What is Research? Characteristics of research?

Defination

Research has been defined in a number of different ways.

A broad definition of research is given by Martyn Shuttleworth - "In the broadest sense of the
word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the
advancement of knowledge."[5]
Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states that - "Research is a process of
steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or
issue". It consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and
present an answer to the question.

Characteristics of Research

1. Empirical - based on observations and experimentation on theories.

2. Systematic - follows orderly and sequential procedure.
3. Controlled - all variables except those that are tested/experimented upon are kept
constant.
4. Employs hypothesis - guides the investigation process
5. Analytical - There is critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error in their
interpretation
6. Objective, Unbiased, & Logical - all findings are logically based on empirical
7. Employs quantitative or statistical methods - data are transformed into numerical
measures and are treated statistically
8. Done by an expert - the researcher uses valid and carefully designed procedures, valid
data gathering
9. Must be patient and unhurried activity - to ensure accuracy
10.Require effort-making capacity
11.Has logical roots that help to establish facts or principles
12.Answers all type of questions

What is need and importance of research in business?

I have tried to list some points regarding the importance of research in business management. Thus we
can say that research is an important element in business management.
Testing of new products. Business research tests the possible success of fresh products. Businesses
need to know what kinds of services and products consumers want before they produce them. Research
will reduce risk Research can help design a new product or service, figuring out what is needed and
ensure that the development of a product is highly targeted towards demand.
Guaranteeing adequate distribution. Businesses can also use research to guarantee sufficient
distribution of their products. For instance, a consumer products company might want to speak with
merchants about the various brands they offer. The outcomes of the business research can help managers
decide where they need to increase their product distribution.
In-house research is required for professional and self development of the workers through training and
mentoring. Organisational research and analysis would also be needed for assessment of performance
management, process reengineering, departmental assessment and well-being of staff members.

Undertaking research can help a company avoid future failure. Carrying out research can also help a
business determine whether now is the right time to expand into another town or whether it needs to apply
for a new loan. It may also help a small business decide if a process should be altered or if more needs to
be done to meet the requirements of the customer base.

Studying the competition. Businesses frequently make use of research to study key rivals in their
markets. Businesses will often begin with secondary research information or information which is currently
accessible. Research is important for any organization to remain competitive in the market. The top
function of research is to supply a business with an outlet to correctly determine its customers. With the
help of surveys, an organization can analyze the preferences of its target consumers. Furthermore, these
studies could also provide a business the chance to examine its competitors in the industry and analyze
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State and explain the objectives of research?

What are the various types of research?
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1.

Pure research

a.

Also called as the fundamental or the theoretical research.

b.

Is basic and original.

c.

Can lead to the discovery of a new theory.

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d.

Can result in the development or refinement of a theory that already exists.

e.

Helps in getting knowledge without thinking formally of implementing it in practice based on the

honesty, love and integrity of the researcher for discovering the truth.

2.

Applied research

a.

Based on the concept of the pure research.

b.

Is problem oriented.

c.

Helps in finding results or solutions for real life problems.

d.

Provides evidence of usefulness to society.

e.

Helps in testing empirical content of a theory.

f.

Utilizes and helps in developing the techniques that can be used for basic research.

g.

Helps in testing the validity of a theory but under some conditions.

h.

Provides data that can lead to the acceleration of the process of generalization.

3.

Exploratory research

a.

Involves exploring a general aspect.

b.

Includes studying of a problem, about which nothing or a very little is known.

c.

Follows a very formal approach of research.

d.

Helps in exploring new ideas.

e.

Helps in gathering information to study a specific problem very minutely.

f.

Helps in knowing the feasibility in attempting a study.

4.

Descriptive research

a.

Simplest form of research.

b.

More specific in nature and working than exploratory research.

c.

It involves a mutual effort.

d.

Helps in identifying various features of a problem.

e.

Restricted to the problems that are describable and not arguable and the problems in which valid

standards can be developed for standards.

f.

Existing theories can be easily put under test by empirical observations.

g.

Underlines factors that may lead to experimental research.

h.

It consumes a lot of time.

i.

It is not directed by hypothesis.

5.

Diagnostic study

a.

Quite similar to the descriptive research.

b.

Identifies the causes of the problems and then solutions for these problems.

c.

Related to causal relations.

d.

It is directed by hypothesis.

e.

Can be done only where knowledge is advanced.

6.

Evaluation study

a.

Form of applied research.

b.

Studies the development project.

c.

Gives access to social or economical programmes.

d.

Studies the quality and also the quantity of an activity.

7.

Action research

a.

Type of evaluation study.

b.

Is a concurrent evaluation study.

Discuss the Issues and problems of research?