BUSINESS RESEARCH

PROCESS

Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi

 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

Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi

 Research Stages
• Cyclical process - conclusions generate
new ideas
• Stages can overlap chronologically
• Stages are functionally interrelated
– Forward linkages
– Backward linkages

Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi

Problem Discovery Problem Selection of
and Definition discovery exploratory research
technique
Sampling

Selection of
exploratory research
technique Probability Nonprobability

Secondary
Experience Qualitative Study Collection of
(historical) Literature Study Data
survey (Exploration) data
data Gathering
(fieldwork)

Data
Editing and
Problem definition Processing
coding
(statement of and
Analysis data
research objectives)

Data
Selection of processing
Research Design basic research
method Conclusions
Interpretation
and Report
of
findings
Experiment Survey
Secondary
Laboratory Field Interview Questionnaire Observation
Data Study Report
The Business Research Process

Problem Discovery Selection of Sample

Design

Exploratory Collection of the

Research Data

Selection of the
Basic Research
Method
Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi
The Research Process (cont.)

Editing and Coding Report

Data Processing

Interpretation of the
Findings

Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi

 Stages In The Research
Process
• Problem Discovery and Problem Definition
• Research Design
• Sampling
• Data Gathering
• Data Processing and Analysis
• Conclusions And Report

Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi

 Problem Discovery And
Definition
• First step
• Problem, opportunity, or monitor
operations
• Discovery before definition
• Problem means management problem

Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi

 “The formulation of the
problem is often more
essential than its solution”

Albert Einstein

Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi

 Hypothesis
• A statement
• that can be refuted
• by empirical data

Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi

If you do not know where you are going,
any road will take you there.

Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi

 Research Proposal
• A written statement of the research design
that includes a statement explaining the
purpose of the study.
• Detailed outline of procedures associated
with a particular methodology

Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi

 Defining Problem Results in
Clear Cut Research Objectives
Symptom Detection

Analysis of
the Situation
Exploratory
Research
(Optional)
Problem Definition

Statement of
Research Objectives
Dr. Sanjay Rastogi, IIFT, New Delhi