Understanding Business and Management Research Methods - Coursework Example

 Understanding Business and Management Research Methods Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary: 5 2. Introduction: 6 3. Literature Review of Research Methodologies: 8 4. Discussion, Analysis and Evaluation: 15 5. Findings: 16 Works Cited 18 Alderfer, C. P., Brown, D. L., (1972). Designing an empathic questionnaire for organisational research. Journal of Applied Psychology Vol., 56: p. 456 - 468. 18 Anderson, D., Sweeney, D., Williams, T., Camm, J., Chochran, J., (2012). Quantitative methods for business. Mason, OH: Cengage Publishing. 18 Arbnor, I., Bjerke, B., (1997). Methodologies for creating business knowledge. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publication 18 Bazeley, P., (2009). Integrating data analyses in mixed methods research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, vol. 3 (3): p. 203 - 207. 18 Beer, S., (1979), The Heart of Enterprise, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester. 18 Bohm, D., (2000), On Dialogue, Routledge, London. 18 Brandimarte, P., (2012). Quantitative methods: An introduction for business management. London: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 18 Brown J., Sice P. (2004): Towards a Participative ‘Second – Order’ Research Design. Consultancy and Research Experiences at Draeger Safety UK, The Systemist –journal of the UK Systems Society, November 2004. 18 Bryman, A., Bell, E., (2003). Business research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press 18 Caeli, K., Ray, L., Mill, J., (2003). 'Clear as Mud': Toward Greater Clarity in Generic Qualitative Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. Vol. 2 (2): p. 1 - 24 19 Checkland, P.B., (1981), Systems Thinking Systems Practice, John Wiley & Sons. 19 Churchill, G., & Iacobucci, D. (2009). Marketing research: Methodological foundations. Cengage Learning Publication. 19 Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, California, U.S.A: Sage Publishing. 19 Crotty M. (1998), The Foundations of Social Research, Sage Publications, London. 19 Crowther, D., & Lancaster, G. (2005). Research Methods. Jordon Hill, Oxford: Routlede Publication. 19 Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. Handbook of qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, California, U.S.A: Sage Publication. 19 Eriksson, P., Kovalainien, A., (2008). Qualitative methods in business research. London: Sage Publication. 19 Fakis, A., Hilliam, R., Stoneley, H., Townsend, M., (2013). Quantitative Analysis of Qualitative Information From Interviews: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Mixed Methods Research., Vol. 8 (2): p. 139 - 161 19 Flood, R., Jackson M, (1991), Creative Problem Solving, Total Systems Intervention, Wiley, Chichester. 19 Forrester, J.W., (1994), Policies, Decisions, and Information Sources for Modelling, in Modelling for Learning Organisations. 20 Greene, J. C., Caracelli, V. J., & Graham, W. F. (1989). Toward a conceptual framework for mixed-method evaluation designs. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 11 (3), 255–274 20 Greener, S., (2008). Business research methods. Ventus Publishing 20 Hair, J. F., Celsi, M. W., Money, A. H., Samouel, P., Page, M. J., (2011). Essentials of business methods. Armonk, New York: M. E. Sharpe Inc., 20 Hesse-Biber, S., & Leavy, P. (2004). Approaches to qualitative research: A reader on theory and practice. New York: Oxford University Press. 20 Marschan-Piekkari, R., Welch, C., (2004). Handbook of qualitative methods for international business. CA: Edward Elgar Publishing 20 Mertens, D. M., (2003). Mixed methods and the politics of human research: The transformative-emancipatory perspective. In A. Tashakkori & C. Teddlie (Eds.), Handbook of mixed methods in social and behavioural research: p. 135 - 164. 20 Morgan, D. L., (2007). Paradigms lost and pragmatism regained: Methodological implications of combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Journal of Mixed Method Research, vol. 1 (1): p. 48 - 76 20 Morse, J. M., Tashakkori, A., (2009). Foundations of mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publication. 20 Neuman, W. L., (2000). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Boston: Allyn & Bacon Publishing 20 Nicolis, G., Prigogine, I., (1989), Exploring Complexity, W.H.Freeman and Company, New York. 21 Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2007). Research Methods for Business Students. Harlow: Prentice Hall Financial Times. 21 Senge, P.M., and Sterman, J.D., (1992), Systems Thinking and Organisational learning: Acting Locally, Thinking Globally in the organisation of the Future’, European Journal of Operational Research, Vol 59, No 1, p 137- 150. 21 Stokes, P. (2011). Key Concepts in Business and Management Research Methods. Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan Publishing. 21 Teddlie, C., Tashakkori, A., (2009). Foundations of mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. 21 Vogt, W. P., (2011). Quantitative research methods. London, UK: Sage Publications. 21 Yin, K. R. (2003). Case study research, design and methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. 21 Zikmund, W., Babin, B., Carr, J., & Griffin, M. (2013). Business Research Methods. