Research Methods

and Critical Thinking

Session 1

Marcos LIMA, PhD

Associate Professor, EMLV
marcos.cerqueira_lima@devinci.fr
 Welcome!
 Session 1
 What this course is about
• Who I am; my expectations; your expectations
• Course objectives and assessment
 What is Research?
• How? Why?
 Your Dissertation
• Skema guidelines
• Structure
 Research Planning
• Stages
• Gantt chart of your research

2
 Who I Am
Marcos Lima, PhD
 Brazilian, lived and studied in
• Brazil (Federal University of Bahia),
• US (St. Paul Academy, Michigan State
University),
• Austria (Universität Klagenfurt)
 Worked for
• Bosch (Germany)
• FIEB / SECTI / Clicom (Brazil)
• Amadeus (France)
 Research interests include
• Innovation, Marketing and Knowledge
Management

3
 What we expect from you
In order for you to make
the most out of this course
you need to:
 buy the textbook and
read the assigned chapters
 prepare the assignments
in between class
 find your research question
as soon as possible

You should also be…

 PARTICIPATIVE
 ASSIDUOUS & ON TIME
 CURIOUS

4
 What we expect from you
 Mandatory
Reading
 Saunders, Mark
N.K., Adrian
Thornhill, and Philip
Lewis. 2009.
Research Methods
for Business
Students. 5th ed.
Prentice Hall.

5
 What we expect from you
Dissertation
Guidelines

6
 Brainstorming: Your Expectations
 A good course  A good course
should… should not…
 here your ideas will  here your ideas will be
be written… written…

7
 Course structure
Sessions Content Graded Saunders
Assignment Chapter

1-Introduction to Research Methods

-Formulating the research topic
Problem statement :
topic, question(s),
1, 2

Oct. 13-Clarifying the topic: research question(s) objective(s) (15%)

-Determining relevance: objectives

2-Problem statement peer presentation

-Structuring the sources of theoretical
Annotated literature
review (15%);
3

Nov. 10evidence
-Critically reviewing the literature

3-Annotated review peer presentation

-Research Philosophy and Methodology
methodology review
(10%)
4

Nov. 17

4 -Methodology review peer presentation

-Research design and research proposal
Research
proposal draft
5, 6, 7

Dec. 01

5-Research proposal workshop* Final research

proposal (60%)
8 Dec. 03* In pairs, reciprocal criticism of final research
Dec. 06
proposals
 Assessment
Research Proposal:

 Problem Statement
 Annotated Literature Review
 Methodology Review

9
 Assessment
 Two types of evaluation
 Peer presentation (40%)
• At the end of each lecture, a self-graded exercise will be
assigned (see grading template below)
• At the beginning of each class, students hand in their self-
graded assignment to the lecturer
• The lecturer will instantly redistribute the assignments (two
by two) for peer presentation
• Working in pairs, each person will present their project to
their peer.
• In the end of their presentation, they should argue why
they deserve the self-attributed grade
 Lecturer assessment (60%)
• The final product of the peer review sessions will be a
Research Proposal that will be graded by the lecturer
• NOTE: If there is a large gap between the lecturer’s
assessment of the final report and your self-assessment of
the partial results, the lecturer reserves the right to change
your self-attributed grade!
10
 Final
Problem Annotated Literature Methodology
Report
Statement (15) Review (15) Review (10)
(60)
Due: Nov. 10 Due: Nov. 17 Due: Dec. 01
Dec. 06
Below expectations

Incoherent
Methodology confused with
Poor quality of sources (mostly web- relationship
Topic, research question and description of methods and
based sites, few books and peer- between
objectives in some doubt; techniques; unaware of or
reviewed articles); argument not questions/obj
uncertainty over strategic confused about research
following a particularly clear thread, or ectives,
relevance; serious questions about philosophy and approach;
not particularly convincing; unclear literature and
Self- feasibility. 0-4 methods and techniques taken
premises; poor referencing. 0-4 methodology.
for granted. 0-3
Assessment 0-15

