Examples Applied research

In the dynamic world of business, a manager's role transcends mere supervision and coordination of tasks. It encompasses strategic
decision-making, problem-solving, and staying ahead in a competitive market. This necessitates an understanding of research methodologies
and their application in various aspects of management. Here’s why research knowledge is pivotal for managers:

Knowledge of research and research methods is important for professional managers:

Problem solving:
Scenarios: Helps identify and quickly resolve various types of problems in the work environment, such as
communication barriers between management teams or bottlenecks in work processes, and improve management
effectiveness.

Identifying Research Quality:

Scenario: The ability to identify high quality research can help avoid being misled by low quality research when
developing new strategies or adopting new methods, and improve the reliability of management decisions.
Examples Applied research
Synthesise influencing factors:
Scenario: The ability to understand and analyse the multiple influences of different factors, e.g. market trends,
consumer behaviour, etc., in order to make integrated management decisions.

Reflection in decision-making:
Scenario: The ability to take well-considered risks in management decisions, such as launching a new product or
entering a new market, to ensure sound decision-making and robust business development.

Resisting the influence of vested interests:

Scenario: Ability to prevent vested interests from influencing management situations, e.g. impartiality in staff
promotions or resource allocation, maintaining objectivity in management decisions.

Making effective contacts:

Scenario: More effective networking with employed researchers and consultants to promote teamwork, information
flow and overall synergy in the management team, e.g. through team workshops or regular exchange of reports.
Combining experience and scientific knowledge:
Examples Applied research
Combining experience and scientific knowledge:
Scenario: The ability to skilfully combine experience with scientific knowledge when making management decisions
to develop comprehensive and effective strategies, e.g. to improve management execution when dealing with
conflicts or challenges within the management team.

By acquiring these skills, professional managers can better adapt to complex business environments and improve
the accuracy, foresight and overall team synergy of their management decisions, thereby driving sustainable
organisational success.
Examples Applied research
Business Acquisitions and Market Analysis

Acquisitions and market analysis are two key aspects of the business world, and real-world examples provide vivid and
concrete applications of both.
In the real-world example, Coca-Cola is considering the acquisition of China's Huiyuan Juice Group. This decision is
based not only on strategic expansion, but also on in-depth analysis of market trends, potential risks and return on
investment. This highlights the role of applied research in solving real business problems. Acquisitions are not just a
strategic decision, they are business dynamics that require in-depth insight and real-world data support.
This includes aspects such as market growth potential, customer base compatibility and financial stability. These factors
are critical for decision-makers to understand the market environment, forecast trends and evaluate investment
opportunities. By delving deeper into these issues, applied research provided the organisation with data-driven insights
that helped develop a more informed business strategy.
Real-world examples provide a strong empirical foundation for two key areas: corporate acquisitions and market
analysis. By combining theoretical knowledge with real-world data, applied research becomes an indispensable tool for
guiding business decisions, providing organisations with strong support for success in a competitive business
environment.
Examples Applied research
Analysis of Employee Absenteeism

Employee Absenteeism Analysis is an applied research study in the specific context of a university professor's investigation of
employee absenteeism in a company. Based on the hypothesis that employee absenteeism may be related to workplace culture,
job satisfaction or other external factors, this study aims to uncover the underlying factors that contribute to absenteeism and
provide a basis for developing targeted strategies.

In this study, possible hypotheses include employees experiencing cultural discomfort in the workplace, low job satisfaction, or
being affected by external factors such as family issues. These hypotheses are expected to be validated through surveys and data
analysis, which will provide insight into the root causes of employee absenteeism.

This research directly addresses organisational efficiency and employee well-being and is expected to improve attendance and
productivity by understanding the reasons for employee absenteeism. The application of the research findings to the company's
operations and HR strategies demonstrates the direct value of applied research in solving real organisational problems.

Practical examples of absenteeism analysis demonstrate the value of applied research in specific contexts. By focusing on specific
problems, formulating hypotheses and analysing causes in depth, applied research provides a key tool for improving management
and developing effective policies.
Examples Applied research
Service Failure and Recovery in Organizations

The study of service failure and recovery is fundamental research aimed at exploring effective recovery strategies for service
failures in different organisations. Compared to applied research, its focus is on theoretical principles and generalisability rather
than on solving specific problems in particular organisations. This basic research is exploratory in nature and aims to provide a
theoretical basis for future applied research and fundamental insights for the development of specific recovery strategies.

