Business Research Methods

Chapter 6: Problem Definition

Problem Discovery and Definition

Problem discovery
Sampling

Selection of exploratory research technique

Selection of exploratory research technique

Probability

Nonprobability

Secondary (historical) data

Experience survey

Pilot study

Case study

Data Gathering Data Processing and Analysis

Collection of data (fieldwork) Editing and coding data Data processing

Problem definition (statement of research objectives)

Research Design

Selection of basic research method

Conclusions and Report

Interpretation of findings

Experiment
Laboratory Field Interview

Survey
Questionnaire

Observation

Secondary Data Study

Report

The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its solution. Albert Einstein

Problem Definition
The indication of a specific business decision area that will be clarified by answering some research questions.

Defining Problem Results in Clear Cut Research Objectives

Symptom Detection

Analysis of the Situation

Problem Definition Statement of Research Objectives

Exploratory Research (Optional)

The Process of Problem Definition

Ascertain the decision makers objectives Determine unit of analysis

Understand background of the problem

Determine relevant variables

Isolate/identify the problem, not the symptoms

State research questions and objectives

Ascertain the Decision Makers Objectives

Decision makers objectives Managerial goals expressed in measurable terms.

The Iceberg Principle

The principle indicating that the dangerous part of many business problems is neither visible to nor understood by managers.

Understand the Background of the Problem

Exercising judgment Situation analysis - The informal gathering of background information to familiarize researchers or managers with the decision area.

Isolate and Identify the Problems, Not the Symptoms

Symptoms can be confusing

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Symptoms Can Be Confusing

Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming association: Membership has been declining for years. New water park -residents prefer the expensive water park???? Demographic changes: Children have grown up

Organization Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming association in a major city.

Symptoms Membership has been declining for years. New water park with wave pool and water slides moved into town a few years ago.

Problem Definition Based on Symptom Neighborhood residents prefer the expensive water park and have negative image of swimming pool.

True Problem Demographic changes: Children in this 20year-old neighborhood have grown up. Older residents no longer swim anywhere.

What Language Is Written on This Stone Found by Archaeologists?

TOTI EMUL ESTO

The Language Is English: To Tie Mules To

TOTI EMUL ESTO

Problem definition
Creativity techniques
Analytical Progressive abstraction Interrogatories (5Ws+H) Boundary examinations Intuitive Associations/Images Wishful thinking Brain storming Analogy/metaphor

Individuals vs. groups

Problem definition
GAP analysis
Unintended situation Normal situation Ideal situation

Problem definition

Definition of opportunities

Disturbing problems

Entrepreneurial problems

Problem definition
Progressive Abstraction Technique
1. Basic description of the problem 2. Gradually moving towards a higher level of abstraction (until a usable definition has been reached) - the problem is automatically extended, new definitions may show up - new definitions can be evaluated regarding applicability - when a higher level of abstraction has been reached, it is often easier to identify solutions 3. The decision maker/analyst is forced into a systematic way of searching for substructures and relationships

Problem definition
Boundary examination technique
1. Purpose: to restructure the assumptions and to develop new ways of looking at the problem 2. Procedure: describe the problem, as it looks at the moment identify key elements in the definition and examine them to reveal underlying assumptions analyse each assumption and identify its causes and effects redefine the problem based on the deeper understanding of the elements achieved during this process 3. Advantages: provocative definition of the problem reveals limits which are difficult to identify stresses the need of a flexible definition of the problem

Problem definition
Interrogatories Ws+H (who, what, where, when, why, how)
1. Purpose: To make sure that all aspects of the problem has been considered

2. Procedure:
- construct questions for each of the 5 Ws+H - answer the questions - evaluate the proposed answers - if an improvement shows up: is it cost efficient? if so change accordingly Very efficient technique which can be applied in any phases of the problem definition

Problem definition
Wishful thinking technique
1. Purpose: To isolate the process of defining the problem from non-recognized but irrelevant alternative assumptions

2. Procedure:
- formulate questions, targets, situations or a problem - accept that everything is possible - use imagination to formulate statements like: I would like to.. or If I could choose - examine each statement and apply it as a stimuli - return to reality and formulate statements like: Even if I cant do it, then I can - repeat the last three steps if needed

Problem definition
Brain storming
1. Purpose: To generate as many ideas as possible 2. Procedure: - select a problem, which all participants have some knowledge/ experience about - describe the problem in a neutral way - write down all suggestions on a board, so everybody can see them - evaluation must not start until all ideas have been mentioned - try to force more ideas - strive for as many ideas as possible so quality can be extracted from quantity - accept all ideas - even the most absurd - stimulate associations and extensions of generated ideas

Determine the Unit of Analysis

Individuals, households, organizations, etc. In many studies, the family rather than the individual is the appropriate unit of analysis.

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Determine the Relevant Variable

Anything that may assume different numerical values

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Types of Variables
Categorical Continuous Dependent Independent

Hypothesis
An unproven proposition A possible solution to a problem Guess

State the research questions and research objectives

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If you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there.

Broad research objectives

Statement of business problem

Exploratory research (optional)

Specific Objective 1

Specific Objective 2

Specific Objective 3

Research Design

Results

Influences of definition
Feedback
Specific Objective I Broad Research Objectives

Statement of Problem Exploratory Research (Optional)

Specific Objective II

Research Design

Results

Specific Objective III

The Process of Problem Definition

Ascertain the decision makers objectives Determine unit of analysis

Understand background of the problem

Determine relevant variables

Isolate/identify the problem, not the symptoms

State research questions and objectives

Basic Questions Problem Definition

What is the purpose of the study? How much is already known? Is additional background information necessary? What is to be measured? How? Can the data be made available? Should research be conducted? Can a hypothesis be formulated?

Basic Questions Basic Research Design

What types of questions need to be answered? Are descriptive or causal findings required? What is the source of the data?

Basic Questions Basic Research Design

Can objective answers be obtained by asking people? How quickly is the information needed? How should survey questions be worded? How should experimental manipulations be made?