Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Alhassan G. Abdul-Muhmin
Problem Definition and the Research Proposal Reference: Zikmund & Babin, Chapter 5
Learning Objectives
At the end of the discussion you should be able to: 1. explain why proper problem definition is important in research 2. identify the components of a properly defined research problem definition 3. translate a managerial decision statement into a relevant research problem/objective 4. explain what a research proposal is and outline its contents 5. explain why it is important to write a research proposal
4. The research problem drives subsequent stages of the research process 5. Proper problem definition ensures that the research results will meet decision makers objectives
Can be achieved by conducting a situation analysis informal gathering of background information to familiarize the researcher and manager with the decision-making environment situation. Useful guidelines are:
1. 2. 3. 4. Develop many alternative problem statements Think about potential solutions to the problems Use free-association techniques to generate lists of ideas Be open-minded. Consider all plausible ideas
Organization
Symptoms
Probable True Problem Demographic changes: Swim facility is outdated and does not appeal to younger families Younger families and children have negative image of the pool. Older residents no longer swim anywhere.
Membership has been declining for years. Less frequent usage among members Increased attendance at new water park with wave pool and water slides that moved into town a few years ago.
The Process of Problem Definition: 3. Write Managerial Decision Statements and Corresponding Research Objectives
Decision statements capture the researchers understanding of the decision makers objectives (reasons) for seeking the research Essentially involves stating the information that is needed to help make the decision Decision statements must then be translated into research objectives (the deliverables of the research) See Exhibit 5.5 for link between decision statements and research objectives
Sometimes a single research problem may require investigation at one or more levels of analysis
Variable classifications have implications for data analysis A hypothesis is an unproven statement (or a guess) about the nature of relationships between variables or possible solution to a problem
Research Questions
Questions for which the research is designed to provide answers The researchers translation of the managerial (marketing) problem into a specific inquiry
Research questions and research objectives often differ only in terms of phrasing (whether as a question or a statement) Research objectives should be stated both in broad and specific terms to give:
Broad research objective, and Specific research objectives
2. Research Design
3. Measurement
4. Sample Design
8. Time Schedule
Time schedule for completion of the study (if possible in the form of a Gantt Chart) Overall cost of the study (including breakdown of different cost components)
9. Budget
Time Schedule
TIME FROM START OF STUDY (WEEKS) RESEARCH ACTIVITY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2. Depth interviews
CONSUMER STUDY 3. Focus Group Interviews 4. Observation of consumer shopping 5. Consumer Survey 6. Data analysis and report writing 7. Oral presentation
3. Judgment standard
2. Bidding document
It serves as the researchers bid to offer a specific service
2. Written Contract
It serves as a written contract that can always be referred to