Chapter Two

Research Process, Research Proposal and Ethical

Consideration

3–1
MODEL OF THE RESEARCH PROCESS
RESEARCH PROCESS
 The research process follows a pattern, and that pattern does not vary. The model
of the research process, detailed in earlier slide, illustrates this pattern.
 The structure of the research project too follows a pattern or a convention, and that
pattern or convention doesn’t change. The steps are sequential, as indicated in the
model of the research process.
 Research projects are very organic, they are living and growing entities and they
change all the time. Generally the changes happen in tiny shifts in emphasis, rather
than giant changes or u-turns. In any case, any and all changes affect the entire
project, and so the researcher is constantly engaged in a process of editing the
thesis or report as it develops, in order to ensure that all the changes made are
properly incorporated into the thesis and all of the changes made ‘fit’ properly into
the thesis.
 The thesis is the written record of the research project. It is a synopsis of all of the
work carried out. As the word count is always quite constrained, it is not possible
for this written record to be anything more than a synopsis of all of the work that
went into the research project.
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
 Scientific Method
 A set of prescribed
procedures for establishing
and connecting theoretical
statements about events, for
analyzing empirical evidence,
and for predicting events yet
unknown.
 Techniques or procedures
used to analyze empirical
evidence in an attempt to
confirm or disprove prior
conceptions.
 Suggested steps:
1. Assess relevant existing
knowledge of phenomenon
2. Formulate concepts and
propositions
3. State hypotheses
4. Design research to test the
hypotheses
5. Acquire empirical data
6. Analyze and evaluate data
7. Propose an explanation of the
phenomenon and state new
problems raised by the research 3–4
THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH
 Decisions need to be based on organised, systematic, data-based, critical,
objective and scientific enquiry for specific solutions.
 Scientific focus on solving problems or finding opportunities through a
step-by-step logical, organised and rigorous method to identify the
problems or opportunities, gather data, analyse them and draw valid
conclusions from them.
 Helps researchers to state their findings with accuracy and confidence.
 Tends to be more objective than subjective and helps managers and
business people highlight the most critical factors at their organisations that
need specific attention so as to avoid, minimise or identify and solve
problems.
 Scientific investigation and managerial decision-making are integral
aspects of effective problem-solving.
THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH
 The term scientific research applies to both basic and applied
research.
 Applied research may or may not be generalizable to other
organisations, depending on the extent to which differences
exist in such things as size, nature of work, characteristics of
the people and or structure of the entire organisation.
 Has to be an organised and systematic process where
problems and opportunities are carefully identified, data,
scientifically gathered and analysed, and conclusions are
drawn in an objective manner for effective decision-making.
WHEN A RESEARCHER DOES NOT APPLY THE
SCIENTIFIC APPROACH
 Does not warrant investment of these resources to do
thorough, rigorous scientific research.

 When a decision needs to be made quickly, lack of

knowledge and other factors can prompt businesses to try and
solve problems based on hunches.

 Rash decisions on critical matters may result in failed

implementation of plans.
THE 8 HALLMARKS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
 Purposiveness – Solid aim or purpose
 Rigor - Based on a solid theoretical base and sound methodological
design using appropriate instruments to meet the stated objectives
 Testability - Developing a set of research questions or hypotheses that
can be scientifically tested
 Replicability – Results can be supported again and again when the same
type of research is repeated
 Accuracy – Precision and confidence

 Objectivity - Conclusions drawn based on the interpretation of results and

facts based on findings derived from the results of analyzing actual data
 Generalisability - Scope of applicability of research findings in one
organizational setting to another organisational setting
 Parsimony - Simplicity explaining complex situations
Purposiveness
 The research is conducted with a purpose. It has a focus. The purpose
of the research should be clearly mentioned in an understandable and
unambiguous manner. The statement of the decision problem should
include its scope, its limitations and the precise meaning of all words
and terms significant to the research. Failure to mention the purpose
clearly will raise doubts in the minds of stakeholders of the research as
to whether the researcher has sufficient understanding of the problem.
Rigor
 Rigor means carefulness, scrupulousness and the degree of exactness
in research investigation. In order to make a meaningful and
worthwhile contribution to the field of knowledge, research must be
carried out rigorously. Conducting a rigorous research requires a good
theoretical knowledge and a clearly laid out methodology. This will
eliminate the bias; facilitate proper data collection and analysis, which
in turn would lead to sound and reliable research findings.
Testability
o Research should be based on testable assumptions/hypotheses
developed after a careful study of the problems involved. The
scientific research should enable the testing of logically developed
hypotheses to see whether or not the data collected support the
hypotheses developed.

