Research

Methods

Lecture 1-2

Introduction to Research
Methods

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Understand the purpose and objectives of
a project
Understand scientific and business
research
Understand the importance of choosing
the right topic for their dissertation
Write research objectives
Write a research proposal

What is research?
Can you tell me?

RESEARCH
Very often people react to symptoms. The real
problem remains often unidentified. When
applying scientific methods of research to
business management, the research usually
starts by identifying the problems by asking as
many related questions as possible.
The researcher finds more about the
subject by gathering information, and through indepth review of the literature.
The general aim of research is to discover new
facts and to contribute to the existing body of
knowledge.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Scientific research requires us to follow predetermined and well established methods that
are based on sound theoretical frameworks.
Such processes are
well structured, logical and objective. In such
cases, conclusions are based on standard
data analyses rather than preconceptions.
The
possibilities of generalisations are enhanced
and they are known in advance.

BUSINESS RESEARCH
Business research aims at finding solutions to
problems in the field of business management.
The spectrum of business research is wide
ranging from fundamental research to applied
research. The aim of fundamental research is to
contribute to the existing business management
theories WHEREAS applied research aims at
solving current real-life problems occurring in
business management.
Business research is to describe, explore,
explain, identify causes, establish relationships,
and predict.

What is expected from

students?

THE OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

PROJECTS/DISSERTATIONS
The specific objectives of a research project
include
1.To develop and demonstrate the ability to
undertake an independent research project
by employing systematic analysis of the
chosen fields
2.To provide opportunities to apply and test
concepts presented in the taught
programme
3.To integrate conceptual material from
several fields with management experience

THE OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

PROJECTS/DISSERTATIONS
4. To appreciate the use and limitations of
theoretical frameworks, formulae, models and
modes of analyses
5. To demonstrate intellectual rigour, quality of
analysis, relevance of findings, evidence of
managerial competence
6. To provide opportunities to students to analyses
peoples responses to events that cant be
simulated completely in the educational setting
7. To serve as basis for developing new concepts
not covered in the literature

THE OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

PROJECTS/DISSERTATIONS
To provide opportunities to students to acquire and use
1)Techniques of time management and planning
2)Libraries and information services on-site
3)Search engines on the Internet
4)Interviewing techniques
5)Persuasion techniques (to persuade people to
cooperate)
6)Data collection techniques
7)Data presentation techniques
8)Data analyses techniques
9)Report writing methods

Where should I start?

Start by
choosing a
topic

THE IMPORTANCE OF
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOPIC
1. Take sufficient time to think about
the topic of your dissertation
2. Choosing an area that you like most
and which is related to your job
3. Find ideas for dissertation within
the area

Where do I get topics?

A few tips for you

Ideas
may emanate from
1. A problem affecting your work or your
organisation (your boss will definitely like
this one!)
2. A preference for the further exploration of
a topic that you are already good at
3. An old idea that you had always wished
to investigate
4. An intuition that needs some more
detailed attention

If you still havent found a

topic:
Dont worry

Carry out a systematic academic search through

past dissertations. Take time to read the part on
Limitations and The way forward.
Note down the following:
1.
What do you like about the dissertation?
2.
Whats good about the dissertation?
3.
Why do you feel it is good?
4.
What do you dislike about them?
5.
What is unsatisfactory about them?
Why?
6.
Is there a possibility to have any variants
of the titles?
However you should avoid reproducing the topics of existing
work too literally as you will end up copying the literature
review and models. (Note this is a serious case of plagiarism.)

Havent found the

idea?
1. Read the abstracts of a few research
journals
2. Search through on-line databases
3. Search for ideas on the internet

When you have more

than a few topics?

Dont forget these before deciding!

1. How far is it relevant to your course?
2. Is there sufficient information available?
3. Will you get access to data? (Ensure that
institutions will allow you access to the relevant
data. Ensure that your boss will allow you to
use the database of the company for your
dissertation)
4. Is it interesting? (Always choose a topic that
you feel comfortable with if you dont want to
be sick to death of it before it is completed!)
5. How much do you know already? (Always
choose something that you are good at, and
avoid your weak areas)

Dont forget these before deciding!

