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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(MBA 621)

Abdella Kosa (Asst. Professor)

Kotebe University of Education &
Research Associate, University of Johannesburg
 COURSE DESCRIPTION
 This course is aimed at developing the student’s ability
in scientific analysis and providing them with
opportunity for the application of concepts and tools in

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dealing with social, economic, political and other
problems.
 It covers design, methods of research, formulating
research problem, sourcing and collection of data.
 This course provides students with applied skills in
understanding and conducting research in business.
 The course examines and explores a range of methods
that align with theory building and testing.
 The basic focus of this course is on the understanding of
how analytical and statistical techniques and thinking
can aid in managerial decision making.
 Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are
examined
COURSE OBJECTIVES

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 The general objectives of this course are to
introduce students to methods of research.
 The specific objectives are:
 To help students understand the principles of
research;
 To ensure that students acquire some practical
research skills; and
 To enable students to link the research process
with theories of their specialist areas.
 COURSE CONTENTS
 Chapter 1: Introduction to business Research
1.1 .Business research-meaning, objectives, significance

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1.2. Types of research and the research process
1.3. Characteristics of good research
1.4. Research and scientific method
1.5. Problems in research-meaning, selecting the problem,
techniques involved in defining a problem-hypothesis-meaning
 Chapter 2. Research design, sampling design
2.1. Research design-meaning-need-features-different research
design and basic principles of experimental research design
2.2. Sampling design-meaning-steps in sampling design,
characteristics of good sample design, types of sample designs,
probability and non-probability sample design
 Chapter 3. Scaling techniques and methods of Data
collection

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3.1. Scaling techniques-meaning, measurement, scale
classification bases, important scaling techniques and scale
construction techniques
3.2. Construction of research questionnaire-guidelines for
constructing questionnaire/schedule
3.3. Methods of data collection –types of sources of information-
collection of primary and secondary data and its different
types.
 Chapter 4 processing and analysis of data
4.1. Processing of data-meaning-processing operations-some
problems in processing
4.2 Data analysis-meaning, types-quantitative and qualitative
analysis
 Chapter 5 Testing hypothesis, chi-square test and
analysis of variance

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5.1. Testing of hypothesis-parametric and non-parametric tests
5.2. Chi-square tests- meaning, conditions and steps involved
for the application of chi-square tests
5.3. Analysis of variance and co-variance-basic principles-
techniques
5.4. Multivariate analysis techniques-characteristics and
applications-classifications of multivariate techniques and
important multivariate techniques
 Chapter 6. Interpretation and Report writing
6.1. Interpretation-meaning-techniques-precautions in
interpretation.
6.2. Report writing-significance-different steps in writing-layout
of the research report-types of reports-mechanics and
precautions for writing research reports.
ASSESSMENT SCHEME

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 Preparation of research proposal-------------------25
 Article review---------------------------------------------25

 Final examination---------------------------------------50

 Total---------------------------------------------------------100%
TEXT BOOKS

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 CR Kothari (2014). Research Methodology. 3rd ed.
New age international Publishers.
 Zikmund, W. G., Babin, B. J., Carr, J. C. Griff, M.
(2010). Business Research Methods, Eighth Edition,
South-Western: USA.
 Cooper, D., Schindler, P. & Sharma, J. (2014).
Business Research Methods. 12th ed. New Delhi:
McGraw Hill.
 CHAPTER ONE
Introduction to business Research
What is business research? Why
1 conduct research? Why research is
This chapter is important?
mainly concerned What are the different types of
2 Research?
with giving
answers to the
following What is the scientific method in
3
research?
questions
What are the basic characteristics of
4
research?

What specific steps are followed in

5
the research process?
 WHAT IS RESEARCH?
 Some people consider research as a movement, a
movement from the known to the unknown. It is

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actually a voyage of discovery
 Research is an attempt to search for truth.
Search for knowledge Re’ means again and again
 It consists of two words: Re + Search

finding out something

 It is a process of observing the phenomena again and again from
different dimensions and collects the data so as to draw some
conclusions on the basis of data.
 COMPREHENSIVE DEFINITION:
 Researchis the systematic process of collecting

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and analyzing information to increase our
understanding of the phenomenon under study.
 Research is a systematic attempt to obtain answers
to meaningful questions about phenomena or events
through the application of scientific procedures.
 It is an objective, impartial, empirical and logical
analysis and recording of controlled observations
that may lead to the development of generalizations,
principles, theories, resulting in to some extent in
prediction and control of events that may
consequences or causes of specific phenomena.
What is business research?

