business research methodologybcrm1

BUSINESS RESEARCH

METHODOLOGYfor

professionals

INTRODUCTION TO RESEACH METHODOLOGY

By Habibu Ayuba, BSc; PGDE, MSc; ACA inview.

08030527135

BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the class, we should be able to:

Define Research

State the purpose of Research

Explain aim and objectives of Research

Highlight approaches to Research

Identify and explain types of Research

Examine relationship of different types of Research

Understand the importance of Research

State motivations in conducting a Research

Define research process

Outline characteristics of Research process

Draw research process diagrammatically and explain each stages

Explore the ethical consideration in Research and its process

Examine problems of Research and Research in the context of Nigeria

Attempt multiple choice (objective) questions tests on the objectives achieved

Attempt subjective (fill in the blank space) questions on the objectives achieved

Habibu Ayuba, BSc; PGDE; MSc; ACA inview NNDC-ICAN,KANO 2/8/2014 2

Definition of Research

Perceptually, a word “Research” is a sum total of twowords: RE + SEARCH.

RE means AGAIN and AGAIN ! !! !!!

SEARCH means TO FIND OUT SOMETHING.

Research, perceptually, can be portray as designedbelow:

Laterally, Research means: to search for , look for orto investigate exhaustively.

It is a search for knowledge traditionally orscientifically.

Traditional search for knowledge is subject to refuterthat can not be depended and proven.

Scientific search for knowledge, on the other hand,is dependable avenue that can be proven.


Definition Cont.…

It is a careful search/inquiry or an endeavorto discover new facts, Encyclopedia America.

It is an investigation undertaken in order todiscover new facts or get additionalinformation…Oxford Advance Learner’sDictionary.

It is a careful investigation or inquiry speciallythrough search for new fact in any branch ofknowledge, Advanced Learner’s Dictionaryof Current English.

But, Cambridge international Dictionary ofEnglish sees Research as; a detailed study ofa subject, especially, in order to discover newinformation or reach a new understanding.


Definition Cont….

It was reported that Research is a point of view, an attitude ofinquiry or a frame of mind.

It is also being seen as a systematic and scholarly applicationof the scientific method interpreted in its broader sense to thesolution of social problem.

Research refers to a systematic and refined technique ofthinking, employing specialized tools, instruments andprocedures in order to obtain more adequate solution of aproblem than would possibly be under ordinary means.

Research is an endeavor to discover, develop and verifyknowledge.

It is an honest ,exhaustive and intelligent searching for factsand their meanings or implication with reference to a givenproblem.

It is seen as an organized enquiry that is aimed at providinginformation for solving identified problems, (Asika, 1990).

In ICAN study pact, fagbohungbe (1993) has defined research asa quest for new knowledge pertinent to an identified area ofinterest or problem through the application of the scientificapproach or process of investigation.


Definition Cont….

Mc Ashan (1963) since then saw research as a careful critical andexhaustive investigation to discover new facts which will test ahypothesis, revise accepted conclusion and contribution to thesociety in general. Then, Willis (1972) define research as a processof discovering new knowledge. For Best (1964), research is aformal, systematic, intensive process of carrying out the scientificmethod of analysis. Mouly (1978) stated that a research is aprocess… a process of arriving at a dependable solutions toproblems through the planned and systematic collection, analysisand interpretation of data. In line with the Richard (1988)argument that a research is to search again, to repeat the processof looking in order to verify or expand the first result…. Emory(1980) considered research as an inquiry carried out to secureinformation for solving problem. Sekaran (1992) said that researchis a systematic and organized effort to investigate a specificproblem that needs solution. Daramola (1992) concluded that aresearch is a systematic process employed by scholars to providesolution to problems, to uncover facts in an attempt to formulaterules and generalization based on the facts uncovered throughapproved investigative procedures….


