Business Research Methodology
Types:
1.Quantitative Research
Emphasis on numerical data
2. Qualitative Research
Emphasis on non-numerical
The Business Research Process
Information
• Reduces uncertainty
• Helps focus decision making
Research design can be divided into two
groups: exploratory and conclusive.
Exploratory research, according to its
name merely aims to explore specific
aspects of the research area.
Conclusive research can be divided into
two categories: descriptive and causal.
Descriptive research design, as the name
suggests, describes specific elements,
causes, or phenomena in the research
area.
The Business Research Process
Problem Selection of
Discovery Sample Design
Exploratory Collection of the
Research Data
Selection of the
Basic Research
Method
The Research Process (cont.)
Editing and Report
Coding
Data Processing
Interpretation of
the Findings
Stages In The Research
Process
Problem Discovery and Problem Definition
Research Design
Sampling
Data Gathering
Data Processing and Analysis
Conclusions And Report
Problem Discovery And
Definition
Problem, opportunity, or monitor operations
Discovery before definition
Problem means management problem
“The formulation of the
problem is often more
essential than its solution”
Albert Einstein
Types Of Research
Exploratory
Descriptive
Causal
Uncertainty Influences
The Type Of Research
CAUSAL OR COMPLETELY ABSOLUTE EXPLORATORY
DESCRIPTIVE CERTAIN AMBIGUITY
Degree of Problem Definition
Exploratory Research Descriptive Research Causal Research
(Unaware of Problem) (Aware of Problem) (Problem Clearly Defined)
“Our sales are declining and “What kind of people are buying “Will buyers purchase more of
we don’t know why.” our product? Who buys our our products in a new package?
competitor’s product?”
“Would people be interested “Which of two advertising
in our new product idea?” “What features do buyers prefer campaigns is more effective?”
in our product?”
Exploratory Research
Secondary data
Experience survey
Pilot studies
Initialresearch conducted to clarify
and define the nature of a problem
Does not provide conclusive evidence
Subsequent research expected
12
Descriptive Research
Describes characteristics of a population or
phenomenon
Some understanding of the nature of the
problem
Examples:
Weight Watchers average customer
Household income of about $50,000
At least some college education
Descriptive Research
Men’s fragrance market
1/3 size of women’s fragrance market
But growing at a faster pace
Causal Research
Conducted to identify cause and effect
relationships
GDP, Inflation rate, Exchange rate etc
Identifying Causality
A causal relationship is impossible to prove.
Evidence of causality:
1. The appropriate causal order of events
2. Concomitant variation--two phenomena vary
together
3. An absence of alternative plausible explanations