What is research in research methodology in MBA?

Research is a systematic process of collecting and analysing information in order to increase

our understanding of the topic. Research is the search of knowledge. It is an investigation.
Research is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic.

What are the types of business research? There are different types of business research such
as interviews, surveys, focus groups, correlational research, ethnographic research, case
study research, and quantitative research methods, amongst others.

What is the best research methodology in business?

The best business research methods for 2023
 Market research. ...
 Focus groups. ...
 Ethnographic research. ...
 Experimental research. ...
 Correlational research. ...
 Mixed mode research. ...
 Survey research. ...
 Case study research.

What are the methods of action research in business research?

The action research methodology has five interwoven steps: diagnosis, analysis, feedback,
action, and evaluation. Each of the five steps in the process build and complement one another
and serve as a roadmap for the change agent. The first step in the process is the information
gathering and investigative phase

Why is research important in business research methods?

Research in business is important because it helps business owners and managers make
important decisions. By learning more about their strengths and weaknesses, they can identify
areas for improvement and growth. Business research can help companies during any stage

The definition of business research involves acquiring information and knowledge for
professional or commercial purposes such as determining opportunities and goals for a
business. An example of business research is gathering sales information and writing a
detailed report on marketing and sales.

What is the meaning of research and research methods?

According to the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie, “research is a systematic inquiry to
describe, explain, predict, and control the observed phenomenon. It involves inductive and
deductive methods.” Inductive methods analyze an observed event, while deductive methods
verify the observed event.

What is Research?

Research is the careful consideration of study regarding a particular concern or research

problem using scientific methods. According to the American sociologist Earl Robert Babbie,
“research is a systematic inquiry to describe, explain, predict, and control the observed
phenomenon. It involves inductive and deductive methods.”

Inductive methods analyze an observed event, while deductive methods verify the observed
event. Inductive approaches are associated with qualitative research, and deductive methods
are more commonly associated with quantitative analysis.
Research is conducted with a purpose to:

 Identify potential and new customers

 Understand existing customers
 Set pragmatic goals
 Develop productive market strategies
 Address business challenges
 Put together a business expansion plan
 Identify new business opportunities

What are the characteristics of research?

1. Good research follows a systematic approach to capture accurate data. Researchers

need to practice ethics and a code of conduct while making observations or drawing
conclusions.
2. The analysis is based on logical reasoning and involves both inductive and deductive
methods.
3. Real-time data and knowledge is derived from actual observations in natural settings.
4. There is an in-depth analysis of all data collected so that there are no anomalies
associated with it.
5. It creates a path for generating new questions. Existing data helps create more research
opportunities.
6. It is analytical and uses all the available data so that there is no ambiguity in inference.
7. Accuracy is one of the most critical aspects of research. The information must be
accurate and correct. For example, laboratories provide a controlled environment to
collect data. Accuracy is measured in the instruments used, the calibrations of
instruments or tools, and the experiment’s final result.

REQUEST DEMO
What is the purpose of research?

There are three main purposes:

1. Exploratory: As the name suggests, researchers conduct exploratory studies to explore

a group of questions. The answers and analytics may not offer a conclusion to the
perceived problem. It is undertaken to handle new problem areas that haven’t been
explored before. This exploratory process lays the foundation for more conclusive data
collection and analysis.

LEARN ABOUT: Descriptive Analysis

1. Descriptive: It focuses on expanding knowledge on current issues through a process of

data collection. Descriptive research describe the behavior of a sample population. Only
one variable is required to conduct the study. The three primary purposes of descriptive
studies are describing, explaining, and validating the findings. For example, a study
conducted to know if top-level management leaders in the 21st century possess the
moral right to receive a considerable sum of money from the company profit.
Research methods are broadly classified as Qualitative and Quantitative.

Both methods have distinctive properties and data collection methods.

Qualitative methods

Qualitative research is a method that collects data using conversational methods,

usually open-ended questions. The responses collected are essentially non-numerical. This
method helps a researcher understand what participants think and why they think in a
particular way.

Types of qualitative methods include:

1. One-to-one Interview
2. Focus Groups
3. Ethnographic studies
4. Text Analysis
5. Case Study
Quantitative methods

Quantitative methods deal with numbers and measurable forms. It uses a systematic way of
investigating events or data. It answers questions to justify relationships with measurable
variables to either explain, predict, or control a phenomenon.

Types of quantitative methods include:

1. Survey research
2. Descriptive research
3. Correlational research

LEARN MORE: Descriptive Research vs Correlational Research

Remember, it is only valuable and useful when it is valid, accurate, and reliable. Incorrect
results can lead to customer churn and a decrease in sales.

