Clarifying the research topic

1. Clarifying the research topic The process of problem solving in business administration From title (or topic) to problem statement Levels of ambitions � different targets/purposes A good research topic The problem statement

2. Problem solving in Business Economics Discussion about the meaning and contents of the topic What is symptom and what is problem/different problems inherent in the topic/task ? Analysis and description of the context � the company Possible/feasible solutions ? Other contextual issues and theoretical contributions Leads to need for information � and refined problem statement ? Methodology and method How to gather the information Explorative, desk, causal/system/teleological analysis ? Collection of data Defined by need for information and method ? Analysis and interpretation of data Comparison with theoretical background. Data becomes information in a context. ? Conclusion/implications for actions

3. How the various parts of a report are connected

4. From topic to a problem statement

5. Definitions* Title Descibes in a short way the topic of the report and gives an idea about the contents Problem (area) The overall problem that lies within the title Can contain several problems Mostly not operational Problemdiscussion/analysis Activities leading to a clear picture of the possible elements of and angles on the problem and how it can be operationalized. Problem statement The problem which you want to solve � one specific problem among the possible problem areas of the topic. Is supplemented by research questions. Research questions The questions that need to be answered to solve or investigate the problem. Can be in the form of hypotheses

6. Different levels of ambition/purposes (5.2) Explorative To find out what the problem/symptom is really about. Descriptive How does it look like � what are the elements? Explanation � Why is it so? What causes this? Causal Intentional (motive) System (how factors interact). Understanding/comprehension How something is perceived Prediction What happens if we do so and so � necessary to choose between possible alternative actions Normative/problem solving/guide on possible actions Requires knowledge about consequences of various actions Evaluation Why did it go like this? Problems in the plan or in the process

7. Attributes of a good research topic Capability: is it feasible? Are you fascinated by the topic? Do you have the necessary research skills? Can you complete the project in the time available? Will the research still be current when you finish? Do you have sufficient financial and other resources? Will you be able to gain access to data?

8. Attributes of a good research topic Appropriateness: is it worthwhile? Will the examining institute's standards be met? Level of ambition Does the topic contain issues with clear links to theory? Will the proposed research provide fresh insights into the topic? Are the findings likely to be symmetrical? Does the research topic match your career goals?

9. Attributes of a good research topic And - (if relevant) Does the topic relate clearly to an idea you were given - possibly by your organisation ?

10. Generating research ideas Useful Techniques Rational thinking Creative thinking Searching the literature Brainstorming Scanning the media Relevance Trees Discussion Keeping an ideas notebook Exploring past projects

11. Refining research ideas Using the Delphi Technique Conducting a preliminary study Continually testing out your ideas Integrating ideas Refining topics given to you by your organisation

12. Write a problem statement which is Consistent with expected standards Level of ambition Level of operationalization In accordance with research paradigm Able to produce clear conclusions  At the right level ( not too difficult )

13. Turning ideas into research projects

14. Problem statement What problem are you trying to solve? What do you need to know to do so? More about the company More about the topic (theoretical background) More about the specific situation (primary data) � which specific questions do you need to answer? Do you expect any relationships?

15. Include SMART Personal objectives S pecific M easurable A chievable R ealistic (and relevant) T imely

16. Theory A formulation regarding the cause and effect relationships between two or more variables which may or may not have been tested A plausible, coherent explanation of connection between phenomena P 36. Social theory is a system of interconnected ideas that condenses and organizes the knowledge about the social world and explains how it works. Neuman. Social Research Methods. Pearson. p 8

17. The importance of theory Asking for opinions and gathering facts � 'what' questions (descriptive research) Using questions that go beyond description and require analysis � 'why' questions Phillips and Pugh (2005) In order to: Explain phenomena Analyse relationships Predict outcomes Compare and generalise