Understand the difference between basic and applied research Define business research Understand the roadmap to learn business research methods Learn how business research methods can be used as a decision making tool by the managers Understand the business research process Get a preliminary idea about the use of software for data preparation and data analysis
Business Research Methods: An Introduction 2
Introduction
Business researchers systematically collect, compile, analyze,
and interpret data to provide quality information based on which a decision maker will be able to take a decision in an optimum manner. Conducting research to deal with any problem is a scientific, systematic, and interlinked exercise, which requires sound experience and knowledge.
Basic research is generally not related to a specific problem and its findings cannot be immediately applied. Applied research directly addresses the problem at hand. Applied research is launched by the firm, agency, or individual facing a specific problem.
Business Research Methods: An Introduction 4
Defining Business Research
Business research method is a systematic and scientific
procedure of data collection, compilation, analysis,
interpretation, and implication pertaining to any business problem. Business research is defined as the systematic and objective process of gathering, recording, and analyzing data for aid in making business decisions (Zikmund, 2007). Cooper and Schindler (2009) define business research as a systematic enquiry that provides information to guide managerial decisions.
Decision making is always a crucial part of any organizational functioning. In the field of business research, this valuable information is obtained using the following interrelated steps: 1. Problem or opportunity identification 2. Diagnosing the problem or opportunity 3. Executing business research to explore the solutions 4. Implement presented solutions 5. Evaluate the effectiveness of decision making
Business Research Methods: An Introduction 7
1. Problem or Opportunity Identification
Any delay in problem identification and solution implementation;
to business researchers. Business researchers actually diagnose the problem or opportunity. Diagnosing involves exploring the situation to have a better insight about the situation.
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3. Executing Business Research to Explore the Solution
decision makers of the concerned organization. The findings are presented to the decision maker and he or she analyzes these findings in the light of his or her decision range.
Nowadays, it is irrational to deal with data preparation and analysis without the use of existing statistical software. This section focuses on introducing three widely used software programs. They are MS Excel (2007), Minitab®, and SPSS (17).