It is essential to ensure that your data is:

 Valid – founded, logical, rigorous, and impartial.

 Accurate – free of errors and including required details.
 Reliable – other people who investigate in the same way can produce similar results.
 Timely – current and collected within an appropriate time frame.
 Complete – includes all the data you need to support your business decisions.

8 tips for conducting accurate research

 1. Identify the main trends and issues, opportunities, and problems you observe. Write a
sentence describing each one.
2. Keep track of the frequency with which each of the main findings appears.
3. Make a list of your findings from the most common to the least common.
4. Evaluate a list of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats identified in
a SWOT analysis.
5. Prepare conclusions and recommendations about your study.
6. Act on your strategies
7. Look for gaps in the information, and consider doing additional inquiry if necessary
8. Plan to review the results and consider efficient methods to analyze and interpret
results.

Review your goals before making any conclusions about your study. Remember how the
process you have completed and the data you have gathered help answer your questions. Ask
yourself if what your analysis revealed facilitates the identification of your conclusions and
recommendations.

What is human relations in business?

Human relations encompass all interactions between employees and your company. That
means not just how your employees interact with you (the business owner), but your work
environment, all your other employees, your clients and anyone else they come into contact
with in the course of their work.

Why is human relations important in business?

Human Relations is an important aspect as it can help create a positive workplace culture by
promoting team-building activities and providing recognition and rewards for employees who
contribute positively to the workplace.

What is human relations also known as?

Human relations skills are also called interpersonal skills. It can also be defined as the skill
required to communicate or interact with other human beings. The term 'human relations skill'
refers to an employee's ability to work well with others while performing their job.

What is human relations in the workplace?

Human relations is the way an organization's employees and leaders feel

about each other, interact and solve problems. A company may have a set of
processes, procedures and individuals that support the needs of employees
and the employer in the workplace. Human relations relates to systems
such as hiring, evaluations, exits and ongoing training. Human relations also
refers to how conflict or complications arise between team members and
how they find a resolution. Some companies hire individuals or teams who
are responsible for workplace human relations, while others consider it a
responsibility of the human resources (HR) department.

Related: What Are Human Relations Skills?

Importance of human relations

Human relations is important in the workplace because it:

Assists with employee recruitment and retention

Strong human relations can help recruit and retain quality employees,
deliver their wages and benefits in a streamlined way and support their fair
and equitable treatment. These functions can also enable an organization to
build a reputation as a good place to work. Human relations initiatives can
also ensure that existing employees receive the training required to perform
their job functions successfully. This can help ensure that employees feel
capable and successful at work.

Establishing a positive work environment may also improve retention

rates. Additionally, human relations representatives can handle the end of
employees' tenure with a company in a professional way. This may show
value for the human relationship even at the end of an employee's tenure,
which can support current employee morale and build trust.

Related: 20 Tips To Improve Company Morale

Boosts productivity and revenue

The benefits of positive human relations in the workplace can sometimes

provide tangible results as well. For example, when effective human
relations improves employee recruitment and retention, it can reduce the
costs associated with onboarding new hires. Successful human relations
can also support employee morale, which may increase employee
engagement and lead to higher productivity rates. Human relations can
encourage employees to feel connected to the outcome of their work, which
might increase productivity and revenue.

Related: How To Improve Employee Productivity

Promotes innovation and creativity

Employees who enjoy positive workplace relationships and practice open

communication and trust with their teammates may be more willing to take
creative risks and innovate. Having a more empowered workforce may help
an organization develop a competitive advantage in its industry. Innovation
and creativity can also boost revenue and profit by providing new ways of
approaching challenges, increasing productivity and reducing costs.
Employers that support creativity and innovation might also attract and
retain top talent due to the positive work environment.

Related: The Importance of Creativity in Business

Teamwork and collaboration

Human relations is a foundational part of collaboration and teamwork in the

workplace. When employees have a positive experience working with their
colleagues and supervisors, they may choose to work collaboratively more
often. Teams that trust each other, respect each other's ideas and
communicate effectively may be more effective when collaborating. Strong
collaboration can also support the smooth functioning of an organization's
daily operations.

Related: Elements of Success in Teamwork (With Benefits and Tips)

Human relations skills

A vast variety of skills are relevant to human relations practices, including:

 Communication: It's vital that employees can communicate with one

another clearly and effectively to ensure alignment, teamwork and
transparency.
 Teamwork: Collaborative teams that help one another and share
responsibilities might communicate healthily.
 Conflict management: It's important that teams know how to resolve
issues in a mutually beneficial way when they arise.
 Empathy: Colleagues who understand one another's unique
backgrounds, needs and thoughts may develop a more supportive work
environment.
 Leadership: Clear leadership can help a team implement human
relations practices and stay connected to shared objectives.

