Business Research Methodology Chapter 2 pptx

Business Research Methodology Chapter 2

1. CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH   Characteristics of a Good Research (Scientific Method)   A good research follows the standards of the scientific method. Below is a listing of the characteristics of a good research/scientific method):   1. Purpose clearly defined; 2. Research process detailed; 3. Research design thoroughly planned; 4. High ethical standards applied; 5. Limitations frankly revealed; 6. Adequate analysis for decision maker’s needs; 7. Findings presented unambiguously; 8. Conclusions justified; and 9. Researcher’s experience reflected.   (Cooper and Schindler, 1998)    

2. The Hallmarks of Scientific Research ( Uma Sekaran , 2000)   According to Uma Sekaran (2000), the hallmarks or main distinguishing characteristics of scientific research may be listed as follows:   1. Purposiveness ; 2. Rigor; 3. Testability; 4. Replicability ; 5. Precision and confidence; 6. Objectivity; 7. Generalizability ; 8. Parsimony.    

3. STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECT     The Various levels of Student Research Projects   1. First degree and diploma projects: a. Analytical rigor is not usually demanded b. Independent inquiry is required c. Exercise of judgment is requirement d. A reasonable standard of presentation of the results   2. Postgraduate dissertations 3. Master’s degree by research 4. Doctoral projects

4. Doctoral Research Project   This is the highest level of student research activity and although students may go into careers in research itself this will probably be the last occasion when they formally assessed on the grounds of both research competence and originality .   The major aim is to present a thesis for external assessment which will prove to be satisfactory in both respects. A subsequent aim may be, through publication, to become recognized as an expert in the field of study.   The requirements are, inevitably, more demanding than those of the master’s degree by research; for example the University of Bradford (1981) requires that “ The thesis…… must form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and show evidence of the discovery of new facts or the exercise of independent judgment ”  

5. The achievement of a doctorate in any subject will represent a major investment in terms of time and effort. Rarely is the process completed in less than three years and there is no guarantee of a successful outcome. Failure to complete is a disturbing feature of doctoral study.   A sizeable proportion of students registered for doctorates ( and indeed for other qualifications) pursue their studies part-time; that is in addition to their prime employment. The motivation needed to sustain research effort over, possibly, a seven year period has to be of a high order. Access to facilities and supervisors are much more restricted than is the case with full-time students and the value of self-management of the project is therefore greater.  

6. Feasibility of the Research Proposed   The feasibility of a student research project depends on factors such as:   1. Availability and access to data and information 2. Opportunity to pursue a particular research design (e.g. set experiment or be allowed to be stationed in an organization) 3. The time needed to complete the research 4. The technical skills needed by the student 5. Financial support 6. The risks involved

7. Features of Student Research   Some of the constraints in student research are:   1. The topic may be imposed on the student. 2. The research (if it is to be rated as success) must be completed within a given time period. 3. Funds for experiment, travel, postage and so on may be limited or non-existent. 4. The results of the research must be presented in a specific manner. 5. The student may have to relate to an academic supervisor who may possibly be disinterested or lacking in competence in the field of study chosen.  

8. Other Important Features:   1. Research work outside the educational system is almost entirely directed towards adding to knowledge.   2. However, within the education system, the need to demonstrate research competence is essential.   3. The need to demonstrate research competence outweighs that of adding to knowledge at all levels of student research.

9. Supervisor’s Involvement in the Various Stages of a Student Research Project:   1. Stage of Selecting and Justifying a Research Topic: a. Initial selection of a topic. b. Techniques for generating research topics. c. Feasibility of the research proposed. d. Value of the research. e. Research symmetry (outcome of research should be identified, e.g., hypotheses may be proved or disproved.) f. Scope of study. g. Developing the research proposal.

10. 2. Stage of Planning the Research Project: a. Determine the objectives b. Listing activities c. Estimate activity time   Working with a Supervisor In general a supervisor should:   1. Get the student to define objectives at each stage of his/her work 2. Check to see that those objectives are met 3. Verify with the student that his/her work is of the right standard  

11. It is Recommended that Student should:   1. Attempt at the outset to ascertain the supervisor’s views of the supervisor/student relationship 2. Agree with the supervisor the routine aspects of the relationship (and take responsibility for the implementation) 3. Produce written lists of queries prior to meetings with the supervisor 4. Keep written notes of meetings with the supervisor and submit copies to him/her 5. Agree with the supervisor the nature and timing of written material to be submitted to him/her  

12. Progress Report (Student)   The student should be prepared to submit reports as agreed. Progress reports should show the following:   1. The latest version of the research plan. 2. Whether a milestone event in the project has been researched. 3. Action points agreed at the last progress meeting. 4. Queries raised by the student or suggestions from the supervisor at routine meetings.  

13. Common Questions Students Should Ask About their Prospective Supervisor   1. What is his/her record in terms of student completion?   2. What is his/her view of the management of student research and in particular his/her role in it?   3. How eminent is he/she in his/her specialism/area of specialization?   4. How accessible is he/her?  

14. What Supervisors Expect of their Doctoral Students:   1. Expect student to be independent. 2. Expect student to produce legible written work. 3. Expect to seek advice and comments on their work from others. 4. Expect to have regular meetings with their students 5. Expect students to be honest when reporting on their progress. 6. Expect students to follow the advice they give, particularly when the supervisor has given that advice at the request of the student. 7. Supervisors expect their students to be excited about their work. 8. Supervisors expect their students to be able to surprise them 9. Supervisors expect their students to be fun with.

15. Criteria for Evaluating a Master or PhD Thesis   1. Theoretical framework 2. Literature review 3. Quality of data 4. Methodology 5. Readability and writing style 6. Results obtained and conclusion 7. Contribution to knowledge

16. Requirements of a PhD Thesis:   1. A distinct contribution to knowledge (e.gs., new and original) 2. Evidence of the discovery of new facts or the exercise of independent judgment (e.g., methodology systematically done). 3. Literary presentation 4. Original work of merit worthy of publications. 5. Competent in independent work or experimentation 6. Understanding of the appropriate techniques. 7. Critical use of published work and source materials.