At least 10 sources from indexed Fairly

journals and expert books; Methodology discussed though coherent
Occasional lack of clarity in topic,
reasonable consistency between with incomplete awareness of relationship
questions and objectives; strategic
sources and arguments; no particular limitations; research between
Good

relevance discernible; feasible in

originality; some uneveness in philosophy and approach questions/obj
principle but questions about
presentation; occasional doubt as to considered, techniques fine but ectives,
overcoming methodological
how the premises are articulated in not conclusively shown to be literature and
difficulties 5-13
the literature; good referencing with relevant. 4-8 methodology.
occasional inconsistencies. 5-13 15-50
Graded by At least 15 sources from journals and
Above expectations

Lecturer
Topic, questions and research
objectives crystal clear; strategic
importance demonstrated, all
issues entirely appropriate; clearly
feasible with the resources and
time available 14-15
Extremely
expert books. Appropriate use of
coherent
theories and depth of literature Crystal clear and entirely
relationship
review; scholarly and practitioner justifiable, matches the
between
detail consistently high, with good research question; research
questions/obj
evidence of originality; argument is philosophy, approach and
ectives,
logical, systematic and persuasive; techniques shown to be exactly
literature and
premises are well articulated and appropriate to objectives. 9-10
methodology.
described in the literature. Perfect
50-60
referencing. 14-15

11
 In this Session
You will learn how
to
 transform ideas into
research topics
 develop topics into
research questions
 attribute relevance to
your questions by
specifying objectives

12
 Brainstorming

What is
RESEARCH?
What is METHOD?
 Half the class will discuss the concept of
research with the colleague sitting
next to you; the other half will discuss
the concept of method (you have 5
min)
• Find a definition and give concrete
examples
13
 Brainstorming
 What is
RESEARCH?


14
 Brainstorming
 What is
METHOD?


15
 What is research?
Research is…
 something we undertake in
order to increase existing
knowledge by
• describing
• explaining
• understanding
• criticising
• analysing
 a problem in a systematic
way.
16
 What is research?

 What Research IS
NOT
 A list of aimless and
incoherent facts or
information
• BEWARE OF
PATCHWORK!
 Explaining your own
ideas
 Copying and
pasting!

17
 A Few Characteristics
Research is different from
common sense because it
 is done to achieve specific goals,
 relies on specific methods, and
 is done systematically.
SO…
 Research is
• systematic,
• rigorous, and
• purposeful
18
 What is Method?
Etymolonline.com
 method
• 1540s, from M.Fr.
methode, from L.
methodus "way of
teaching or going,"
• from Gk. methodus
"scientific inquiry",
• originally "pursuit,
following after,"
• from meta- "after"
(see meta-) + hodos
"a traveling, way"

19
 Why research methods?
Watch this on-line video at
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=P2aDpvU2qtY

20
 Why research methods?
 To develop your critical
and creative skills –
writing is thinking!!!
 To use it as a
management tool in
 Managing
 Planning
 Policy making
 Other applications:
 To understand research
reports
 To conduct consulting
projects
 To be an informed consumer
of research

21
 Types of research

Saunders
22 et al (2009)
 3 Kinds of Business
Research Projects
In-company focused projects

Generic, industry-based projects

Library projects

23
 3 Kinds of Business
Research Projects

Source:
24 Jankowicz (2005), p. 4
 Internship as Opportunity
for Research
A few tips:
 Be opportunistic
 Use existing contacts
 Use non-threatening
language
 Be positive about
practicalities
 Offer a report of the
outcomes

25
 Success factors of
a Research Report
 Efficient time management
(project management)
 A clearly defined topic / research
question
 Clearly defined objectives
 Balance in the reporting of literature
evidence/data
 A sound method
 A critical analysis of results

26  Relevant and applicable conclusions

 The Research Cycle
Final
 Synthesis
(Conclusions and
Perspectives)

Problem Empirical
 Definition  Validation
(Knowlege gap) (Methodology/
Experimentation/
Analysis /
Findings)

(Critical Literature
Review)
Theoretical
 Argumentation

27
From the Idea
to the Topic
 The process of
formulating and
clarifying the
research question(s)
and objective(s) is the
most important part
of the research
project!