WHAT IS RESEARCH

Operationally, it can be viewed as asystematic process of collecting, analyzingand interpreting information or data with aview to understanding the phenomenon orproblem we are concerned about andproffering solution to it.

That is why Nulinally (1978:8) have arguedthat scientific research is a highly publicenterprise in which efficient communicationamong scientists is essential based on whathas been learnt in the past. It entails amongother things; an investigation, a recording, anin-depth analysis or analysis of evidence forprimary purpose of advancing and gainingknowledge.


PURPOSE and GOALS OF

RESEARCH

Research is embarked to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures.

The typical research questions that may be sought toanswer are:

To what extent does the public attitude havesignificant effect on the consumption of Islamicinsurance services.

Customers demographic characteristics have nosignificant relationship with the brand loyalty.

Research is specifically designed to achieve thefollowing goals which are:

To interpret the existing human problems.

To explain the existing human problems.

To bring control to the existing human problems.

To produce and proffer solution to the existinghuman problems.


Aim and Objectives

of research

Research is aimed at finding out the truth which is hidden and which has not been discovered yet.

The aim is specifically presented as specific objectives of a researchwhich are as follows:

To gain familiarity with a phenomenon under study to achieve newinsights into research (exploratory research).

To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual,institution, situation/event or a group under study (descriptiveresearch).

To determine the frequency with which something/ event occurs or withwhich it is associated with something else (diagnostic research).

To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables(hypothesis-testing research).

To formulate the new theory, principle, and law (theoretical objectives).

To find out new facts and factual evidences (historical research).

To improve and modify the existing practices and knowledge or new ways of doing things.

To suggest new application of the existing knowledge .


Approaches to Research

All researches can be carried out in either of the following ways:

Quantitative approach.

Qualitative approach.

Mixed (both, partially quantitative and partially qualitative).

Qualitative research employs use of numbers and statistical methods. It is based on numericalmeasurement of specific aspects of phenomena. It abstracts from particular instance to seek generaldescription or to test hypothesis. Qualitative research always seeks measurements and analysis thatare easily replicable by the other researchers.

Qualitative research, on the other hand, focuses on one or small number of cases of participants inthe study. It uses intensive interviews and/or depth analysis of historical materials. It employsdiscursive method which is concerned with a rounded or comprehensive accounts of some events orunits in the name of case studies or major events.

Mixed research attempts to mix or combine quantitative and qualitative research’s techniques ,methods, approaches, concepts and language into a single study. It makes use of pragmatic methodand system of philosophy. Its logic of inquiry includes: the use of induction (discovery of pattern) ,deduction (testing of theories and hypothesis) and abduction (uncovering and relying on the best ofexplanations for understanding one’s research results). It attempts to legitimate the use of multipleapproaches in answering research questions rather than restricting or constraining researchers’choice. It rejects dogmatism. It is expensive and creative form of, not limiting form of, research. Itis inclusive, pluralistic and complementary study which suggest to the researcher to take eclecticapproach to method selection and the thinking about and conduct of research. All relevantcharacteristics of both qualitative and quantitative research have to be considered by theresearchers.


Types of Research

Applied Research: This is a research conducted with the a view totesting and applying the established theories. To evaluate theories’usefulness in solving practical problems of human kinds. Its goal is toadd more scientific knowledge and to provide new ways of solvingimmediate practical problem of society, industry and any businessorganization ( action research)

Basic Research: This is a fact finding research which is conducted forthe purpose of establishing or developing theories. It provides theoriesthat may lead to finding solution to problem. It gathers facts,knowledge and information for its own sake which can resultgeneralization of a given phenomenon, hence, formulate theory. It asksquestions such as: what are the factors affecting the outcome of thestudy? What is the effect of the study on the proposed goals andobjectives? (pure or fundamental research).

Quantitative Research: This is a study that is based on a phenomenoncapable of being expressed in numerical quantity. It employs rigorouscontrol of the variables under study. The data collected for the researchis subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigidfashion respecting the rule of measurement.