Related: 45 Top Teamwork Quotes To Inspire Collaboration

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How to practice human relations in the workplace

If you want to practice successful human relations in your own workplace,

here are some steps you can use:

1. Develop human relations goals

Decide what you'd like to accomplish in your human relations activities and
how you plan to measure success. Consider both the employee and
employer perspectives to create comprehensive objectives. Examples of
human relations goals might include fostering pleasant workplace
relationships, providing support for employees facing challenges and
celebrating employees' successes.

Try using SMART goals, meaning goals that are specific, measurable,
attainable, relevant and time-based. Add a deadline by which you want to
accomplish your goal and define a metric by which you can evaluate your
success. For example, if you want to improve workplace relationships, you
might aim to reduce official complaints about team members by 25% by the
end of the quarter.

Related: How Do You Set SMART Goals? Definition and Examples

2. Collaborate with your team

Work together with company leaders or teammates to establish your human

relations development plan. Consider using focus groups or surveys to
gather information about common perceptions of your human relations
efforts. Brainstorm together and discuss ways to improve human relations in
your workplace. Keep track of your ideas by writing them down or by using
an electronic organizational tool. Working with your teammates can help
you address issues in the workplace and meet the needs of the workforce.

Related: How To Increase Collaboration in the Workplace

3. Measure your outcomes

Once you've implemented your human relations practices, measure your

outcomes to learn if you've been successful. Refer back to your goals to
learn what metrics are appropriate for measurement. Then, you can use this
information to assess your progress toward the goals you set. If an
employee survey noted that many employees would like more opportunities
to socialize with their colleagues, for example, you might hold several
workplace social functions. You can then use another survey to determine
employees' feelings on workplace relationships afterward.

Measuring your outcomes can be a good way to determine your human

relations success. This is also an opportunity to make adjustments to your
human relations practices and implement new ideas. Collaboratively
discussing and analyzing human relations data might also be a useful way to
determine if any changes would support your human relations efforts.

Related: 16 Employee Satisfaction Survey Questions (And Why To Ask

Them)

4. Provide necessary support

Provide any necessary training and support to help your teams practice
human relations in the workplace. This might involve internal training
sessions focusing on human relations skills. Some companies also invite
outside trainers or consultants to provide human relations support to their
employees. Consider using tools such as surveys to garner feedback from
employees about their human relations experience in the workplace.
 In the field of Masters in Business Administration (MBA), various research methods can be
employed to conduct research and gather valuable insights. Some commonly used research methods in
the context of MBA studies include:

Quantitative Research: This research method focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data.
Surveys, questionnaires, and statistical analysis are commonly used techniques to gather quantitative
data such as sales figures, market trends, financial statements, and customer demographics. This method
is useful for examining patterns, trends, and correlations within the business context.

Qualitative Research: Unlike quantitative research, qualitative research focuses on gathering

non-numerical data such as opinions, experiences, and perceptions. Techniques like interviews, focus
groups, and case studies are used to collect rich and detailed information. Qualitative research is useful
for gaining in-depth insights into consumer behavior, organizational culture, employee motivation, and
understanding complex business phenomena.
 Case Study Research: This research method involves analyzing real-life situations or
organizations to understand specific business challenges, strategies, and outcomes. It often combines
both qualitative and quantitative data and can provide in-depth insights into business practices, decision-
making processes, and problem-solving strategies.

Action Research: This research method involves actively engaging with a specific business
problem or challenge and using research to propose and implement practical solutions. It aims to address
real-world problems and improve business practices through a cyclical process of planning, action,
observation, and reflection.

Literature Review: A literature review involves reviewing and synthesizing existing research and
scholarly articles on a specific topic relevant to the MBA field. It helps in understanding the current state
of knowledge, identifying research gaps, and developing research questions.

These research methods can be used individually or in combination, depending on the research
objectives, available resources, and the nature of the MBA research topic. It’s important for MBA
students to select the most suitable research method(s) based on their research goals and the specific
requirements of their study.

Human relations in business administration refers to the management and interaction between
individuals within an organization. It focuses on understanding and improving the relationships,
communication, and cooperation among employees, as well as between employees and management.

Human relations is important in business administration for several reasons:

Employee productivity: Positive human relations contribute to higher employee morale, job
satisfaction, and motivation. When employees feel valued, respected, and supported, they are more
likely to be engaged and perform at their best, leading to increased productivity.