29
 Sourcing topic ideas
Faculty/ MSc Supervisor My idea, intuition, brainstorming

Company/
Internship

‘Hot topic’, news, media

Existing academic literature

Other dissertations

30
 Basic criteria for topic selection
You need to assess:
 Complexity and difficulty
 Access
 Facilities and resources
 Expertise
 Originality or novelty
 Interest
(yours, supervisor, sponsor)
31
 Attributes of a good research topic
 Neither too  …nor too narrow
broad…
 The decision to
 The history of lengthen the
commercial aviation wingtips on the DC3
prototype for
military use as a
cargo carrier

32
 Attributes of a good research topic
Capability: is it feasible?
 Is the topic something with which
you are really fascinated?
 Do you have, or can you develop
within the project time frame, the
necessary research skills to
undertake the project?
 Is the research topic achievable
within the available time?

Saunders et al. Research Methods for

Business Students 4th ed. (2007) Prentice
Hall p.22
33
 Attributes of a good research topic
 Appropriateness:
is it worthwhile?
 Does the topic fit the
specifications and meet the
standards set by the examining
institution?
 Does your research topic
contain issues that have a clear
link to theory?
 Are you able to state your
research question(s) and
objective(s) clearly?

Saunders et al. Research Methods for

Business Students 4th ed. (2007) Prentice
34 Hall p.22
 Attributes of a good research topic
 Well delimited by  Yields
time, space and interesting,
context relevant
Area Vague Theme Specific Topic
Essays in the Proceedings of
QUESTIONS
Possible Question
How did early Royal Society authors
History of The history of the Royal Society (1675-1750)
demonstrate that their evidence was
Science scientific writing as precursors to the modern
reliable?
scientific article

History of Doctors in 17th- Molière's mockery of doctors in

Why did Molière mock doctors?
Literature century drama three early plays

How did the introduction of web-based

The evolution of The impact of web-based tools
Project support systems affect collaborative
project on project management
Management problem solving in geographically disperse
management productivity
projects?
Search engines
Challenges to Google's What are the challenges faced by Apple
International and the decline
dominance in contextualized with the introduction of its recent iAd
Marketing of traditional
search advertising platform to compete with Google Adsense?
media channels

35
 Attributes of a good research topic
Watch this video on-line:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=VtlkQDDuJNk

36
 Turning an initial idea
into a research question
identify an initial idea / browse
the web to clarify keywords

identify the specific topic

(use Table of Provenance)

apply the feasibility criteria

define the research question

and objectives

apply the feasibility criteria

37
 The provenance table

General
Area
Way of
developing a
good picture of Field
the provenance
or ORIGIN of Aspect
your topic
Topic

38
Specific
 The Provenance Table

AREA FIELD ASPECT TOPIC

39
 The Provenance Table

Area Field Aspect Topic

Cost
Transfer pricing An analysis of transfer pricing methods
Finance mangement/
methods in SMBs in the textile industry
accounting
Evaluating customer credit
Customer credit arrangements in mortgage services Research
Finance Creditcontrol
arrangements aimed atyoung middle-class Question(s)
Frenchmen and
The implementation of electronically- Objective(s)
Service system
E-business e-Government based information services in
design
governmentagencies of the UK
Health service The impactof structural change on
Structural
Strategy strategic nursing training programs in public
change
management hospitals

40
 Finding Your Research Question
Question or Problem?
 Both terms used interchangebly in the literature
 Key: not every question raises a problem
(i.e. a problem is something WORTH knowing)
 Example
• The question:
‘are web banners effective advertising instruments?’
helps understand the problem of promotion in new media
• The question:
‘is Abraham Lincoln’s thumb longer than his nose’
is simply not WORTH exploring

41
 Finding your Research Questions

Basic Literature
Provenance
Table of
 Research Idea  Research
Questions

Web Sources Refereed

Journals
Google it!
Magazines/
Newspapers Book
chapters
Textbooks

42
 Finding your Research Questions

Basic Literature
Provenance
Table of
 Research Idea  Research
Questions
How does the running of a TV
advertising campaign
designed to boost the image of
a company affect its share
 Advertising and share prices price?

How effective is recruiting for

 Job recruitment via the new staff via the Internet in
Internet comparison with traditional
methods?

In what ways does the use of

 The use of aromas as a specific aromas in
marketing device supermarketts affect buyer
43
behavior?
 Finding Your Research Question
Before you ask your question(s)
 Break down your topic into its basic key
words and make sure you have enough
literature background
• No literature? Wrong key words.