6. Are you familiar with the theoretical
frameworks?
7. How difficult is likely to be? (The intrinsic
complexity of the subject matter should be
considered carefully e.g. compulsory use of
advanced statistical techniques. At the same time
dont choose too easy a topic )
8. Is it possible to complete a dissertation on this
topic in the time available? (Work out a rough
estimate of the time you are likely to take to
complete the project)
9. Will you find an academic to supervise your
work?

Decided?

It is time to put
some order..

Area Field Aspect - Topic

Develop your idea
Step 1: identify an area
An area covers the broadest range of
scholarly and business endeavour e.g.
Banking and Finance, Human Resource
Development, International marketing and
trade
Step 2: identify a field
A field is a component of the area e.g.
credit control, employee motivation

Area Field Aspect - Topic

Step 3: identify an aspect
An aspect is a more detailed facet of a
field e.g. evaluating consumer credit
arrangement, employee incentive
schemes, critical analysis of export
marketing strategy
Step 4: Develop the topic from the aspect
This requires narrowing down the aspect
(make it clearer, more precise) in order to
obtain the final topic and this may become
the title of your dissertation.

The topic should :

1. Inform your supervisor of the issues
you are likely to cover and, by
implication, to exclude.
2. Demonstrate the way your dissertation
will be more than a simple description
of the subject matter.

An example
Area: Banking and Finance
Field: Credit Control
Aspect: Collection and processing of information in
screening borrowers
Topic 1: Assessing the effectiveness of the mechanisms
of commercial banks in Mauritius to acquire and process
information about credit worthiness of their borrowers
Topic 2: A comparison of the efficiency of the mechanisms
used by commercial banks and other financial institutions
to acquire and process information about credit worthiness
of their borrowers
Topic 3: Has the setting up of the Mauritius Credit
Information Bureau improved the sharing of information
among financial institutions in Mauritius?

After the topic.

We should write the objectives

THE RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The topic or the title is still not sufficiently precise
Develop the topic into well-defined research
objectives that are uncluttered with irrelevant
details - which you will seek to address in your
dissertation.
Objectives reflect the researchers clear sense
of purpose and direction.
They relate to what you really want to do? and
to what is most useful to do?

The objectives must provide clear

information about
1. the issue you are dealing with.
For instance, you may be describing, comparing,
assessing or evaluating efficiency, assessing
or evaluating effectiveness, assessing the
appropriateness, carrying out an inventory of
the beliefs/opinions/values/attitudes, finding
constraints, finding the options that exist and what
decisions need to be made, and finding
causes/factors.

The objectives must provide clear

information about
2. Who will be involved?
For instance, you may be dealing with
corporate customers only; human resource
managers of top 100 companies will be
included in the survey.
3. When will it be done?
For instance, you may be dealing with
customers requiring the service during the
day or for the year 2005-2006.

Examples of Objectives
1. To examine the efficiency of mechanisms used by
commercial banks to process information about credit
worthiness of individual borrowers
2. To assess the impact of the Mauritius Credit
Information Bureau in improving the sharing of
information among financial institutions in Mauritius.
3. To compare organisation A with other organisations,
and identify its strengths and weaknesses
4. To evaluate the awareness, usage, perceived likes and
dislikes with the new products of company A
5. To appraise individuals reaction to the opening of a
new store in Flacq.
6. It is recommended that dissertations at postgraduate
level are based on two to four research objectives.

Hypothesis
Hypothesis are stated in declarative form, a
relationship between variables and reflect a
theory or body of literature in which they are
based.
It is derived directly from the statement of
problem and is actually a guess at a solution to
the problem bases on a review of the literature,
past research and personal experience.

Hypothesis Development
Employee Behaviour and Service Quality
Further to the exhaustive literature review, it can be deduced
that employee behaviour has a considerable impact on service
quality. This is because service encounters involve interaction
between customers and employees (Winsted, 2000; Suprenant
and Solomon, 1987) so employees will have an important role
to play in influencing customers perceptions of service
encounters (Bitner et al., 1990; Johnston, 1995; Piercy and
Gravens, 1995). Similarly, Sanes (1996) has stated that that an
organizations human resources are critical differentiators in
service delivery.

