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Mgt 540

Research Methods

Phase II: SekaranA different perspective

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Hallmarks of Science

Purposiveness Rigor Testability Replicability Precision and Confidence Objectivity Generalizability Parsimony

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Reality check?

100% scientific inquiry in “management?”Exactness?Error-free?

Is Management a “science” or an “art?”

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The (Basic) Research Wheel

Induction

DeductionInduction

Observations/ Data

HypothesesPatterns

Now, to make it a little more complex …

#1 - Notice

#3 - Comprehend

#2 - Recognize #4 - Relate

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Hypothetico-deductive methodFig. 2-1 “Building Blocks of Science”

#1 Notice

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Theoretical Framework

Hypothesis

• Hypothesis generation via induction• Hypothesis testing via deduction

Look at Example 2.2 and 2.3

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Deduction / Induction Induction is a process of drawing inferences from

observed phenomena which may be subsequently tested through research. [A form of reasoning in which a generalized conclusion is formulated from particular instances ] For instance – if a manager oberves that people

residing at distances beyond 50 miles from the workplace remain absent more frequently than those he knows to reside close by, and infers thateby that distance is a factor in absenteeism, this is an inductive process.

Deduction is a process of arriving at a conclusion from the result of data analysis. [A form of reasoning in which conclusions are formulated about particulars from general or universal premise ] For example, data analysis can infer that turnover

problems can be minimized by a)flexible work hours; b) recognizing superior performance through suitable merit pay raises, and c) enriching certain jobs.

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Steps in Hypothetico- Deductive Model

1. Observation

2. Preliminary information gathering Interviews Literature surveys

3. Theory formulation

4. Hypothesizing

5. Further scientific data collection

6. Data analysis

7. Deduction

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Hypothetico-deductive methodFig. 2-1 “Building Blocks of Science”

#1 Notice #2 Learn

#3 Relate

#4 Induction

#5 Collection

#6 - Learn

#7 Deduction

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Business Research Software

Groupware Focus groups, group interviews

Neural networks Project based on past data

CAM / CAD Form of “action” oriented aids

ERP Integrated data management

Data Analytic SPSS or SAS Jmp-In Excel

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Emerging technologies

Handhelds Interactive devices Digital whiteboards Videoconferencing Virtual reality Linking PCs to other electronic

devices

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Data use

Operations Management / ResearchData warehousing

Central repositoriesData mining

Application Research