THE RESEARCH PROCESS: THE BROAD

PROBLEM AREA AND DEFINING THE

PROBLEM STATEMENT
CHAPTER 3
Objectives
Identify problem areas that are likely to be studied in
organization
Discuss how problem areas can be identified in work
settings
State research problems clearly and precisely
Explain how primary and secondary data help the
researcher to develop a problem statement
Develop relevant and comprehensive bibliographies for
any organizational research topic.
Write a literature review on any given topic,
documenting the references in the prescribed manner
Objectives
Develop a research proposal
Apply all you have learned to a group project that might
be assigned.

 Broad Problem Area

First step in the research process is the identification of a
broad problem area
Broad problem area refers to the general or entire situation
where research and problemsolving might be needed
Broad problem area are:
Existing issues an organisation needs to address
Areas a person wants to improve
Theoretical or conceptual issues that needs more study to
understand certain phenomena
Research questions a basic researcher wants to answer
empirically
Broad Problem Area
(cont.)
Broad problem area can be identified in ways such as:
Recognition of existing problems
Desire to improve the status quo
Planning for the future
Broad Problem Area
Problem: Any situation where a gap exists between the
actual and the desired ideal situation

Examples:
- Effectiveness of a training program
- Sales
- Career advancement for selected group of people
- IT system
- Flexible working hours etc, etc.
Preliminary Information Gathering
Phase in the early stage of soliciting information
regarding the problem of interest to enable a researcher
to gain a wider understanding and perspective of the
problem.
Maybe done: interviews & literature review

Nature of information to be gathered

Background information on the organization
Prevailing knowledge on the topic
Nature of information to be gathered
Primary data
(interviews: structured and unstructured, review existing
source of information, observation of people, events,
objects, questionnaire etc.).

Secondary data (company web-site, published records,

statistical bulletins, government publications etc.
Background Information on the
Organization
The origin and history of the company when it came
into being, business it is in, rate of growth, ownership
and control, and so on.
Size in terms of employees, assets or both
Charter purpose and ideology
Location regional, national or other
Resources human and others
Interdependent relationships with other institutions and
the external environment
Financial positions (5 to 10 years)
Information on structural factors
Information on the management philosophy
Prevailing knowledge on the topic
Literature review: means published or unpublished research articles that
others have conducted in the areas that are relevant to ones study. These
articles are consulted in order to understand and investigate ones research
problem.
Builds on foundation of existing knowledge
No important variables are ignored
AT THE END:
Write up in the form of a summary and commentary on the materials reviewed.
Its a critical look on existing research that is significant to the work that is
being carried out. Important not only to summarize but also evaluate the
research, show the relationships between different works and shows how it
relates to our work.
Need also to select what parts of the research to discuss ( eg methodology)
and show how it relates to other work ( eg what other methodology have been
used?).
- An explanation has to be provided by showing how they are similar or
different.
- The discussion must also include an account of the positive contribution , as
well as shortcoming or absences in existing research and how your research
is designed to address .
- its a systematic and critical review on all information that is related and
relevant with the topic under investigation.
Literature Review Why (purpose)
All important variables are included in the study by:
To enhance one knowledge about the topic in order to clearly
identify and limit the scope of problem
To provide broader and deeper understanding what is known and
what is unknown to a specific problem
To identify the gap and thus provide rationale /justification of
research
Convey what knowledge and ideas have been established on the
topics and what are its strength and weaknesses

Develop the theoretical framework (the importance of the research,

why and how) and hypotheses testing
To identify variables that may influence the problem

The problem statement can be made with precision and clarity

Demonstrate that the problem needs investigation and is unique
in some way
Literature Review Why (purpose)
Enhance testability and replicability of the research

Does not reinvent the wheel.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of research

The problem investigated is perceived by the scientific community

as relevant and significant
To identify promising procedures and instruments
To provide insights into possible procedures, techniques and
instrumentation to be used in the study (developing the method)
To help explain how the question to be investigated fits into the
larger picture and why the researcher has approached the topic the
way he/she has.
To discuss the relevance of each reviewed item to the researcher
topic
To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of known solutions
that are relevant to the researcher problem
Literature Review Conducting the
Literature Review
Data sources (books, journals, theses, conference
proceedings, published/unpublished manuscripts etc,
the Internet, newspapers)
Searching the literature (electronic journals, full-text
databases, bibliographic databases, abstract
databases)
Evaluating the literature (tittle, abstract, articles
introduction, problem statement, research questions,
and/ or research objectives, table of content and the
first chapter of a book)
Documenting the literature review (APA, 2001; Chicago
Manual of Style (2003); Turabians Manual for Writers
(2007)
Defining the problem statement;:
criteria in assessing of a good PS
Defined as a clear, precise and succinct statement of a specific
issue that a researcher wishes to investigate. Problem statement
should be relevant, feasible and interesting.
Important for researcher to understand what the issue is for which
answers are sought