Literature 1 Literature 2

Literature 3
Your Research Question
44
 Finding Your Research Question
‘Cross cultural marketing
challenges in international
product launch in B2B markets’

Cross cultural
B2B Companies marketing

Product launch

What cross-cultural factors should

be considered by small B2B
companies in order to minimize
45
 Determining your Objectives
Objectives answer the ‘So what?’
issue!
 Significance / importance / relevance of your
question to
• your reader(s)
• your organisation
• your industry
• the scientific world
 Usually
broader
than the
question
46
 Research Problem Statement
1) I am studying /
working on
 TOPIC 1. Topic

1) because I want to
find out who / what /
when / where / why / 2.
Question(s)
how / whether
 QUESTION
3.
1) in order to help my Objective(s)
reader understand
how / why / whether
47  OBJECTIVE Source: adapted from Booth, Colomb & Williams, 2008.
 Research Problem Statement
 Example 1
 I am studying / working on
• The incresed competitiviness obtained by the
introduction of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
systems in the purchasing processes of Small-and-
Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) in the textile
industry in the UK in the last 10 years
 because I want to find out how
• The introduction of these systems in SMBs in this
industry may help
– reduce purchasing costs
– facilitate the cooperation among partners
– generate a more consistent long-term purchasing
policy

 in order to help my reader understand how

• information technology has become an essential
ressource for the survival of SMBs

48
 Research Problem Statement
Example 2
 I am studying / working on
• Investor’s perception of company value
based on TV advertising in the US
 because I want to find out how
• The the running of TV advertising
campaign designed to boost the image
of a company may affect its share price

 in order to help my reader

understand how
• the use of mass media advertising may
have spill-over effects upon multiple
company stakeholders

49
 Research Problem Statement
Example 3
 I am studying / working on
• the impact of team briefing on project
management performance in the United
Nations headquarters in New York
 because I want to find out how
• the effectiveness of team briefing can be
explained in a cross-cultural context

 in order to help my reader understand

how
• to determine the factors associated with
the effectiveness criteria for team briefing
in cross-cultural environments
• to determine whether some factors are
more influential than others.

50
 Graded Assignment #1
 For November 10th ,
1. Brainstorm at least two
initial project ideas
2. Search the web for basic
literature on the key
words
3. Create your table of
provenance for your ideas
4. Choose one topic
among your ideas
5. Define your research
question(s) for
the chosen topic
6. Determine your main
objective(s) for the
defined question(s)

51
 Graded Assignment #1
 For November 10th ,
 Print your PROBLEM STATEMENT
REPORT containing:
• Your name, course and the title
‘Problem Statement Report’
• The two or more research topics
within a table of provenance
• The main sources consulted to
clarify / better understand each topic
• The topic you have chosen to
develop, with a due justification
• Your research question for the
chosen topic
• Your research objectives for the
defined question

52
 Graded Assignment #1
 Keep in mind the following criteria
 Below Expectations (0-4 points)
• Topic, research question and objectives in some doubt;
uncertainty over strategic relevance; serious questions
about feasibility.
1. Topic
 Good (5-13 points)
• Occasional lack of clarity in topic, questions and
objectives; strategic relevance discernible; feasible in
principle but questions about overcoming
methodological difficulties
 Above Expectations (14-15 points) 2.
• Topic, questions and research objectives crystal clear; Question(s)
strategic importance demonstrated, all issues entirely
appropriate; clearly feasible with the resources and
time available
3.
Objective(s)

53
 Graded Assignment #1
 You have 4 weeks, SO
 Try to learn as much as possible about
your topic!!!
• Download and read at least 10 articles
• Think about the methodological implications
of several questions before deciding on THE
good question
– Can it be answered?
– How can I adjust it to my resources / time /
experience?
• Talk to your colleagues about your topic
– Explaining it helps you understand it!

GOOD LUCK!

54
 Let’s Put it Into Practice NOW!
Form a group of 3 to 4 students and
 Choose an area of investigation
 Determine the field you are interested in 1. Topic
 Specify an aspect you want to work on
 Formulate the specific topic of your
research and establish its key words
 Determine the question(s) you will focus 2.
on Question(s)

 Establish your objective(s)

3.
Objective(s)

55
Thank You for Your
Attention!