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BUSI710 DB1 BODI - Reply to
discussion
Advanced Business Research Methods (Liberty
University)
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Forum 1 Part A 1
Discussion Board Forum 1 Part A
Kristin Bodie
School of Business, Liberty University
Author Note
Kristin Bodie
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Kristin Bodie
Email: [email protected]
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Discussion Board Forum 1 Part A
According to Robson & McCartan (2016), real world research is research that is used to
solve problems that affect the human condition and help people understand and improve the state
of the world. Additionally, research can be accomplished on a local or global scale. However,
small scale research can also be applied to large scale scenarios and vice versa. When deciding to
undertake a research project, it is important to have a good design, keep the audience in mind,
know what is being evaluated, and set obtainable goals. Moreover, research can be quantitative,
qualitative, or a combination of both strategies. Further, good research must be non-biased,
ethical, and well thought out. In the Doctor of Business program, the two types of research that
will be conducted primarily are case studies and consulting.
According to Harrison, et al. (2017), case studies are an in depth analysis through the
detailed collection of information from a variety of sources of an individual unit or group of units
over time with emphasis on the contributing factors in relation to the environment (p.14).
Additionally, Harrison, et al. (2017) state that case studies can be used as a method for research
and as a methodology. This means that a case study can be the process used for the research or it
can be the way the researcher observes and makes decisions about the study (pp. 6-10). Further,
Harrison, et al. (2017) state that the methods used to develop case studies vary by researcher and
that for this reason case studies are diverse and versatile (p.7). Therefore, case studies can be
used for a variety of problems and a good case study determines and executes a plan and then
evaluates the results.
Like case studies, consulting for business is also a difficult to define concept because the
definition varies depending on the researcher and context. Nissen (2019) defines consulting as a
specialized service provided by a qualified person or group of professionals that are independent
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from the advised client and that identifies, analyzes, and resolves an issue (p. 14). This service is
provided within a certain time constraint and is a paid service. The purpose of consulting is to
obtain expert advice on how to deal with a problem and how to implement solutions adequately
and appropriately. Therefore, the client’s objectives and expectations must be well established.
Additionally, Nissen (2019) states that there are four types of consulting in business: advisory,
expert, developmental/coaching, and systematic (p. 14). Like case studies, consulting can be
used for a wide variety of problems and a good consultant compiles data from multiple sources
to determine the proper solution for the client.
In the field of research, there are multiple methods that can be utilized. It is important for
the researcher to determine which method is most appropriate for the problem and to then
establish a well defined and thought out design for the research. Case studies are appropriate for
situations that involve an individual or group that implements a solution and then studies the
solution and the effects it has on solving the problem. Case studies are ideal for qualitative
research to solve a real-world problem on a global or local scale. Consultation is more
appropriate for an individual or organization that is seeking to purchase professional assistance
in solving problems within a timely manner.
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References
Harrison, H., Birks, M., Franklin, R., & Mills, J. (2017). Case Study Research: Foundations and
Methodological Orientations. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative
Social Research, 18(1). doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17169/fqs-18.1.2655
Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016). Real world research (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Nissen, V., (2019). Advances in Consulting Research. Springer International Publishing.
