Research
Chapter 1
Introduction to Research
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran
1
Definition of Business Research
Business research: an organized, systematic, databased, critical, objective, scientific inquiry or investigation into a specific problem, undertaken with the purpose of finding answers or solutions to it.
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran
2
Applied versus Basic Research
Basic research: generates a body of knowledge by trying to comprehend how certain problems that occur in organizations can be solved. Applied research: solves a current problem faced by the manager in the work setting, demanding a timely solution.
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran
3
Examples Applied Research
Apple’s iPod fueled the company’s success in recent years, helping to increase sales from $5 billion in 2001 to $32 billion in the fiscal year 2008. Growth for the music player averaged more than 200% in 2006 and 2007, before falling to 6% in 2008. Some analysts believe that the number of iPods sold will drop 12% in 2009. “The reality is there’s a limited group of people who want an iPod or any other portable media player,” one analyst says. “So the question becomes, what will Apple do about it?” The existing machinery in the production department has had so many breakdowns that production has suffered. Machinery has to be replaced. Because of heavy investment costs, a careful recommendation as to whether it is more beneficial to buy the equipment or to lease it is needed.
4
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran
More Examples of Research Areas in Business
Absenteeism Communication Motivation Consumer decision making Customer satisfaction Budget allocations Accounting procedures
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran
5
Why managers should know about research
Being
Introduction to Research
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran
1
Definition of Business Research
Business research: an organized, systematic, databased, critical, objective, scientific inquiry or investigation into a specific problem, undertaken with the purpose of finding answers or solutions to it.
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran
2
Applied versus Basic Research
Basic research: generates a body of knowledge by trying to comprehend how certain problems that occur in organizations can be solved. Applied research: solves a current problem faced by the manager in the work setting, demanding a timely solution.
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran
3
Examples Applied Research
Apple’s iPod fueled the company’s success in recent years, helping to increase sales from $5 billion in 2001 to $32 billion in the fiscal year 2008. Growth for the music player averaged more than 200% in 2006 and 2007, before falling to 6% in 2008. Some analysts believe that the number of iPods sold will drop 12% in 2009. “The reality is there’s a limited group of people who want an iPod or any other portable media player,” one analyst says. “So the question becomes, what will Apple do about it?” The existing machinery in the production department has had so many breakdowns that production has suffered. Machinery has to be replaced. Because of heavy investment costs, a careful recommendation as to whether it is more beneficial to buy the equipment or to lease it is needed.
4
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran
More Examples of Research Areas in Business
Absenteeism Communication Motivation Consumer decision making Customer satisfaction Budget allocations Accounting procedures
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran
5
Why managers should know about research
Being