Business Research Methods Research Proposal Guide
•Descargar como PPT, PDF•
2 recomendaciones•910 vistas
The document discusses developing a research topic and proposal. It covers generating ideas, refining a topic, writing research questions and objectives, reviewing literature, and drafting a proposal. Key points include choosing a feasible and significant topic, focusing the study with clear and logical objectives, using theory to guide the research, and convincing the audience and organizing ideas in the proposal. The document provides examples and exercises to help develop a strong research topic and questions.
![Learning Objectives 09/20/10 ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Recomendados
Más contenido relacionado
La actualidad más candente
La actualidad más candente (20)
Similar a Business Research Methods Research Proposal Guide
Similar a Business Research Methods Research Proposal Guide (20)
Más de Ning Ding
Más de Ning Ding (20)
Último
Último (20)
Business Research Methods Research Proposal Guide
- 1. 09/20/10 Business Research Methods Ning DING
- 5. 2.1 Introduction 09/20/10 Fail to plan? Plan to fail.
- 7. 09/20/10 2.2 Attributes of a good research topic
- 8. 09/20/10 1 Discover B/M dilemma 2 Define B/M Question 3 Define Res Question(s) 1a Exploration Review published sources and interview information Understand the true B/M dilemma, not just its symptoms 2a Exploration Clarify the plausible actions, e.g. brainstorming with experts 3a Selection The most plausible and with the greatest gain 2.2 Attributes of a good research topic
- 10. 2.3.2 Refining research ideas 09/20/10 Delphi technique
- 11. 2.3.2 Refining research ideas 09/20/10 Delphi technique
- 13. 2.4.1 Research question(s) 09/20/10 Too big? Too small? Too hot? Just right? Russian Dolls
- 15. 2.4.1 Research question(s) 09/20/10 Question: Does MacDonald's or Burger King make a better burger? Vs. no concrete meaning
- 16. 2.4.1 Research question(s) 09/20/10 Worked Example: How have green issues influenced the way in which manufacturers advertise cars? Parameter Narrow Broader Language UK(e.g. car) UK and USA (e.g. car/ automobile) Subject area Green issues Environmental issues Motor industry Manufacturing Advertising Marketing Business sector Motor industry Manufacturing Geographical area UK Europe and North America Publication period Last 5 years Last 15 years Literature type Refereed journals Journals and books and books
- 17. 2.4.2 Research objective(s) 09/20/10
- 22. 3. Literature Review 09/20/10 Deductive approach
- 23. 3. Literature Review 09/20/10
- 25. Group Assignment 09/20/10 hand-in date for research proposal (use ‘ assignment form ‘ on blackboard): Tuesday , week 3, 12:00 noon, my pigeon hole Based on: ‘ Team Assignment Business research Methods ‘
Notas del editor
- Delphi technique An excellent tool for gaining input from recognised sources of expertise, without the need for face to face meetings. It provides a highly disciplined way of addressing or solving a problem. It can be time consuming and the information gained is only as good as the selection of the experts. Description The Delphi technique uses a highly structured and focused questionnaire approach in order to establish a consensus opinion from 'experts'. Recognising that these experts may be geographically dispersed, it was designed to be conducted by post, although this does not preclude its use in face to face interviews. Method The method is iterative, and first aims to obtain a broad range of opinions from the target group. The results of the initial survey are collated, summarised and then form the basis of a second, follow on questionnaire. Results from the second questionnaire inform a third and final questionnaire. The aim is to progressively clarify and expand on issues, identify areas of agreement or disagreement and begin to establish priorities. Identify experts Define the problem Round one questions General questions to gain a broad understanding of the views of the experts relating to the problem. Responses should be collated and summarised. Round two questions Based on the responses to the first questions, these questions should dig more deeply into the topic to clarify specific issues. Again, collate and summarise the results. Round three questions The final questionnaire which aims to focus on supporting decision making.
- Delphi technique An excellent tool for gaining input from recognised sources of expertise, without the need for face to face meetings. It provides a highly disciplined way of addressing or solving a problem. It can be time consuming and the information gained is only as good as the selection of the experts. Description The Delphi technique uses a highly structured and focused questionnaire approach in order to establish a consensus opinion from 'experts'. Recognising that these experts may be geographically dispersed, it was designed to be conducted by post, although this does not preclude its use in face to face interviews. Method The method is iterative, and first aims to obtain a broad range of opinions from the target group. The results of the initial survey are collated, summarised and then form the basis of a second, follow on questionnaire. Results from the second questionnaire inform a third and final questionnaire. The aim is to progressively clarify and expand on issues, identify areas of agreement or disagreement and begin to establish priorities. Identify experts Define the problem Round one questions General questions to gain a broad understanding of the views of the experts relating to the problem. Responses should be collated and summarised. Round two questions Based on the responses to the first questions, these questions should dig more deeply into the topic to clarify specific issues. Again, collate and summarise the results. Round three questions The final questionnaire which aims to focus on supporting decision making.