 Business Research may be defined

“All progress is born

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as the “systematic and objective
process of gathering, recording and of inquiry. Doubt is
analyzing data for aid in making often better than
business decisions” overconfidence, for it
leads to inquiry, and
 Business Research is hence aimed inquiry leads to
at Improving the Quality of invention”
Decision-Making which, in turn,
benefits the organization and
helps ensure its continuity and Hudson Maxim
efficiency.
WHAT RESEARCH IS NOT?

Research is not Research is not Research is not

mere information transformation of a catch word to
gathering facts from one get attention
location to another

Involves systematic Eg. Collecting data & Eg. “Years of research as

inquiry assembling references do not proved that Coca Cola is the
add up to a true research best soft drink.”
 To gain familiarity
with a phenomenon
To portray accurately
or to achieve new
the characteristics of a
insights into
particular individual,
situation or a group

Objectives of Involves; Describing,

research Explaining, Predicting,
Controlling, & To determine the
Comparing Simple PowerPoint
frequency with which
Presentation
phenomena
something occurs or
associated with other

To test a hypothesis of a causal

relationship between variables
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 Desire to get a
research degree Desire to be of
along with its service to
consequential society
benefits

Desire to face the

challenge in Desire to get
solving the respectability
unsolved problems

Desire to get Other factors:

Directives of government,
intellectual joy of employment conditions,
doing some creative desire to understand
work causal relationships, etc.
What are the different types of
research?
• Basic/pure • Inductive

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Goal of • Applied Logical • deductive
research flow

• Descriptive • Field Research

• Explanatory Research • Laboratory Research
Specific
environ • Simulation Research
objectives • Exploratory
ment

• Quantitative • Experimental Research

Approach
• Qualitative Control of • Ex post Facto Design
Variables

• Cross Sectional
• Primary
• Longitudinal
Time Type of • secondary
dimension data
 BASED ON GOAL,…
Basic Research
• Conducted solely for the
sake of knowledge.
• Aimed at formulation of
theory or a contribution to
the existing knowledge.
• Primary objective:
advancement of knowledge
and theoretical
understanding of the
relations among variables
• Takes any of the following
forms: Discovery, Invention,
& Reflection.
• Eg. How does motivation
affect employee
performance?
Applied Research
• Designed to solve
practical problems of the
modern world.
• Aims at finding a
solution for an
immediate problem.
• Deals with real life
situations.
• Purpose: testing theories,
often generated by pure
science, and applying
them to real situations.
• Example 1: “Why have
sales decreased during
the last quarter”?
 BASED ON SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES, …

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Descriptive Explanatory Exploratory
Research Research research
• Establishing the •Conducted when there are
• Describing the state of few or no earlier studies
view as it exists. Fact cause and effect
•Provides insights into and
finding investigation relationship. understanding of an issue
• Reporting what has • Analyze & explain or situation for more
happened or what is why or how rigorous investigation later
happening something is •Purpose: to gain
• Eg, trends in the background information,
happening. better understand and
consumption of soft clarify a problem, develop
drink • The researcher uses
hypotheses.
• The methods: Surveys, theories or at least •Relies on secondary
Correlation studies, hypotheses. research or informal
Observation studies, • Example: Effect of discussions and more
Case studies. formal approaches (eg.
advertisement on interviews, FGD, case
sales studies, …
 BASED ON APPROACH
Qualitative
Studies that do not
attempt to quantify their
results through statistical
summary or analysis
Helps in having insight
into problems or cases
Involves in-depth
interviews, group
discussions, and
observations without
formal measurement
Quantitative
Systematic and scientific
investigation of quantitative
properties and phenomena and
their relationships.
Objective: to develop and employ
mathematical models, theories
and hypotheses pertaining to
natural phenomena with a view
to infer from the particular to the
general.
Methods: surveys & experiments,
 BASED ON CONCEPTUAL OR EMPIRICAL
FOCUS

Conceptual Empirical
• Related to some • Relies on experience
abstract idea or or observation alone,
theory (for i.e., Data-based
philosophers and research
thinkers) • Capable of being
• Relies on literature verified by observation
or experiment.
• Experimenter has
control over variables
under study
ON THE BASIS OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN
WHICH RESEARCH IS CONDUCTED

Carried out in the field. These are commonly experimental

Common in social science, research.
agricultural science, history Common in medical & natural
and archeology science, and agriculture.

