Advance Research

Methods
Ahmed Arif
Department of Management Sciences
SZABIST, Islamabad Campus

Contents

Introduction
Types of Research
Research Approaches
Research Process
Problems in Research

Ethics in Research

What is Research ?
Research is simply the process of thoroughly

studying and analysing the situational

factors surrounding a problem in order to
seek out solutions to it.

Research =

Re
+ Search
(seeking facts or principles)

Basically, Research is the process of

identifying and solving problem.

What is Business Research?

Business Research may be defined as the

systematic and objective process of gathering,

recording and analyzing data for aid in making
business decisions (Zikmund, Business Research Methods,
2002, p. 6)

Systematicness and Objectivity are its

distinguishing features of Business Research,

which is important tool for managers and decisionmakers in corporate and non-corporate
organizations
4

Objective of Research
The main objective of a research is to explore the

answers to questions in a scientific manner.

Knowing a phenomenon or exploring something
new. Exploratory Research
Describing the characteristics of a specific individual,
situation or group. Descriptive Research
Determining the frequency with which an event
occurs. Diagnostic Research
Testing relationship between the different variables.
Hypothesis Testing

Research as a Scientific Method

Research should be properly planned.

It should be conducted in a systematic and scientific

way.
The data generated by research should be
trustworthy.
Good research follows the principles of scientific
method.

Definition of Scientific Research

Scientific Research focusing on solving problems and

pursues a step by step logical, organized and rigorous
method to identify the problems, gather data,
analyze them and draw valid conclusions there from.

Characteristic of Scientific Research

Clearly Defined Purpose

Detailed Research Process

Planned Research Design
Clearly Defined Limitations

Adequate Analysis for Decision Makers

Unambiguous Presentation of Findings
Justified Conclusion

Significance of Research
According to Hudson Maxim:

o All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is better

than overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry, and

inquiry leads to invention.
Research helps to solve the problems, expands
knowledge and explore new phenomenon.
It helps to find the hidden truth.

Types of Research
Basic Versus Applied Research
Descriptive Versus Analytical
Conceptual Versus Empirical
Qualitative Versus Quantitative
Other Types of Research

Research Approach
Research
Approaches

Quantitative

Inferential

Experimental

Qualitative

Situational

Research Approach
Quantitative
Approach
Deals with measurable,
quantitative properties of
any phenomenon. This
approach is objective in
nature.
Use deductive reasoning.
Allows the researcher to
generalize the findings of
research.

Qualitative Approach
Deals with qualitative
aspects of any
phenomenon. This
approach is subjective in
nature.
Use Inductive Reasoning.
Does not allow the
researcher to generalize
the findings.

Deduction
Deduction is the process by which we arrive at a

reasoned conclusion by logical generalization of a

known fact.

Example: we know that all high performers are

highly proficient in their jobs.
If John is a high performer, we then conclude
that he is highly proficient in his job

Induction
Induction is a process where we observe certain

phenomena and on this basis arrive at

conclusions

In other words, in induction we

logically establish a general
proposition based on observed facts.

Research Process
Research Process is the systematic and objective

identification

collection

analysis

dissemination

and use of information

For the purpose of improving decision making related to

the
identification and

solution of problems and availing the opportunities.

Steps in Research Process

Step 1 : Problem Definition
Step 2 : Reviewing Literature
Step 3 : Formulating Hypothesis

Step 4 : Designing Research

Step 5 : Data Collection

Step 6: Data Analysis

Step 7: Preparing Reports

When Should Business Research be

Undertaken?
Is sufficient time
available?
Yes
Is information
inadequate?

NO

Do not
undertake Business Research

Yes
High importance
of decision?
Yes
Research benefits
greater than costs?

Undertake Business Research

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Characteristics of a Good Research

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Systematic: The Research should be properly

structured.
Logical: The research should be guided by
lucid and logical reasoning.
Empirical: The research should be based on
real situations.
Clear Purpose: The objectives of research
should be clearly defined.
Elaboration: The research procedure should
be explained properly.
Efficient Analysis: The gathered data should
be properly analyzed.

Problems Encountered by the Researchers

Lack of Training
Lack of Resources
Lack of Assistance
Lack of Code of Conduct
Improper Interaction

Reluctance in Supplying Data by Business Units

Ethics in Research
Honesty: Truthfulness of researcher in collecting

and presenting data.

Objectivity: Researcher should be unbiased.
Integrity: Researcher should be sincere in actions.
Confidentiality: The researcher should not
disclosed the secret information.
Social Responsibility: Researcher should try to
increase social welfare through research.

Assignment No. 1
Download 5 research papers from different data bases.
You are required to extract and report the following
information about those research papers.
Purpose of Research
Type of Research
Research Approach Used (Provide logic that how you
reached at the conclusion about the approach of the
research)