Research Method for Managers

by

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Title1

Background of the Research1

Rationale for the Study2

Research Aims and Objectives3

Research Questions3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW4

Research Methods4

Managers as Researchers5

Different Types of Research Methods for Managers5

Qualitative Methods5

Interviews6

Focus Groups7

Quantitative Methods7

Surveys8

Experiments8

Conceptual Framework8

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY10

Research Paradigm10

Research Method10

Rationale for Research Method11

Data Collection Method12

Secondary Source12

Primary Source13

Inclusion Criteria14

Ethical Issues14

Timetable and Resources15

Timetable15

Resources16

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework9

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Title

The title for this study is “Research Methods for Managers”.

Background of the Research

Research in common terms is referred to the act of seeking knowledge and information. It could also be defined as a systematic and scientific method of searching for relevant information on a particular topic. Furthermore, it is also considered to be an art of investigating scientifically. According to Redman and Mory (2009), research methods are defined as s systematic way of gaining new information. Research is one of the functions that are to be performed by managers in various business aspects. Businesses need to continuously involve in research for developing new products and new strategies that help them in achieving competitive advantage (Redman & Mory, 2009, 55). In this globalized competitive world of business, managers in every field are responsible for redefining their goals with respect to the changing business environment. Therefore, it is important for them to understand different methods of carrying out a research.

Research methodology within the strategic management spectrum is not a well-established field in the scientific and academic literature. Since the field of business research methods tends to attract the attention of scientists more as compared to strategic managers, the studies are more focused on micro analysis instead of macro analysis. The research methods help managers not just in gathering information but also in taking strategic decisions.

Rationale for the Study

Managers, in today's competitive business environment, are continuously involved in decision making designing jobs, projects, organizational and departmental structures, and also in aligning the goals of individuals with that of the organization in order to meet the needs of individuals as well as the organizations. They have to base their decisions on existing information that results from what other or they have learnt from pure or applied academic research. In order to seek information in different ways, it is important for managers to understand methods for carrying out research in order to choose the best alternative that will help in gathering the most accurate and useful information.

In order to determine whether certain research method will result in supporting strategic decision making successfully, it is important for managers to first understand the type of information they need. If the strategic information needs of managers significantly differ from problem to problem, then managers understand that each time there is a different way of gathering information.

This study will focus on developing an understanding of basic research methods and processes and a capability of identifying management-related research questions and their solutions in order to take appropriate and effective decision. This study is focused on adding knowledge to the existing literature related to strategic management research ...