Field research Laboratory research

Simulation research

Uses models to represent the real

world.
Common in physical science,
economics and mathematics.
ON THE BASIS OF THE TIME REQUIRED TO
COMPLETE THE RESEARCH

Cross-sectional (One -time research)

 It is a research limited to a single time period

Longitudinal research
Also called on-going research.
It is a research carried out over several time periods
On the bases of logical flow

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WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD RESEARCH?

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Generally Good Research is; Systematic, Controlled, Logical,
Empirical, & Replicable
 WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD IN RESEARCH?

 The scientific method encourages a rigorous, impersonal

mode of procedure dictated by the demands of logic and
objective procedure.
 It implies an objective, logical and systematic method.

 It is based on certain basic postulates stated as;

 It relies on empirical evidence;

 It utilizes relevant concepts;
 It is committed to only objective considerations;
 It presupposes ethical neutrality
 It results into probabilistic predictions
 Its methodology is made known to all concerned
 Aims at formulating most general axioms/ scientific
theories
What specific steps are followed in the
research process?

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SELECTING A RESEARCH TOPICS
 There are five distinctive criteria that need to be considered while
we are selecting effective topics. These are:
 Novelty – changing the conversation through knowledge
recombination with something new being created.
 Add new vocabulary in the conversation in the form of new ideas or
constructs or new insights not articulated by prior voices.
 Novel topics can often result from by building a bridge between two
literatures or disciplines.
 Significance
 Curiosity – catching and holding attention

 Scope – casting a wider net – casting a narrow net limits the

investigation of relevant mysteries or gaps in the literature
 Actionability – insights for practice
 RESEARCH TOPICS EXAMPLE
 The effects of partnership quality on business process outsourcing success in Malaysia:
key users perspective.
 The influence of supervisor bottom-line mentality and employee bottom-line mentality
on leader-member exchange and subsequent employee performance.
 Familial relationships and firm performance: the impact of entrepreneurial family
relationships.
 Entrepreneurial alertness toward responsible research and innovation: The role of
digital technology and psychological behavior.
 Impact of personal qualities and management skills of entrepreneurs on venture
performance in Malaysia: Opportunity recognition skills as a mediating factor.
 Entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention: Do female students benefit?
 The Relationships among Social, Environmental, Economic CSR Practices and
Digitalization in Polish Energy Companies
 Green entrepreneurial orientation for enhancing firm performance: A dynamic capability
perspective.
 Green Innovation Capability As Driver Of Sustainable Competitive Advantages And
SMEs Marketing Performance
 How Can International Ventures Utilize Marketing Capability in Emerging Markets? Its
Contingent Effect on New Product Development
 The role of top management support and organizational capabilities in achieving e-
business entrepreneurship 29
 SELECTING A RESEARCH TOPICS
1. Capability: is it feasible?
 Is the topic something with
which you are really
fascinated?
 Do you have the necessary
research skills to undertake
the topic?
 Is the research topic
achievable within the
available time?
 Will the project still be
current when you finish your
project?
 Is it achievable within the
available financial resources?
 Are you reasonably certain of
being able to gain access to
data?
2. Appropriateness: is it
worthwhile?
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Does the topic fit the
specifications and meet the
standards set by the examining
institution?
Does your research topic
contain issues that have a clear
link to theory?
Will your proposed research be
able to provide fresh insights into
this topic?
Does the research topic match
your career goals?
 WHAT IS THE RESEARCH PROBLEMS?
Some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context
of either a theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain
a solution for. • A problem is a perceived difficulty, a feeling of
discomfort about the way things are or a
discrepancy between what some one believes should
be the situation and what the situation is in reality.
• Exists in the literature, theory, or practice that
A potential leads to a need for the study.
research
situation
arises
when three
?
conditions
exist A perceived A question exists At least two
discrepancy exists about why there possible &
between what is & is a discrepancy. plausible answers
what should be. exist to questions
WHAT IS THE RESEARCH PROBLEMS…
A research problem exists if at
least two elements are present
• The current state differs
from the ideal state.
• There is no an “acceptable”
solution available.
• No solution documented in
the literature, or
• Mixed RP
results
contradictions are reported.
defn.
Argument to the problem The RP should be evaluated
statement “should present;
• How the research builds on
previous theory.
• Contributes to the development
of new theory, and
• Describe the likely uses of
knowledge to be gained &
potential importance of its uses.
Implicit in the definition of a
research problem are;
• Problems are active or
potential.
• Problems have an impact.
• Problems do not have
adequate solutions available.
or
based on the following criteria
• Is the problem researchable?
• Is the problem new?
• Is the problem significant?
• Is the problem feasible?
• Researcher Competence, interest
& enthusiasm, financial & time
requirement, & administrative
consideration
DEFINING THE RESEARCH PROBLEM IS
CRUCIAL BECAUSE,
Its also important to state and
define the problem, because;
• The problem
identified will provide It is the foundation for
further development of the
us with the topic of research proposal
the designed research
Makes it easier to find
and the objective of information & reports from
the research. which your study can benefit.
• “A problem well Enables to point out why the
defined is a모바일 이미지
problem proposed research on the
problem should be
half solved” – Brande undertaken & what you hope
to achieve with the results.