Hypothesis Development
Hence, the following hypothesis has been formulated.
H0 There is no significant difference between
employee behaviour and service quality at XYZ Ltd.
H1 There is a significant difference between
employee behaviour and service quality at XYZ Ltd.

What is a successful
dissertation?

THE SUCCESSFUL
DISSERTATION
Elements that all examiners will be looking
for in your dissertation:
clear presentation of concepts and existing
ideas
appropriate link between existing ideas, your
own idea, results of analyses and
conclusions
cautious choice and application of methods
and techniques

The dissertation should be

1. Original

You must always carry out your research work

sincerely so that the findings are genuine and
they can be used by the organisation. Always
aim at results that may be published in
journals and company newsletters.
You should refrain from copying the work of
others.
Plagiarism is a serious offence. Always follow
the rules of referencing and reporting when
using the findings of research carried out by
other people.

The dissertation should be

2. General
This means your findings must
be relevant beyond the situation
and setting in which the data has
been gathered.
Even if you are using a case
study method, ensure that the
findings are relevant to other
departments of the organisation or
of similar organisations.

The dissertation should be

3. Pragmatic
It is always recommended that a research
dissertation must be practical so that
people can use the recommendations.
Avoid writing recommendations that are
far too general like the company must
motivate its staff.

How to get good grades?

A dissertation is likely to attract good grades if
1. it is well structured and well written (few or no
typographical errors, appropriate use of appendices
and correct referencing)
2. you can convince the examiner or reader about the
importance of the research
3. the research objectives have been formulated
appropriately
4. the background to the research is presented in a way
which is interesting to the reader
5. the literature review is informative and relevant to the
research work; the concepts and ideas identified
have been developed further or have been used

How to get good grades?

A dissertation is likely to attract good grades if

There is a judicious use of methods

There is a critical evaluation of the methods used
Findings are analysed thoroughly, not merely
described (remember that you are working in the
area of management and therefore you must link
the statistical results to the management issues
being addressed)
Proper use of charts and tables
Conclusions are linked to findings and analyses
Recommendations are practical and feasible

THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

You will be required to submit a research
proposal which is considered to be a crucial part
of the research dissertation. The aim of the
research proposal is to organise and convey
your ideas and thoughts.
The content of the research proposal should be
organised as follows:
Your contact details (Name, phone, e-mail
address)
Area
Field
Aspect
Topic

THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Background
Why have you chosen this area, field and
topic? What is your motivation? Why is it
important? Discuss the importance of the
research to the organisation(s) involved.
Your knowledge of this area/aspect.
Reference to around ten previous works like
company reports, research papers,
newspaper articles, textbooks and theories.
Brief description of the nature of the
organisations/people involved.
Research objectives

THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Research Methods
Who will be involved? How are you planning to
collect data from them? Which sampling
method you intend to use? Which statistical
methods you are planning to use?

Timetable (How will you complete the

dissertation during the time given to you?
When are you planning to do what? State
clearly the months and days)
Resources (List any resources you would
need like a special software)
References (List the references. Use the
Harvard referencing method as far as
possible)

Example
Management Problem
What price should we charge for our new product?
Research Problem
What are our costs of production and marketing
(COGS)?
What are our pricing objectives and position in the
market?
What price does similar types of products sell for?
What is the perceived value of our product in the
marketplace?
Are there any norms or conventional practices in the
marketplace (e.g., customary prices, continual
discounting)

Example
Research Objectives
To assess the costs involved in producing and selling
our product
To determine corporate objectives and their
implications for pricing
To examine current prices for direct and indirect
competition
To determine potential customer reaction to various
prices and their perception of the benefits of owning
the product

Lecture 3

RESEARCH
METHODS

Learning Objectives
Understand what research is all about
Define the various research methods
and explain their usage
Understand the important steps in
conducting research
Understand the importance of a
research design

Research Paradigm
Widely Recognized Research Paradigms
1. Positivist Quantitative
2. Phenomenological Qualitative or
Interpretivist