The importance of this research lies in its potential contribution to the theoretical framework for applied research. The principles and
theories developed should serve as a basis for the development of specific recovery strategies for individual industries or
companies. By its very nature, basic research supports applied research, enabling it to more effectively address practical
industry-specific challenges.

These three scenarios illustrate the subtle differences between applied and basic research. Applied research directly addresses
real-world problems, while basic research focuses more on theoretical exploration. Their interplay drives the advancement of
knowledge, with basic research providing theoretical support for applied research, and applied research applying theory to solve
real-world problems. This interaction is essential for the advancement of knowledge and practical applications in all fields.
Examples Applied research
Gathering Information on the Organization's Background

A systematic and comprehensive approach is needed when conducting the analysis of background information on the organisation
to ensure that the information obtained is of substantial help for future decision-making and planning. The following are some
suggestions for information gathering and analysis:

1. **Organisational history and culture:**

- Collect important historical milestones and developments since the creation of the organisation.
- Study the organisation's cultural values, traditions and core beliefs to understand the common values shared by employees.

2. **External environment analysis:**

- Investigate the competitive landscape of the market to understand key competitors, market share and industry trends.
- Analyse regulatory and policy changes and assess their impact on the organisation's operations.
- Examine social, technological, economic, and political (STEEP) factors to predict future developments in the external
environment.

3. **Organisational structure and internal mechanisms:**

- Understand the structure of the organisation, including the responsibilities and relationships of the various departments.
- Analyse internal operating mechanisms, especially critical processes and decision-making paths.
Examples Applied research

4. **Related information on the research topic:**

- Gather detailed industry reports, market analyses and latest developments in related fields on the research topic.
- Obtain internal data directly related to the research topic, including past project experience and success stories.

5. **Continuous feedback and adjustments:**

- Maintain communication with all levels within the organisation to obtain real-time feedback and information updates.
- Make necessary adjustments and corrections based on the results of information analyses to ensure the accuracy and
usefulness of the information.

By delving into these areas, you can build a comprehensive understanding of your organisation's context, providing strong support
for strategic planning, decision-making and future planning.
Examples Applied research
Purpose of the Literature Survey

The purpose of the literature review is severalfold:

To position the research in relation to existing knowledge:To ensure that the research is aligned with the existing literature so
that it is clearly positioned and new contributions build on existing knowledge.
To look at the problem from a particular perspective:A literature review helps to look at the research question from different
dimensions and perspectives, providing a diversity of understanding and analysis.
Avoid the risk of reinventing the wheel:Ensure the uniqueness and innovation of the research by understanding previous
research and avoiding duplication of previous work.
Introduce relevant terminology and define key terms:Provide a comprehensive understanding of the terminology and key
concepts in the research area to ensure that the reader has a sound understanding of the research.
Understand the research methodology of others:Analyse the methodology of previous research to inform the choice of research
methodology and learn about the methods used by other scholars to answer similar questions.
Integrate research into academic discourse:Placing research findings in the wider academic and research discourse promotes
the advancement of the field and the sharing of knowledge.
Examples Applied research
Apparel Manufacturer Sampling Design

When conducting a sampling design for an apparel manufacturer's taste assessment of 35-44 year old consumers, a number of key
steps can be combined to increase efficiency.

1. **Target population definition and segmentation:**.

- Define the target population for the study, including consumers aged 35-44, and segment the population to take into account
factors such as gender, geographic location, occupation and income level.

2. **Sampling frame construction and sampling:**.

- Establish a comprehensive sampling frame that includes the target age group and use random sampling techniques to select
the sample. Ensure the diversity and randomness of the frame.

3. **Sample size and questionnaire design:**.

- Determine an appropriate sample size and design a detailed questionnaire covering colour preferences, style preferences,
brand preferences, etc.
Examples Applied research

4. **Survey implementation and data collection:**.

- Conduct the survey among the selected sample using online, telephone or face-to-face methods. Ensure strict control over the
survey process to minimise bias and data collection.

5. **Data Analysis and Conclusions:**.

- Statistical analysis of collected data to identify common taste trends and preferences of consumers aged 35-44. Conclusions
are drawn using appropriate statistical tools to ensure the reliability of the results.

6. **Report writing:**.
- Summarise the results of the analysis and draw conclusions about the tastes of the target group. Finally, a detailed report is
written to provide apparel manufacturers with market insights to guide product design and marketing strategies.

