Module 1 – Detailed Answers
1. Define business research in your own words
Introduction:
Business research is a systematic and organized process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to
help organizations solve problems, identify opportunities, and make informed business decisions.
Explanation:
• Systematic process: Follows defined steps to ensure accuracy.
• Fact-based approach: Relies on data rather than assumptions.
• Supports decisions: Guides managers in making strategic moves.
• Problem-focused: Targets specific issues in operations, marketing, HR, finance, etc.
Example:
A clothing retailer conducts a survey to understand why online sales dropped by 20% over the last three
months.
2. Main objectives of conducting research in a business context
Introduction:
The purpose of business research is to reduce uncertainty and increase the chances of achieving
organizational goals.
Explanation:
• Identify and understand problems.
• Discover market opportunities.
• Improve business processes and productivity.
• Support strategic planning and forecasting.
• Understand consumer preferences and trends.
Example:
A smartphone company researches user needs before deciding on new features for its next phone model.
3. Differentiate between applied research and basic research
Introduction:
Both applied and basic research aim to expand knowledge but differ in their goals and application.
Explanation:
• Applied research: Solves practical, immediate business problems.
• Basic research: Broadens theoretical knowledge without immediate business application.
Example:
• Applied: Testing a new ad campaign’s impact on sales.
• Basic: Studying general consumer behavior theories.
4. Four purposes of conducting research in the industry
Introduction:
Research in industry serves multiple purposes beyond problem solving.
Explanation:
1. Market analysis – Understand demand & customer segments.
2. Product development – Create products that meet customer needs.
3. Quality improvement – Enhance customer satisfaction.
4. Cost reduction – Identify inefficiencies.
Example:
An FMCG company uses research to test prototypes before full market launch.
5. Significance of research in managerial decision-making
Introduction:
Decision-making is more effective when supported by accurate data and insights from research.
Explanation:
• Reduces uncertainty.
• Provides factual evidence.
• Helps forecast trends.
• Supports competitive advantage.
Example:
A bank researches potential locations for new branches before expansion.
6. Three types of business research
Introduction:
Research type depends on purpose and stage of the decision-making process.
Explanation:
• Exploratory research: Early-stage info gathering to define a problem.
• Descriptive research: Profiles characteristics of markets or phenomena.
• Causal research: Studies cause-effect relationships.
Example:
Exploratory: Interviews with customers to explore dissatisfaction causes.
7. Concept of research ethics in business research
Introduction:
Ethics in research ensures fairness, honesty, and protection of individuals’ rights.
Explanation:
• Ensure informed consent.
• Protect confidentiality.
• Avoid data manipulation.
• Prevent harm to participants.
Example:
Keeping employee survey responses anonymous to protect privacy.
8. Characteristics of good research
Introduction:
For research to be credible, it must meet certain quality criteria.
Explanation:
• Systematic and logical.
• Empirical (based on evidence).
• Objective and unbiased.
• Replicable.
Example:
Two different researchers using the same data should reach the same conclusions.
9. Meaning of “research problem”
Introduction:
A research problem is the core issue your study will address.
Explanation:
• Clear and specific.
• Researchable using scientific methods.
• Rooted in a real-world need.
Example:
"Why has customer retention in our subscription service decreased in the past year?"
10. Variable in research and its types
Explanation:
A variable is something that changes or can be measured in a study.
Types:
• Independent variable – manipulated to see effect.
• Dependent variable – responds to changes in the independent variable.
• Control variable – kept constant.
• Moderator variable – affects the strength of the relationship.
Example:
In a study on training and productivity:
Training = Independent, Productivity = Dependent.
11. Steps involved in the research process
Introduction:
The research process is a sequence of interrelated steps to ensure systematic inquiry and reliable results.
Explanation:
• Identify the research problem.
• Conduct a literature review to understand existing knowledge.
• Formulate research objectives or hypotheses.
• Design the research methodology (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed).
• Collect data using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Analyze the data using statistical or thematic methods.
• Draw conclusions and make recommendations.
• Report and present the findings.
Example:
A company studying customer satisfaction follows these steps from defining the problem to reporting
survey results.
12. How to identify a research problem from a business scenario
Introduction:
Identifying a research problem requires analyzing symptoms and understanding underlying causes in a
business context.
Explanation:
• Observe symptoms or issues faced by the business.
• Ask probing questions to uncover root causes.
• Review relevant data and background information.
• Engage stakeholders to confirm issues.
• Narrow down to a specific, researchable problem.
Example:
If sales are declining (symptom), a company investigates causes such as pricing, competition, or marketing
effectiveness to frame the research problem.
13. Role of literature review in business research
Introduction:
A literature review establishes the foundation of a research study by summarizing existing knowledge.
Explanation:
• Provides context and background information.
• Identifies gaps or inconsistencies in prior studies.
• Helps refine research questions and objectives.
• Avoids duplication of past research.
• Supports the development of theoretical framework and hypotheses.
Example:
Before studying online consumer behavior, reviewing journals on e-commerce trends helps clarify where
new insights are needed.
14. Difference between research gap and statement of the problem
Introduction:
Though related, the research gap and statement of the problem serve different purposes in research
formulation.