Good literature review will lead a good problem statement

Relevant (both for academic & managerial )
Managerial perspective
- a problem that currently exists in an organizational setting eg
absenteeism in an organisation
- an area that a manager believes needs to be improved in the
organization
Thus, theoretical and conceptual issues need more study to understand
a certain phenomena
Defining the problem statement
Relevant
Academic perspective
- Nothing is known about the topic
- Much is known about the topic, but the knowledge
is scattered and not integrated
- Much research on the topic is available, but the
results are (partly contradictory, or
- Establish relationships do not in certain situations
Defining the problem statement
Feasible
Able to answer the research problem statement within
the restrictions of the research project, ex time and
money, availability of respondents, the expertise of the
researcher.
It involves whether the problem is practical one; whether
there is suitable techniques that have been developed for
carrying it out
Whether there is adequate resources such as time,
facilities and skills available

Interesting
to be genuinely interested in the problem statement and
be motivated
 Elements of Problem
Statement
Conventionally, problem statements have three
elements.
clear statement with sufficient contextual detail
to justify its importance
the method of solving the problem, often stated
as a claim or a working thesis
the purpose, statement of objective and scope
of the document the researcher is preparing
The Topic
is introduced in the first paragraphs.
includes the general subject matter.
must be introduced so that the reader can relate to it.

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Topic Selection Consideration
Personal interest
Organizational support
Ethical issues
Relevance of the study
Contribution to the field
Time constraints
Breath and scope
Economic factors
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Sources of Topic Selection
ERIC, PsycINFO, Medline
Journals, books, and dissertations in your field
Conferences, workshops, presentations
Recommendations about future research
Courses
Workplace
Expert consultations
Online library services
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Why the problem statement is
important
It establishes the importance of the topic.
It creates reader interest.
It focuses the readers attention on how the study will add
to the literature.

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Why the problem statement is
important
It establishes the importance of the topic.
It creates reader interest.
It focuses the readers attention on how the study will add
to the literature

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Stating the research problem
State the problem in the opening paragraph (i.e.,
something that needs a solution)
Identify an issue
Research-based research problems
Practical problems

Reference the problem using the literature

Common pitfall: defining the problem based on the
solution
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How the problem statement differ from
other parts of research
A research problem is an educational issue or problem
in the study.
A research topic is the broad subject matter being
addressed in a study.
A purpose is the major intent or objective of the study.
Research questions are those that the researcher would
like answered or addressed in the study.

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Justifying the problem statement
Justification based on what other researchers have found
Justification based on personal or workplace experiences
Justification based on the experiences that others have
had in the workplace

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Ethical Issues
Objectivity and integrity in conducting a research : avid use of
deception to gain information.
Deceptions can be done through:
a. By omission: researcher dont tell the whole truth about the study to
subjects
b. By commission: give false information ie, deliberate lying

