Identification-of-a-Research-Problem.pptx

A research problem is a definite or clear expression [statement] about an area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practice that points to a need for meaningful understanding and deliberate

1. MODULE: Business Management Research Project Master of Business Administration

2. Identification of a Research Problem/Issue W. Indralal De Silva- Professor Emeritus ( Demography ) Former Dean & Chair Professor of Demography, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo Former Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Advanced Studies (NCAS), UGC Associate Director, Regional Centre for Strategic Studies W. Indralal De Silva – Google scholar citations (Over 1200) Former Research Fellow Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, USA National university of Singapore, Singapore Australian National University, Australia web: http://indralal.elanka.net ( [email protected] ) - 0776760152 2

3. Introduction Before start with a research project, a research proposal should be compiled. For many this is a difficulty task. It is the most important aspect of the research project and should be considered carefully by the researcher. The research proposal can be envisaged as the process It is a written submission to spell out in a logic format the nature of the design and the mean and strategies that are going to be used. 3

4. Research problem – process Select a tentative research topic (broad topic) State the research problem from information gathered pertaining to the selected topic (use lit.) A clearly specified a problem is the most suitable basis for identifying potential solutions 4

5. Research problem – process Problem can be identified, both now and in the future. Prospective researchers can search within their own subject filed for suitable problems. Not all identified problems within a scientific field of study is suitable for research (corruption etc.) 5

6. The research problem should: Be of interest to the researcher & to the research community Ensure some degree of originality (or extension of existing knowledge) Have theoretical and/or practical educational significance Add to existing knowledge in a meaningful way Be researchable, feasible, and ethical 6

7. Sources for research problem/topics Research interest of professor/mentor Discussion with other graduate students Researcher's professional experience & interests Current issues in education or social sciences Research & professional literature New media technologies 7

8. Research problem / problem statement The problem statement must provide adequate focus and direction for the research. It should also identify key variables of the study and suggest the appropriate methodology for the study 8

9. Your research? Broad research area Sub - research area Focused sub - research area Research problem/Issue 9

10. How many of you know what is the research problem/issue that I am going to present now? OBOR/BRI

11. How many of you know what is the research problem/issue that I am going to present now? MCC BRI 11

12. What is the problem that you want to study? Employability of graduates Alcohol/Drugs/Violence/COVID Labour turnover Virtual employment Depression/Suicide Ageing/Social protection/Pension Taste of music/film/drama etc. Kalawata giya sitha kelawata noyaie 12

13. Aesthetics: Appreciation of our own products Films Paintings Music Carvings ( Issurumuni ) Review of literature – Important Influence of literature even observable in music industry Consider a Sinhala song Appreciation of stone carvings- PTO 13

14. Research problem (1) Attempted Suicide/ Suicide A sizable number of persons in Sri Lanka are likely to be at risk of attempting and committing suicide. Over 3000 suicides reported per year. Before this act a sizable proportion of them engage in homicide too. 14

15. Attempted suicide (Adolescents & Youth) During the adolescence changes in thoughts and feelings also take place – loss of love, stress, confusion, fear, uncertainty, pressure to succeed etc. Problems would appear too difficult or embarrassing to overcome. For some, suicide may seem like a solution. COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated their vulnerability. A sizable number of adolescents and youth are likely to be at risk of attempting suicide during COVID and post-COVID periods. 15

16. Research problem (2) An increasing no. of our employees tend to use social networking sites frequently. During last couple of years, the social networking sites are becoming popular among Sri Lankan employees and thus there exist this particular problem i.e. the impact of the use of these sites at workplace on employee performance (productivity).

17. Research problem (3) Consumption of alcoholic beverages in Sri Lanka (in Litres) Type of alcoholic Beverage 1984 (in Litres) 2013 (in Litres) Malt liquor (Beer/Stout/Porter) 8,051,701 123,094,095 Wine and Sparkling Vine 118,383 540,155 Whisky 94,720 1,469,511 Brandy 8,781 3,206,296 Gin 63,213 1,485,870 Rum 19,728 649,319 Vodka - 294,103 Liquors and Bitters 14,895 30,420 Bottled Toddy 140,013 18,129,287 Arrack 27,486,651 76,965,541

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19. Research Problem Research Question Is your research problem (question) be investigated scientifically by Qualitative or Quantitative approach? 19

20. Research Questions (example) What were the state reactions to Tamil people’s grievances since 1983 and their impacts on Sri Lanka’s external relations? What are the challenges to revitalize SAARC initiatives in South Asia? What is the Indian Government reaction on Chinese engagement in S. Asia 20

21. Activity – 1 Develop your tentative research title (broad research title - ok) & Brief Introduction Activity – 2 Identify a specific research problem/questions Develop at least two specific objectives Let me provide you few examples 21