MIT College of Management

Course Name –
Course Code - Research Methodology
Academic Year – 2024-2025

Course Teacher - Prof. (Dr.) Anupama N. Devkatte

 Unit II
Research Process

Prof. (Dr.) Anupama N. Devkatte

Research Process
 The research process refers to the systematic steps taken
to gather, analyze, and interpret information to answer
research questions or test hypotheses.
 This process is crucial as it helps in making data-driven
decisions, improving strategies, and solving business
problems.
 Research process consists of series of actions or steps
necessary to effectively carry out research and the desired
sequencing of these steps.
The following order concerning various steps provides a useful
procedural guideline regarding the research process:
(1) formulating the research problem
(2) extensive literature survey
(3) developing the hypothesis
(4) preparing the research design
(5) determining sample design
(6) collecting the data;
(7) analysis of data;
(8) hypothesis testing;
(9) generalisations and interpretation, and
(10) preparation of the report or presentation of the results, i.e.,
formal write-up of conclusions reached.
 Research Process

1. Formulating the research problem:

- This is the first and most crucial step in the research process.
- It is a scientific enquiry -involves clearly defining the problem or
identifying the issue that needs investigation.
- Two steps involved in formulating the research problem, viz.,
- Understanding the problem thoroughly,
- Converting into meaningful and executable stages.

- The best way of understanding the problem is to

- Discuss with colleagues or experts.
- Seek help from guide.
- Researchers must ensure that the problem is relevant, specific, and
researchable.
WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROBLEM?
 A research problem, in general, refers to some difficulty which
a researcher experiences in the context of either a theoretical
or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the
same.
 The research problem is the issue or challenge that needs
to be addressed through research. It is typically a gap in
existing knowledge or an unresolved question in the field.
 The gap could be academic & theoretical (basic) or real time and
action oriented (applied).
 A research problem is a statement about an area of
concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be
eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly
literature, in theory, or in practice that points to the need for
meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation.
 A research problem is a question that a researcher wants to
solve and give answer to the problem.
 A research problem is an issues or a concern that an
investigator or researcher presents and justifies in a research
study.
• How to Identify:
• Review literature and previous studies to find gaps or areas
lacking sufficient exploration.
• Consider current trends or emerging issues in the industry.
• Analyze real-world business problems
What are sources of research problem?

Ideas for research problems or topics can arise from a range

of sources such as -
 Personal or professional experience,
 Practical experience
 Critical appraisal of literature
 Previous research
 Existing theories
 Social issues
 Brainstorming
 the media,
 Consultation with experts
 other research studies.
What are the types of research problem?

• Theoretical research problem.

• Applied research problem.
• Action research problem.
What is research problem and its importance?
 Researchis a process that you have to complete in a
sequence.
A research problem helps you to formulate that sequence.
 Research problem also helps you to avoid unnecessary
steps during the research.
A research problem is the preliminary step in conducting
a research study.
How is research problem identified?
 If you are doing practical research, you
can identify a problem by reading reports, following
up on previous research, and talking to people who
work in the relevant field or organization.
 You might look for issues with performance or
efficiency in an organization.
 Processes that could be improved in an institution.
What are the sources of information?

• Books.
• Encyclopedias.
• Magazines.
• Databases.
• Newspapers.
• Library Catalog.
• Internet.
What are the steps in formulating a
research problem?

 The formulation of a research problem consists of

the following steps:
• Identify a broad research area of your interests.
• Dissect the broad area into sub-areas.
• Select one of the sub-areas.
• Raise research questions.
• Formulate the objectives.
How to write a problem statement

1. Put the problem in context (what do we already know?)

2. Describe the precise issue that the research will
address (what do we need to know?)
3. Show the relevance of the problem (why do we need to
know it?)
4. Set the objectives of the research (what will you do to
find out?)
 A good research studies needs a lots of time for selection
of research problem.
 Initially every researcher faces a difficulty of identifying,
selecting and formulating a good research problem.
 Selection of a research problem depends on several
factors such as researcher’s knowledge, skills, interest,
expertise, motivation and creativity with respect to the
subject chosen.
Problem identification process

