Date: 13^th November 2012

Week 02 : Day 02

What is Research?

It is a process of finding solutions to a problem after a thorough study and analysis of the situation factors. According to the Edison Libraries (2012), “Research is the investigation of a particular topic using a variety of reliable, scholarly resources. The three major goals of research are establishing facts, analyzing information, and reaching new conclusions”. According to Sekaran (2008), "Business research can be described as a systemic and organized effort to investigate a specific problem encountered in the work setting that needs a solution". It is mainly gathering information from various sources which includes reviewing past work done by other researches.

Research should be done accurately because the decision making process and recommendations depend on work gathered. Primary source is that it is available in different sources (public domain) such as interviews, observations and questionnaires. Secondary source is information gathered by other researches about the work being done currently. This data can be inside or outside the organisation.and accessed via internet of published Given below are the two types of research methodology.

• Qualitative data - This is collection of numerical data. This data can only be observed. Qualitative research is useful for studies at the individual level, and to find out, in depth, the ways in which people think or feel. E.g. case studies. (McLeod S. A ,2008)
• Quantitative data - Non-numerical data and conduction in natural settings which is with less control. Data here is being measured.

Scientific method of conducting a good research

1. Identifying the problem (problem statement)
2. Formulating a hypothesis (prediction of the research outcome)
3. Developing a research plan
4. Collecting and analyzing the data
5. Interpreting results and forming conclusions

Referred books/websites  
Sekaran, (2008) Research Methods For Business. 4th ed. Delhi: John Wiley and sons, p.5

Edison (2012) Research skills: What is research

[Online] Available from: http://www.edison.edu/library/researchskills/Unit1/1whatIsResearch.php
LifeHack (2012) 20 quick tips for better time management

[Online] Available  from: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/20-quick-tips-for-better-time-management.html

McLeod, S. A. (2008). Qualitative Quantitative.
[Online] Available from: http://www.simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html