Qualitative Research: This is a study which crosscuts disciplines, fieldsand subject matter of a study. It studies events, situations, individualsand institutions in their natural settings. The data collected can not beexpressed in numerals, rather, it is subjected to the researcher’ssubjective assessment of attitude, opinion and behavior guided by hisinsight and impression.


Types of Research Cont…

Commission Research: This is a study which is initiated by a given organization that isready to fund the research either because the problem understudy would solve the fundingorganization personal problem or would alleviate problem of society. If the organization isprivate and commercial, it sponsors the research to enable it to address its problem. But, ifit is governmental or non-governmental organization, the study is usually carried out solveor to improve on human kinds’ challenges. International funding agency may includeUNESCO, WHO and soon.

Non-commission Research: This is a study which is embanked upon to acquire academicqualification such as PhDs, M.Scs and B.Scs or for academic purposes. It is a research whichis more of basic studies that would produce theories and new knowledge or facts in therelated fields.

Analytical Research: This is a study which uses existing facts or already availableinformation to critically analyze it to come out with evaluative findings.

Empirical Research: This is a study which relies on the existing experience and observationof the researcher alone, often, without due regard for system/theory or organization understudy. It is a data based study that come up with the conclusion capable of being verifiedthrough observations and experiment. The working hypothesis must serve as a base for aprobable result which can be proven or disproven.

Conceptual Research: This is a study that is conducted to develop new concepts relating tosome abstract ideas or theory. It also reinterprets the existing idea or scientific knowledge,the work usually conducted by the thinkers or philosophers.

Ex-post Facto Research: This is a research that is undertaken after the occurrence of eventunderstudy. The data or fact about the event are available and already in existence.


Types of Research Cont…

Descriptive Research: This is a survey fact finding enquiries, thepurpose of which to state the state of affairs of event, individual orinstitution as it exists at presents. The researcher has no control overthe variable under study. He can only report what has happened or ishappening in a comparative or correlative method.

Historical Research: This is a descriptive non-survey study which makesuse of mainly dates and occurrence of event in the past. It analyzes pastevent to determine the influence of it in the present situation so as topredict future with the research findings. Its conclusion is usuallysubjected to the opinion of the researcher.

Survey Research: This is a study which focuses on the population oruniverse. It gives critical evaluation or examination of effect, objectand subjects under study with aims of providing exact informationabout the condition of the situation. It uses these instruments:observation. Questionnaire and interview. It does not employ anycontrol of the independent variable used in the research, rather, itstudy it in its natural setting.

Experimental Research: This studies relationship between dependentand independents variables understudy to examine the nature of therelationship or its characteristics. It employs control of the independentvariable used in the experiment. The experiment can field, laboratoryor field study experiment.


Relationship of Types of

ResearchRESEARCH

BASIC/PURE

COMMISSIONED

QUANTITATIVE

SURVEY

EXPERIMENTAL

EMPIRICAL

ANALYTICAL

QUALITATIVE

NON-COMMISSIONED

QUALITATIVE

CONCPTUAL HISTORICAL

QUANTITATIVE

APPLIED

COMMISSIONED

QUALITATIVE

HISTORICAL CONCEPTUAL

QUANTITATIVE

SURVEY

EXPERIMENTAL

EMPIRICAL

ANALYTICAL


IMPORTANCES OF RESEARCH

Many significances that can be found when conducting researches are:

To make human progress possible due to increased amounts of studies.

To inculcate scientific and inductive thinking among the researchers.

To develop and promote logical habits of thinking and organization in carrying out human activities.

To aid government and private organizations in determining their economic, business and socialpolicies.

To enable business and industry to solve operational and planning problems confronted.

To provide ways to attain high social positions in the social structure due to certificate which aresearcher may acquire such as PhDs or M.Scs.

To serve as a means of livelihood (employment/ professionalism) by the expert in researchmethodologists.