Management Decision Problem

Discussions Review of Organization Qualitative

with subject existing Analysis analysis
experts literature

Management Research Problem / Question

Research framework / Analytical model

Statement of Research Objectives

Formulation of Research Hypothesis

2. Literature survey or Literature Review:

- Once the problem is formulated, a brief summary of it should

be written down.
-It is compulsory for a research worker writing a thesis for a
Ph.D./Master Degree to write a synopsis of the topic and
submit it to the necessary Committee or the Research Board
for approval.
-A literature review involves studying existing research,
theories, and data related to the identified problem.
-It helps to understand what has already been studied and
avoids duplication.
-It also assists in framing the research in context and
identifying gaps in the existing body of knowledge.
 Where the technology of interest stands today (Recent
trends)?

 Is something new being developed to replace existing

product?

 How did a technology (of interest) / Research develop

(History)?

 What are the gaps in literature (Work that has not been
done)?
Where to find literature articles

• Google, Google scholar, Science direct etc.

• Index of journals, references.
• Published or unpublished bibliographies.
• Academic journals,
• Conference proceedings,
• Government reports, books etc.,

The earlier studies, should be carefully studied.

A good library will be a great help to the researcher at this stage.

3. Formulating research objectives and working hypotheses:

 After extensive literature survey, researcher should state the

research objectives and in clear terms the working hypothesis.

 Objective : What you want to achieve?

 Hypothesis: A hypothesis helps to translate the research

problem and objectives into a clear explanation or prediction of
the expected results or outcomes of the research study
 This step involves defining clear objectives that the
research aims to achieve.
 In some cases, hypotheses (testable statements) are
formulated based on the research objectives.
 Working hypothesis is tentative assumption made in
order to draw out and test its logical or empirical
consequences.
 Research hypotheses provide the focal point for
research.
Example - Research Title –
"Effect of Organic Fertilizers on Tomato Yield and Quality“
1. General Objective:
To assess the impact of organic fertilizers on the yield and quality of
tomatoes.
2. Specific Objectives:
1. Tocompare the yield of tomatoes grown using organic fertilizers
versus chemical fertilizers.
2. Toevaluate the effect of organic fertilizers on the taste, size, and
color of tomatoes.
3. Toanalyze the soil health after the use of organic fertilizers in tomato
farming.
4. Todetermine the cost-effectiveness of organic fertilizer use in tomato
production.
• The title clearly reflects the research topic, focusing on how
organic fertilizers influence tomato farming.

• The objectives specify what aspects of tomato yield and

quality the study will measure and compare.
 Hypotheses
1. Null Hypothesis (H₀):
Organic fertilizers have no significant effect on the yield and quality
of tomatoes compared to chemical fertilizers.
2. Alternative Hypotheses (H₁):
1. H₁.1:Organic fertilizers significantly increase the yield of
tomatoes compared to chemical fertilizers.
2. H₁.2:Organic fertilizers improve the taste, size, and color of
tomatoes compared to chemical fertilizers.
3. H₁.3:
The use of organic fertilizers enhances soil health
compared to chemical fertilizers.
4. H₁.4: Organic fertilizers are more cost-effective than chemical
fertilizers in tomato production.
Hypothesis Development
 Hypothesis development is a critical component of the research
process as it provides a focused framework for investigating the
research question.
 A well-developed hypothesis guides the study by setting up clear
expectations regarding the relationship between variables.
 A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship
between two or more variables that can be tested through
empirical research.
 Itoften arises from existing theories, past research, or
observations. The purpose of a hypothesis is to direct the
research by making a specific prediction that can be supported or
disproved through analysis.
 Types of Hypotheses
• Null Hypothesis (H₀):
The null hypothesis assumes that there is no relationship
between the variables being studied.
• It is a statement of no effect or no difference and serves as a
default position that researchers aim to test against.
• Example: In a study on employee motivation and
productivity, the null hypothesis might be:
H₀: "Employee motivation does not have a significant
impact on productivity in Company ABC."
• Alternative Hypothesis (H₁):
The alternative hypothesis suggests that there is a relationship
between the variables.
• This hypothesis is often what the researcher expects or hopes to
prove.
• Example: Continuing with the employee motivation study,
the alternative hypothesis could be:
H₁: "Employee motivation has a significant positive impact
on productivity in Company ABC."
How to Develop a Hypothesis
 The development of a hypothesis is typically based on:
• Literature Review: Reviewing existing studies helps to
identify gaps in knowledge or areas of contention that require
further investigation.
• Observations: Real-world business scenarios or empirical
observations often prompt hypotheses.
• Theoretical Frameworks: Theories related to management,
organizational behavior, marketing, etc., can provide a
foundation for constructing a hypothesis.
 Key considerations for developing a hypothesis:
• Specificity: A hypothesis should precisely define the variables
and the expected relationship between them.
• Measurability: The hypothesis should involve variables that
can be measured through data collection.
• Testability: The hypothesis must be constructed in such a way
that it can be empirically tested through research methods like
experiments, surveys, or statistical analysis.
Example : Employee Training and Job Performance
• Research Problem: Does employee training improve job performance in
manufacturing companies?
• Null Hypothesis (H₀):
"Employee training does not significantly affect job performance in
manufacturing companies."
• Alternative Hypothesis (H₁):
"Employee training significantly improves job performance in
manufacturing companies."
 Justification:
The researcher could base this hypothesis on studies indicating that
effective training programs enhance skillsets, which theoretically should
improve job performance. However, the null hypothesis would assume
no measurable impact, which the research will test.
• The null hypothesis (H₀) states there is no significant difference,
providing a baseline for statistical testing.

