The forced decline in focus of gas vehicles in the car industry

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Khal_BUSI_301_Ch_1_2021.pptx

Chapter 1

Introduction to Research

Definition Research

Research is an organized, systematic, data-based, critical, objective inquiry into a specific problem that needs a solution.

Business research: an organized and systematic inquiry or investigation into a specific problem within an organization context with the purpose of finding answers or solutions to it.

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Theory and Information

Data, information, and theory play an important role in research.

Data

Raw facts and observations

Information

Data made useful and meaningful for decision making

Characteristics of useful information:

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Characteristics of useful information:

Timely

Relevant

Complete

High quality (Accurate. & Reliable)

Understandable

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Theory and Information

What is theory?

The term ‘theory’ can mean a lot of things, depending on whom you ask: 

an idea or hunch that someone has;

any concept, instrument, model, or framework that helps one to think about or solve a problem, describe a phenomenon, or understand a topic of interest.

To a scientist, a theory explains a certain phenomenon.

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E-to-P

Expectancy

P-to-O

Instrumentality

Outcomes

(Rewards) & Valences

Outcome 1

+ or -

Effort

Performance

Outcome 3

+ or -

Outcome 2

+ or -

Expectancy Theory of Motivation

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Basic versus Applied Research

Basic research: is designed to make a contribution to general knowledge and theoretical understanding, rather than solve a specific problem

What is the effect of caffeine consumption on human body?

How can business travellers be encouraged to reduce their carbon footprints?

Applied research: solves a current problem faced by a manager/organization in the work setting, demanding a timely solution.

E.g.,

How bullying can be prevented at ABC Organization?

How can energy be saved in a particular workplace (AUD)?

Basic versus Applied Research

Purpose

Expand our understanding knowledge regarding a process/phenomenon

Results in universal principles relating to the processes and its relationship to outcomes

Findings of significant and value to society in general

Context

Undertaken by people based in universities

Choice of topic and objectives determined by the researcher

Flexible timescale

Purpose

Improve understanding of specific business or management problem in a specific organization/industry

Results in solution to a problem

New knowledge limited to a problem

Findings of practical relevance and value to manager(s) in organization(s)

Context

Undertaken by people based in a variety of settings, including organizations and universities

Objective negotiated with originator universities

tight timescale

Example 2

A research scientist wants to investigate the question: What is the most effective way for an organization to recover from a service failure? Her objective is to provide guidelines for establishing the proper "fit" between service failure and service recovery that will generalize across a variety of service industries.

A service failure, simply defined, is service performance that fails to meet a customer s expectation. Typically, when a service failure occurs, a customer will expect to be compensated for the inconvenience in the form of any combination of refunds, credits, discounts or apologies,

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Example 3

A university professor wanted to analyze in depth the reasons for absenteeism of employees in organizations. Fortunately, ABC company within 20 miles of the campus employed her as a consultant to study that very same issue.

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More Examples of Research Areas in Business

Absenteeism

Communication

Motivation

Consumer decision making

Customer satisfaction

Budget allocations

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Why should a manager know about research when the job entails managing people, products, events, environments and the like?

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Why Managers Should Know About Research

Being knowledgeable about research and research methods helps professional managers to:

Identify and effectively solve problems in the work setting.

Know how to discriminate good from bad research.

Appreciate the multiple influences and effects of factors impinging on a situation.

Take calculated risks in decision making.

Prevent possible vested interests from exercising their influence in a situation.

Relate to hired researchers and consultants more effectively.

Combine experience with scientific knowledge while making decisions.

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The Manager–Researcher Relationship

Each should know his/her role

Trust levels

Acceptance of findings and implementation

Issues of inside versus outside researchers/consultants

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Internal Researchers

Advantages:

Better acceptance from staff

Knowledge about organization

Would be an integral part of implementation and evaluation of the research recommendations.

Disadvantages

Less fresh ideas

Power politics could prevail

Possibly not valued as “expert” by staff

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External Researchers

Advantages

Divergent and convergent thinking

Experience from several situations in different organizations

Better technical training, usually

Disadvantages

Takes time to know and understand the organization

Rapport and cooperation from staff not easy

Not available for evaluation and implementation

Costs

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