- 'Goldilocks test' - a metaphor for thinking through the suitability of the research questions for a particular researcher in a particular setting at a particular time. So, we can ask: is this question 'too big', such that it cannot be tackled in this particular study at this time - perhaps it is a study which needs significant research funding or assistance which is not usually available to students doing research for an academic award? We can ask 'Is this too small?' - perhaps there is not enough substance to the question to warrant investigation. We can ask if the question is 'too hot' - perhaps an issue which is so sensitive that the timing is not right for investigation - or such that researching it at this point would be not only difficult but damaging in the particular social context. These questions will enable us finally to identify those questions which might be 'just right' for investigation at this time, by this researcher in this setting. (pages 33-34)
- Once you complete your list, review your questions in order to choose a usable one that is neither too broad nor too narrow. In this case, the best research question is "c." Question "a" is too narrow, since it can be answered with a simple statistic. Question "b" is too broad; it implies that the researcher will cover many tactics for reducing juvenile delinquency that could be used throughout the country. Question "c," on the other hand, is focused enough to research in some depth. (EXERCISE 2)
- EXPLANATION Question "c" (MacDonald's vs. Burger King) is not researchable as it is worded, since it has no concrete meaning. What does "better" mean? Better in terms of nutrition? Better tasting? Better value? Fewer calories? Better for making your kids happy? This question could become researchable only if you define its terms.
- EXPLANATION Question "c" (MacDonald's vs. Burger King) is not researchable as it is worded, since it has no concrete meaning. What does "better" mean? Better in terms of nutrition? Better tasting? Better value? Fewer calories? Better for making your kids happy? This question could become researchable only if you define its terms.
- The OBJECTIVES of a research project summarise what is to be achieved by the study. Objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem. For example, if the problem identified is low utilisation of child welfare clinics, the general objective of the study could be to identify the reasons for this low utilisation, in order to find solutions. The general objective of a study states what researchers expect to achieve by the study in general terms. It is possible (and advisable) to break down a general objective into smaller, logically connected parts. These are normally referred to as specific objectives. Specific objectives should systematically address the various aspects of the problem as defined under ‘Statement of the Problem’ ( Module 4 ) and the key factors that are assumed to influence or cause the problem. They should specify what you will do in your study, where and for what purpose . A study into the cost and quality of home-based care for HIV/AIDS patients and their communities in Zimbabwe, developed at an HSR workshop, for example, had as its general objective: To explore to what extent community home-based care (CHBC) projects in Zimbabwe provide adequate, affordable and sustainable care of good quality to people with HIV/AIDS, and to identify ways in which these services can be improved. It was split up in the following specific objectives: To identify the full range of economic, psychosocial, health/nursing care and other needs of patients and their families affected by AIDS. To determine the extent to which formal and informal support systems address these needs from the viewpoint of service providers as well as patients. To determine the economic costs of CHBC to the patient and family as well as to the formal CHBC programmes themselves. To relate the calculated costs to the quality of care provided to the patient by the family and to the family/patient by the CHBC programme. To determine how improved CHBC and informal support networks can contribute to the needs of persons with AIDS and other chronically and terminally ill patients. To use the findings to make recommendations on the improvement of CHBC to home care providers, donors and other concerned organisations, including government. The first specific objective usually focuses on quantifying or specifying the problem. This is necessary in many studies, especially when a problem has been defined (but not quantified) for which subsequently the major causes have to be identified. Often use can be made of available statistics or of the health information system. In the study on the high defaulter rate of TB patients, this rate should first be established, using the records, and only then would the contributing factors to defaulting be analysed. In the example given, the needs of AIDS patients and their relatives for care and support have been defined in the first objective. The objectives which follow concentrate on adequacy, cost and quality of care provided whereas the last two objectives specify possible improvements with respect to CHBC, and to whom the results and recommendations of the study will be fed back. Note: It may be helpful to use the diagram as a point of departure and check whether the problem and all major, directly contributing factors (analytic study) or major components (descriptive or evaluation study) have been covered by the objectives. An objective indicating how the results will be used should be included in every operational study, either as part of the general objective or as a specific objective. Focus the study (narrowing it down to essentials) How should you state your objectives? Take care that the objectives of your study: Cover the different aspects of the problem and its contributing factors in a coherent way and in a logical sequence ; Are clearly phrased in operational terms, specifying exactly what you are going to do, where, and for what purpose; Are realistic considering local conditions; and Use action verbs that are specific enough to be evaluated. Examples of action verbs are: to determine, to compare, to verify, to calculate, to describe, and to establish. Avoid the use of vague non-action verbs such as: to appreciate, to understand, or to study.