• The alternative hypotheses (H₁) explore specific positive effects

of organic fertilizers on yield, quality, soil health, and cost-
efficiency, which align with the research objectives.
Development of working hypotheses:

 Hypothesis should be very specific and limited to the piece of

research in hand because it has to be tested.

 The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher by delimiting

the area of research and to keep him on the right track.

 It sharpens his thinking and focuses attention on the more

important facets of the problem.

 It also indicates the type of data required and the type of methods
of data analysis to be used.
Development of working hypotheses:

How to develop working hypotheses?

(a) Discussions with colleagues & experts

(b) Objectives in seeking a solution

(c) Examination of data and records

(d) Review Literature of similar studies

(e) Exploratory investigation: field interviews.

Working hypotheses useful when stated in precise & clear terms.

4. Research design:

 Research design refers to the overall plan or structure for the research
process.
 It is Blue Print of the research Problem.
 It outlines how data will be collected and analyzed.
 Good research design = Efficient research process
•Types of Research Design:
• Exploratory: Flexible and unstructured, often used when the research
topic is new.
• Descriptive: Structured to describe characteristics of a specific
population or situation.
• Causal: Designed to identify cause-and-effect relationships between
variables.
5. Sample Design:
 A complete data collection from all items in the ‘population’ is -
census inquiry.
 A sample design is a definite plan determined before any data
are actually collected for obtaining a sample from a given
population.
• Sampling involves selecting a representative group from a
larger population to participate in the research.
• Types of Sampling:
• Probability Sampling: Each member of the population has
a known chance of being selected.
• Non-probability Sampling: Selection is based on the
researcher's judgment
Example - Research Title –
"Effect of Organic Fertilizers on Tomato Yield and
Quality“
 Research Design
Type of Research Design: Experimental Research Design:
The study involves testing the effect of organic fertilizers on
tomato yield and quality by manipulating the independent
variable (type of fertilizer) and observing its impact on
dependent variables (yield and quality).
Approach: Quantitative Approach:
Collect measurable data on tomato yield (e.g., weight, size) and
quality (e.g., taste, color, nutritional value).
Key Components:
 Independent Variable: Type of fertilizer (organic vs. chemical).
 Dependent Variables: Tomato yield and quality (e.g., size,
color, taste, and nutritional content).
 Control Variables: Soil type, watering schedule, and climatic
conditions to ensure consistency.
Data Collection Methods:
 Field
experiments to grow tomatoes using organic and
chemical fertilizers.
 Laboratory analysis for assessing nutritional content and
quality.
 Surveys or taste tests for subjective quality assessments.
Duration:
The study may span an entire growing season to observe the
complete growth cycle.
 Sample Design
 Target Population or Sample:
Tomato farmers or agricultural plots where tomatoes are
cultivated.
Sample Size:
1. Select10–15 agricultural plots with similar soil and
climatic conditions. Half will use organic fertilizers, and
the other half will use chemical fertilizers.
2. Alternatively,conduct the experiment in a controlled
agricultural station with replicated trials for higher
accuracy.
 Sampling Technique:
Purposive Sampling: Choose plots with comparable soil
conditions, prior farming practices, and availability of
resources to ensure consistency in results.
Random sampling: Randomly assign the plots to the
organic and chemical fertilizer groups to minimize bias.
 Unit of Analysis:
Individual tomato plants or plots treated with organic or
chemical fertilizers.
• The research design ensures that the study systematically
examines the effect of organic fertilizers by isolating variables
and collecting measurable data.

