Research

Proposal

Dr. Rishardh Hussain

P.hD (USA), MBA, BBA (Hons), FCMI (UK), MCIM (UK), Member – AMA (USA), MSLIM, MIM

Senior Visiting Lecturer

IDM Campus
Colombo
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the discussions, you must be able to

1. Identify the case for research

2. Define and understand the research

3. Formulate and clarify the research topic

4. Define the research problem

The case for Research
The case for Research
The case for Research
The case for Research

Methods Of Intuition
Obtaining
Information
In The Authority Decision Making
Process Experience
Decision-
Making
Process
Research
The case for Research

Why do we need Academic and Business

Researches?

To obtain reliable and valid information to make effective decisions

The case for Research
Define and understand the
research
Although research is central to both business
and academic activities, there is no consensus
in the literature on how it should be defined

One reason for this is that research means

different things to different people.

However, from the many defnitions offered, there is general

agreement that research is:
 Research: What is it?
Research

What?
It is a problem in your hands for which
you do not know the solution.
Define and understand the academic research
However, from the many
definitions offered, there is
general agreement that research
is:
a process of inquiry and
investigation
systematic and methodical, and

increases knowledge
Define and understand
the academic research
Research in common parlance refers to a search
for knowledge

Word ‘Research’ is comprises of two words =

Re+Search. It means to search again. So
research means a systematic investigation or
activity to gain new knowledge of the already
existing facts.
Define and understand
the research
Research is a systematic and methodical
process of inquiry and investigation with a view
to increasing knowledge.

“Research may be defined as a method of

studying problems whose solutions are to be
derived partly or wholly from facts.”
W.S. Monroes
Define and understand the research
Research is an honest, exhaustive, intelligent
searching for facts and their meanings or
implications with reference to a given problem. The
product or findings of a given piece of research
should be an authentic, verifiable contribution to
knowledge in the field studied.”
P.M. Cook
Schematic
Characteristics
of Research
 Descriptive Exploratory Explanatory

Purpose of the
Research
Purpose of the
Research

Descriptive Research

Descriptive research is primarily

concerned with describing the
characteristics of a phenomenon or
population. It aims to provide a detailed
account of the subject of study without
attempting to explain or interpret it.
Purpose of the
Research
Exploratory research is conducted
when there is limited prior knowledge
about a specific topic or problem. It is
used to gain insights, generate
hypotheses, and develop a better
understanding of the subject
Purpose of the
Research
Explanatory research is designed to
provide a deeper understanding of
causal relationships and the
reasons behind a particular
phenomenon or outcome. It seeks
to explain why certain events or
conditions occur
Types of
Research
It is important to choose something that will sustain your interest throughout the
months that you will need to complete it.

Formulating and clarifying the research topic is the starting point of your research
project. Once you are clear about this, you will be able to choose the most
appropriate research strategy and data collection and analysis techniques

Formulate and clarify the research topic

Formulate and clarify the research topic
Formulate and clarify the
research topic
Formulating a research topic is a crucial
step in the research process.

It helps you define the scope of your

study and identify the specific area you
want to explore.
Formulate and clarify the
research topic
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you formulate a research topic:

1. Identify Your Interests: Start by thinking about your interests and passions.

What topics or subjects are you genuinely curious about? Choosing a topic
that genuinely interests you will make the research process more enjoyable
and motivating.
Formulate and clarify the
research topic
Identify Your Interests
Formulate
Formulate andand clarify
clarify the the
research topic
research topic
Identify Your Interests

Consumer Behavior and Decision-Making

1. The impact of social media on consumer

purchasing decisions.
2. How emotions influence consumer choices and
brand loyalty.
3. Cross-cultural differences in consumer
behavior and their implications for global
marketing strategies.
Formulate
Formulate andand clarify
clarify the the
research topic
research topic
Identify Your Interests
1. Employee Engagement and Productivity:
Investigate the relationship between employee
engagement and organizational productivity.
How can HR practices be optimized to improve
engagement?

2. Performance Appraisal and Feedback:

Investigate the effectiveness of performance
appraisal systems and feedback mechanisms in
driving employee motivation and development.
Formulate and clarify the research topic

2. Broaden or Narrow Your Focus

Once you have a general area of interest,
consider whether you need to narrow down or
broaden your focus. A topic that is too broad can
be overwhelming, while one that is too narrow
may lack sufficient research material. Find a
balance.
Formulate and clarify
the research topic
3. Review Existing Literature

Conduct a literature review to see what

has already been studied in your
chosen area. This will help you identify
gaps in the existing knowledge that your
research can fill. It's essential to build
on what's already known.
A research problem is a specific question or issue that a researcher
aims to investigate and address through a systematic inquiry or
study.
Occurs when there is a difference between the current conditions
and a more preferable set of conditions
It is a fundamental aspect of the research process and serves as
the foundation for the entire research project.

The research problem typically arises from a gap in existing

knowledge, a need for further understanding, or a real-world issue
that requires investigation.

Define the research problem

Define the
research
problem
The Problem-Definition Process Steps
The Problem-Definition Process Steps
The Problem-Definition Process Steps
 The Problem-Definition Process Steps

Determine the Unit of Analysis

A study indicates what or who
should provide the data and at
what level of aggregation
The Problem-
Definition
Process Steps

Determine Relevant Variables

The Problem-Definition Process Steps

Determine Relevant Variables

The Problem-Definition Process Steps
Determine Relevant Variables

A process outcome or
a variable that is
predicted and/or
explained by other
variable
A variable that is
expected to influence
the dependent
variable in some way