BUSINESS ISSUE

Business Issue: Research through Primary and Secondary Data

Business Issue: Research through Primary and Secondary Data

Introduction

Operational problems in businesses are some of the never ending issues yet, they need to be dealt with wisely. Some issues may seem minor but they can severely impact the business and if not adhered with proper planning, they may become a threat for a business (Joynt et al, 1999, pp 30-120). As an HR Manager, I will discuss an operational issue that my company is addressing at the moment. The paper aims to highlight the business problem, investigate it comprehensively and propose a solution to the management. The paper will also discuss the methodologies employed to gather the relevant data and evidences to come up with a feasible plan to curb the issue.

Description of the Business Problem

There are broadly two problems that the company is facing. First and foremost problem is an operational one while other is relating to human resource function. The company has been facing issues relating to integration and lack of centralized network. The number of human errors and inability to update the information on time and make it available leads to decline in the revenues of the company, operational inefficiencies as well as lapses in the financials of the company. For example, due to lack of integrated system, data related to the inventories is not getting updated which leads to two problems; improper ordering of the stock and production problems.

Methodology

Plan for Collection of Primary and Secondary Data

The goal of the project is to gather information concerning the resolution of operational problems in the chosen organization. There has been a certain criteria developed upon the given conditions, on which this study has been based, namely conducting primary research along with searching secondary sources like peer reviewed journal articles and published material available on the subject (Krishnaswamy, 2006, pp 10-39). With respect to motivation and cross cultural problems, an internal survey was conducted on quarterly basis and based on the responses and the consistency of responses, a conclusion was reached. The survey comprised of approximate 1400 employees while the sample was internal employees at officer level only. Based on the results from the survey, numerous strategies were devised and curb the issues. A survey was also done from a random sample who have been using ERP to check the feasibility and feedbacks, as Krishnaswamy et al (2006) highlight that sampling is an almost “inescapable part” or conducting any research (Krishnaswamy, 2006, pp 10-39). Therefore, this paper will use different sources providing qualitative as well as quantitative data, which is they questionnaire. (See Appendix).

Survey Methodology

Survey methodology basically outlines a systematic gathering of facts and information on a particular issue or for a particular purpose. This is done by delving into various sources, which may include interviews, personal observations, questionnaires as well as records which already exist. After this process the gathered data is thoroughly analyzed. For the current business problem of operational issue, and the proposed solution of implementing an ERP system which ...