• The sample design ensures representativeness and reliability

of results through a structured sampling approach and random
assignment of treatments.
6. Collecting the data:

 Data collection is the process of gathering relevant

information to address the research problem.
 Primary data can be collected either through experiment
or through survey.
 Ifthe researcher conducts an experiment, he observes
some quantitative measurements, or the data, with the
help of which he examines the truth contained in his
hypothesis.
• Types of Data:
• Primary Data: Data collected firsthand through
surveys, interviews, or observations.
• Secondary Data: Data that has been previously
collected by others, such as industry reports, company
records, and online sources, Research papers,
government reports, Government websites.
 In the case of a survey, data can be collected by any
one or more of the following ways:
 (i) By observation:
 (ii) Through personal interview:
 (iii) Through telephone interviews:
 (iv) By mailing of questionnaires: Google sheets
 (v) Appoint people for conducting surveys:
 7. Analysis of data:

 Data analysis involves examining, cleaning, and interpreting

the collected data to find meaningful patterns and trends.
 The analysis of data requires a number of operations like
coding, Editing and Tabulation.
• Types of Analysis:
• Quantitative Analysis: Used for numerical data
• Qualitative Analysis: Used for non-numerical data
 After the data have been collected, the researcher turns to the
task of analyzing them.
 Plot the data in
 Tabular form.
 Graphical form.
 3-D model and results
 Compare and validate with other proven data.
 Thisstep helps in proving the hypothesis where
conclusions are drawn from the data collected.
 Objective 1:
 To compare the yield of tomatoes grown using organic
fertilizers versus chemical fertilizers.
• Research Design: Experimental
• Method: Conduct field experiments by growing two groups of
tomato plants—one using organic fertilizers and the other using
chemical fertilizers.
• Measurement: Record yield in terms of weight, number of
tomatoes, and plant productivity per square meter.
• Tools: Measuring scales, yield logs.
• Data Analysis: Perform a t-test to compare the mean yield of
the two groups.
 Objective 2:
 To evaluate the effect of organic fertilizers on the taste, size,
and color of tomatoes.
• Research Design: Mixed-Methods
• Quantitative Aspect: Measure tomato size (diameter, weight)
and color using tools like a colorimeter.
• Qualitative Aspect: Conduct sensory evaluation (taste test)
with a panel of participants to assess taste and overall appeal.
• Data Collection Tools: Sensory evaluation sheets,
measuring devices for size and color.
• Data Analysis: Use ANOVA to assess differences in size and
color; analyze sensory evaluation data with descriptive
statistics.
 Objective 3:
 To analyze the soil health after the use of organic fertilizers
in tomato farming.
• Research Design: Experimental and Longitudinal
• Method: Collect soil samples before and after the application
of organic fertilizers over one growing season.
• Measurement: Test soil parameters such as pH, organic
matter content, and nutrient levels (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium).
• Tools: Laboratory soil testing kits.
• Data Analysis: Use paired t-tests to analyze changes in soil
health metrics over time.
 Objective 4:
 To determine the cost-effectiveness of organic fertilizer use
in tomato production.
• Research Design: Descriptive and Analytical
• Method: Compare the input costs (e.g., cost of fertilizers,
labor) and output revenue (yield value) for tomatoes grown
with organic versus chemical fertilizers.
• Measurement: Calculate the cost-benefit ratio for each
method.
• Data Collection Tools: Farmer surveys, financial logs of
inputs and outputs.
• Data Analysis: Use cost-benefit analysis and simple
descriptive statistics to determine cost-effectiveness.
 Each research objective requires a tailored approach to
ensure accurate and relevant data collection.
 The designs range from experimental for controlled
comparisons to descriptive for economic assessments,
integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods where
appropriate.
 8. Hypothesis-testing:
 After analysing the data as stated above, the researcher is in a
position to test the hypotheses,
 Do the facts support the hypotheses or they happen to be
contrary? This is the usual question which should be
answered while testing hypotheses.
 Hypothesis-testing will result in either accepting the hypothesis
or in rejecting it.
 If the researcher had no hypotheses to start with,
generalisations established on the basis of data may be stated
as hypotheses to be tested by subsequent researches in times
to come.
10. Preparation of the report or the thesis and
presentation:
 Once the research is completed, the findings are compiled into a
formal report, which includes the research objectives, methods,
results, and conclusions.
 Finally, the researcher has to prepare the report of
 What has been done by him/her. Writing of report must be done
with great care keeping in view the following:
• Structure of a Research Report:
• Abstract: a summary of a research paper, thesis, or other in-
depth analysis of a subject, helps readers quickly understand
the paper's purpose and main ideas.
• Introduction: Background, objectives, and significance of the
study.
• Review of literature - summarizes, analyzes, and evaluates
published works on a specific topic. It's a way to demonstrate
your understanding of the topic
• Materials and Methodology: Explanation of how the research
was conducted.
• Results: Presentation of the findings, often with charts, graphs,
and tables.
• Discussion and Conclusion: Interpretation of the findings and
their implications.
• Recommendations and Limitations: Suggestions based on
the research findings.
• References
Preparation of the report or the thesis:
 (a) Introduction: It should contain a clear statement of the
objective of the research and an explanation of the methodology
adopted in accomplishing the research. The scope of the study
along with various limitations should as well be stated in this part.
 (b) Summary of findings: After introduction there would appear a
statement of findings and recommendations in non-technical
language. If the findings are extensive, they should be
summarized.
 (c) Main report: The main body of the report should be presented
in logical sequence and broken-down into readily identifiable
sections.
 (d) Conclusion: Towards the end of the main text, researcher
should again put down the results of his research clearly and
precisely. In fact, it is the final summing up.
 Validation and Replication
• This final step involves validating the research by having others
review the findings or replicating the study to ensure consistency.
• Ensures that the results are reliable or not.
Criteria of Good Research

