Beginning Stages of the Research Process

Problem Definition

Definition it indicates a specific managerial decision area to be clarified or problem to be solved. Process

Ascertain the decision makers objectives Understand the background of the problem Isolate and identify the problem rather than its symptoms Determine the units of analysis Determine the relevant variables State the research questions (hypotheses) and research objectives Time bounds

Research Proposal

It is a written statement of the research design that includes a statement explaining the purpose of the study and detailed, systematic outline of a particular research methodology.

Exploratory Research : What

It is an initial research conducted to clarify and define the nature of a problem. Majority of the times, exploratory research provides qualitative data, since it helps in greater understanding of a concept or crystallizes a problem, rather than providing precise measurement or quantification.

Exploratory Research : Why

Diagnosing a Situation Screening alternatives & Concept Testing

Concept Testing is a form of research that tests something that acts as a proxy for a new or revised program, product or service.

Discovering new ideas (USA v/s Japan)

Exploratory Research : Categories

Experience Surveys An exploratory research technique in which individuals who are knowledgeable about a particular research problem are surveyed. Secondary Data Analysis Preliminary view of data collected previously for another purpose to clarify issues in the early stages of a research effort Case Studies An exploratory research technique that intensively investigates one or a few situations similar to the researchers problem situation. Pilot Studies Any small scale exploratory research project that uses sampling but does not apply rigorous standards Focus Group Interview An unstructured, free-flowing interview with a small group of people. Projective Techniques An indirect means of questioning that enables a respondent to project beliefs and feelings onto a third party, an inanimate object or a task situation. Depth Interview A relatively unstructured, extensive interview used in the primary stages of the research process.

Secondary Data : Why

If I have seen farther than others, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of the giants Sir Isaac Newton Less Expensive Time Saving In cases where Primary Data is not available

Secondary Data : Why Not

Outdate information Variation in definition of terms Different units of measurement Lack of information to verify the datas accuracy Data Conversion Lack of accuracy

Secondary Data : Objectives

Fact finding Model building an attempt to specify relationships between variables based on secondary data, sometimes using descriptive or predictive equations.

Data Mining

The use of powerful computers to dig through and analyze volumes of data to discover patterns about an organizations consumers, products and activities.

Secondary Data : Classification

Internal and Proprietary Data Common external sources

Books and periodicals Government sources Regional publications Media sources Commercial sources Demographic and Census Updates Consumer Attitude and Public Opinion Research Stock Market Sources