Positivist Paradigm
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

The world is external and objective

Observer is independent
Science is value-free
Look at causality and fundamental facts
Deductive
Operationalise concepts to encourage
objectivity
7. Quantitative Use of statistics to establish an
objective view

Phenomenological Paradigm
1. The world is socially constructed and
subjective
2. Observer is part of what is observed
3. Science is driven by human interests
4. Focus on meanings
5. Inductive
6. Try to understand what is happening
7. Qualitative Multiple methods to establish
pattern in different subjective areas

FEATURES: POSITIVIST PARADIGM

POSITIVIST PARADIGM
1. Tends to produce quantitative data
2. Uses large samples
3. Concerned with hypothesis testing
4. Data is highly specific and precise
5. The location is superficial
6. Reliability is high
7. Validity is low
8. Generalizes from sample to population

FEATURES:
PHENOMENOLOGICAL PARADIGM
PHENOMENOLOGICAL PARADIGM
1. Tends to produce qualitative data
2. Uses small samples
3. Concerned with generating theories
4. Data is rich and subjective
5. The location is natural
6. Reliability is low
7. Validity is high
8. Generalizes from one setting to another

Research can be

Descriptive research
In descriptive research, the basic objectives
include providing information about conditions,
situations, and events that occur in the present.
Deals with everything that can be counted and
studied which has an impact of the lives of the
people it deals with.
For example: finding the most frequent diseases
that affects the children of a town. The reader of
the research will know what to do to prevent that
disease thus more people will gave a healthy life.

Exploratory research and

Confirmatory research
An exploratory research
Used for problem that has not been clealy
defined
Helps determine the best research design data
collection method and selection of subjects.
Reselt are not usually useful for decision making
by themselves but they can provide significant
insight into a given situation

 A confirmatory research is employed when the

researcher has generated a theoretical model
(based on theory, previous research findings, or
detailed observation) that needs to be tested
through the gathering and analysis of field data

Causal research
Causal research aims to suggest causal
linkages between variables by observing
existing phenomena and then searching
back through available data in order to try
to identify plausible causal relationships.
This involves the discovery of factors
identified as cause of any phenomenon
always preceding in time the occurrence
of the phenomenon.

Correlational research
Correlational research is also useful and it
involves the search for relationships or
associations between variables through the use
of various measures of statistical association.
Seaks to establish a relationship/
association/correlation between 2 or more
variable that do not readily lend themselves to
experimental manipulation
For example: to test the hypothesis- Listening to
music lowers blood pressure levels

Prediction research
A prediction research study has as its
goal the capacity to forecast future events
and the formulation of hypotheses for
research.
Some research in investments and
portfolio management, for example, is
directed at developing approaches to
enhance the capacity to predict market
trends.

Experimental research method

Experimental research method
is a systematic and scientific approach to research
in which the researcher manipulates one or more
variables, and controls and measures any change in
other variables.
The main characteristics of experimental studies are:
(1) active manipulation of treatment variables by the
researcher, and
(2) the use of random assignment of units to each type
of treatment.

It attempts to explore cause and affect relationships

where causes can be manipulated to produce different

Case study

Case study research method relates to two

distinct research approaches.
The first consists of an in-depth study of a
particular person/employee/client, department,
or organisation with the aim of producing a
nuanced description of the pervading cultural
setting that affects productivity, and an account
of the interactions that take place between
students and other relevant persons.
The second approach to Case Study Research
involves the application of quantitative research
methods to non-probability samples which
provide results that are not necessarily designed
to be generalisable to wider populations.

Survey method
Survey method aims at collecting
systematic descriptions of existing
phenomena in order to describe or explain
what is going on.
Data are obtained by directing questions
to a relatively large group of people.
Survey studies also typically report
relations among variables.
These relationships are associational and
not causal.

Ethnographic research method

Ethnographic research method
A qualitative approach that studies the cultural
patterns and perspectives of participants in their
natural settings
Purpose To describe, analyze, and interpret
the culture of a group over time to understand
the groups shared beliefs, behaviors, and
language Objectives

Grounded theory
is a systematic methodology in the
social sciences involving the construction of
theory through the analysis of data
a study using grounded theory is likely to
begin with a question, or even just with the
collection of qualitative data
This method is not so common among
business researchers.