Replicability
o Research findings would command more faith and credence if the
same results are evolved on different set of data. The results of the test
hypothesis should be supported again and again when the same type of
research is repeated in other similar circumstances. This will ensures
the scientific nature of the research conducted and more confidence
could be placed in the research findings. It also eliminates the doubt
that the hypotheses are supported by chance and ensures that the
findings reflect the true state of affairs
Accuracy - Precision and Confidence
 In management research the findings are seldom definitive due to the fact that the
universe of items, events or population are not taken as such but based on sample
drawn from universe. There is a probability that the sample may not reflect the
universe. Measurement errors and other problems are bound to introduce an element
of error in the findings. However the research design should ensure that the findings
are as close to the reality as possible so that one can have confidence in the findings.
 Precision refers to the closeness of the finding to ‘reality’ based on sample. It
reflects the degree of accuracy or exactitude of the results on the basis of the sample
to what exactly is in the universe.
 The confidence interval in statistics is referred here as precision.

 Confidence refers to the probability that the estimation made in the research
findings are correct. It is not enough if the results are precise but it is also important
to claim that 95% of the time the results would be true and there is only a 5%
chance of the results being wrong. This is known as confidence level. If the
precision and confidence levels of the research findings are higher then the findings
of the research study would be more scientific and useful. Precision and confidence
can be attained through appropriate scientific sampling design.
Objectivity
o Research finding should be factual, data based and free from bias. The
conclusion drawn should be based on the facts of the findings derived form
the actual data and not on the basis of subjective or emotional values.
Business organizations will suffer a greater extent of damage if a non-data-
based or misleading conclusion drawn from the research is implemented.
Scientific approach ensures objectivity of research.
Generalizability
o It refers to the scope of applying the research findings of one organizational

setting to other settings of almost similar nature. The research will be more
useful if the solutions are applicable to a wider range.
o The more generalizable the research, the greater will be its usefulness

usefulness and value. However it is not always possible to generalize the

research findings to all other settings, situations or organizations.
o For achieving generalizability the sampling design has to be logically

developed and data collection method needs to be very sound. This may
increase the cost of conducting the research. Inmost of the cases though the
research findings would be based on scientific methods it is applicable onlyto
a particular organization, settings or situations.
Parsimony
o Research needs to be conducted in a parsimonious i.e. simple and economical manner.

Simplicity in explaining the problems and generalizing solutions for the problems is
preferred to a complex research framework.
o Economy in research models can be achieved by way of considering less number of

variables leading to greater variance rather than considering more number of variables
leading to less variance.
o Clear understanding regarding the problem and the factors influencing the same will lead

to parsimony in research activities. The sound understanding can be achieved through

structured and unstructured interview with the concerned people and by undertaking a
study of related literature in the problem area.

SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH

The scientific research in management area cannot fulfill all the above-discussed hallmarks
to the fullest extent. In management research it is not always possible to conduct
investigations that are 100% scientific like in physical science as it is difficult to collect and
measure the data regarding feelings, emotions, attitudes and perception. It is also difficult to
obtain representative sample; these aspects restrict the generalizability of the findings.
Though it is not possible to meet all the above said characteristics of the scientific research,
to the extent possible the research activities should be pursued in the scientific manner
FIGURE 4: PURPOSIVENESS OF INVESTIGATING CUSTOMERS’
INTENTION TO BUY SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE PRODUCTS

Factors Increased
Increased
Involved in Purchase
Sales of
Purchasing Intention for
Socially
Socially Socially
Responsible
Responsible Responsible
Products
Products Products
FIGURE 5: THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR (APPLIED TO
THE PURCHASE INTENTIONS FOR SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
PRODUCTS)

Attitude
towards
Behaviour

Purchase
Subjective Intention to
Norms Buy Socially
Responsible
Products
Perceived
Personal
Behaviour
PROBLEMS IN CONDUCTING RESEARCH IN
BUSINESS USING THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH
 The inability to meet all eight hallmarks of scientific
research.

 Difficulties in the measurement and collection of data when

trying to quantify human behaviour and perceptions.

 Obtaining a truly representative sample.

