chapter 3 defining the problem

Question 1

what is step one in research

Answer 1

recognize a broad issue or opportunity

Question 2

where can broad problems come from

Answer 2

1. existing problem
2. desire for improvement
3. planning for the future

Question 3

what is problem type one in business research

Answer 3

1. standard not achieved

Question 4

what is problem type 2

Answer 4

company is meeting the old standard, but now a new higher standard is required

Question 5

what is problem type 3

Answer 5

inconsistent performance: sometimes the company meets the standards but sometimes it doesn’t

Question 6

what are the tasks involved in the problem definition stage

Answer 6

1. discussion with decision makers
2. interviews with experts
3. secondary data analysis
4. qualitative research

Question 7

what is the purpose of discussion with decision makers during the problem definition stage

Answer 7

understand manager and stakeholder’s concerns and goals and priorities

Question 8

why conduct interview with experts in the problem definition stage

Answer 8

get input from people who have experience related to the problem

Question 9

what is secondary data analysis in the problem definition stage

Answer 9

reviewing existing reports, studies, and data to understand the background

Question 10

what are the 4 criteria’s for evaluating secondary data in problem definition stage

Answer 10

1. timeliness
2. accuracy
3. relevance
4. costs

Question 11

what is qualitative research in the problem definition stave

Answer 11

using flexible methods like open interviews to explore ideas, opinions and patterns

Question 12

what are the 3 parts of breaking down research problem

Answer 12

1. analytical framework and model: structure or theories guiding the research
2. research question and hypothesis: what you want to test or find out
3. specification of information needed: what data or insight is required

Question 13

6 steps in the process of problem definition

Answer 13

1. find out decision maker objectives
2. understand background of the problem
3. identify the real problem, not the symptoms
4. determine unit of analysis
5. determine relevant variables
6. state research questions and objectives

Question 14

what is the iceberg principle

Answer 14

only visible symptoms are on the surface, the real problem lies underneath

Question 15

what is the purpose of the 5 why techniques

Answer 15

to trace a problem back to it’s root cause by asking why 5 times

Question 16

define theory

Answer 16

formal, logical explanation of events, describing how things relate to each other

Question 17

define hypothesis

Answer 17

a formal prediction about relationship between variables

Question 18

can you accept a hypothesis in research

Answer 18

no, you either reject or fail to reject based on evidence

Question 19

what are key ethical issues in research

Answer 19

1. staying objective and maintain integrity
2. protect participants’ privacy
3. avoid causing harm to individuals, organizations, or society

Question 20

what is a research proposal

Answer 20

a written statement of the research design and explains the purpose of the study

Question 21

how to anticipate outcomes

Answer 21

using dummy tables

Question 22

what are dummy tables

Answer 22

representations of tables expected in the final report