The forced decline in focus of gas vehicles in the car industry
Prof. Reinford
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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