 Comparability, consistency and wide generalisability are

often difficult to achieve.
 Sem. 6/7 Sem. 7/8

• MGM4105 • MGM4999
[4(3+1)] COURSE IMPLEMENTATION
(4 credit hours)
• Lecturer BRMTotal TWO•semesters
Supervisor (90%)
(70%) & • Discussant (10%)
Supervisor(30%) • Prerequisite:
MGM4105
FYP PROPOSAL
1) You will develop your research proposal as part of Business
Research Method (MGM4105) assignment

2) You will be assisted by BRM lecturer and Supervisor:

~ Supervisor nomination: Fill up FYP registration form with

“Research Title” and “Supervisor” detail (PU/PS/BR06/AJR)
and submit to “Department of Management” office by week
3 (sem 1 or when taking BRM)

~ FYP title: preferably relevant to majoring area

3) Prepare a Gantt Chart: covering your research timeline for

Sem 6/7 and Sem 8, and attach the Gantt Chart as APPENDIX
in FYP proposal.
Gantt Chart : Final Year Project Paper

ACTIVITY/ TIME Sept 2014 to May 2015

Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mac Apr May Jun
Step 1 : Develop Research Proposal
(chapter 1-3)

Step 2 : Collect Data

Step 3 : Analyze Data

Step 4 : Write Chapter 4

Step 5 : Write Chapter 5

Step 6: Revise All Chapters

Step 7: Prepare Project Paper Presentation & Submit

Project Paper
FYP PROPOSAL

4) Record every meeting with supervisor (Form PU/PS/BR07/AJR

).

5) Submit FYP Proposal to “Academic Office FEP” office in week

14.
FYP PROPOSAL
Not more than 60 pages; 3 chapters:-

Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 3: Methodology

1.1 Introduction 3.1 Introduction
1.2 Research Background
1.3 Overview of the industry 3.2 Target Respondents
1.4 Problem Statement 3.3 Sampling Strategy
1.5 Significance of the study
1.6 Research Questions/objectives 3.3 Instrument or
1.7 Definition of terms measurement
1.8 Summary of Hypothesis
1.9 Conclusion
3.4 Data Collection
3.5 Data Analysis
Chapter 2: Literature Review 3.6 Conclusion
and Hypothesis Development
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Theories and concepts
2.3 Reviews on ………. * Students to discuss with supervisors on
2.4 Hypothesis Development
2.5 Research Framework appropriate subtitles
2.6 Conclusion
FYP PROPOSAL CONTENT
1. Title page
2. Table of content
3. Chapter 1 Introduction
4. Chapter 2 Literature Review and
Hypothesis Development
5. Chapter 3 Methodology
6. References
7. Appendices: questionnaire/secondary data
extraction, timeline/Gantt Chart, meeting form,
Literature Matrix

Note: Submit also “FYP Proposal Assessment Form”

 ASSESSMENT
FYP Proposal
Problem statement and objectives – 6%
Literature Review – 10%
Methodology – 6%
Delivery (Storyline/grammar/flow) – 3%
Gantt Chart and Milestone – 2%
Meeting Frequency – 3%

TOTAL – 30%
• Submit FYP proposal to “Academic Office FEP” (1 copy –
W14
comb bind)
• Remind supervisor to assess FYP PROPOSAL
• Attend lecture and tutorial MGM4105 W4-W13
• Meet and record every meeting with supervisor in
PU/PS/BR07/AJR
TIME LINE FOR FYP PROPOSAL
• Register and attend class MGM4105
W1-W3
• Nominate supervisor and get agreement on a research topic by
filling in PU/PS/BR06/AJR
ETHICS AND BUSINESS RESEARCH
 Research is conducted morally without compromising the
rights of any parties (especially the respondents of the
research).

 Researcher has a key role to play.

 The researcher has to exhibit and practice good conduct

throughout the research endeavor.
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
ETHICS
 The ethical researcher is informed. S/he must be organised and systematic.
 S/he is sensitive to the people involved in the investigation and engages
with them, and with the entire research process, in an ethical manner.
 The quality of every research project is dependent upon the integrity of the
researcher.
 The researcher in reporting the research details what s/he set out to do, how
s/he did it, what s/he found, and what that means. Obviously, the account of
the research must be accurate and honest. It must give enough detail for to
allow the reader to evaluate the work. The literature review must be
comprehensive, complete and up-to-date. The data must be properly
gathered, properly managed,
and analysed appropriately. The conclusions drawn from the research must
be drawn from the findings of the research, and these findings must emerge
from the data gathered.
 CONTINUED...

•Every researcher has responsibilities to a number of constituencies. These

constituencies include the institution within which and/or under whose
auspices the research is being carried out; and all individuals, groups,
institutions and organisations participating in the research.

• The researcher has a duty of care towards all participants, and must,
above all, do no harm.

• All participation in your research should be on an informed, voluntary basis.