Research Questions &
Research Proposals
RESEARCH PROJECT
P R O F. J I M C O R N E R
MBM PROGRAMME 2015

Preview
Introductions
Paper outline
Assignments
Today’s material:
 What is research and why is it important?
 Research Focus: What is a research question and what makes a good research question?
 Developing research proposals and doing lit searches

What is research?
RESEARCH POJECT

What is research?


A process of systematic inquiry that generates knowledge



Asking a meaningful question and doing everything you can to answer it.

Applied vs. Basic Research
Basic

Applied

 Concerned with understanding of

phenomena
 Theoretically driven
 Search for new knowledge for knowledge sake

 Concerned with pragmatics, use,

action
 Desire to improve things
 Can be theoretically driven and yet the purpose isn’t for theory
 Search for ways to change (which can involve new knowledge)

Why research?
 To complete MRP satisfactorily
 Practical skills for managers

Design research to evaluate, answer questions
 Interpret research-based recommendations
 Essential skills for consultants
 Provides a foundation for action—reduces risk & saves costs
 Managers (and many other leaders) tend to be intuitive 

Methodology and Methods
Methods
strategies for gathering and analysing information, data
e.g., interviewing, observation, analytical techniques Methodology
theory of, or philosophy of, methods
i.e., justification of choice of methods

Major approaches to business research: Research
Paradigms

Positivist/normative
 Mostly quantitative methods  Scientific methodology 





Hypotheses
Prizes objectivity
Rigour through reliability & validity of measures Logic of replication and generalization Interpretive
 Mostly qualitative methods  Humanistic methodology 





Research questions
Rejects objectivity
Rigour through reflexive accounting Logic of insight and situated understanding

Both require precisely articulated logic to establish rigour

Burrell & Morgan Paradigms

Radical Change
View of social order Regulation

Radical
Humanist
(Criticalinterpretive)

Radical
Structuralist

Interpretive

Functionalist

(Naturalistic)

Subjective

Notions of reality Objective

Hyper-reality

Common Problems of Novice Researchers
Sloppy logic
Unsupported assertions/conclusions
Not differentiating fact and opinion
Under-reporting methods
Lack of alignment of questions and method
Questions/method of convenience
Ignoring relevant literature
Not citing sources adequately

In general, thinking and writing that lack precision and development

Research Focus
RESEARCH PROJECT

Focusing the research
Topic/problem
Aim
Research
questions
O
bj ec tiv es The general focus
Topic
 General focus of the research, eg


Social media use by nonprofit organisations

 Often

serves as working title

Problem
 Situation prompting the need for research


Eg, NPOs lack understanding of the potential of social media to achieve their goals

Aim
 Broad purpose or overall goal, eg


Identify means for NPOs to take advantage of social media Research questions
Questions to be answered to achieve

aim, eg
1.
2.
3.

How are social media currently used by NPOs?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of particular social media for NPOs?
How are social media uses implemented effectively in NPOs?

Usually 1-3 RQs for an MRP


Brainstorm, then pare down to basics

What makes a good research question? SMART


Specific



Measurable



Achievable



Relevant



Timely

Developing a good research question
Is the question clear and precise?
 Does it need further explanation?
 eg, How do New Zealand cafes and restaurants create atmosphere “flair”?
Is the question researchable?
 Can I imagine a means of gathering and analysing data to answer it?
 eg, Are NZ NPOs cutting edge in their approach to quality?  Usually, focus on present or past (since you can’t research the future!)
 Eg, Will ERP (enterprise