To provide outlets for so many new ideas and insight by the thinkers or philosophers.

To develop a new style and creative work of doing things especially by literary persons.

To enable the analyst and intelligentsias to make generalization of theories and new findings.

To simplify social questions which can aid human decision making.

To create and provide rule for evaluating other social researches.

To facilitate studying social relationship in seeking answers to various social and human problems.


MOTIVATION IN RESEARCH

What makes people undertake research, might have been among the followings:

A desire to get an academic degree along with its consequentialbenefit.

A desire to face a challenge in solving the unsolved humanproblems.

A desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work.

A desire to be of service to humanity.

A desire to gain respectability in society.

A desire to understand causal relationships, social thinking andawakening.

A desire to satisfy one’s curiosity about discovering new things.


RESEARCH PROCESS

Scientific Research process is the overall scheme of

activities in which scientists engage in, in order to

produce knowledge.

It is a paradigm of scientific inquiry which serves as a

totality of general activities a researcher need to carry

out in order to unveil a new knowledge and to reject

or to confirm an existing theory/facts.


Characteristics of

Research processThe followings serve as features that portray research process and they

are as follows:

It is cyclic in nature: starting from problem/objectives of the study togeneralization of findings which replication of the research can leadto its validation or rejection (cyclical).

It is self correcting: as the existing knowledge of today can berendered ignorance tomorrow due to replication of the study.

It occurs sometime quickly or slowly.

It occurs with a very high degree of formulization and vigor.

It occurs sometime quite informally, sub-consciously and intuitively.

It occurs sometime through the interaction of several scientists indistinct role (theorists, interviewers, methodologists, samplingexpert, and statistician) or sometime through the effort of singleresearcher.

It occurs only in the scientists’ imagination and sometime in actualfacts.


Approaches to Research

process

RESEARCH PROCESS

DEDUCTIVE APPROACH

INDUCTIVE APPROACH


INDUCTIVE APPROACH

Inductive Research process: is a creation of generalprinciples or relationships from specific observation,anecdote or research result to generalization.

It is a logical model in which general principles aredeveloped from specific observation. The task of theresearcher is to explain WHETHER a given phenomenahappens.

Inductive reasoning moves from particular to the general,from set of specific observation to the discovery of apattern that represents some degree of order among allthe given events, but the discovery may not necessarilytell why the pattern exists- just that it does exist.

It begins with WHETHER and moves to WHY things happen.


Inductive research process

OBSERVATION/FINDINGS/CURRENT KNOWLEGDE

CONCEPTUAL STUDY

THEORY


DEDUCTIVE APPROACH

Deductive Research process: is a specification of assertionor proposition from generalized theoretical principles.

It is a logical model in which specific expectations ofhypotheses are developed on the basis of generalprinciples. It starts from generalization such as all Politianare liars.

Deductive reasoning moves from the general to a specific:

1. Pattern that might be logically or theoretically expectedto.

2. Observations that test whether the expected patterndoes actually occur.

It begins with WHY and moves to WHETHER thingshappen.


DEDUCTIVE RESEARCH PROCESS

THEORY

THEORITICAL STYDY

OBSERVATION/FINDINGS/NEW KNOWLEGDE


MODELS OF RESEARCH

PROCESSIn order to produce a knowledge, a paradigm of

scientific inquiry employs usually sequence of

seven(7) stages which start from:

Habibu Ayuba, BSc; PGDE; MSc; ACA inview NNDC-ICAN,KANO

Problem (s)

hypothesis

Research Design

Measurement

Data Collection

Data Analysis

Findings/Generalization

2/8/2014 24

MODELS OF RESEARCH

PROCESS CONT…(INDUCTIVE)

THEORY

RESEARCH TOPIC/PROLEM

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

RESEARCH DESIGD

DATA COLLECTION

DATA ANALYSIS

DATA INTERPRETATION

RESEARCH RESULTS/FINDINGS/GENERALIZA

TION


MODELS OF RESEARCH PROCESS

CONT…(DEDUCTIVE)

LITERATURE REVIEW

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH FIELD WORK

RESEARCH FINDINGS/

GENERALIZATION

STATEMENT OF PROLEM


STAGES OF RESEARCH

PROCESS

Stage 1: Problem identification: In this stage, the researcher identifiesa research problem which he or she perfects to a research topic.

