problem def

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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?

problem def

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