The Business Research Process

Dr. Md. Mamun Habib

Professor
 Stages of the Research Process
• 1.Problem Discovery and Problem Definition
• 2. Research Design
• 3. Sampling
• 4. Data Gathering
• 5. Data Processing and Analysis
• 6. Conclusions and Report
 Stages of the Research Process
Problem Discovery Discovery and
and Definition Definition

Research and so on
Design Conclusions and
Report

Sampling
Data Processing
and Analysis
Data
Gathering
 Research Stages

• Cyclical process - conclusions generate new ideas

• Stages can overlap chronologically
• Stages are functionally interrelated
– Forward linkages
– Backward linkages
1. Problem Discovery And Definition

• First and probably most important step

• Too often neglected leading to costly errors
• Provides direction for the project
• Problem, opportunity, or monitor operations
• Discovery before definition
• Must not mistake symptoms for problem
 State the research questions and
research objectives
Hypothesis:
• A statement that can be refuted by empirical
data
 2. Research Design

• Master plan
• Specifies methods and procedures
• Framework for action
 Research Methods
• Surveys
– Interview
– Questionnaire
– Observation
• Experiments control conditions so that one or more
variables can be manipulated to test a hypothesis
– Field
– Laboratory
• Secondary data (International Conference Proceedings,
Journals, Books, Online databases, digital library, etc.)
 Selecting a Sample

Sample: subset SAMPLE

of a larger population.

POPULATION
 3. Sampling
• Who is to be sampled?
• How large a sample?
• How will sample units be selected?
Probability Samples – every member of the population
has a known, nonzero probability of being selected
Non-probability Samples - The sample is selected on the
basis of personal judgment, unknown population
 4. Data Gathering Stage
• Focus on error minimization
• Pre-testing
5. Data Processing and Analysis
• Editing
Checking the data collection forms for omissions,
legibility and consistency

• Coding
Rules for interpreting, categorizing and recording
the data
 6. Conclusions And Report Writing

• Effective communication of the research findings

• Usually includes making recommendations
• “What does this mean to management?”