Teamwork and collaboration: Effective human relations foster a culture of teamwork and
collaboration within an organization. When individuals can work well together, share ideas, and
collaborate on projects, it leads to improved problem-solving, innovation, and overall success.

Conflict resolution: Conflicts and disagreements are inevitable in any organization. Good human
relations skills help managers and employees handle conflicts constructively, find resolutions, and
maintain a harmonious work environment. This leads to reduced workplace tension, increased
satisfaction, and better outcomes.
 Employee retention and loyalty: Organizations that prioritize human relations principles tend to
have higher employee retention rates. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely
to stay with the company, reducing turnover costs and maintaining a stable workforce. Additionally,
positive human relations can foster loyalty and commitment to the organization’s goals.

Customer satisfaction: Human relations not only impact internal relationships but also affect how
employees interact with customers. When employees feel respected and valued, they are more likely to
provide excellent customer service, creating positive customer experiences, enhancing loyalty, and
driving business growth.

In summary, human relations in business administration is crucial because it promotes a positive

work environment, fosters collaboration, resolves conflicts effectively, increases employee satisfaction
and retention, and ultimately results in improved productivity and customer satisfaction.

Business statistics refers to the application of statistical techniques and methods to analyze and
interpret data in a business context. It involves collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting data to
aid in decision-making and improve business processes.

Here are some key aspects of business statistics:

Data collection: Business statistics involves gathering relevant data from various sources, such
as surveys, market research, financial records, and operational data. Methods like sampling and data
collection techniques are used to ensure data accuracy and representativeness.

Data analysis: Once data is collected, statistical techniques are applied to analyze and interpret
the information. This includes descriptive statistics (such as measures of central tendency, dispersion,
and graphical representation) to summarize and present data sets, as well as inferential statistics to make
inferences and draw conclusions about populations based on sample data.

Forecasting and predictive analysis: Business statistics helps in forecasting future trends,
demand, and outcomes. Through techniques like regression analysis, time series analysis, and predictive
modeling, businesses can make informed decisions and plan for the future based on patterns and
relationships identified in historical data.

Decision-making: Business statistics provides a framework to make data-driven decisions. By

analyzing data using statistical methods, businesses can evaluate the effectiveness of strategies,
products, and processes, identify areas for improvement, and optimize decision-making to achieve better
outcomes and maximize profitability.
 Risk management: Business statistics plays a crucial role in managing risk and uncertainty.
Probability theory and statistical models are used to assess and quantify risks, support investment
decisions, determine optimal resource allocation, and develop strategies for minimizing potential losses.

Performance evaluation: Statistical analysis helps businesses measure and evaluate performance
across various dimensions. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are established and analyzed to monitor
progress, identify areas of improvement, and benchmark performance against industry standards.

Overall, business statistics enables organizations to utilize data to gain insights, make informed
decisions, improve efficiency, reduce uncertainty, and drive business success. It is an essential tool for
business administration, marketing, finance, operations, and strategic planning.

Statistics is a branch of mathematics that deals with the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation,
and organization of numerical data. It involves the application of mathematical and statistical methods to
understand, summarize, and make inferences from data.

Here are some key aspects of statistics:

Data collection: Statistics begins with the collection of relevant data. This can be done through various
methods such as surveys, experiments, observational studies, and sampling. The data can be quantitative
(numerical) or qualitative (descriptive).

Descriptive statistics: Descriptive statistics involves organizing, summarizing, and presenting data in a
meaningful way. It includes measures such as central tendency (mean, median, mode), dispersion (range,
standard deviation), and graphical representation (histograms, bar charts, pie charts). Inferential
statistics:

Inferential statistics is concerned with making predictions, drawing conclusions, and generalizing
findings based on a sample to a larger population. This involves using probability theory and statistical
methods to estimate parameters, test hypotheses, and assess the significance of relationships or
differences.

Probability theory: Probability theory is a fundamental concept in statistics. It provides a mathematical

framework to analyze uncertainty and randomness. Probability is used to quantify the likelihood of
specific outcomes or events occurring based on the available information. Statistical models:

Statistical models are mathematical representations used to describe and explain relationships or patterns
observed in data. These models help in understanding the underlying processes, making predictions, and
identifying important variables. Statistical software: Statistical software packages, such as R, SPSS, or
Excel, are commonly used to perform statistical analyses efficiently and accurately. These tools aid in
data manipulation, calculation of statistical measures, visualization, and reporting of results.
Applications: Statistics finds applications in various fields, including social sciences, healthcare,
economics, engineering, marketing, finance, environmental studies, and quality control. It helps in
decision-making, forecasting, risk assessment, designing experiments, analyzing trends, and evaluating
the effectiveness of interventions.

