Research Methods for Business by Uma Sekaran - Book Report/Review Example

Outline This paper intends to examine the processes of a research method in relation with the problem at hand. The problem at hand, involves students of from New Brunswick College who are studying hotel and restaurant operation. They are managing and operating a restaurant where, the tips received are given to the school. This trend has reduced this morale towards working and consequently the business has lost substantial profits. In addition, the students are not bothered on the grading because each one of them will be given the same grade, despite hard work. The steps include, theoretical framework and hypothesis development, measurement, sampling, quantitative and qualitative analysis. This paper intends to show how the problem at hand can be taken through the processes of research discussed in following sections. Chapter 4 Theoretical framework and hypothesis development This chapter provides an exclusive description of a research process through a theoretical framework and hypothesis development. This process includes identification of variables and basic features of a theoretical framework. In addition, the process involves development of a hypothesis. In most cases the hypothesis developed revolves a round the situation at hand. There are four types of variables namely dependent, independent, moderating and mediating variables. It is imperative to note that this research process involves labeling and linking variables amongst themselves wit the intent of forming a theoretical framework (Uma, 2010). A theoretical framework is a significant aspect of any research method since it provided the overall direction of a research process. More over, the theoretical framework is regarded as the foundation of any hypothetical-deductive research. It forms the basis of the hypothesis that will be developed. The process of building a theoretical framework involves the introduction of definitions of variables in the model, developing a theoretical model intended to provide an evocative demonstration of the theory and coming up with a theory that is intended to provide a justification for associations amid variables in the model. After developing a theoretical framework, development of testable hypothesis follows. These hypotheses are intended to examine whether the theory is sound suitable or not. Statistical analyses should then be used to test the hypothesized associations. It is notable that the entire research rests on the theoretical framework (Uma, 2010). This study observes that advancing a superior theoretical framework is fundamental to probing the problem under exploration. It is imperative to note that the theoretical framework provides a conceptual base to proceed with research, which includes proper understanding of the associations of variable network. A variable refers to anything that can assume varying values. Some of the examples of variables include production units, motivation and absenteeism. An independent variable is one that affects the dependent variable. This implies that both the independent and dependent covary in such way that a change in the dependent variable leads to change in the independent variable. Consider the example below Independent variable Dependent variable On the other hand, a moderating variable performs the role of imparting strong contingent effect on the relationship amid the independent and dependent variables. More over, the moderating variable modifies the initial relationship between the two variables. Having considered the basics of variables the next but most critical step is the development of theoretical framework (Uma, 2010). As observed earlier the theoretical framework forms the sure base of the entire research project. It is imperative to note that the framework is based on logical development, clear-cut description and elaborated network of relationship amongst the variables. The variables should be relevant to the problem under investigation. Above all, this study observes that intuition and experience play a significant role in the development of the theoretical framework. After building the theoretical framework, derivation of the hypotheses follows. A hypothesis refers to a faltering and testable statement tat projects what is expected of the researcher in the empirical data (Uma, 2010). Hypotheses can be defined as logical conjectured associations amid two or more variables, which are expressed in the form of statements. Solutions of correcting the problem under investigation can be obtained by testing and confirming the hypotheses in relation with the conjectured associations. The following steps are followed when carrying out the hypotheses State the null and the alternate hypotheses Choose the apposite statistical test depending on whether the data collected. Determine the desired level of significance (Uma, 2010). Check, whether the computer analyzed output, results indicate the compliance of the significance level (Uma, 2010). Chapter 7 Measurement: Scaling, reliability and validity This topic examines all aspects of measurement which project to scaling, reliability and validity. Four types of scales exist. They include nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio. The scaling techniques involved include rating scales, ranking and international dimensions scaling. In terms of stability of measurement test-retest, reliability and parallel-form reliability are examined. To check consistency of reliability, split-half and interim consistency are used. Validity check is done by content, construct and criterion validity (Uma, 2010). A scale refers to an instrument by which individuals are differentiated as to what extent they vary from one another on the relevant variables. The degree of sophistication and consistency of the scales progressively increases as we move from nominal to ratio scaling. Nominal scale allows a researcher to assign subjects to certain groups using numbers or letters. Ordinal scale, besides categorizing variables to distinguish diverse groups, it also ranks the groups in a specified order. It is notable that ordinal scaling enables the researcher to establish the percentage of respondents who consider interaction with others as most fundamental. On the other hand, the interval scale enables researchers to execute definite statistical operations on the information collected from the respondents. This kind of operation based on statistical formula aid in calculating the means and standard deviation of the data (Uma, 2010). The ratio scale method is advantageous since it overcomes the burden of the arbitrary origin point of the interval scale. The ratio scale measures both the magnitude of the variations between the points of the scale and taps the proportions in the disparities. The central tendency of the ratio scale measure can be either geometric or arithmetic wile the dispersion measure may be variance, standard deviation or coefficient of variation. This study observes that in the organizational research, there are several rating scales used. Some of them include dichotomous scale, Category scale, semantic differential scale, numerical scale, itemized rating scale among many others. Similarly, the goodness of measures is ascertained trough item analysis (Uma, 2010). Item analysis involves carrying out tests for the reliability of the tool used in the measure and the validity of the measure executed. The aspect of validity is intended to ascertain that the right concept is measured whereas reliability is intended to establish the consistency and stability of measurement. The two aspects indicate the scientific rigor in the research study. Chapter 10 Sampling Sampling refers to the process by which correct objects or representatives of the whole population are selected. Population can be defined as the whole group of events or objects