Whatever may be the types of research works and studies, one thing
that is important is that they all meet on the common ground of
scientific method employed by them. One expects scientific research
to satisfy the following criteria:
 1.The purpose of the research should be clearly defined and
common concepts be used.
 2.The research procedure used should be described in
sufficient detail to permit another researcher to repeat the research
for further advancement, keeping the continuity of what has already
been attained.
 3.The procedural design of the research should be
carefully planned to yield results that are as objective as
possible.
 4. The researcher should report with complete frankness,
flaws in procedural design and estimate their effects upon the
findings.
 5.The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to
reveal its significance and the methods of analysis used should
be appropriate. The validity and reliability of the data should
be checked carefully.
 6. Conclusions should be confined to those
justified by the data of the research and limited
to those for which the data provide an adequate
basis.
 7. Greater confidence in research is warranted if
the researcher is experienced, has a good
reputation in research and is a person of
integrity.
 Research and scientific data
The research and scientific method are closely related. According to
Oxford dictionary, the scientific method is defined as "a method or procedure
that has characterised natural science since the 17th century, consisting in
systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation,
testing, and modification of hypothesis".
The scientific method:
(i) Relies on empirical data;
(ii) utilizes relevant concepts;
(iii) is committed to objective considerations;
(iv) maintains ethical neutrality;
(v) Results in probabilistic predictions;
(vi) Is made known to others for scrutiny and replications;
(vii) Aims at formulating axioms/theories.
In other words, we can state the qualities of a good research
as under:
1. Good research is systematic:
 Itmeans that research is structured with specified steps to
be taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the
well defined set of rules.
 Systematic characteristic of the research does not rule out
creative thinking but it certainly does reject the use of
guessing and intuition in arriving at conclusions.
2. Good research is logical:
 This implies that research is guided by the rules of logical
reasoning and the logical process of induction and
deduction are of great value in carrying out research.
 Inductionis the process of reasoning from a part to the
whole whereas deduction is the process of reasoning from
some premise to a conclusion which follows from that
very premise.
 In fact, logical reasoning makes research more meaningful
in the context of decision making.
3. Good research is empirical:
 Itimplies that research is related basically to one or more
aspects of a real situation or real-world application and deals
with concrete data that provides a basis for external validity to
research results.
 The research results are based on analysis of quantitative data.
4. Good research is replicable:
 This characteristic allows research results to be verified by
replicating the study and thereby building a sound basis for
decisions.
69
Guidelines for Good Business
Research
 Good business research is essential for deriving
actionable insights that can influence decision-making in
organizations.
 Following best practices ensures that the research process
is systematic, ethical, and provides credible results.
 1. Clarity and Precision
 2. Ethical Standards
 3. Appropriate Methodology
 4. Data Accuracy
 5. Actionable Insights
 1. Clarity and Precision
• Definition: The research problem, objectives, and hypothesis