Stage 2: Statement of research questions: The researcher explains theproblem in a way that gives rise to a research question.

Stage 3: Defining/Statement of objectives: The researcher state aresearch question in a statement form to show the aim and specificobjectives of the study.

Stage 4: Hypothesis formulation: An hypothesis is a statement oftestable relationship between sets of variables. Hypotheses are theassumed answers to the identified problem. The researcher holdstemporarily to these answers until he or she is able to test themempirically.

Stage 5: Research design: This is a blue print that guides a researcherto conduct the research properly. There are different designs. Theresearcher must be able to identify the appropriate one thatcould solve the research problem at hand.


STAGES OF RESEARCH PROCESS CONT… Stage 6: Measurement: Measurement is the method by which researchers

assign numerals, letters or other symbols to quality attributes based ondefined rules. Measurement allows the researcher to compare, evaluate anddraw causal relationships between various quality attributes. Therefore, theresearcher has to choose the appropriate measurement scale.

Stage 7: Data collection: At this stage, the researcher, armed with theappropriate research instrument, such as questionnaire, interview,observation and experimentation, is ready to collect data or information. Theinformation could be sourced from a primary or a secondary source.

Stage 8: Data Analysis: At this stage, the researcher picks the appropriatetechnique to analyze the data collected in stage 7. This involves the use ofboth descriptive and inferential statistics. At this stage the researcher comesup with research findings.

Stage 9: Recommendations: At this stage the researcher makesrecommendations or proffers solution to the problem identified in Stage 1,based on his research findings.

Stage 10: Generalization: This is the application of research findings/resultsto the target population in addition to the sample of the study.


ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN

RESEARCH UNDERTAKING

Ethics is the norm and value that guides an issue (Research). It is generally accepted standard of doing things in a particular discipline.

Therefore, there are two broad categories of ethics in research which are viewed from the perspective of:

The researcher.

The subject of study.

Ethics from the researcher’s perspective includes:

1. Openness: it entails adequate explicit disclosure of research process and methodology which can warrant replication of the study.

2. Fabrication of data: it is to ensure that no fabrication is made or any manipulation of the data collected for the research in order to conform with the interest of the researcher.

3. Plagiarism: it is an intellectual theft of someone else idea or write-up to be presented as the researcher’s own idea. Every material or write-up used in the study must be adequately and properly noted and acknowledged.

4. Documentation of data source: it is the act of noting and acknowledging the source of the data used in the study either in a direct quotation or in synthesizing someone’s idea.


Ethics Cont…

Ethics expected from /for the subject of the study

include:

1. Confidentiality and anonymity of the subject attribute

and information should be maintained.

2. Do not give respondents money to lure them to

participate in the study.

3. Voluntary participation of the subject should be sought.

4. Deception of participants on the nature and truth about

the research should be avoided.

5. No harm should be confronted or inflicted on the

participant while conducting the study include subjects'

reputation, bodily injury and so on.


CHALLENGES/CONSTRAINTS/PROBLEMS

FACED BY THE RESERCHER IN RESEARCH

and RESEARCH IN NIGERIA

Research undertakings always is bedeviled by one problem or another, among many include:

Inadequate funds/money to finance the research: This includes lack of sponsorship either from the governmentor philanthropist.

Inadequate infrastructural resources such as access to affordable and reliable internet services, power supply,good roads and so on.

Inadequate scientific trainings in the research methodology: This includes lack of experts such as interviewers,statistician and data analysts, sampling experts and so on.

