothesis testing

research.
 Qualitative: Normally applied in exploratory research

 Type of data available

 Research problem/question:
 ‘What’, ‘How Many’: Quantitative
 What is the relationship between mentorship and

performance?
 What is the level of technology transfer in PHEI?

 ‘What,’ ‘Why’, ‘How’: Qualitative.

 Example: A study on knowledge sharing:

 How and why are various tools used?

 What is the impact of those tools on decision making?

 How does information flow in an organization?

 What factors influence knowledge exchange?

2.3 Applied & Basic Research
Applied Research:
Research done with the attention of applying a
result of the findings to solve a particular
problem faced by a particular organization.
To solve practical problem

Basic Research:
Research done chiefly to enhance the
understanding of certain problem that commonly
occur in organization setting.
The understanding applies to all of business in
general.
To solve theoretical problem and to generate
more knowledge.
2.3 Applied & Basic Research
Applied Research Issues Basic Research Issues

How the acquisition of Volvo by How does technological

Geely affects the image of the turbulence affect business
brand? performance?

How would imposing a 360 Does job stress affect the job
degree evaluation system affect performance and satisfaction?
employee satisfaction at UTM?

What factors that relate to intent What is the relationship between

to leave the current position at the implementation of Total
HAS Hospital? Quality Management (TQM) and
innovation performance?
2.4 Deduction & Inductive Research
Deductive Research:
Conceptual & theoretical structure is developed
and then tested empirically.
We arrive a reasoned conclusion by logical
generalization of a known fact.
Moving from general to a particular.
The researcher develop a thorough understanding
of the relevant knowledge based, and from this he
or she develops some kind of theory that can be
evaluated by the testing of hypothesis.
Example: You may have read about theories of
teamwork (i.e Tuckman’ s TwT)and wish to test
them in your workplace.
 Process: Identify ProblemLiterature ReviewDevelop
ModelTesting (Collect & Analysed data)
 Approach: Underpinning Theory
2.4 Deduction & Inductive Research
Inductive Research:
 Theory is developed from the observation of empirical
reality.
 The approach observes events and then attempts to
explain them.
 Establish a general proposition (theory) based on observed
facts.
 Moving from specific to general.
 The underlying logic: If an observer sees the same
apparent functional relationship between two variables
over and over again, it seems logical to assume that they
may have relationship between two variables.
 Example:
 You observed that the level of workers’ morale go down after 4
hours of the shift and you conclude that morale level vary with
length of time worked.
 Approach: Grounded Theory
3.0 Overview of Research Process
• Choose a general subject area and search the literature
• Observation

• Literature Review
• Define Research Problem/Research Questions - Gap

• Literature Review: Develop concepts and constructs, model and

Hypothesis
• Design the research, Accomplish the research proposal

• Collect Data

• Analyze & Interpret data. Make up a conclusion.

• Refinement of theory (basic research) or Implementation (Applied
Research)

• Finish our write-up

• (Have to start writing up as soon as the early stages of the
project- Since Day 1)
4.0 Indicative Structure of a Thesis
Chapter %
of
report
1. Introduction
 Background &Purpose of the study. 10
 Research Problem, Research Questions, Research Objectives
 Significant of the study
2. Literature Review
 Evaluation of the existing body of knowledge on the topic
 Theoretical Framework (if applicable)
30
 demonstrate an adequate understanding of the debates in the literature
on the topic
 Hypothesis formulation (if applicable)
3. Methodology
 Research Design
 Purpose of study (exploration/Description/Hypothesis Testing?),
20
Sampling, Unit of measurement, Measurement, Data collection
Method, Data Analysis Techniques
 Justification for choice of methods
4. Finding/Result 30
 Presentation & Discussion
5. Conclusion
 Summary of what you found out in relation to each research question
 Your contribution to knowledge