By using statistical methods, researchers and analysts can extract meaningful information from data,
identify patterns, trends, and relationships, and make data-driven decisions. Statistics plays a crucial role
in evidence-based decision-making, research, and understanding the world around us.

Business ethics refers to the principles, values, and moral standards that guide ethical behavior in the
business world. It involves applying ethical principles to decision-making and actions within an
organization, considering the impact on various stakeholders such as employees, customers, investors,
suppliers, and the wider society.

Key aspects of business ethics include:

Integrity: Business ethics emphasizes honesty, transparency, and a commitment to ethical behavior. It
involves maintaining integrity in all business dealings, being truthful and fair in communication and
actions, and upholding moral values even in challenging circumstances.

Fairness and justice: Ethical business practices promote fairness and equal treatment of all stakeholders.
This includes avoiding discrimination, ensuring fair competition, respecting employee rights, and
providing equal opportunities for growth and development.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR): Business ethics includes the concept of CSR, where companies
acknowledge their responsibility towards society and the environment. This involves engaging in
sustainable practices, supporting social initiatives, and considering the welfare of communities affected
by business operations.

Respect for stakeholders: Ethical businesses prioritize respecting the rights, dignity, and well-being of
all stakeholders. This includes maintaining confidentiality, safeguarding customer privacy, ensuring safe
working conditions, and respecting the interests of local communities and the environment.

Compliance with laws and regulations: Business ethics requires organizations to adhere to laws and
regulations governing their industry. It involves conducting business activities ethically and obeying
legal guidelines to prevent fraudulent practices, corruption, and unethical behavior. Ethical decision-
making: Recognizing ethical dilemmas and making ethical decisions is a critical aspect of business
ethics. This involves weighing the interests of different stakeholders, considering long-term
consequences, and striving for the greatest ethical outcome in decision-making processes.

Accountability and transparency: Ethical businesses are accountable for their actions and decisions.
They are transparent in their reporting, financial disclosures, and governance practices. This helps build
trust and credibility among stakeholders.
Adhering to business ethics not only ensures legal compliance but also contributes to long-term success
and sustainability. Ethical behavior enhances an organization’s reputation, attracts and retains loyal
customers and employees, fosters trust among stakeholders, and promotes a positive impact on society.
It also helps in building a competitive advantage and maintaining a strong ethical culture within the
organization.

Ethics refers to the moral principles and values that govern human behavior and guide individuals or
groups in distinguishing right from wrong. It is a branch of philosophy that explores concepts such as
virtue, duty, fairness, and justice, providing a framework for making ethical decisions and evaluating the
moral implications of actions.

Key aspects of ethics include:

Normative ethics: Normative ethics focuses on providing guidelines or principles for determining what
is morally right or wrong. It includes various ethical theories such as consequentialism (which
emphasizes the outcomes or consequences of actions), deontology (which focuses on the inherent
rightness or wrongness of actions), and virtue ethics (which focuses on developing virtuous character
traits). Applied ethics:
Applied ethics examines ethical questions and dilemmas that arise in specific contexts, such as business,
medicine, technology, or environmental issues. It applies ethical principles to address complex moral
challenges and guide decision-making within these domains.

Metaethics: Metaethics examines the nature, foundations, and meaning of ethical concepts and
language. It delves into questions about the objectivity of ethics, the sources of moral values, and the
nature of moral judgments.

Ethical reasoning: Ethical reasoning involves the process of considering various ethical factors and
principles to arrive at a morally justified decision. It involves reflecting on consequences, rights and
duties, fairness, and other ethical considerations.

Ethical principles: Ethical principles serve as guidelines for ethical behavior. These principles
commonly include honesty, integrity, respect for autonomy, justice, fairness, beneficence (promoting
well-being), non-maleficence (avoiding harm), and veracity (truthfulness). Different ethical frameworks
may prioritize different principles.

Ethical dilemmas: Ethical dilemmas arise when there are conflicting ethical principles or when different
courses of action have potential moral implications. Resolving ethical dilemmas often requires careful
analysis, consideration of consequences, and balancing competing ethical considerations.

The study and practice of ethics help individuals and societies navigate complex moral issues, make
ethical decisions, and promote a just and fair society. Ethics provides a framework for evaluating
personal and professional conduct, considering the well-being of others, and striving for moral
development and moral reasoning in human interactions.