Lack of confidence from the academia and public to take up new study especially exploratory research.

Inability to publish the research report in time to be capable of and relevant in solving related problem ofhumanity.

Business units and corporate bodies’ suspicion and distrust that the researcher may misuse the information andmaterials supplied to him while data collection for something else other than a study only or leak it tocompetitors.

Insufficient interactions between the research centers/universities and business communities and governmentwhich can guarantee confidence and trust.

Lack of code of conduct for researchers that can mold their unethical behavior.

Non-availability of current data such as journals, periodical reports and even books in the library.

Non-usage of research findings and inadequate compensation by private and public sector.

Expensive nature of publishing research report.


Multiple choice questions

(Objective Questions)

1. An organization is interested in finding solution to a particular problem within its industry through the application and testing of established theories. Which of the following is most suitable for the organization?

A. Descriptive research

B. Evaluation research

C. Applied research

D. Basic research

E. Action research

2. Which of the following is NOT considered as an impediment to research in Nigeria?

A. Inadequate funding

B. High level of illiteracy

C. Inadequate infrastructural facilities

D. Insufficient statistical data

E. Availability of research personnel

3. A research that focuses on investigation of a real world is called ............................................ research.

A. Basic

B. Ex-post factor

C. Applied

D. Correlation

E. Historical


OBJECTIVES QUESTIONS

CONT…

4. The implementation of research outcome on the organisation of study is discussed under………….

A. Methodology of study

B. Study work plan

C. Objective of study

D. Policy implication

E. Summary of study

5. One of the following does not state the purpose of conduct research studies to

A. widen the horizon of knowledge

B. identify the instruments of data collection

C. proffer solutions to identified problems

D. discover relationship between different phenomena

E. develop and test theories.


Objective Questions

1. Which of the following is a distinguishing characteristic of an experimental research?

A. Control over the extraneous variables B. The measurement of the independent variable

C. Manipulation of the dependent variable

D. Establishing a relationship between given variables

E. Examining the antecedents of the variables

2. A research that focuses on investigation of a real world is called ................ research.

A. Basic

B. Ex-post factor

C. Applied

D. Co relational

E. Historical


Subjective (fill-in gaps) questions

1. A research that is undertaken after the events have taken place andthe data are already in existence is known as………………….

2. A systematic empirical inquiry in which the investigator does not havedirect control of the independent variables because theirmanifestations have already occurred is ………………..

3. The reasoning that goes from the general to the specific and from thefoundation of the rational method of inquiry is knownas.......................

4. A theory that explains a relationship using relatively few assumptionsis......................

5. The type of research that analyses the past occurrence of events todetermine the influence on present situation as well as to predict thefuture events is ...................................

6. The cause-and-effect relationship is determined by …………research.


Subjective (fill-in gaps)

questions

7. A relational statement that implies the possibilities oftesting is a …………

8. An attempt to predict, explain and explore the relationshipbetween two or more variables is called …………………

9. The process by which practitioners attempt to study theirproblems scientifically in order to guide, correct andevaluate their decision and action is called ……………

10. Research that depends on the experience or observation ofphenomena and events is called ………………

11. A research study that is undertaken after the events havetaken place and the data are already in existence iscalled………………

12. A type of survey design in which a single group of subjectsis followed over a specified period of time, measured atregular intervals, is ........................ design.


Essay type questions

1. Many management processes are in stages. For

example, we have stages in organizational buying

behavior and the life cycle of a product among others.

List SEVEN stages of the research process and explain

THREE of them. (10 Marks)


THANKS FOR YOUR

PRESENCE AND

LISTININGENDS UNTIL NEXT TIME

Habibu Ayuba, BSc;PGDE;MSc;ACA in-view.

08030527135

business research methodologybcrm1

Data & Analytics

definition of research

problems of research

word research

purpose of research

research asa quest

scientific search

traditional search

new knowledge pertinent