Business Research Process 4

1. Business Research Process 4

2. -Motivation -Research Problem -Research Objectives - Theoretical Framework Planning Research Strategies & Research Designs 2

3. theoretical perspective Conceptual definition Quantify one\two tail test reality concept conceptual framework proposition 360 DEGRE EOF RM type I & type II error dimensions taxonomy hypothesis statement, testable adhoc theory variables srs/sys/strat/clus sampling deductive Longitudinal Probability model types Time factor Case study judg/conv/quo inductive Non probability Cross section Review of literature sampling frame sample size (Z*Sd/E)2 Exploratory Scientific method Survey Experimental sampling population (p*q)z2/E2 Qual. Motivation Research Problem Objective Standard error σ/√n (Pop. mean) Nominal ordinal Descriptive Causal nonmetric Quant. Types of research Measurement Of scale Interval ratio metric limitations New inquiry\further research Operational definition Suggestions implications Findings Data analysis & statistical test Collection of data secondary conclusion Goodness of data Journals Magazine Govt. updates Bulletins monograph validity content Uni \ Bi \ Multivariate primary criterion Questionnaire Observation Focus group Projective techq. Scale of measurement reliability Inter-item construct Objective of study Sample nature predictive Alpha=Nρ/[1+ ρ(N-1)] Test-retest Sample number Split halves discriminate Sample size Parallel form 3 concurrent convergent Number of I/V & D/V

4. Applied Research: Research done with the aim of using the results of its finding to solve specific real-life problems currently being experienced in the organization. Basic Research: Also referred to as pure research, done with the aim to generate more knowledge in order to enhance understanding of certain phenomena. The research outcome may not have immediate application, instead it enables the researcher to develop theories based on the research results. Two Broad Categories of Research 4

5. Purposiveness The research proceeds with a definite objective and a clear purpose Rigor Has strong theoretical grounds, clearly defined framework and a sound methodological design Testability The study is able to arrive at testable hypotheses that have been logically developed. Replicability Research results supported and consistent when the study is repeated in other similar circumstances What is a Good Scientific Research? 5

6. Precision Closeness of findings to reality Confidence Probability that estimations arising from the research findings are correct Objectivity Conclusions drawn are based on facts resulting from the actual data whose measurements are valid and reliable Generalizability The scope of applicability of the research findings in one settings to other settings, i.e. ability to draw similar conclusion to the population Parsimony Simple in explaining phenomena or problems that occur, and in the application of solutions to problems What is a Good Scientific Research? 6

7. Research ProcessAdopted from Sekaran (2003) OBSERVATION Broad area of research interest identified PROBLEM DEFINITION Research problem delineated THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Variables clearly identified and labeled HYPOTHESES GENERATION SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH DESIGN PRELIMINARY DATA GATHERING Interviewing & Literature Survey DEDUCTION Hypotheses substantiated? Research questions answered DATA COLLECTION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 7

8. The adage “a problem well defined is a problem half solved” The identification of a specific (business decision) area that will be clarified by answering some research questions “Begin with the end in mind” PROBLEM DEFINITION 8

9. Examples of Problem Definitions To what extent do the structure of the organization and type of information systems installed account for the variance in the perceived effectiveness of managerial decision making? Do the income statement and the balance sheet elicit the same kind of reader reactions toward the company as the cash flow statement? What are the effects of downsizing on the long-range growth patterns of companies? 9

10. What is problem statement? Something researcher has an interest/ real problem/or filling gaps about phenomenon. A phenomenon – for example, management accounting systems (MAS) and how it can enhance managerial performance. Two concepts – are MAS & Managerial performance. Relationship between Literature Review and Problem Statement 10

11. Stated in a statement: How the design of management accounting systems (timeliness, integration, broad scope and aggregation) can enhance managerial performance? Alternatively: Interested to know why there are differences in managers’ performance in manufacturing companies? Our focus now is on the performance of managers. Your interest to investigate how MAS can explain the differences in managerial performance. Relationship between Literature Review and Problem Statement 11

12. The concept of MAS with four dimensions, namely timeliness, broad scope, aggregation and integration Managerial performance – specifically, what performance are you looking at. Perhaps: Moderator if any. What are the concepts need to be discussed in literature review? 12

13. As a piece of writing, the literature review must be defined by a guiding concept (e.g., your research objective, the problem or issue you are discussing, or your argumentative thesis). It is not just a descriptive list of the material available, or a set of summaries. What is a review of the literature? 13

