Research Process:

1. BROAD PROBLEM AREA

Identification of the broad problem area through the process of observing

and focusing on the entire situation where one sees a possible need for
research and problem solving. The specific issues that need to be
researched within this situation may not be identified at this stage. Such
issues might pertain to (1) problems currently existing in an organizational
setting that need to be solved, (2) areas that a manager believes need to
be improved in the organization, (3) a conceptual or theoretical issue that
needs to be tightened up for the basic researcher to understand certain
phenomena, and (4) some research questions that a basic researcher
wants to answer empirically.

2. PRELIMINARY DATA COLLECTION

Nature of Data To Be Gathered
We mentioned that unstructured interviews, structured interviews, and
library research would help the researcher to define the problem more
specifically and evolve a theory, delineating possible variables that might
exert an influence on it. The nature of information needed by the
researcher for the purpose could be broadly classified under three
headings:
1. Background information of the organization—that is, the contextual
factors.
2. Managerial philosophy, company policies, and other structural aspects.
3. Perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral responses of organizational
members and client systems (as applicable).

3. PROBLEM DEFINITION

After the interviews and the literature review, the researcher is in a position
to narrow down the problem from its original broad base and define the
issues of concern more clearly. It is critical that the focus of further
research, or in other words, the problem, be unambiguously identified and
defined. No amount of good research can find solutions to the situation, if
the critical issue or the problem to be studied is not clearly pinpointed.
A problem does not necessarily mean that something is seriously wrong
with a current situation that needs to be rectified immediately. A ―problem‖
could simply indicate an interest in an issue where finding the right answers
might help to improve an existing situation. Thus, it is fruitful to define a
problem as any situation where a gap exists between the actual and the
desired ideal states.

4. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Having examined the different kinds of variables that could operate in a

situation and how the relationships among these can be established, it is
now possible to see how we can develop the conceptual model or the
theoretical framework for our research.
The theoretical framework is the foundation on which the entire research
project is based. It is a logically developed, described, and elaborated
network of associations among the variables deemed relevant to the
problem situation and identified through such processes as interviews,
observations, and literature survey.

5. HYPOTHESES DEVELOPMENT

Once we have identified the important variables in a situation and

established the relationships among them through logical reasoning in the
theoretical frame- work, we are in a position to test whether the
relationships that have been theorized do in fact hold true. By testing these
relationships scientifically through appropriate statistical analyses, or
through negative case analysis in qualitative research (described later in
the chapter) we are able to obtain reliable information on what kinds of
relationships exist among the variables operating in the problem situation.
The results of these tests offer us some clues as to what could be changed
in the situation to solve the problem. Formulating such testable statements
is called hypotheses development.

6. THE RESEARCH DESIGN

Having identified the variables in a problem situation and developed the

theoretical framework, the next step is to design the research in a way that
the requisite data can be gathered and analyzed to arrive at a solution.
Research design is the framework that has been created to seek answers
to research questions.

7. DATA COLLECTION METHODS

Data collection methods are an integral part of research design. There are
several data collection methods, each with its own advantages and
disadvantages. Problems researched with the use of appropriate methods
greatly enhance the value of the research.
Data can be collected in a variety of ways, in different settings—field or
lab—and from different sources, as we have just discussed. Data collection
methods include interviews—face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews,
computer-assisted interviews, and interviews through the electronic media;
questionnaires that are either personally administered, sent through the
mail, or electronically administered; observation of individuals and events
with or without videotaping or audio recording; and a variety of other
motivational techniques such as projective tests.

8. Deductive hypothesis

Deductive reasoning is a basic form of valid reasoning. Deductive

reasoning, or deduction, starts out with a general statement, or hypothesis,
and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion. The
scientific method uses deduction to test hypotheses and theories.

9. RESEARCH REPORT

A document prepared by an analyst or strategist who is a part of the

investment research team in a stock brokerage or investment bank. A
research report may focus on a specific stock or industry sector, a
currency, commodity or fixed-income instrument, or even on a geographic
region or country. Research reports generally, but not always, have
"actionable" recommendations (i.e. investment ideas that investors can act
upon).

10. Report Presentation

A report is the orderly presentation of the results of a research that seeks

truth and interprets facts into constructive ideas and suggestions. It is
normally built on research that finds, develops, or substantiates knowledge.
Once all the facts are collected, they are organized and presented in a
report designed to meet a need for specific information.

11. Managerial Decision

Any decision regarding the operations of a firm. These decisions include

setting target growth rates, hiring or firing employees, and decision what
products to sell.