The purpose of this study is to take an in-depth look in to understand the scientific research and its strategic importance to the present day managers who are working to resolve and understand business related matters which are critical to solve in timely manner.
It is widely accepted that decisions taken hastily, based on hunches, past experiences and motivated by the emotional instinct could costly as there is no way of knowing for certain the root causes. Hence it is paramount to conduct a study which is properly though after, meticulously planned and conducted in a logical manner.
This study will take an in-depth look into how to conduct a scientific research and its importance to the manager
A study understand the importance of scientific research and its impact to management decision making process
1. 1
A study understand the importance of scientific research and its impact to management decision
making process
Charm Rammandala
California Intercontinental University
2. 2
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to take an in-depth look in to understand the scientific research and
its strategic importance to the present day managers who are working to resolve and understand
business related matters which are critical to solve in timely manner.
It is widely accepted that decisions taken hastily, based on hunches, past experiences and
motivated by the emotional instinct could costly as there is no way of knowing for certain the
root causes. Hence it is paramount to conduct a study which is properly though after,
meticulously planned and conducted in a logical manner.
This study will take an in-depth look into how to conduct a scientific research and its importance
to the manager
3. 3
Introduction
Many management problems require timely solutions and decisions to achieve the company
goals and more importantly to stay relevant (Basking 2002)
The biggest challenge to managers in the current corporate world is to stay ahead of the
competition. It is paramount to retain the customers while looking for ways to increase the
market share. In order to do that constantly need to understand the internal and external market
conditions, new dynamics in the market place and customer expectations.
When it comes to customers this could be further divide into internal and external customers.
Internal customers are the company employees, suppliers and stakeholders while external
customers are the ones who buy products and Services Company provides.
It is manager’s important job function to understand and be vigilant about the internal and
external changes.(Crouch & Hudson 2003). Some of the areas need to be focused on are,
employee grievances, customer satisfaction, sales performances and customer feedback. Failure
to understand or take timely actions to any of those situations could lead to drop of output which
would have a definite impact to the company bottom line.
This study will take an in-depth look into understand what is scientific research and how it could
help managers to take informed decisions in timely manner to avoid any unwelcome situation.
4. 4
Main Body
There are various definitions for the term scientific research. However most commonly used
definition is systematic study of the situation based on the theory and facts, objectivity of
observation, predictability of results and verifiability of results.(Bryman & Bell 2003)
This process involved number of formalities and procedures. It is important all the necessary
steps are followed to make sure results are accurate to the original issue as possible.
According to Uma Sekaran & Roger Bougie (2009), there are eight important hallmarks to
determine a scientific research. Those are,
1. Purposiveness
2. Rigor
3. Testability
4. Replicability
5. Precision and confidence
6. Objectivity
7. Generalizability
8. Parsimony
Those hallmarks will ensure the research is within the acceptable guidelines and results are close
to the issue investigating and relevant to the research question.
It is important to understand that researching to find a reason or a possible solution to managerial
issue is not as easy as conducting a research for a physical science phenomena. Those research
5. 5
can be controlled through laboratory tests and physical controls. Most of the managerial
decisions and policies are to control human beings. Individuals behavior and reactions differ
person to person and only can be controlled to a certain extend. Hence it is somewhat
challenging to deploy the scientific method to make management decisions. Some of the
common areas managers need feedback on are labour productivity, material and inventory
management, product planning and consumer behavior, trade unions behavior. It is not always
possible to come up with an accurate conclusions.
Hypothetico-deductive method
In order to overcome those obstacles, there are several techniques developed and one of the most
popular tool is called Hypothetico- deductive method developed by Sir Carl Popper. This method
provides a useful, systematic approach to solving basic and managerial problems.
In order to ensure the accurate results as possible, hypothetico-deductive method uses seven
steps. These 7 steps are based on a logical sequence and it ensures all areas are covered while
conducting the study (Sekaran & Bougie 2009). Those seven steps includes,
1. Identify a broad problem area
2. Define the problem statement
3. Develop hypotheses
4. Determine measures
5. Data collection
6. Data analysis
7. Interpretation of data
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By following above seven steps, it is possible to come to reasonable understanding to the subject
area. As result of following a logical sequence and looking in to the narrowed down problem
area and hypothesis, managers can apply on the findings. However it is important to note it never
gives the hundred percent accurate results as such a thing do not exist in management research
field
Figure 1 (Ahamadi Mo 2006)
Figure 1 shows the hypothetico-deductive research cycle. Deductive and inductive reasoning is a
key element of this method and this will ensure the validity of the findings. For an example
methodically deducting various reasons which could be causing the issue which prompted the
research, it can determine the closest reason for the problem and may help to resolve it
effectively.
7. 7
Conclusion
Successful business around the world periodically conduct market research to stay ahead of the
competition and maintain the competitive edge. Properly designed market research will ensure
company receives critical information which needs for strategy formulations and policy
decisions.
Essentially it is important managers have a tool to understand the various business related
situations arise in the day to day operations and strategy discussions. Scientific research are one
of the main important tool available. It is vital to have a systematic process of gathering
information to help in making business decisions and development of business standards and
processes which would cover all relevant aspects of the business.
8. 8
References
Ahamadi Mo (2006) Research methods & processes
Retrieved from gala virtual reference library http:/gale. Galegroup.com (10/01/2015)
Basking Marry (2002) Brand new brand thinking
retrieved from books 24x7 http:/gale. Galegroup.com (10/01/2015)
Bryman Alan, Bell Emma (2003) Business research methods
retrieved from books 24x7 http:/gale. Galegroup.com (10/01/2015)
Crouch Sunny & Hudson Matthew (2003) Marketing research for managers
retrieved from books 24x7 http:/gale. Galegroup.com (10/02/2015)
Walker Susan (2012) Employee engagement communication research: measurement strategy &
action. retrieved from books 24x7 http:/gale. Galegroup.com (10/01/2015)
Kadan Robert (2006) Guerrilla marketing research: Marketing research techniques that can help
any business make more money
retrieved from books 24x7 http:/gale. Galegroup.com (10/01/2015)