But it is the hard part of the research process – why it is hard …

because … human beings (due to limited capability) fail to see the
big picture about a phenomena/event/problem.
 Only 10% of any iceberg
is visible. The remaining

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Visible Part = 10% 90% is below sea level.

Invisible Part = 90%

Problem
Defining a problem – is
hard because only 10% of
it are visible at its prima
face …

The Iceberg phenomena is also applicable on human

beings while they perceive a phenomena or an event.
 THE ELEPHANT
described by 6 blind persons touching different parts
The story of Six
Blind People (their
limited capability 5th person: ear
doesn’t allow the Conclusion: a fan

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six blind people to
1st person: body
describe the entire
Conclusion: a wall
reality). 2nd person: tusk
Conclusion: a lance 6th person: tail
Conclusion: a rope

Conclusion
 All are somehow 3rd person: trunk
right Conclusion: a snake
 All are somehow 4th person: leg
wrong
Conclusion: a tree
 Nobody was able
to describe the
entire reality

Photo: U. Wiesmann
 RESEARCH OR KNOWLEDGE GAPS OR GAPS IN
LITERATURE
 Conceptual Knowledge gaps
 Determinants - determinants that were not addressed in the previous
research
 Dimensions/Contents – unsearched/unaddressed dimensions about the
construct by the previous researchers
 Implications/consequences – not touched by prior research works
 Knowledge Gaps with respect to Methodology- if the
methodology used by the extant literature is different from the
one that you are going to deploy, you can articulate the
difference in the problem statement section as one possible
knowledge gap.
 Knowledge Gaps with respect to Study Area –identified lack
of research in the case company.
 Other gaps: Theoretical, practical, empirical, population, etc
A RESEARCH PROBLEM DOES EXIST IF THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE MET WITH:

An individual or a group with some

difficulty

Some objective(s) to be attained at.

Alternative means for obtaining the

objective

Some doubt in with the selection of

alternatives

Some environment(s) to which the

difficulty pertains
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEM SOURCES?

Professional Experience,
Contact and Discussion with People
Inference from theory,
Professional Literature
Technological and Social Changes
HOW RESEARCH PROBLEM IS SELECTED?

While selecting a research problem or a subject for research fol

low the following points:

01 Avoid subject 02 Select familiar and

which is feasible subject
overdone, preceded by a
provocative, too preliminary study
narrow, & too
vague subject.

03 Consider the importance of the

subject, the qualifications and the
training of a researcher, the costs
involved, cooperation from
participants, the time factor must
also be considered
 HOW TO WRITE A PROBLEM STATEMENT?

