Introduction

to
Business Research

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 Lecture Outline
• Introduction
• Meaning and Definition of Research
• Definition of Business Research

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 Objectives
• To understand the concept of Business
Research

• To understand the nature of Business Research

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 Introduction
Several authors have described research differently.
It often starts with a problem or a question in order
to seek answers to questions with the application of
systematic and scientific methods.

Thus, research is the scientific and systematic

approach towards definite investigation
necessitating formulation of hypothesis, collection
of data on relevant constructs, analysis and
interpretation of results and reaches the conclusions
as solution of generalizations.

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 Introduction
–Search for knowledge or systematic investigation to
establish facts.
–Literally, research means (re-search) or search again
for the knowledge/solutions to solve the existing
problems.
–Search for new knowledge or to develop new concepts
and theories.
–The systematic inquiry which provides information for
decision making.

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 Meaning of Research
Research means discovering, interpreting and the
development of methods and systems for the
advancement of human knowledge on a wide
variety of scientific matters of world and the
universe.

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 Definition of Research

Grinnell: “The word research is composed of two

syllables, re and search.”
Fred Kerlinger (1986) also endorsed the thought and
stated that “Scientific research is a systematic,
controlled and critical examination of propositions
about several phenomena”
Lundberg (1942) made one of the earliest distinctions
who stated „Scientific methods consist of systematic
observation, classification, and interpretation of data‟.

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 Definition (cont..)

• Webster Dictionary: “A careful inquiry or

examination in seeking facts or principles: diligent
investigation in order to ascertain something.”

• Robert Ross: “Research is essentially an

investigation, a recording and analysis of evidence
for the purpose of gaining knowledge.”

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 Definition (cont..)
• Fred Kerlinger: “Research is an organized inquiry
designed and carried out to provide information for
solving a problem.”

• Francies Rummel: “Research is a careful inquiry or

examination to discover new information or
relationships and to expand and to verify existing
knowledge.”

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 Definition (cont..)

• Clifford Woody: “Research comprises of

defining and redefining problems, formulating
hypothesis or suggested solutions; making
deductions and reaching conclusions; and at
last carefully testing the conclusions to
determine whether they fit the formulating
hypothesis”

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 Definition (cont..)
• George G. Mouly: “Research is considered to be the more
formal, systematic, intensive process of carrying the scientific
method of analysis. It involves a more systematic structure of
investigation, usually resulting in some sort of formal record
of procedures and report of result or conclusions.”

• R.R. Rusk: “Research is a point of view, an attitude of

inquiry or a frame of mind. It asks questions which have
hitherto (up till now) not been asked and it seeks t answer
them by following a fairly definite procedure. It is not a mere
theorizing, but rather an attempt to elicit fact and to face them
once they have assembled ”

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 Business Research
The fundamental value of business research is
that it curtails uncertainty by providing
information that improves the decision-making
ability. It identifies problem or opportunities,
select and implement a course of action and
evaluate the adopted course of action.

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 Business Research
“Business research is a systematic inquiry that
provides information to guide managerial
decisions. More specifically, it is a process of
planning, acquiring, analyzing, and
disseminating relevant data, information, and
insights to decision makers in ways that mobilize
the organization to take appropriate actions that,
in turn, maximize business performance.”

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 Definition of Business Research

• Easterby-Smith et al. (2002) stated business

research must have some practical consequences,
either immediately, when it is directed for the
solution of an immediate business problem or
when the theory or model developed can be
implemented and tested in a business situation.
• “Business research is defined as the systematic
and objective process of generating information
for aid in making business decisions.”

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 Definition Suggests:
1. Research information is neither intuitive nor haphazardly
gathered.
2. The information generated or data collected and analyzed
should be accurate.
3. The objective is to facilitate the managerial decision-making
process for all aspects of a business: finance, marketing,
personnel, and so on.
4. An essential tool for management in its problem-solving and
decision-making activities, business research generates and
provides the necessary qualitative or quantitative information
upon which to base decisions. By reducing the uncertainty of
decisions, research reduces the risk of making wrong
decisions.
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