Chapter 1
The nature of business and management research and the structure of this book
Introduction to the research process
Things to consider
Realities and pitfalls of research
Approaches, strategies and methods
Techniques and procedures for data collection and analysis
Appropriate use of information technology, internet, databases, software, online survey etc...
Terminology
Methods
The techniques and procedures used to obtain data (Questionnaires, observations and interviews)
Methodology
The theory of how research should be undertaken
The nature of research
Definition:
‘Something that people undertake in order to find things out in a systematic way, thereby increasing their knowledge’
Characteristics:
Data are collected systematically
Data are interpreted systematically (logical relationship)
There is a clear purpose to find things out
Features of business and management research
Managers draw on knowledge from other disciplines
Managers are more likely to allow access if they see commercial or personal advantage
Managers now tend to be as educated as the researchers
Managers require research to have some practical consequence
Key debates
Knowledge production (Modes 1-knowledge creation, Mode 2-research governed by practice and Mode 3 –knowledge production.
The ‘relevance gap’
‘Evidence based’ management
Basic and applied research
Basic and applied research
The research process
Stages of the research process
Formulating and clarifying a topic
Reviewing the literature
Designing the research
Collecting data
Analysing data
Writing up
Factors to consider
The impact of your personal feelings and beliefs
Access to data
Time and other resources
Validity and reliability of the data
Ethical issues
Purpose of the book
To help you undertake research by being
Clear about what you are doing
Why you are doing it
The...