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning Publication. 21 1. Executive Summary: Research acts as a foundation for developing knowledge and enhancing our existing understanding on any given subject or phenomenon. It has been widely used in the fields of science whereby researchers have often relied on extensive studies to observe a given phenomenon and refine our knowledge on various crucial issues. However research in business and management are relatively new in the field of research. The research process within the field of business management is strongly based on theories, which form a crucial part of social science research. All key concepts related to the phenomenon under study are described by way of theories, which are then used to support the research findings and explain the various interactions of variables in the study[Cro05]. This essay offers an overview of the various key elements of business research with a specific focus on research methods and research methodologies used within the field of business and management. 2. Introduction: Research methods for business management comprises of a combination of elements that are aimed at achieving the research objectives and fulfil the key aim behind carrying out the study (Hair et al., 2011). It begins with an abstract, which refers to a short statement describing and summarising the overall research framework followed by the background, aim, objectives and significance of the research study itself (Bryman & Bell, 2003). The key aspect of any research study however is the research design, which includes a brief description of the strategy chosen by the researcher to carry out the study (Saunders & Lewis, 2007; Greener, 2008). It also contains an elaborate description of the research methods and research methodology which refers to the tools intended to be applied by the researcher to collect, present and analyse the data and offer logical conclusions to the study[Sto11]. The above chart indicates the key components of the various research methods and research methodologies used and applied by researchers in the field of business and management. 3. Literature Review of Research Methodologies: The key components of the research methodologies comprise of research approach, research design and data collection methods. Research approach: A research approach comprises of detailed plans and processes that elaborates on the broad assumptions with regard to the research topic to the detailed methods applied for data collection, analysis as well as interpretation (Crewel, 2013: p. 3). It comprises of qualitative research approach, quantitative research approach and a mixed-method research approach. It also includes inductive and deductive research approach. Qualitative research approach: The qualitative research approach uses a realistic approach whereby the key focus is on exploring and understanding the peculiarities and singularities of the context of the study as is, in an actual world. It entails studying the variables in their actual surrounding without manipulating the centre of focus / key variables involved in the study (Creswell, 2013; Neuman, 2000; Morgan, 2007). This research approach helps the researcher in employing effective research methods that help in exploring, observing as well as collecting vital information needed for the study and analysing the same effectively and accurately (Denzin and Lincoln, 2000; Caeli, Ray, Mill, 2003). The qualitative research approach helps the researcher in identifying and emphasising the key issues related to the phenomenon being studied /observed through the case studies (Marschan-Piekkari & Welch 2004). Quantitative research approach: Quantitative research is a research approach that helps the researcher in testing the theories used to examine the relationship between various variables. These variables are then measured using various analytical methods and instruments, resulting in generation of numbered / statistical data that can be easily interpreted, thus enabling easy and better interpretation of the observations made (Fakis et al., 2013; Brandimarte, 2012). The use of this method helps the researcher in presenting the collected data in a structured report format which is included in the form of various chapter ranging from introduction to the theoretical and empirical framework, literature reviewed, the methods of data collection implemented, as well as instruments used for analysis, interpretation and discussions (Alderfer & Brown, 1972; Vogt, 2011). The quantitative research approach enables the researcher in testing the accuracy of the theories, assumptions and hypotheses used in the study deductively, similar to that observed in a qualitative research approach (Anderson et al., 2012; Eriksson & Kovalainen, 2008). Furthermore this research approach helps the researchers in preventing researcher bias thus enabling objective interpretation and analysis of the collected data. It also enables effective deduction of alternative theories and explanations of the data collected and in accurately generalising the results derived to the larger population thus enabling easy replication for future studies (Creswell, 2013: p. 4). Mixed method research approach bases it's knowledge claims on pragmatic grounds and it is