Grounded Theory is
a research method that will enable you to
develop a theory which
offers an explanation about
the main concern of the population of
your substantive area and
how that concern is resolved or
processed.

Action research
is learning by doing - a group of people identify a
problem, do something to resolve it, see how successful
their efforts were, and if not satisfied, try again.
action research that differentiate it from common problemsolving activities that we all engage in every day

IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS

Theory: In its most general sense a theory is a set of
related concepts that combine to describe or explain
some phenomena. Often it is the answer to 'what',
'when', 'how' or 'why' questions.
Theoretical framework: or a specific conceptual model
(in wThe conceptual underpinning of a research study
which may be based on theory hich case it may be
referred to as the conceptual framework).
Variable: An attribute or characteristics of a person or an
object that varies within the population under
investigation (e.g. profit, age, weight, number of
customers).

IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS

Independent variable (IV): The variable (or antecedent)
that is assumed to cause or influence the dependent
variable(s) or outcome. The independent variable is
manipulated in experimental research to observe its effect
on the dependent variable(s). It is the stimulus. It is
sometimes referred to as the treatment variable.
Dependent variable (DV): In experimental research, the
dependent variable is the variable presumed within the
research hypothesis to depend on (be caused by) another
variable (the independent variable); it is sometimes referred
to as the outcome variable. It is the response or the
consequence.
Moderating variable (MV): is a second independent
variable that is included because the researcher believes
that it may have a significant moderating effect on the
relationship between the primary independent variabledependent variable links.

IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS

Intervening variables (IVV): The intervening
variable (IVV) may be defined as a factor that
affects the observed relationship between the IV
and the DV but itself is not visible or open to
manipulation.
Example: Increase in the number of on-line
advertisements (IV) will lead to an increase in the
number of people using electronic banking services
(DV) especially among those who have just had
access Internet facilities (MV). The result will come
from stimulating the users sense of innovation and
curiosity (IVV).

IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS

Research question: A clear statement in the
form of a question of the specific issue that a
researcher wishes to answer in order to address
a research problem. A research problem is an
issue that lends itself to systematic investigation
through research.
Hypothesis: A statement that predicts the
relationship between variables (specifically the
relationship between the independent and
dependent variables). A hypothesis may be
directional or non-directional:

IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS

Directional hypothesis (or one-tailed

hypothesis): A hypothesis that makes a specific
prediction about the nature and direction of the
relationship between the independent and
dependent variables.

Non-directional hypothesis (or twotailed hypothesis): A hypothesis that does not

specify the nature and direction of the
relationship between the independent and
dependent variables.

Null hypothesis (H0): A statement that

there is no relationship between the independent
and dependent variables and that any
relationship observed is due to chance or
fluctuations in sampling.

IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS

Deductive reasoning: a logical process of
developing specific predictions or hypotheses
from general principles.
This type of reasoning moves from the general
to the particular.
Inductive reasoning: a logical process of
reasoning used to develop more general rules
from specific observations;
this type of reasoning moves from the specific to
the more generalised.

IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS

Reliability: It is concerned with the consistency and
dependability of a measuring instrument, i.e. it is an
indication of the degree to which it gives the same
answers over time, across similar groups and
irrespective of who administers it.
A reliable measuring instrument will always give the
same result on different occasions assuming that what
is being measured has not changed during the
intervening period.
A number of techniques can be used to ensure the reliability
of a standardised measuring instrument such as an attitude
questionnaire, personality test or pressure sore risk
calculator. These include test-retest, split-half and alternate
forms. There are also statistical tests that can be used to
assess reliability such as Cronbach Alpha and the
Spearman correlation coefficient test.