• Writing problem statement contains;

• Put the problem in context (what do
we already know?)
• Describe the precise issue that the
research will address (what do we
need to know?)
• Show the relevance of the problem
(why do we need to know it?)
• Set the objectives of the research
(what will you do to find out?)
 Step 1: Contextualize the problem
The problem statement should frame your research problem in
its particular context and give some background on what is
already known about it.
Practical research problems
• Where and when does the
problem arise?
• Who does the problem affect?
• What attempts have been
made to solve the problem?
Example
Voter turnout in region X has been decreasing steadily over
the past ten years, in contrast to other areas of the country.
According to surveys conducted by organization Y, turnout
is lowest among under-25s and people on low incomes.
There have been some effective attempts at engaging these
groups in other regions, and in the last two elections parties
A and B increased their campaigning efforts in region X, but
these interventions have yet to have any significant effect
on turnout.
Theoretical research problems
• Is the problem limited to a certain
time period or geographical area?
• What is already known about the
problem?
• How has the problem been
defined and debated in the
scholarly literature?
Example
In the past ten years, the “gig economy” has become an
increasingly important segment of the labour market.
Under-30s are more likely to engage in freelance,
contracted or zero-hour work arrangements instead of
traditional full-time jobs. Research on the reasons for and
consequences of this shift has focused on objective
measures of income, working hours and employment
conditions, but there has been little work exploring young
people’s subjective experiences of the gig economy.
 Step 2: Show why it matters
The problem statement should also address the relevance of the
research: i.e., the problem is researchable, feasible, and clearly
addresses a relevant issue in your field.

Practical research problems Theoretical research problems

• What will happen if the problem • How will resolving the problem
advance understanding of the
is not solved?
topic?
• Who will feel the consequences?
• What benefits will it have for
• Does the problem have wider
future research?
relevance (e.g. are similar issues • Does the problem have direct or
found in other contexts)? indirect consequences for society?
Examples: Examples:
Low voter turnout has been shown to have negative In the literature on the gig economy, these new forms of
associations with social cohesion and civic engagement, employment are sometimes characterized as a flexible
and is becoming an area of increasing concern in many active choice and sometimes as an exploitative last resort.
European democracies. When specific groups of citizens To gain a fuller understanding of why young people
lack political representation, they are likely to become engage in the gig economy, in-depth qualitative research
more excluded over time, leading to an erosion of trust in is required. Focusing on workers’ experiences can help
democratic institutions. Addressing this problem will have develop more robust theories of flexibility and precarity in
practical benefits for region X and contribute to contemporary employment, as well as potentially
understanding of this widespread phenomenon.
informing future policy objectives .
 Step 3: Set your aims and objectives
Problem statement should frame how you intend to address the
problem. Seeking out the reasons behind the problem and propose
more effective approaches to tackling or understanding it.
It is generally written in the Objectives are the concrete steps
infinitive form: you will take to achieve the aim:

• The aim of this study is • Qualitative methods will be used

to determine… to identify…
• The study aims to explore… • I will use surveys to collect…
• I aim to investigate… • Using statistical analysis, the
research will measure…

Practical RP examples Theoretical RP examples

The aim of this research is to investigate
effective engagement strategies to
increase voter turnout in region X. It will
identify the most significant factors in non-
voting through surveys and interviews, and
conduct experiments to measure the
effectiveness of different strategies.
This project aims to better understand young
people’s experiences in the gig economy.
Qualitative methods will be used to gain in-depth
insight into the motivations and perceptions of
under-30s engaged in freelance and zero-hour
work across various industries. This data will be
contextualized with a review of recent literature on
the gig economy and statistical analysis of
demographic changes in the workforce.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN RESEARCH PROBLEM
FORMULATION?
Select the sub area Formulate Double check you
in which you have objectives for the are sufficiently
decided to conduct study (one main interested in the
the research aim/objectives study and have
Identify a broad
(process of and three or four adequate
area of interest
elimination) sub objectives) resources.
in your field
Formulate Double
Identify Select
objectives check

Dissect Raise RQ Assess

objectives

Dissect the broad Raise research Assess objectives to

area in to sub areas questions that you make sure that they can
(brainstorm) would like to be attained in time
answer through the available, and with
study financial, human
resources and technical
expertise available
 Example 2, Relationship b/n CSR and CFP (Profitability)

