RESEARCH METHODS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND

Transcript:RESEARCH METHODS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND:
RESEARCH METHODS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND LAW PROFESSOR J.U.J. ONWUMERE DEAN FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, ENUGU CAMPUS INTRODUCTION DEFINITION AND FEATURES OF RESEARCH The Webster’s NEW ENCYCLOPEDIC DICTIONARY defines research as “a careful or diligent search, studious inquiry or examination, investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of theories or laws in the light of new facts”. Kerlinger (1973) defines it as “a systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical proposition about presumed relations among natural phenomena” (p. 11). Bennet (1983:24) equally views it as a systematic and careful inquiry or examination aimed at discovering “new information or relationship and to expand/verify existing knowledge for some specified purpose” Onwumere(2009) views research from a holistic perspective as “an organized search for the truth about identified problems, challenges and phenomena through investigation and analysis and proffering of relevant solutions or recommendations. Features of Research Research is a human activity aimed at discovering the truth about phenomenon. Research involves the use of resources. Research involves organisation. Research is a process. Research is systematic. Research is directed at problems or challenges. Research must have theoretical backing. Research involves data gathering, inferencing and analysis. Research must aid decision-making. Research is cumulative. Research is time-bound. What Research aims to accomplish Validating or invalidating existing phenomena; Discovering new frontiers of knowledge; Contributing to the body of existing knowledge, i.e. expanding the existing frontiers of knowledge; Aiding the process of theory construction; and Proffering solutions to relevant problems or challenges. FUNCTIONS/SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH - Why study research? Research serves as a veritable source of information Research has become necessary to aid decision-making especially for those organizations that adopt the scientific approach to taking decisions Research helps man to properly understand and utilize resources provided by nature. Research aids appropriate and sound policy making. Research helps in advancing the frontiers of knowledge. Research helps in skills development and enhancement of experience of the undertakers. Research adds to the literature on existing body of knowledge in the particular area under study. THE RESEARCH PROCESS Identification and formulation of the problem to be investigated Careful study of the background to the problem Defining the objectives and scope of the study Formulation of hypothesis/hypotheses Doing a literature review on the specific area of investigation Provision of criteria for measurement of identified variables Development of a good methodology Cost estimation Conduct of the research