DMS 411: BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS 1 2 Scientific Research Approach • Introduction • Principles / Postulates of Scientific Method • Scientific research approach • Research Proposal / Research Report • Qualities/hallmarks of Scientific Research 3 Sources of Knowledge • Research depends on ability to discriminate among various sources for best results in a given situation • Styles of thinking: – Empiricism (observable concrete data) – Rationalism (Formal structural proofs) – Existentialism (Informal process) – Idealism (highly interpretive ideas) 5 Rationalism (Formal structural proofs) Postulational Self-evident truth Method of authority Scientific Methods Idealism Empiricism (Highly (Observable, interpretative concrete ideas) data) Literary Untested opinion Existentialism (Informal process) 6 The Abstraction Ladder Theory Abstract Level Propositions Levels of Abstraction Concepts / Constructs Observations of Objects, Events and Occurrences (Reality) Empirical Level 7 Scientific Research Method • The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence • Scientific method refers to a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. • The analysis and interpretation of empirical evidence (facts from observation or experimentation) to confirm or disprove prior conceptions • It is an approach used to generate knowledge (The philosophy common to all research methods and techniques ) 12 Principles/Postulates of Scientific Method: Aim at formulating Relies on Committed to Results in most general empirical objective probabilistic axions evidence considerations predictions (scientific theories). Utilizes Presupposes Methodology relevant ethical is made known concepts neutrality to all 14 Scientific research process Desktop Field work & 1. Define the research research report writing problem = Research II: Review literature: proposal VII: Report writing Theory Vs Empirical (findings)? Concepts & Previous research Theories findings III: Formulate VI: Data analysis Hypothesis IV: Outline methodology V: Collect data 15 Scientific research process Define the research problem Review literature: Report writing Theory Vs Empirical A research(findings)? problem is…. Concepts & Previous research … a statement about an area of concern,Theories a condition tofindings be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling Formulate Hypothesis questionData that analysis exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or in practice that points to the need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. Design research Defining a research problem is the fuel that drives the scientific processCollect data - (the quality of the answers) - and is the foundation of any research method. Tuesday, July 17, 2018 16 Scientific research process Define the research problem Review literature: Report writing Theory Vs Empirical (findings)? Concepts & Previous research “the use of ideas in the literatureTheories (theoretical andfindings empirical) to justify the particularFormulate approach Hypothesis to the Data analysis topic, the selection of methods, and demonstration that this research contributes something new” Design research “if I have seen a little further it is by standing on the Collect data shoulders of giants” (Sir Isaac Newton, 1676) . Tuesday, July 17, 2018 17 Scientific research process A hypothesis is a Define the research problem potential answer to your research question (on the basis of LR); the Review literature: Report writing Theory Vs Empirical research(findings)? process helps you determine if your Concepts & Previous research Theories findings hypothesis is true Formulate Hypothesis Data analysis Gives direction to research Outline methodology Helps crystallize the Collect data research intention/need Tuesday, July 17, 2018 18 Scientific research process Provides a guideDefine on answering the research the question: how will the study be undertaken?problem The methods section describesReview the rationale literature: for the applicationReport writing of specific proceduresTheory or Vs techniques Empirical used to (findings)? identify, select, and analyzeConcepts information & appliedPrevious to research understanding the researchTheories problem, thereby, allowingfindings the reader to critically evaluateFormulate a study’s Hypothesis overall validityData analysis and reliability. Outline Methodology Collect data 19 Scientific research process Define theThe research results section is where you report the problemfindings of your study based upon the methodology [or methodologies] you applied to gather information. Review literature: Report writing The resultsTheory section Vs should Empirical simply state the (findings)? findings of the research arranged in a logical sequenceConcepts without & bias. Previous research Theories findings Discuss your results - interpret & describe the Formulate Hypothesis Data analysis significance of your findings in light of what was already known about the research problem being investigated, and to explain any new understandingDesign research or fresh insights about the problem after you've taken the findings into consideration. Collect data Provide appropriate conclusions and recommendations 20 Research Process What? Where? HOW? Who? •Concepts, •Context / Overall Representation Variables & setting of Methodology •Population Measures the day to be used •Sampling Data Gathering Analysis Interpretation & Application 21 Scientific Research Approach • Introduction • Principles / Postulates of Scientific Method • Scientific research approach • Research Project • Qualities/hallmarks of Scientific Research 22 Scientific research process Desktop Field work & Define the research research report writing problem = Research Review literature: proposal Report writing Theory Vs Empirical (findings)? Concepts & Previous research Theories findings Formulate Hypothesis Data analysis Outline methodology Collect data 23 24 The Research Project Purpose Methods What? Why? How? Why? Written Extent proposals Scope establish Obligations, Resources, Timing, Delivery 25 Research Proposal • Blueprint of the planned study • Detailed outline of the total process to provide answers to the research questions • Contains the following major sections: Introductory Items Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Literature review Chapter Three: Methodology References / bibliography Appendices 27 Research Proposal Introductory Items Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Literature review Chapter Three: Methodology References / bibliography Appendices 28 Components of research paper: Prefatory Items • An Analysis of the Key Success • Consists of: Factors for Lean Supply – Title page Management:• The Effect A Case of Study Top of Unilever’s Tea Supply Chain in Africa Management Teams on – Declaration • Organizational• by Performance – Table of contents • • XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXin Kenya – List of • •• BY tables/figures •• • This• SAMSONis a research MACHARIA project submittedIRUNGU in – List of partial fulfilment• of the requirement for • SUPERVISORS:the • PROF F. N. KIBERA abbreviations • award of xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx • DR WAHOME GAKURU • • A PROPOSAL• SUBMITTED2009 IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF XXXXXXXX • 2006 29 Research Proposal Introductory Items Chapter One: Introduction Chapter Two: Literature review Chapter Three: Methodology References / bibliography Appendices 30 Components of research proposal….. • Chapter One: Introduction • The chapter introduces and briefly discusses the concept(s) / phenomena under investigation. • Intended to brings out the conceptual as well as contextual focus of the research….the research question – A poorly worded research question leads to a lot of wasted time and ultimately no new knowledge. – Framing the question enables the researcher to identify what information is needed to answer the question, and makes the project more efficient. • Key Focus: – What is the nature of the issue or problem the research investigates? – Why is this worthy of investigation? – What have previous researchers discovered about this issue or problem? – What does your research attempt to prove? 31 Components of research proposal….. Components: 1.1 Background Gives the reader an indication of what to expect 1.2 Problem Statement ContainsWhat is the studyneed forabout?the Whyproposed now? Whichstudy, usuallyconcepts?presented Context? by posing explicit researchArguments wouldquestions focus on the relevancy,. timeliness, and appropriateness of the 1.3 Research Objectives Requiresresearch• Addresses in the currentuse contexttheof of factorspurposeboth and trendstheoretical in societyof the /organizationsproposedand empiricalstudy,foundationand acts toas justifythe basisthe uponresearchwhich (present logic and rationality). 1.4 Conceptual framework research deliverable(s)/outcomes are A pictorialevaluated representation of the 1.5 Study hypothesis underlying• Derives (guidingfrom the arguments)research Questions relationships• HypothesesShould be betweenSMART are statements the concepts/ Statesvariablesthe in boundariesthe study. of the investigation 1.6 Scope of the study withwhoserespect truthto youseveral want toaspects test, such as definitionBrainstorming•orStates “predictedofexplicitconcepts, and answers” drawingbenefitsvariables, to conceptual that wouldcontext derive maps is best done after gaining a feel 1.7 Significance of the Study(geographicalresearchfrom