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Business
Research Methods
Chapter 6:
Problem Definition
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Problem
discovery
Problem definition
(statement of
research objectives)
Secondary
(historical)
data
Experience
survey
Pilot
study
Case
study
Selection of
exploratory researchtechnique
Selection of
basic research
method
Experiment SurveyObservation
Secondary
Data StudyLaboratory Field Interview Questionnaire
Selection of
exploratory research
techniqueSampling
Probability Nonprobability
Collection of
data
(fieldwork)
Editing andcoding
data
Data
processing
Interpretation
of
findings
Report
Data
Gathering
Data
Processingand
Analysis
Conclusions
and Report
Research Design
Problem Discovery
and Definition
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The formulation of the problem
is often more essential than its
solution.
Albert Einstein
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Problem Definition
The indication of a specific business
decision area that will be clarified by
answering some research questions.
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Statement of
Research Objectives
Problem Definition
Defining Problem Results in
Clear Cut Research Objectives
Exploratory
Research
(Optional)
Analysis of
the Situation
Symptom Detection
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The Process of
Problem DefinitionAscertain the
decision makers
objectives
Understand
background of the
problem
Isolate/identify the
problem, not the
symptoms
Determine unit of
analysis
Determine relevant
variables
State research
questions and
objectives
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7
Ascertain the Decision Makers
Objectives Decision makers objectives
Managerial goals expressed in measurable
terms.
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The Iceberg Principle
The principle indicating that the dangerouspart of many business problems is neither
visible to nor understood by managers.
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9
Understand the Background of
the Problem Exercising judgment
Situation analysis - The informal gathering
of background information to familiarize
researchers or managers with the decision
area.
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10
Isolate and Identify the Problems,
Not the Symptoms Symptoms can be confusing
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Symptoms Can Be Confusing
Twenty-year-old neighborhood swimming
association:
Membership has been declining for years.
New water park -residents prefer the
expensive water park????
Demographic changes: Children have
grown up
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Problem Definition
Organization Symptoms Based on Symptom True Problem
Twenty-year-oldneighborhood
swimming
association in a
major city.
Membership has beendeclining for years.
New water park with
wave pool and water
slides moved into
town a few years ago.
Neighborhoodresidents prefer the
expensive water
park and have
negative image of
swimming pool.
Demographic changes:Children in this 20-
year-old neighborhood
have grown up. Older
residents no longer
swim anywhere.
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TOTIEMUL
ESTO
What Language Is Written on
This Stone Found by
Archaeologists?
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TOTIEMUL
ESTO
The Language Is English: To Tie
Mules To
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Problem definition
Creativity techniques
Analytical Intuitive
Progressive abstraction Associations/Images
Interrogatories (5Ws+H) Wishful thinking
Boundary examinations Brain storming
Analogy/metaphor
Individuals vs. groups
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Problem definition
GAP analysis
Unintended
situation
Normal
situation
Ideal
situation
Problem
definition
Definition of
opportunities
Disturbing problems Entrepreneurial problems
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Problem definition
Progressive Abstraction Technique1. Basic description of the problem
2. Gradually moving towards a higher level of abstraction
(until a usable definition has been reached)
- the problem is automatically extended, new definitionsmay show up
- new definitions can be evaluated regarding applicability
- when a higher level of abstraction has been reached, it is
often easier to identify solutions3. The decision maker/analyst is forced into a systematic
way of searching for substructures and relationships
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Problem definition
Boundary examination technique1. Purpose: to restructure the assumptions and to developnew ways of looking at the problem
2. Procedure:
describe the problem, as it looks at the moment
identify key elements in the definition and examine them to
reveal underlying assumptions
analyse each assumption and identify its causes and effects
redefine the problem based on the deeper understanding of
the elements achieved during this process3. Advantages:
provocative definition of the problem
reveals limits which are difficult to identify
stresses the need of a flexible definition of the problem
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Problem definitionInterrogatories Ws+H
(who, what, where, when, why, how)
1. Purpose: To make sure that all aspects of the problem
has been considered
2. Procedure:- construct questions for each of the 5 Ws+H
- answer the questions
- evaluate the proposed answers
- if an improvement shows up:is it cost efficient?
if so change accordingly
Very efficient technique which can be applied in any phases
of the problem definition
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Problem definition
Wishful thinking technique1. Purpose: To isolate the process of defining the problem from
non-recognized but irrelevant alternative assumptions
2. Procedure:- formulate questions, targets, situations or a problem
- accept that everything is possible
- use imagination to formulate statements like: I would like to..
or If I could choose- examine each statement and apply it as a stimuli
- return to reality and formulate statements like: Even if I cant do it,
then I can
- repeat the last three steps if needed
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Problem definition
Brain storming1. Purpose: To generate as many ideas as possible
2. Procedure:
- select a problem, which all participants have some knowledge/experience about
- describe the problem in a neutral way
- write down all suggestions on a board, so everybody can see them
- evaluation must not start until all ideas have been mentioned
- try to force more ideas
- strive for as many ideas as possible so quality can be extracted from
quantity
- accept all ideas - even the most absurd
- stimulate associations and extensions of generated ideas
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22
Determine the Unit of Analysis Individuals, households, organizations, etc.
In many studies, the family rather than the
individual is the appropriate unit ofanalysis.
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23
Determine the Relevant Variable
Anything that may assume different
numerical values
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Types of Variables
Categorical
Continuous
Dependent
Independent
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Hypothesis An unproven proposition
A possible solution to a problem
Guess
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26
State the research questions and
research objectives
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If you do not know where you are going,
any road will take you there.
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Statement of
business
problem
Exploratory
research
(optional)
Statement of
business
problem
Broad
research
objectives
SpecificObjective 1
SpecificObjective 2
SpecificObjective 3
Research
DesignResults
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Influences of definition
Statement
of Problem
Exploratory
Research(Optional)
Broad
Research
Objectives
SpecificObjective III
Specific
Objective I
Specific
Objective II
Research
DesignResults
Feedback
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The Process of
Problem DefinitionAscertain the
decision makers
objectives
Understand
background of the
problem
Isolate/identify the
problem, not the
symptoms
Determine unit of
analysis
Determine relevant
variables
State research
questions and
objectives
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Basic Questions -
Problem Definition
What is the purpose of the study?
How much is already known?
Is additional background information necessary?
What is to be measured? How?
Can the data be made available?
Should research be conducted? Can a hypothesis be formulated?
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Basic Questions -
Basic Research Design
What types of questions need to be
answered?
Are descriptive or causal findings required?
What is the source of the data?
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Basic Questions -
Basic Research Design
Can objective answers be obtained by
asking people?
How quickly is the information needed?
How should survey questions be worded?
How should experimental manipulations be
made?
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