Chapter 1Introduction – Scope & Applications

Business Research is not an option – it is essential for survival and growth

Introduction – Scope & Applications• Contents • Introduction – Glimpses of Past Research • Definitions of Research• Research Perceptions• Objectives of Research• Motivation for Research – Individual and Organizational • Types of Research • - Basic, Pure, Conceptual & Fundamental • - Applied• - Empirical• - Scientific • - Social & Behavioral • - Historical• - Business• - Exploratory • - Descriptive • - Causal • - Normative

Contents • Research Process – The Process of Conducting Business Research – An

Overview• Criteria, Characteristics and Challenges of a Good/ Ideal

Research • Business Research in an Organization • Relevance of Research for MBA Students.• Guide to Conducting Research Projects by Students.• Research in Management Institutions – Some Thoughts.• Dissemination of Research.• Indicative Topics for Business Research.

Definitions of Research• “It is organised systematic data-based scientific inquiry, or

investigation into a specific problem undertaken with the purpose of finding answers or solutions to it.”

• “The research provides the need that guides managers to make informed decisions to deal with problems, successfully collection of facts or observation and presenting them in a systematic and logical manner.”

Objectives of Research• To seek insight into an observed phenomena and explain its logic and

reasoning of happening. For example declining profitability.

• To help the mankind in solving the problems faced from time to time, and make life more comfortable and entertaining. For example telecommunication and e ticketing.

• To explore the possibility and methodology of doing things which have not been done so far but are useful for the mankind, in general, and an entity, in particular.

• To continuously improve the effectiveness of present systems and procedures in any field. For example compensation, recruitment and retention policies.

Objectives of Research• Test or challenge existing beliefs, notions, etc. which have

not been empirically proved so far, with flux of time and therefore need to be tested again for relevance in the changed context / environment. For example relationship between intelligence and creativity

• Explore into new areas that might have become relevant or even might become relevant in the near future. For example alternative sources of energy to reduce carbon emissions.

• Anlayse the past data for discovering trends, patterns and relationships. For example business performance, prices of stock, oil, etc.

Motivation for Research Motivation for Research by Individuals• Desire for self advancement.• Completion of mandatory assignment in professional

courses and career.• Desire to get recognition and distinguishing oneself from

others by being the first to do something new• Intellectual satisfaction.• Spirit of accepting challenge.• To enjoy the thrill of solving some unsolved problems or

making something ‘impossible’ as ‘possible’.• To survive and grow in a competitive environment.

Motivation for Research in OrganisationsSelf Motivation• The need for research is motivated by the desire to:• Improve sales, profit, market share• Improve rank among competitors• Reduce cost of products / services / operations • Increase ROI (Return on Investment) • Diversification of products and services• Entering new market• Acquisition and Merger• Improve quality of products / services• Improve quality and productivity of systems

Motivation for Research in Organisations

Regulatory• Liberalization • Tax IncentivesCompetition• Regulatory Measures to allow new entrants in

a particular sector• Entry of new ventures• Entry into new market• Shrinking of existing market

Motivation for Research in Organisations

• Customer Driven • Failure • Technological Innovations• Environmental Considerations• Social• Economic• Infrastructure • Operations / Process Driven • Coping with Changes

Research

Coping with Changes

Operations / Process Driven

Infrastructure

Technological Innovations

Competition

Failure

Customer Driven

Self Motivation

Economic

Social Environmental Considerations

RegulatoryMotivation for Research

Types of Research• Basic, Pure, Conceptual & Fundamental • Applied• Empirical• Historical• Scientific

Types of Research• Social & Behavioral • Business• Exploratory • Descriptive • Causal • Normative

Types of Research

• Primary and Secondary Research

• Quantitative or Qualitative

Research Process

Criteria for Ideal Research– Objective should be clearly defined-both its conceptual

framework as well as its practical aspects. – The research process should be detailed to ensure

comprehensiveness. – The research design should be selected based on sound

logic and realistic assumptions– Analysis should be appropriate leading to results that

would be relevant and adequate for decision making. – All the assumptions made in the research design and

analysis should be stated. – The findings and conclusions should be in consistent with

the results obtained in the analysis without adding extraneous views.

•

Characteristics of Ideal Research• It is conducted in a scientific and systematic

manner with sound logic• The methodology and steps followed are as

per the stated plan• The methodology is transparent and ‘visible’ • This enables another researcher to repeat or replicate

the research without any ambiguity • Establishes credibility of research and its

conclusions• Scope and limitations are clearly brought out.

It enables to draw the conclusions in a realistic manner

Qualitative Requirements for Researchers

– Inquisitiveness– Identity–Perseverance–Tolerance for Failures

Business Research in Organisations• “What affects the productivity of employees and

systems?”• “How to design organisational structure and work

systems that promote innovation?”• “How to measure organisational effectiveness?”• “How to channelize organisational conflicts in a

positive direction?”• “How to exploit the full potential of staff?”• “How to attract and retain the professional and

skilled talents?”• “How to improve decision making under uncertain

environment and volatile changes?”

Thank You