2. What is a Research problem? Components of a Research problem An individual or a group which has some issue or a problem Some objectives to be attained at Alternative means (or courses of action) to achieve the objective Existence of some doubt regarding selection of an alternative, i.e. there is difference in relative efficiency of the alternatives to achieve the objective Existence of some environment to which the problem pertains Selecting the problem Select new subject instead of one which is overdone Be careful in selecting a controversial subject Too narrow or vague problems should be avoided Subject should be familiar and feasible (within one’s reach) Consideration of time and budget constraints Availability of support from all concerned
3. Steps in problem definition Statement of the problem in a general way Pilot survey, Seek Expert opinion Assess feasibility, Remove ambiguity, redefine the problem Understanding the nature of the problem Discuss the problem with those who first raised it Literature survey Identify applicability or gaps in the existing theories Whether existing theories are inconsistent with each other References for studies on related problems Develop ideas through discussions Experience survey – discussion with experts and colleagues Rephrasing the problem Rephrase into specific operational terms Should lead to the development of working hypotheses
4. An Exercise in problem definition Redefine, if necessary and Identify the type of research problem in each of the following cases: Challenges and Problems of Transition from Unorganized to Organized Retailing What are the Salary Hikes for Professionals in Globalized Business? Claims of Automobile Owners-Revenue and Cost to Insurers Socioeconomic Profile of Shoppers Malls Patronizing & Plazas/Multiplexes Offer of Incentive Schemes As Marketing Strategy Customer Relationship Management- the future. Determining Optimal level of Inventories in Globalized Business High Manpower Turn-over - Causes and Consequences for Indian Corporates The role and impact of Franchisee Marketing. Foreign Direct Investment-Role and Impact Inter-Generation Transfer and Break-ups of Family Business Professionalization and Success of Family Business Privatization of Banks and Technological Transformation of Banking Service Impact of Income Tax Rebates and Exemptions on Household Savings Effect of House Loans on Construction Industry Availability of Finance and Consumers: Decisions to Purchase Durables. Impact of Privatization of Insurance Sector on the Business of LIC
Notas del editor
Are Challenges for marketing/finance/operations? Identify zones/region. Diagnostic, quantitative, non-experimental researchSalary hikes in MNCs – descriptive research with quantitative trend prediction. How is it related with attrition?Auto Insurance claims – descriptive research with the objective to find cost/revenue ratio or marginsProfile of mall customers – descriptive research, with the objective to gather info on income levelsIncentive schemes for marketing – incentives for dealers/distributors/employees? Could be experimental research also.Future of CRM – descriptive rsearch with predictive capabilities - identify and measure challenges and key success factorsOptimal inventory levels in global business – which market sector – FMCG/Consumer durables/Pharma? Which inventory – raw material/WIP/finished goods? Analytical research with recommendationsEmployee turnover consequences – descriptive non experimental research – turnover impact on business?Franchisee marketing impact – how to measure it? Which market sectors? – descriptive researchForeign investments – measures of impact? – descriptive researchFamily buisness transfers between generations – what is the focus? How to measure the transition? Impact on turnover? Stability? Attrition? – descriptive research Professionalization of family business – same as 11 abovePrivatization of banks and technological transformation – impact on business? Clientele? Opportunities? Restrictions? – descriptive researchImpact of Incometax rebates on savings – need historical data – descriptive researchEffect of house loans on construction industry – regression analysis? – could be analytical research also with predictive capabilitiesImpact of finance availability on durables – descriptive researchImpact of privatization of insurance sector on LIC – needs hitorical data – descriptive research