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Simplified Chapter 3 Notes

Chapter 3 emphasizes the importance of clearly defining research problems to avoid wasted resources and ensure effective decision-making. It outlines the differing perspectives of managers and researchers, the types of problems to address, and the steps to formulate a research plan. Additionally, it discusses various research designs, including exploratory, descriptive, and causal approaches.

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11 views2 pages

Simplified Chapter 3 Notes

Chapter 3 emphasizes the importance of clearly defining research problems to avoid wasted resources and ensure effective decision-making. It outlines the differing perspectives of managers and researchers, the types of problems to address, and the steps to formulate a research plan. Additionally, it discusses various research designs, including exploratory, descriptive, and causal approaches.

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dawitkidus111
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Simplified Notes: Chapter 3 - Formulating Research Problem & Research

Design

1. Understanding the Problem


Defining the problem is the most important step in research. A poorly defined problem
leads to wasted resources and poor decisions.
A problem may be an issue to fix or an opportunity to improve. Clear communication
between manager and researcher is key.

2. Managers vs Researchers
Managers focus on decision-making and profits. Researchers focus on information and
truth. Their perspectives differ but must align for successful research.
They must collaborate, communicate, and understand each other’s roles.

3. Questions Before Research


Managers ask: What's the problem background? What info is needed? What decisions will
this support?
Researchers ask: What are research limitations? What's the client's history and
assumptions? Are there ethical concerns?

4. When to Do Research
Do research if it helps clarify problems, supports decisions, gives competitive advantage, or
helps track the market.
Use cost-benefit analysis: only proceed if benefits exceed research costs.

5. Two Types of Problems


Management Problem: What decision needs to be made?
Research Problem: What information is needed to make that decision?

6. Steps to Define the Problem


 • Assess the company, product, and market background.
 • Understand the manager’s objectives and constraints.
 • Clarify the symptoms (e.g., falling sales).
 • Identify potential causes of the problem.
 • List possible solutions.
 • Speculate on each solution’s consequences.
 • Question assumptions made by the manager.
 • Evaluate existing information and identify gaps.
7. Turning the Problem into a Research Plan
Define Constructs: Concepts like brand awareness, satisfaction, etc.
Operational Definitions: Define how constructs will be measured (e.g., surveys).
Identify Relationships: e.g., lower price leads to more sales.
Create a Model: Visual/logical connection of concepts and relationships.
Set Research Objectives: Must be precise, detailed, clear, and measurable.

8. Research Design
The blueprint of the research process: what, how, and when to collect and analyze data.
A good design ensures valid, reliable, and cost-effective research.

9. Types of Research Design


• Exploratory: Informal research to gain background (e.g., focus groups, secondary data).
• Descriptive: Structured research answering who, what, where, when, how.
• Causal: Experiments to test cause-effect (if X, then Y).

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