Through these steps, sampling design can be carried out more effectively while ensuring scientific validity and reliability, providing
manufacturers with meaningful market information.
Examples Applied research
European University Sampling Plan

Key steps in designing a sampling programme on student attitudes in European universities

Defining the target group and setting up the sampling frame:

Define the target group of the study, i.e. European university students.
Creation of a comprehensive sampling frame including students from different European universities, subdividing the group to take
into account different countries, disciplines, grades, etc.

Sampling and sample size determination:

Use random sampling to select a sample from the sampling frame to ensure that each student has an equal chance of being
selected.
Determine the appropriate sample size to draw statistically significant conclusions.

Questionnaire design and administration:

Design a comprehensive questionnaire covering various aspects of students' attitudes, such as quality of teaching, extra-curricular
activities and satisfaction with school resources.
Conduct the survey among the selected sample using online, face-to-face or email surveys to ensure the quality of the
questionnaire and the response rate.
Examples Applied research

Data analysis and conclusions:

Statistical analysis of the data collected to identify key trends and differences in the student population.
In-depth analysis using appropriate statistical tools to draw conclusions about student attitudes and provide detailed insights for
decision makers.

Recommendations and report writing:

Based on the results of the data analysis, make recommendations for improvement to help the University better meet student
needs and enhance the overall student experience.
Write a detailed report outlining the steps of the sampling plan, the results of the data analysis and recommendations to assist
decision makers in developing relevant policies and improving the campus environment.

These steps will enable a more effective sampling plan to ensure a comprehensive understanding of student attitudes at European
universities and provide substantive recommendations for improving the campus environment.
Examples Applied research
Developing a theoretical framework and formulating testable hypotheses is a crucial step in research, especially in situations involving
complex social dynamics like those in educational settings. In this scenario, a school administrator is interested in understanding how a
potential teachers' strike, driven by concerns over pay demands and the physical environment of classrooms, can be averted. Despite these
apparent issues, there is a belief that these are not significant concerns for the highly dedicated teachers. This situation presents an
opportunity to explore various theories and hypotheses.

Developing a theoretical framework and testable hypotheses are key research steps in exploring how to avoid a teachers' strike
scenario. The following are possible theoretical frameworks and corresponding testable hypotheses that can provide guidance in
addressing this issue:

### Theoretical framework:

1. **Recognition Motivation Theory:**

- **Theoretical summary:** Teachers' strikes may be driven by deeper motivations beyond pay and the physical environment of
the classroom.
- Hypothesis:** Teachers' concerns about pay and the environment may reduce the likelihood of strike action if they feel positively
affected by their work in educating pupils.
Examples Applied research
2. **Theory of Organisational Behaviour:**.
- Teachers' perceptions of communication and support within the organisation may influence whether or not they decide to strike.
- Hypothesis:** The risk of strike action may be reduced if school administrators are able to establish effective lines of
communication and provide positive responses to teachers' concerns.

3. **Professional identity theory:**.

- Theoretical summary:** Teachers may exhibit higher levels of forbearance and patience and reduce the likelihood of strike
action because of their identification with their profession.
- Hypothesis:** Teachers may be more inclined to resolve problems through dialogue rather than strike if school administrators
are able to emphasise the important role teachers play in shaping the future of their students.

### Testable hypotheses:

1. **Hypothesis 1:**.
- Teachers' job satisfaction is negatively related to the likelihood of going on strike.
- The hypothesis was tested by surveying teachers' job satisfaction and tracking the occurrence of strikes over a period of time.
Examples Applied research
2. **Hypothesis 2:**.
- Hypothesis:** Effective communication and support will reduce the likelihood of strikes by reducing teachers' concerns about
pay and environment.
- Test method:** Analyse the quality of communication channels and support systems within schools and observe the relationship
between these factors and strike incidents.

3. **Hypothesis 3:**.
- Hypothesis:** Emphasising educational values reduces the risk of strike action by reducing teachers' concerns about pay and
environmental issues.
- Test method:** By examining the extent to which educational values are emphasised in school culture and observing whether
this is associated with the occurrence of strikes.

These theoretical frameworks and hypotheses provide a systematic way of thinking about and approaching the issue of teachers'
strikes and provide a clear direction and methodology for the study. By testing these hypotheses, school administrators can better
understand and address potential problems and improve harmony within their schools.