14. Information seeking: the ability to scan the literature efficiently, using manual or computerized methods, to identify a set of useful articles and books Critical appraisal: the ability to apply principles of analysis to identify unbiased and valid studies What you gain from literature review? 14

15. be organized around and related directly to the thesis or research question you are developing synthesize results into a summary of what is and is not known – a-state-of-the-art identify areas of controversy in the literature formulate questions that need further research A literature review must do these things 15

16. Theoretical Framework A conceptual model of how one theorizes the relationships among the several factors that have been identified as important to the problem Helps us to postulate and test certain relationships so as to improve our understanding of the dynamics of the situation Network of relationships among the variables considered important to the study 16

17. Variables clearly identified Theorizing and discussion on important relationships among variables Direction of relationships Clear explanation of reasons for relationships A schematic diagram Theoretical Framework Basic features 17

18. A Variable is anything that can take on differing or varying values. (e.g., length of service, performance, size) The Dependent variable is the variable of primary interest. The goal is to understand (explain and predict) the DV. (e.g., performance, motivation) An Independent variable is one that influences the dependent variable in either a positive or a negative way. (e.g., usage, participation) VARIABLES 18

19. The Moderating variable is one that has a strong contingent effect on the independent variable-dependent relationship. (e.g., size and the relationship between usage and performance) An intervening variable is one that surfaces between the time the independent variables operate to influence the dependent variable and their impact on the dependent variable. (e.g., participation is associated with effectiveness because the former leads to commitment) VARIABLES 19

20. Male/Female Employed/ Unemployed Dichotomous Ethnic background Educational level Religious affiliation Discrete Income Temperature Age Continuous Types of Variables 20

21. Independent Variable (IV) Predictor Presumed cause Stimulus Predicted from… Antecedent Manipulated Dependent Variable (DV) Criterion Presumed effect Response Predicted to…. Consequence Measured outcome Exhibit 2-4 Independent and Dependent Variables 21

22. The switch to commission from a salary compensation system (IV) will lead to increased sales productivity (DV) per worker, especially among younger workers (MV). The loss of mining jobs (IV) leads to acceptance of higher-risk behaviors to earn a family-supporting income (DV) – particularly among those with a limited education (MV). Moderating Variables (MV) 22

23. With new customers (EV-control), a switch to commission from a salary compensation system (IV) will lead to increased sales productivity (DV) per worker, especially among younger workers (MV). Among residents with less than a high school education (EV-control), the loss of jobs (IV) leads to high-risk behaviors (DV), especially due to the proximity of the firing range (MV). Extraneous Variables (EV) 23

24. The switch to a commission compensation system (IV) will lead to higher sales productivity (DV) by increasing overall compensation (IVV). A promotion campaign (IV) will increase savings activity (DV), especially when free prizes are offered (MV), but chiefly among smaller savers (EV-control). The results come from enhancing the motivation to save (IVV). Intervening Variables (IVV) 24

25. Hypotheses Generation A logically conjectured relationship between two or more variables expressed in the form of testable statements Testing of a hypothesis and establishing an assumed relationship enable one to solve a problem. Format 1: Difference Format 2: If-Then 25

26. Examples of Hypotheses If there is good communication among cockpit crew, then there is less air-traffic violation. If the pilots are given adequate training to handle midair crowded situations, air-safety violations will be reduced Training has an interaction effect on the relationship between communication among cockpit crew and air-traffic violation 26

27. Null hypothesis is a proposition that states a definitive, exact relationship between two variables Null hypothesis is formulated so that it can be tested for possible rejection If the null hypothesis is rejected …..? Our faith on the alternative hypothesis is based on theory Null and Alternative Hypotheses 27

28. Is bus underutilization a major issue? A conceptual model for assessment and evaluation: Empirical evidence for Malaysia transport sustainability

29. Sustainability of Malaysian Transportation 29

30. Agenda • Introduction • Problem Statement • Research Objectives & Questions • Significance of the Study • Literature Review • Theory of Reasoned Action • Conceptual Model & Theoretical Framework • Hypotheses • Methodology • Profile of Respondents • SPSS Analysis and Results • Summary of Significant Findings • Discussion • Implications • Limitations & Future Research • Conclusion • References 30