Avoid invasion of privacy of subjects and respect the dignity of

respondents- seek subject permission and inform them of the purpose
of study. Researcher preserve the confidentiality of personal data
collected during the research
Do no harm to individuals or groups, the research discipline or to
society in general- researcher must ensure the outcome of the study
will not cause adverse effects to society
Example 1
According to business marketing theory, businesses are
more likely to succeed if they utilize marketing
management approaches or techniques. For example, the
marketing concept, a cornerstone of business marketing
thought, stresses the importance of determining the needs
and wants of consumers and delivering the desired
satisfaction more effectively and efficiently than competitors
(Kotler, 1986). Philosophies from marketing management
have recently been applied to almost every industry from
insurance to travel and hospital services, but not often to
farming. Concerns have been raised about the distinction
which appears to exist between agricultural and business
marketing theory (Bartels, 1983; Bateman, 1976;
Muelenberg, 1986).
Defining the problem statement
For the above problem statement identify the following:
- The general research area
- The specific research area
- The research gap
- The problem which the research intend to investigate.
(note: sometimes this can be in terms of research
question)
 Example 2
Live online sessions may be delivered in virtual classrooms from Adobe
Connect, Elluminate, GoToMeeting, Wimba, or other software programs
Many authors such as Offir, Lev, and Bezalel(2008) found the
interaction level in a synchronous class, also known as web
conferencing, to be a significant factor in the effectiveness of online
class. Other researchers describe the power of a synchronous online
h system to empower students in conversation and expression (McBrien,
Jones, & Cheng, 2009). However, online learning calsses are only
effective if students attend these calsses. Many studies have been
conducted on online classes (Kenning, 2010; Lavolette, Venable, Gose,
& Huang, 2010 ) but few specifically studied why students do or do not
attend. According to Skylar(2009), research concerning the use of
newer multimedia technologies, such as interactive synchronous web
d conferencing tools, is in its infancy and needs further and continued
study (p. 82). McBrien, Jones, and Cheng (2009) stated that more
studies are needed to explore students perceptions of the synchronous
learning experience. Thus the central question this research intend to
e study is, What are students attitudes regarding non mandatory
synchronous sessions in a southern university?
Defining the problem statement
For the above problem statement identify the following:
- The general research area
- The specific research area
- The research gap
- The problem which the research intend to investigate.
(note: sometimes this can be in terms of research
question)
Example 3
Live online sessions may be delivered in virtual classrooms
from Adobe Connect, Elluminate, GoToMeeting, Wimba, or
other software programs. Regardless of the software used,
student attendance at live online sessions, especially
optional ones, can be unpredictable at best. It is a common
complaint among the online faculty at a university in the
south that many, oftentimes most, of their students do not
attend the live online sessions. This study will address the
problem of low student attendance at non mandatory virtual
classroom meetings in online college courses.
Defining the problem statement
For the above problem statement identify the following:
- The general research area
- The specific research area
- The research gap
- The problem which the research intend to investigate.
(note: sometimes this can be in terms of research
question)

Compare Ex 1, Ex 2 and Ex 3. What is (are) the main

difference (s) between them?
Defining the problem statement
For the above problem statement identify the following:
- The general research area
- The specific research area
- The research gap
- The problem which the research intend to investigate.
(note: sometimes this can be in terms of research
question)

Compare Ex 1, Ex 2 and Ex 3. What is (are) the main

difference (s) between them?
The research proposal : steps
1. The purpose of the study
2. The specific problem to be investigated (Problem statement)
3. The scope of the study
4. The relevance of the study
5. The research design offering details on:
- The sampling design
- Data collection methods
- Data analysis
6. Time frame of the study including information on when the
written report will be handed over to sponsors
7. The budget, detailing the costs with reference to specific
items of expenditure
8. Selected bibliography
Other issues
1. Managerial Implications

2. Ethical issues in the preliminary stages of investigations

Discuss
Questions
1. What is meant by broad problem area?
2. How can broad problem area be identified?
3. Why is the preliminary information gathering important in the
research process?
4. How does one conduct the preliminary information
gathering?
5. What is a literature review and what purpose does it serve in
the research process?
6. Explain the importance of defining the problem clearly in the
research process
7. Discuss the elements of a good problem statement
8. What are the ethical issues that surround the preparation of
research
What is meant by broad problem area?
Broad problem is any situation where a gap exist between
the actual and the desired state. Entire situation where one
see possible need for research, (i.e. when there is a gap
between a desired situation and actual situation) and
problem solving

How can broad problem area be identified?

- Work, areas where you want to improve, currently existing
problem
- Based on certain conceptual framework where you want
to establish relationship based on your reading
Why is the preliminary information gathering important in
the research process?
The nature of the problem, is it worth investigating. Information
on structural factors and management philosophy, and
perception, attitude and behavioral response.
Is the problem worth researching, to determine specific issues to
be researched on

How does one conduct the preliminary information

gathering?
Secondary data readings, journals, company web-site,
published or unpublished articles, documents
Primary data interviews (individual, focus group), questionnaire,
survey, observation
What is a literature review and what purpose does it serve in
the research process?
A careful (critical) review of text book, journals, conference
proceeding and other published or unpublished materials.
Purpose to develop the problem statement with clarity, to find
out what others have done before, to ensure all important factors
are included, to establish the theoretical framework, i.e. the
variables to be used etc., etc.

Discuss the elements of a good problem statement

1. Start with the general problem, then be more specific
2. The relevance of the problem, why do you need to do the
research practical purposes or supporting literature
3. The purpose of the study
Explain the importance of defining the problem clearly in the
research process
To provide solutions to a problem that is encountered in the
work setting, the factors to be included, to study the effects
of the problem, to size up the problem properly

What are the ethical issues that surround the

preparation of research
- Access capability to do the research, avoid deception in
any form
- Ensure privacy of the respondents and sponsors
- Ensure the safety of the respondents, confidentiality of
information gained (obtained)