LECTURE 1 3rd Sep

8/8/2019 LECTURE 1 3rd Sep

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LECTURE # 1

BUSINESS RESEARCH

METHODS

Instructor: Sumia Mumtaz

PhD Scholar


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Introduction toIntroduction toResearchResearch


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Basic research is what I am

doing when I dont know what I

am doing?

Werner vonB

raunfather of the United States space program


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What is Research?

Research is the systematic study of materials

and sources in order to establish facts andreach new conclusions.

We undertake research when we wish to

explore an idea, probe an issue, solve a

problem, or make an argument that compels us

to turn to outside help.


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Types Of Research

1. Exploratory Initial research conducted to clarify and define

the nature of a problem

Does not provide conclusive evidence

Subsequent research expected

2. Descriptive

Describes characteristics of a population or

phenomenon

Some understanding of the nature of theproblem

3. Causal

Conducted to identify cause and effect

relationships


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There are two types of research:

Types of Research

Primary Research

generating original information

Secondary Researchgathering information that has

already been generated


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Primary Research

Is original research

Generates up-to-date information

Includes methods such as observation,

experiments, surveys, and interviews

Analyzes, synthesizes, and evaluates all

information and data


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Primary Research

Advantages:

Is directly applicable to the need

Can result in extremely detailed, accurate,

and relevant information or data

Can result in new information that cannot

be found in secondary sources

Results in expert knowledge


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Primary Research

Disadvantages:

Is time consuming

Requires extensive planning

Can be expensive May depend on the participation of

unreliable sources for results


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Secondary Research Requires searching information that other

researchers have already collected, analyzed,

and reported Includes published works: books, journals,

magazines, newspapers

Includes unpublished works: business reports,operating manuals, masters theses, doctoral

dissertations, web pages

Is the most commonly conducted type of

research


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Secondary Research

Advantages:

Requires less time and little to no cost incomparison to primary research

Helps the researcher to either focus or expand

his/her scope

Elicits a sense of credibility and authority in

that it shows others that the researcher has

done his/her homework


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Secondary Research

Disadvantages:

The researcher may have to sift through atremendous amount of information.

Not all information sources are valid (i.e.,

internet web pages).


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Secondary Research Sources

Research Libraries

Support faculty and students in theirresearch efforts in college/university

libraries

Have extensive collections of books andperiodicals

Contain theses, dissertations, and other

useful unpublished works


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Books

One of the most reliable published sources. Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) has

replaced the card catalog in most libraries.

Browsing library shelves may result in newsources.

Interlibrary loans result in more materials.


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Magazines

Magazine Databases include ProQuest,Electric Library, and others.

Excellent related graphics may be

discovered.


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Reference Works

Indexes guides to newspapers,magazines, and journals

Bibliographies related publications

Collections of Abstracts journal articles

Guides to Research American Library

Associations Guide to Reference Books


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Reference Works

Dictionaries The Oxford EnglishDictionary, Websters Dictionary

Encyclopedias

Biographical sources Whos Who

Yearbooks Britannica Book of the Year


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Reference Works

Atlases map collections Gazetteers geographic information

Statistical data sources Statistical

Abstract of the UnitedStates

Almanacs good for statistics

Books of quotations


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Newspapers

ProQuest Electric Library

Microfiche


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Multimedia

Films Videos/DVDs

Audiotapes


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Internet Web Pages

Search Engines: Google, Yahoo Associations, Organizations, Businesses

Government Agencies

Public Institutions: Museums, Libraries

Note: Anyone can invent information and

put it on the internet.


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Research Techniques

1. Define and list your topic, project, or problem.

2. Identify key words of the topic.

3. Identify all resources with which you are

familiar that may provide information.

4. Use the Internet to conduct quick keyword

searches and record the URL addresses.


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Research Techniques

5. Use what youve learned thus far to check

libraries for books, periodicals, journals, and

other reference works.

6. Contact schools, companies, and

organizations in your local area to identify

persons who are knowledgeable in yourresearch topic.

7. Assemble your list of resources, and begin

systematically exploring them.


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Evaluating Information

The qualityof any source should be

evaluated before using and citing itsinformation.

It is up to the researcher to differentiate

between fact, opinion, and propaganda.Legitimately published sources contain the

most reputable information.

Documents

LECTURE 1 3rd Sep