31. Introduction Deficiencies of public bus transport (PBT) services Sustainability of transport system & Quality of life (Steg & Gifford, 2005) 31

32. Problem Statement • Poor utilization rate and resistance of public to utilize • PBT services • PT users in Malaysia = 16% (The Star, 2009d) • PT users in KL = 19.7% (Kuala Lumpur City Hall, 2004) • PT users in Penang = 10% (Mok, 2009) • This study therefore is • to investigate and conceptualize the perceived • utilization of PBT service among commuters • and non-commuters in Malaysia • Perceived utilization • “is assumed to be an exponentially weighted average of past utilization” • (Repenning, 1990, p. 23) • the degree to which commuters or non-commuters believe that they will • utilize the PBT service based on their perception on and preference of the • rendered services if their needs and expectations are fulfilled. 32

33. Research Objectives & Questions Introduction Objectives Questions 33

34. Significance of the Study Introduction • Provide a better understanding on the perceived • utilization of PBT service of Malaysian citizens • Relevant to the 6th NKRA • Improve PBT service in Malaysia to • increase utilization, profit in PBT sector • reduce traffic congestion, accidents, air pollution • improve economic growth & quality of life • ensure sustenance (viability) of PBT • A customizable conceptual model • Value of the study indicated by • the Ministry of Transport, Malaysia sought • permission to use the questionnaires • positive feedback from Rapid Penang 34

35. Literature Review Introduction 35

36. Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) The person’s beliefs that the behavior leads to certain outcomes and his evaluation of these outcomes The person’s beliefs that the behavior leads to certain outcomes and his evaluation of these outcomes Attitude toward the behavior Attitude toward the behavior Relative importance of attitudinal and normative considerations Different Service Drivers The person’s beliefs that specific individuals or groups think he should or should not perform the behavior and his motivation to comply with the specific referents Intention Behavior Intention Behavior Perceived Utilization of PBT Service Subjective norm 36 Source: Ajzen and Fishbein (1980)

37. Analysis: Descriptive & Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) Full factorial design (conjoint profiles) = 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 = 32 Reliability of schedule (ROS): Exact time (ET) Approximate time (AT) Safety and comfort (SAC): Utmost priority (UP) Moderate priority (MP) Perceived utilization of PBT service (PU*) PBT service Information service (IFS): Full information (FI) Moderate information (MI) Season ticket (STK): Season ticket (ST) Regular ticket (RT) Ticket pricing (TKP): Flat (F) Varying (V) Conceptual Model 37 Note: * perceived direct utilization (PUD), perceived indirect utilization (PUID), perceived recommendation (PUR)

38. Independent variables PBT service drivers: H1 Reliability of schedule (ROS) H2 Dependent variable Safety and comfort (SAC) H3 Perceived utilization of PBT service (PU*) Information service (IFS) H4 Season ticket (STK) H5 Ticket pricing (TKP) Demographic profiles: Gender Age Monthly salary Possession of own vehicle Commuter/non-commuter H6 Analysis: Independent samples t-test, chi-square test, two-group discriminant analysis Theoretical Framework Introduction 38 Note: * perceived direct utilization (PUD), perceived indirect utilization (PUID), perceived recommendation (PUR)

39. Hypotheses Introduction H1 H6a H2 H6b H3 H6c H6d H4 H6e H5 39

40. Methodology • Research Design • Quantitative • Exploratory Study • Cross-sectional Design Information Gathering Desk Research / Literature Review Email to Government Authorities Interview with Expert from Rapid Penang Focus Group Opinion Survey Observation Face Validation by Rapid Penang Pilot Study (30 respondents) • Questionnaire Design: • Conjoint Profile (Select 3 from 11 combinations) • Direct measurement of service drivers’ importance (5-point Likert scales) • Categorical Scale for Perceived Utilization (PUD, PUID, PUR) Empirical Survey (17 days) Online Survey (English + Malay) Personal Structured Interview (Rapid Penang bus terminal) Penang Residents (Commuters + Non-commuters Convenience & Purposive Sampling (N= 195) SPSS Data Analysis Factor Analysis & Reliability Analysis Descriptive Statistics Pearson Correlation Analysis Independent Samples t-test Chi-square Test Two-group Discriminant Analysis Multidimensional Scaling 40

41. Suggestions from Respondents 41

42. Consumer reflections on the usage of plastic bags to parcel hot edible items: An empirical study in Malaysia-Framework 42

44. Research Framework