Step 3 Step 4
Step 2
Select Raise questions
Dissect
Step 1
1. Trends in CSR and 1. what happens to CFP
Identify Impact of when CSR declines?
Profitability CSR on 2. what are the
2. Determinants of CSR CFP relationship between
CSR and practices CSR and CFP
(profitabi
Profitabilit 3. Relationship b/n CSR and lity) (profitability).
y Profitability
4. Impact of CSR on CFP
(Profitability
5. Impact of CFP on CSR
practices, etc Step 5
Formulate Objectives
Step 7 Main Objectives
- to explore the relationship between CSR
Double Check Step 6 and CFP
1. that you are really Make Sure specific objectives:
interested in the study
assess these objectives to find out the extent of the decline in
2. that you agree with profitability in relation to the decline in CSR.
in the light of :
the objectives 1. the work involved
 to identify the relationship between CSR and
CFP.
3. that you have 2. the time available to
adequate resources you
4. that you have the 3. the financial resources
technical expertise to at your disposal
4. your technical
undertake the study
expertise in the area
The Most Frequent Mistakes When Forming A
Research Problem

The author specified The problem

1 the topic (area)- not specification Ex: “Problematic
the research problem is too broad teaching of research”
The problem is not of Not clear and Ex: Does home reading
2 a value or does not not relevant help to develop students?
make sense
Ex: Are elementary
The research yes/no option school teachers
3 problem is trivial, too questions creative?
simple
ILLUSTRATION OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
 RESEARCH PROBLEM FORMULATION
 Time frame for this study, for example, is 15 years
from 1990 to 2004.
 Unit of analysis for this research is banking system
including some selected Islamic banks in Middle East.
 Variables it consist of one independent- the Electronic
Data Processing (EDP) system and four dependents :
 audit of EDP system,
 control of errors,
 control of frauds and
 the use of Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs).
* Estimated relationship between the independent and
dependent variables, is causal relationship so that the
hypotheses of this study on such relationship are to be
formed.
 RESEARCH PROBLEM FORMULATION
 The problem identified:
 To address the new wants of their customers, new
banking products such as internet banking have been
required and therefore other data processing system
namely electronic data processing ( EDP) system must
be used as new banking products cannot be processed
through manual and mechanical systems.
 However, a computer as a major machine of EDP
might be used in proper manner or also unauthorized
people might use it in improper manner and this
matter has increased problems to this system.
 The necessity of this system is a fact but whether
this system can reduce errors and frauds or increase
them has not been searched specially in banks,
nevertheless, as other fact, this system must be
audited and controlled.
 RESEARCH PROBLEM FORMULATION---
 To check and control this system, both manual auditing
techniques as well as Computer-Assisted Audit
Techniques (CAATs) must be utilized.
 This auditing software packages from one hand can
improve the audit processes but from other hand may
create problems such as special knowledge required for
auditors to perform their functions.
 This study has been focused its emphasis on these
above processes with references to banking system
that had not been considered by previous literature
and also has been focused to analysis of EDP auditing
system in banks and is to be searched that such system
will reduce or not the errors and frauds in processing
data.
 RESEARCH PROBLEM FORMULATION---
the following five “Wh” questions must be asked and
answered when you start to think about your research
project/thesis.
What?
 It is talking about what is your research?
Why?
 Why do you want to do the research? What is its purpose?
Who?
 Who will be your participants/respondents ?
Where?
 Where are you going to conduct your research? that is
,thinking about this question in geographical terms will help
you to narrow down your research topic.
When?
 The period in which you are going to do your research.
 STATE RESEARCH QUESTIONS (HYPOTHESIS)
AND OBJECTIVES

• The goal of defining the problem is to state the research

questions clearly and to have well formulated hypothesis.
• A research question is the researcher’s translation of the
problem into a specific need for inquiry.
• Research Questions: are refined statements of the specific
components of the problem.
• Research Objective is the researcher's version of the business
problem – specifies what is to be done by the researcher.
• It explain the purpose of the research in measurable terms-
and define standards of what the research should accomplish.
• Objectives help to ensure that the project will be manageable
52
in size.
 STATE RESEARCH QUESTIONS (HYPOTHESIS)
AND OBJECTIVES