consequence-oriented. Such type of research methods is focused on problems and is pluralistic in nature (Mertens, 2003; Bazeley, 2009). In this type of research method the researcher implements various strategies of inquiry for data collection simultaneously in order to enable effective understanding of the research problems (Morse & Niehaus, 2009; Teddlie & Tashakkori, 2009). The mixed method research approach enables the researcher to collect both qualitative i.e., text based information as well as quantitative data i.e., numeric or statistical data (Crewel, 2013; Greene, Caracelli, Graham, 1989). The research approach can be classified into two categories: The inductive approach and the Deductive approach. The inductive approach focuses on development of theories, which in turn are based on analysis of the data collected. The deductive approach on the other hand emphasises on developing and proposing novel ideas and theories based on the data collected and testing the research hypotheses (Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill, 2007; Hesse-Biber & Leavy, 2004). The inductive research approach is based on the interpretivist philosophy whereby the reality of the subject / phenomenon under study is explored through a range of factors or variables such as emotions, actions or intentions of the participants observed as a part of the study (Arbnor & Bjerke, 1997). The deductive research approach in contrast is founded on the positivist philosophy whereby the key focus is on using the scientific or actual physical principles for analysing the collected data. The inductive research approach is known to be highly useful researching a ‘new’ or emerging issue and hence used in studies, which require extensive study of a phenomenon, which is relatively ‘new’, or emerging and which has not been studied in-depth so far (Creswell, 2013). The following figures shows the inductive research and deductive research process: The deductive research approach on the other hand is known to be highly useful in exploring topics, which have already been explored and analysed ensuring greater availability of ample literature and theories developed therefrom. The deductive research approach is based on the discussions included in the literature review as well as in the theoretical framework and the observations are drawn from the existing theories. Research design: A research study can be categorised into various different categories depending on the nature and purpose of the study as well as the research problem that the researcher aims to address and explore. This includes exploratory research, causal research, descriptive study, explanatory research, and exploratory research as well as interpretative among others. The choice of an appropriate research design depends on the type of the research, objective of the study as well as the intended audience. Also other factors such as previous research on similar topics, the extent and scope of the research problem being explored, and the availability of existing information with regard to the study must also be taken into consideration and clearly defined (Yin, 2003). The various types of academic research include exploratory research where the problem is ambiguous; descriptive research where the intended audience is aware of the problem; and exploratory research where the research problem is clearly defined (Yin, 2003). A research study may include multiple approaches (Saunders et al., 2007). Exploratory study: The key aim of exploratory research study is to gain insights into the topic of research and generate ideas from the observations made therefrom. This type of research design is known to be especially useful in effectively breaking down complex problem statements and /or research questions into smaller understandable sub-problem statements in the form of research hypotheses. Furthermore this type of research design is highly effective in analysing and exploring contradictory opinions and observations made through literature review of historical studies and in accurately deciphering the meanings behind the data collected and apply it in practical settings (Churchill and Iacobucci, 2009: p. 60). Casual research: This type of research method is known to help the researchers in effectively analysing the impact and influence of one variable on another. In order to achieve this objective this method entails an in-depth study of two different types of variables namely dependent variable and independent variable. However this type of research design ensures that the study is not confined to observation of relationship between any given variables but also entails a critical and comprehensive study of all aspects critical to the research topic in question. It enables the researchers in observing the impact and influence of all variables on one another thus enabling them to study all aspects of the given phenomenon. The hypotheses in this type of research are directional in nature and are mainly aimed at analysing the cause and effect relationship between the two variables i.e. dependent and independent (Zikmund and Babin, 2012). Descriptive Research: This type of research design is especially helpful / useful in obtaining vital information necessary for the formation of hypotheses which in turn helps the