RELIABILITY
Means consistency or dependability
Example: a weight-scaleone gets on it &
read 150 as the weight
if one repeats it & gets the same weight
each time then the scale is reliable
Reliability isconsistency in measurement

 A measure is said to be reliable (in a given setting)

if it can be repeated with minimal variation. Some
terms applied to particular forms of reliability are:
repeatability
reproducibility
inter and intra observer variability
consistency
equivalence
stability

 Reliability: the degree to which a

measurement procedure produces similar
outcomes when it is repeated.
E.g., gender, birthplace, mothers name
should be the same always
Validity: tests for determining whether a
measure is measuring the concept that the
researcher thinks is being measured,
i.e., Am I measuring what I think I am
measuring?

 Validity is truth in measurement

IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS

Validity: In research terms, validity refers to the
accuracy and truth of the data and findings that are
produced. It refers to the concepts that are being
investigated; the people or objects that are being
studied; the methods by which data are collected;
and the findings that are produced. There are
several different types of validity:

Face validity: the extent to which a measuring

instrument appears to others to be measuring what
it claims to measure.

Content validity: is similar to face validity

except that the researcher deliberately targets
individuals acknowledged to be experts in the topic
area to give their opinions on the validity of the
measure.

IMPORTANT RESEARCH TERMS

Criterion-related validity: requires the researcher to
identify a relevant criterion or 'gold standard', which is itself
reliable and valid, to provide an independent check of the
new measure (i.e. to compare the results from a wellestablished and a new measuring instrument).

Construct validity: refers to the degree to which a

research instrument measures
a theoretical concept
(or construct) under investigation.

Internal validity: refers to the extent to which changes

in the dependent variable
(the observed effects) can be
attributed to the independent variable rather than to
extraneous variables.

External validity: refers to the degree to which the

results of a study are generalisable beyond the
immediate study sample and setting to other samples and
settings.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Now it is time to do the work!
The steps of the research process

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

1. Which Management Problem?
Select the management problem which
you wish to explore.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

2. Brainstorm
Brainstorming with colleagues and tutors will
help to reflect on the significance of the
problem and its relevance as a management
issue. For the research to proceed in a
focused and systematic manner, these
questions must be refined to form more
specific research questions and objectives
that indicate exactly which target populations
and which variables or factors should be
included in the research study.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

3. Initial Literature review
This initial literature review is essential as it will
help you to develop a frame of reference for
the research, formulate conceptual and
operational definitions of key concepts, and
crystallise in specific terms the research topic
and problem. Develop a list of key words that
will be used for an in-depth critical literature
review. Around 10-12 sources must be
reviewed. Find more about the organisation or
set up where your research will be conducted.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

4. Identification of the research methods
and techniques
Identify the paradigm, methods and
techniques you are planning to use for
your research, data collection and
analyses. Formulate research
hypotheses and decide on the type of
data needed.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

5. Prepare research proposal
At this stage, you will have to prepare a
sound research proposal that will be
accepted by the University of Mauritius.
You should convince the tutors that you
are interested in the topic and that you
have a sound knowledge together with a
clear plan. Carry any change suggested
to the proposal. Obtain the approval
before proceeding further.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

6. Carry out intensive literature review.
The aim is to achieve a deeper grasp of
the problem and its context, to develop a
concise, critical and evaluative summary
of previous research and literature on the
research topic. This will also be the
opportunity to gather ideas for the
literature design, data collection and
analyses, instruments, and techniques.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

7. Identify the population and the sample.
You must define the population clearly, identify
the sample selection method, and decide on
the sample size and the sample units.
8. Develop a data collection design.
Develop instruments to collect data that will
allow us to answer the research questions.
9. Select an appropriate data analysis
strategy.
Decide on the statistical analyses that you will
use. Identify (if any) the univariate, bivariate
and multivariate analyses that will be used.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

10. Conduct a pilot study.
A pilot study is essential in identifying areas in the
process that may require amendments.
11. Revise, amend and fine-tune the instruments.
On the basis of the findings of the pilot study, revise
the data collection instrument.
12. Input, clean, analyse and interpret data.
The analyses of the data must be geared towards the
research objectives. You must remember that only a
judicious choice of methods that will provide you the
appropriate elements that can be weaved together to
draw meaningful conclusions and recommendations.
13. Write the dissertation.