or people intended for investigation. In such cases, the researcher applies sample statistics. An element can be defined as a single component of the population under investigation. On the other hand, a sample refers to the subset of the population (Uma, 2010). It comprises some members selected from the population. Samples are used to define the larger picture of the entire population under investigation. A sampling unit is an element available for selection in a certain stages during sampling processes. A single member of a sample is referred to as the subject. This process of sampling uses parameters, which include the population mean, variance and standard deviation. This study indicates some reasons fro sampling, which include impracticality of collecting data from the entire population under investigation, reduce cost, time and relevant human resources. It is advantageous to carry out sampling because the magnitude of errors exhibited at the end of the process is reduced. It is observable that, a lot of care should be observed when sampling or selecting the representative objects or samples such that precision in approximating the population values can be minimal consequently accurate results (Uma, 2010). Similarly, attributes of the population are distributed normally. This implies concentration is high around the mean leaving the few to the extreme. The sampling process involves five fundamental steps, which include defining the target population, determining the sample frame, determining the sampling design and executing the sampling process. It is imperative to note that the step of determining the sampling design might take two directions, which include probability and non-probability sampling. The probability sampling design involves known or non-zero probability of being selected, whereas the non-probability, the elements do not exhibit known probability or predetermined projection. Examples of probability sampling method include simple random sampling, systematic, stratified random sampling, cluster sampling and area sampling (Uma, 2010). On the other hand, examples of non-probability sampling techniques include convenience, judgment and quota sampling Chapter 11 Quantitative Analysis This chapter examines the process that follows after collection of data has been done. In essence the collected data requires to be analyzed and then testing the research hypotheses. The basic procedure followed in the analysis of data entails the following sub stages. They include, data coding, coding responses, data editing and transformation. After undergoing this process, then the final data should be used in calculating the measures of central tendency. Some of these measures include the mean, median and mode. In essence, this process provides a quantitative analysis of data. Quantitative means assumption made from quantifiable elements or aspects such as the central measures of tendency mentioned earlier (Uma, 2010) Chapter 13 Qualitative data analysis This process of data analysis does not involve any quantifiable element or aspects. It involves the following steps, data reduction, data display, drawing conclusions and testing reliability and validity. This study indicates that, qualitative data can come from a wide source of both primary and secondary sources, however qualitative data analysis is intended at making valid inferences from the wide range of data collected (Uma, 2010). Report Chapter four In chapter, four of the book, the research method identified is the theoretical framework and development of hypothesis. This process includes identification of variables and basic features of a theoretical framework. In addition, the process involves development of a hypothesis. In most cases the hypothesis developed revolves a round the situation at hand. There are four types of variables namely dependent, independent, moderating and mediating variables. It is imperative to note that this research process involves labeling and linking variables amongst themselves with the intent of forming a theoretical framework (Uma, 2010). The situation at hand involves researching whether the tips are supposed to be given to students for motivation or to the school. This situation involves tips and motivation as the independent and dependent variables. This implies that if the tips increase they have direct influence on the level of motivation, which will also affect the sales. Consider the following theoretical framework of the situation. Independent variable Dependent Dependent I decided to use this research method to handle the situation at hand because it involves both dependent and independent variables, which are well catered for in the research method. In addition, the theoretical framework helps in simplifying the problem even before starting doing the analysis. More over, this study observes that advancing a superior theoretical framework is fundamental to probing the problem under exploration (Uma, 2010). It is imperative to note that the theoretical framework provides a conceptual base to proceed with research, which includes proper understanding of the associations of variable network. This understanding has contributed to faster interpretation and representation of association amid variables in the theoretical framework model. Chapter 7 In chapter seven, the research method observed is the organizational research, which involves measurability and scaling. This kind of operation based on statistical formula aid in calculating the means and standard deviation of the data (Uma, 2010). The ratio scale method is advantageous since it overcomes the burden of the arbitrary origin point of the interval scale. However, it is observable that this method of research may not aid in solving the situation at hand. This is because of the availability of both dependent and independent variables. Chapter 10 Sampling Sampling refers to the process by which correct objects or representatives of the whole population are selected. Population can be defined as the whole group of events or objects or people intended for investigation (Uma, 2010. In such cases, the researcher applies sample statistics. An element can be defined as a single component of the population under investigation. This method of research is suitable in handling the problem under investigation because of the existence of both the population and a sample to be used can easily be obtained from the population. For instance, the a few students would be picked to represent the sample. Whatever feedback obtained from the small number of the students would be used to make a general judgment on the entire population. Diverse techniques of sampling can be used. For instance, the simple random method can be used to pick the sample. Chapter 11 This chapter examines the process that follows after collection of data has been done. In essence the collected data requires to be analyzed and then testing the research hypotheses. In essence, this chapter does not examine a research method but a process of a research method, which involves analysis of data aimed at making the final judgment. After getting information from the selected sample of students, it should be quantitatively analyzed through calculation of the central tendency measures (Uma, 2010). Chapter 13 This is not a research method rather a process of data analysis, which does not involve any quantifiable element or aspects. In essence, qualitative data can come from a wide source of both primary and secondary sources, however qualitative data analysis is intended at making valid inferences from the wide range of data collected. This process will aid in ascertaining the data collected from the sample of student really originated from the population of students under investigation. References Uma Sekaran (2010). Research methods for business: A skill building approach. New York: Surendra Publications. Read More