• Hypothesis: an unproven statement or proposition

about a factor or phenomenon that is of interest to the
researcher.
• It can be thought of as the researcher’s educated guess
about how the study will turn out.
• Eg., RQ1: What is the effect of work engagement on project success?
Ho: Work engagement has no significant effect on project success.
H1: Work engagement has no significant effect on project success.
• RQ2: How do people become attached to comfort foods?
Ho: People are attached to comfort foods because of past association.
53
 LITERATURE REVIEW
A LR is a body of text that aims to review the critical
points of current knowledge including substantive
findings as well as theoretical and methodological
contributions to a particular topic.
 A LR is a critical and in-depth evaluation of previous
research and establishes why you are pursuing
particular research program there by enhancing its
relevance.
 A literature review is an account of what has been
published on a topic by accredited scholars and
researchers.
CHARACTERISTICS OF RELATED LITERATURE

Recent and Valid and

timely reliable

Materials
Objective and surveyed Scholarly or
unbiased & popular -
reviewed prestige
should be;

Relevant Should not be

too few nor
too many
WHY LITERATURE REVIEW?

To define the set of To give familiarity with

knowledge your research methodologies that might be
relates to most directly used in your study.

To identify the major To laydown a sound

controversies that are foundation for the study
important for your project
To convey the knowledge
To further understanding
and idea that have been
and refining of the problem
established on a topic.

To find out what others To help Contextualize your

have learned & reported. findings.
 ORGANIZING LITERATURE REVIEW

The following points will lead to effective organization of the related literature:
A B
Develop an outline or Categorize the
topic headings on evidences of your
which discussions of a review in light of your
review of the related outline
literature follows.

C D
Use your research Start writing up in
questions/hypotheses coherent manner by
to help serve as a giving particular
framework to organize attention to
the review appropriate citation of
references
Most students' literature reviews suffer
from the following problems:

 Lacking organization, focus, and coherence

 Repetitive and bulky
 Failing to cite influential papers
 Failing to keep up with recent developments
 Failing to critically evaluate cited papers
 Citing irrelevant or unimportant references
IN GENERAL LITERATURE REVIEW SHOULD:

 Provide a context for the  Illustrate how the topic

research has studied previously

 Justify the research  Highlight flaws/gaps in

previous research
 Ensure the research
hasn’t that been repeated  Show that the work is
adding to the
 Show where the research understanding of
fits in to the existing body knowledge of the field
of knowledge
 Help refine refocus or
 Enable the researcher to even change the topic
learn from previous
theory on the subject
 Goal
Definition Sp. Objective
Importance Approach
Types of
Basic Time
Motives research
Concepts
based on Logical flow
Characteristics
Environment
Scientific meth. Var. Control
Chapter Data Type
Problem
Literature
Definition Summary
review
Meaning
Hypothesis
development Conditions

Research Research Research Sources

Design Process Problem
Literature
Data Review Steps
Collection
Data Writing
Analysis Interpretatio Problems
n & Reporting
TIPS!
COMPONENTS OF THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
 The Title  Review of Related
 Background of the Literature
Study  Methodology
 Statement of the  Study approach
Problem and design
 Objectives of the  Sources of data
study  Sampling design
 Research questions/  Data collection &
hypothesis Instruments
 Significance of the  Data analysis Plan
Study  Data quality
 Scope of the study assurance
 Limitations of the  Time and Budget
study Schedule
 Definition of Terms  Reference
or Concepts  Appendices (if any)
(optional)
 GROUP ASSIGNMENT
(RESEARCH PROPOSAL WRITING)

3/8/2024
Instructions
 Form a group of five to eight students.
 Only neat and complete answers will be credited.

 The work will be presented by all GROUP members.

 Maximum page limit: 12 pages

 Submission Deadline: February 04, 2024

 Presentation date: February 11, 2024

 COMMON MISTAKES IN PROPOSAL WRITING
 Failure to provide the proper context to frame the research question.
 Failure to delimit the boundary conditions for your research.
 Failure to cite landmark studies.
 Failure to accurately present the theoretical and empirical contributions by
other researchers.
 Failure to stay focused on the research question.
 Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed
research.
 Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues.
 Too much rambling -- going "all over the map" without a clear sense of
direction. (The best proposals move forward with ease and grace like a
seamless river.)
 Too many citation lapses and incorrect references.
 Too long or too short.
 Failing to follow the proper citation style.
 Slopping writing. 64
STRUCTURE OF RESEARCH ARTICLE