researcher in arriving at logical conclusions with regard to the likely associations / relationship between them. The fundamental purpose of this type of research is to effectively depict and describe the profile of the target subjects, which includes people, events, as well as situations. This type of research design is deemed to be extremely useful in exploring the research questions; substantiating the research hypotheses; and in seeking solutions and causes behind a given phenomenon under study / observation (Zikmund & Babin, 2012). Primary data: Primary data refers to the data /information collected by a researcher for the sole purpose of the study. This data is unique to the research study and is collected by the researcher especially to substantiate the research hypotheses. This data is original and does not include or have any reference to the previous studies. Since this method entails collecting fresh and original data it is directly related to the key issue or problem of the research study and can be collected through various methods such as interviews, surveys, questionnaires etc (Crowther & Lancaster, 2009). Secondary data: Secondary data refers to data collected by the researcher based on previous studies. This includes exploratory case studies, which are collected from historical studies. Secondary data can be collected through various sources including online journals, books, government portals, relevant websites etc., among others (Crowther & Lancaster, 2009). Case Study: A case study method refers to a specific type of field research method whereby a specific topic or phenomenon is observed without any significant interference on the part of the researcher. According to Becker (1970) this type of method entails an in-depth analysis of an individual case or a collection of similar cases based on the presumption that accurate and effective knowledge can be derived from intensive exploration of such cases (p. 75). Fry et al (1999) describes case studies as a series of complex examples, which helps the researcher in gaining meaningful insight into the context of the problem in question, as well as helps them in effectively illustrating the key issues. 4. Discussion, Analysis and Evaluation: The application of appropriate type of research methodology is highly crucial to ensure successful accomplishment of research aims and objectives. Since the lack of a properly developed research methodology framework is likely to result in incomplete understanding of the subject under study and restrict /limit the ability of the researcher with regard to the various ways in which the collected data can be interpreted. Furthermore it also raises several questions concerning the validity of the study. According to Crotty (1998) an appropriate and effective research methodology must help the researcher in identifying proper techniques and procedures appropriate for the study; a detailed and comprehensive strategy or activity plan and a properly drafted ethnography process; and theoretical and philosophical stance that the research proposes to apply. Bohm (2000) emphasises the use of effective language in research since it helps the researcher in clearly defining the research goals and objectives and the methods through which the same are proposed to be achieved. Language helps the researchers in coordinating their actions and creates effective communication processes that in turn lead to a proper understanding of the theories developed and explaining the data presented. Theories are also an integral part of research. The systems approach includes a range of theories that help the researcher in exploring and analysing diverse research subjects and the manner in which the key variables behave and interact with one another (Beer, 1979; Checkland, 1981; Senge & Sterman, 1992; Forrester, 1994). It also helps the researcher in addressing the complexity within the study thus enabling a fluid presentation of the data (Nicolis & Prigogine, 1989; Flood & Jackson, 1987). 5. Findings: The following are the key findings based on the literature reviewed: Qualitative research approaches are one of the most effective means of data collection and research in the field of social sciences including business and management. This is mainly because unlike scientific research studies, research conducted within the field of business and management often require the researchers to describe or explain a given phenomenon (Crotty, 1998). Hence Exploratory or explanatory research approaches can prove to be highly effective in both achieving the research objectives as well as explaining the phenomenon under study effectively to the target audience. For instance, exploratory research often involves data collection through focus groups, secondary research, or expert surveys. Hence it would be most beneficial for carrying out surveys that involve collecting opinions of the focus groups or target audience. The results achieved through the data collected can guide the management in taking a decision in favour of or against a management policy or action. Such type of research was carried out Mars Inc., a confectionery manufacturer based in the United States. The key purpose was to gauge consumer response /opinion with regard to the Mars M&M characters. The management at Mars were interested in discovering names for the characters and an exploratory study was carried out on the target audience. The results generated from the data collected revealed that the consumers preferred to identify them through colours. This seemingly trivial piece of information proved to be highly useful in shaping the future business strategy[Zik13]. Works Cited Alderfer, C. P., Brown, D. L., (1972). Designing an empathic questionnaire for organisational research. Journal of Applied Psychology Vol., 56: p. 456 - 468. Anderson, D., Sweeney, D., Williams, T., Camm, J., Chochran, J., (2012). Quantitative methods for business. Mason, OH: Cengage Publishing. Arbnor, I., Bjerke, B., (1997). Methodologies for creating business knowledge. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publication Bazeley, P., (2009). Integrating data analyses in mixed methods research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, vol. 3 (3): p. 203 - 207. Beer, S., (1979), The Heart of Enterprise, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester. Bohm, D., (2000), On Dialogue, Routledge, London. Brandimarte, P., (2012). Quantitative methods: An introduction for business management. London: John Wiley & Sons Inc., Brown J., Sice P. (2004): Towards a Participative ‘Second – Order’ Research Design. Consultancy and Research Experiences at Draeger Safety UK, The Systemist –journal of the UK Systems Society, November 2004. Bryman, A., Bell, E., (2003). Business research methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press Caeli, K., Ray, L., Mill, J., (2003). 'Clear as Mud': Toward Greater Clarity in Generic Qualitative Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. Vol. 2 (2): p. 1 - 24 Checkland, P.B., (1981), Systems Thinking Systems Practice, John Wiley & Sons. Churchill, G., & Iacobucci, D. (2009). Marketing research: Methodological foundations. Cengage Learning Publication. Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, California, U.S.A: Sage Publishing. Crotty M. (1998), The Foundations of Social Research, Sage Publications, London. Crowther, D., & Lancaster, G. (2005). Research Methods. Jordon Hill, Oxford: Routlede Publication. Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. Handbook of qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, California, U.S.A: Sage Publication. Eriksson, P., Kovalainien, A., (2008). Qualitative methods in business research. London: Sage Publication. Fakis, A., Hilliam, R., Stoneley, H., Townsend, M., (2013). Quantitative Analysis of Qualitative Information From Interviews: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Mixed Methods Research., Vol. 8 (2): p. 139 - 161 Flood, R., Jackson M, (1991), Creative Problem Solving, Total Systems Intervention, Wiley, Chichester. Forrester, J.W., (1994), Policies, Decisions, and Information Sources for Modelling, in Modelling for Learning Organisations. Greene, J. C., Caracelli, V. J., & Graham, W. F. (1989). Toward a conceptual framework for mixed-method evaluation designs. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 11 (3), 255–274 Greener, S., (2008). Business research methods. Ventus Publishing Hair, J. F., Celsi, M. W., Money, A. H., Samouel, P., Page, M. J., (2011). Essentials of business methods. Armonk, New York: M. E. Sharpe Inc., Hesse-Biber, S., & Leavy, P. (2004). Approaches to qualitative research: A reader on theory and practice. New York: Oxford University Press. Marschan-Piekkari, R., Welch, C., (2004). Handbook of qualitative methods for international business. CA: Edward Elgar Publishing Mertens, D. M., (2003). Mixed methods and the politics of human research: The transformative-emancipatory perspective. In A. Tashakkori & C. Teddlie (Eds.), Handbook of mixed methods in social and behavioural research: p. 135 - 164. Morgan, D. L., (2007). Paradigms lost and pragmatism regained: Methodological implications of combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Journal of Mixed Method Research, vol. 1 (1): p. 48 - 76 Morse, J. M., Tashakkori, A., (2009). Foundations of mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publication. Neuman, W. L., (2000). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Boston: Allyn & Bacon Publishing Nicolis, G., Prigogine, I., (1989), Exploring Complexity, W.H.Freeman and Company, New York. Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2007). Research Methods for Business Students. Harlow: Prentice Hall Financial Times. Senge, P.M., and Sterman, J.D., (1992), Systems Thinking and Organisational learning: Acting Locally, Thinking Globally in the organisation of the Future’, European Journal of Operational Research, Vol 59, No 1, p 137- 150. Stokes, P. (2011). Key Concepts in Business and Management Research Methods. Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan Publishing. Teddlie, C., Tashakkori, A., (2009). Foundations of mixed methods research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Vogt, W. P., (2011). Quantitative research methods. London, UK: Sage Publications. Yin, K. R. (2003). Case study research, design and methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Zikmund, W., Babin, B., Carr, J., & Griffin, M. (2013). Business Research Methods. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning Publication. Read More