The Research Question: Formulation of the Problem

The Research Question:Formulation of the Problem Chapter 2

The Research Question • Who cares? • New Coke • Research Problems v. Research Opportunities Source: wikipedia.org

Problem Formation

Step 1: Meet with Client • Why? • Planned Change v. Unplanned Change Source: www.diylife.comwww.squidoo.com

Step 2: Clarify the Problem/Opportunity • Comes from client meetings • Example: New product is not selling • Normal thinking

Step 3: State the Manager’s Decision Problem • What is a decision problem? • Ex.- “Why are store revenues low?” • Two types • Discovery-oriented problem • Answers “_________?” or “________?” about a problem • Unplanned changes • Strategy-oriented problem • Answers “________?” about a problem • Planned changes

Step 4: Develop Possible Research Problems

Step 5: Select Research Problems to be Addressed • Limitations • How many to research?

Step 6: Prepare Research Request Agreement • “Document prepared by researcher after client meeting that summarizes problem and what information is needed” • Includes: • Background • Decision problem • Research problem • Use • Population • Logistics

Research Proposal • Research Proposal • Request for Proposal (RFP) • “Document that describes problem for which research is sought, and that asks providers to offer proposals , including cost estimates and a description of how they would do the job.”

Research Proposal • Sections: • Problem recognition • Research design • Sampling plan Data collection forms • Analysis • Time schedule • Personnel requirements • Appendices Source: www.chipabf.org

The Research Question: Formulation of the Problem