should be clearly defined. Avoid vague terms or concepts that
could lead to misinterpretation of the research findings.
• How to Ensure Clarity and Precision:
• Research Problem: Clearly articulate the specific problem or
gap that the research intends to address.
• Objectives: Define what the research aims to achieve, such as
identifying trends, exploring relationships, or predicting
outcomes.
• Hypothesis: Ensure that the hypothesis is specific, testable,
and measurable.
 2. Ethical Standards
• Definition: Ethical research involves maintaining the
confidentiality of participants, obtaining informed consent,
avoiding bias, and ensuring that the research process is
transparent.
• How to Maintain Ethical Standards:
• Confidentiality: Protect the privacy of respondents by
anonymizing data or using secure methods to store
information.
• Informed Consent: Ensure participants understand the
purpose of the research and give voluntary consent.
• Avoiding Bias: Ensure that the research is objective, and
avoid leading questions or manipulative data interpretation.
 3. Appropriate Methodology
• Definition: The methodology chosen should align with the
research question and objectives. This could be qualitative,
quantitative, or a mixed-methods approach, depending on the
nature of the problem.
• Types of Methodologies:
• Qualitative Research: Useful for exploring in-depth insights,
such as employee perceptions or customer motivations.
• Quantitative Research: Suitable for measuring variables and
testing hypotheses using statistical tools.
• Mixed Methods: Combines both qualitative and quantitative
techniques to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
 3. Appropriate Methodology
• Definition: The methodology chosen should align with the
research question and objectives. This could be qualitative,
quantitative, or a mixed-methods approach, depending on the
nature of the problem.
• Types of Methodologies:
• Qualitative Research: Useful for exploring in-depth
insights, such as employee perceptions or customer
motivations.
• Quantitative Research: Suitable for measuring variables
and testing hypotheses using statistical tools.
• Mixed Methods: Combines both qualitative and quantitative
techniques to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
 4. Data Accuracy
• Definition: Using reliable and valid data sources ensures that the
research results are credible. Data should be accurate, consistent, and
collected from relevant sources.
• How to Ensure Data Accuracy:
• Primary Data: Data collected firsthand through surveys,
interviews, experiments, etc., should be carefully managed to
avoid errors.
• Secondary Data: Ensure that secondary data (data collected by
others) is obtained from reliable, reputable sources like
government reports, academic journals, or industry publications.
• Data Validation: Implement procedures like double-checking
data entry, ensuring sample sizes are adequate, and using proper
statistical tools to analyze the data.
 5. Actionable Insights
• Definition: Good research should lead to actionable insights that can be
applied to solve business problems or improve decision-making processes.
Insights should be directly linked to the research objectives and be
presented in a way that is practical for business stakeholders to
implement.
• How to Ensure Actionable Insights:
• Data Interpretation: Analyze data in a way that provides clear
answers to the research questions. Use charts, graphs, or statistical
results to demonstrate patterns or trends.
• Practical Recommendations: Translate findings into specific,
actionable steps that businesses can take. Avoid abstract or theoretical
conclusions that cannot be easily implemented.
• Application to Business Context: Ensure the findings are relevant to
the business context and can address real-world challenges.