Business Resarch Methods

Making a decision to close down a production line and halt the sale of a product is not a feat to be taken lightly. For a business to come to this type of decision, time and methodical examination of systems and processes would have to happen. Toyota would have to start with the basics of research. As stated by Cooper and Schinder (2014) “At the most elementary level, a reporting study provides a summation of data, often recasting data to achieve a deeper understanding or to generate statistics for comparison” (Business Research Method, pg. 21). Toyota would need to begin pulling data together in order to form a timeline. They will need to identify the onset of problem to narrow the search criteria and save valuable time. They would need to retrieve data from dealership owners detailing; when the first complaints were reported, what customers stated they were doing at the time of acceleration, what alleviated the problem, any accidents or injuries that correlated with this issue. Secondly a more descriptive study would need to happen at Toyota headquarters. Those assigned to this task would want to look at the processes that directly affect the mechanics of acceleration in a car i.e. computer system, fuel lines and the components related to these systems i.e. pedals, tires, hoses etc. When looking at these processes questions will need to be answered in order to narrow the scope further. Toyota will need to look for what has changed. Did a supplier change? Did a raw material change? Did a procedure change? By forming a time line from the data gathered Toyota can work backwards and look for research variables amongst the information such as unscheduled maintenance performed on a piece of equipment or machinery, preventive maintenance schedules not completed, or something as simple as a particular line not running to standard. Either way, time is of the essence and extensive research and teamwork will be needed.
References
Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S.

References: Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2014). Business Resarch Methods (12th ed.). New York, New York, USA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.