Explanation:
• Research gap: The missing information or unexplored area in current knowledge.
• Statement of the problem: A clear, concise description of the specific issue the research will
address based on that gap.
Example:
Research gap: Lack of studies on the impact of social media ads on Gen Z purchasing habits.
Problem statement: "Why do social media advertisements have limited effectiveness in influencing Gen Z
purchases?"
15. Meaning of “need for the study” section in a research proposal
Introduction:
This section explains the importance and justification for conducting the research.
Explanation:
• Highlights the relevance and urgency of the problem.
• Specifies the potential benefits of the study to theory or practice.
• Demonstrates how the study fills a research gap or addresses a critical issue.
Example:
A study on sustainable packaging might stress rising environmental concerns and consumer demand for
eco-friendly products as justification.
16. Importance of theoretical framework in research
Introduction:
A theoretical framework guides the research by linking it to established theories and concepts.
Explanation:
• Provides a lens to interpret findings.
• Helps formulate hypotheses and research questions.
• Structures the overall study design.
• Enhances credibility and validity of research.
Example:
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to study employee adoption of new technology guides which factors
to examine.
17. Distinguish between independent and dependent variables
Introduction:
Variables form the core of quantitative research, with roles defined by their causal or responsive nature.
Explanation:
• Independent variable: The factor manipulated or controlled by the researcher.
• Dependent variable: The outcome or effect measured in response to the independent variable.
Example:
In studying the effect of training on productivity:
Training method = independent variable; Productivity level = dependent variable.
18. Difference between research questions and research objectives
Introduction:
Research questions and objectives both define the scope but differ in specificity and purpose.
Explanation:
• Research questions are broad queries the study aims to answer.
• Research objectives are specific, measurable targets or goals derived from those questions.
Example:
Question: What factors influence customer loyalty?
Objective: To identify the top three factors affecting customer loyalty in the smartphone industry.
19. Define inductive and deductive logic in research design
Introduction:
Inductive and deductive logic are two approaches to reasoning used in research.
Explanation:
• Inductive logic: Begins with observations or data to develop theories or generalizations.
• Deductive logic: Starts with a theory or hypothesis and tests it through data.
Example:
Inductive: Observing employee behaviors to develop a motivation theory.
Deductive: Testing whether a known motivation theory applies to a new company.
20. Relationship between literature review and hypothesis formulation
Introduction:
The literature review informs the development of hypotheses by highlighting what is known and unknown.
Explanation:
• Helps identify variables and relationships to test.
• Shows gaps that the hypothesis can address.
• Provides theoretical and empirical support.
Example:
Reviewing studies on work-from-home effects leads to hypothesizing that flexible work increases
productivity.
21. Identifying and framing a research problem for high employee turnover
Introduction:
High turnover requires understanding underlying causes and impacts for effective research.
Explanation:
• Analyze turnover rate trends and affected departments.
• Investigate reasons such as job satisfaction, compensation, or culture.
• Frame the problem clearly and focused.
Example:
Research problem: "What are the primary factors causing high employee turnover in the sales department?"
22. Possible research objectives for consumer behavior in online retail
Introduction:
Objectives guide the inquiry into specific aspects of consumer behavior.
Explanation:
• Understand purchase decision factors.
• Analyze browsing and shopping patterns.
• Assess the impact of online reviews on buying choices.
Example:
Objective: To evaluate how customer reviews influence purchase decisions in online fashion retail.
23. Research question and theoretical framework for remote work productivity
Introduction:
A clear question linked to a theory ensures focused and meaningful research.
Explanation:
• Question: How does remote work influence employee productivity?
• Framework: Job Demands-Resources Theory examines how job demands and available resources
affect outcomes.
Example:
Testing how remote work resources impact productivity through the lens of this theory.
24. How ethical concerns affect business research design
Introduction:
Ethics ensure research respects participants’ rights and maintains integrity.
Explanation:
• Consent must be informed and voluntary.
• Privacy and confidentiality must be protected.
• Avoid harm, deception, and bias.
• Proper data handling and reporting.
Example:
Anonymizing employee feedback to protect identity in a job satisfaction survey.
25. Writing the “need for the study” for sustainable packaging
Introduction:
This section argues why researching sustainable packaging is crucial.
Explanation:
• Highlight environmental impact of traditional packaging.
• Emphasize growing consumer demand for eco-friendly options.
• Note regulatory trends favoring sustainability.
• Identify lack of adequate existing solutions.
Example:
"This study addresses the urgent need to develop cost-effective, sustainable packaging solutions to reduce
plastic waste and meet consumer expectations."
Module 2 – Detailed Answers
1. Difference between a research problem and a symptom
Introduction:
In business research, it’s important to distinguish between symptoms (visible signs) and the actual problem
(root cause).
Explanation:
• Symptom: An indicator or sign that something is wrong; it is visible and measurable.
• Research problem: The underlying root cause that needs to be studied and solved.
• Treating the symptom alone may not resolve the real issue.
• Correct identification ensures research addresses the actual cause, not just the effects.
Example:
Symptom: Sales dropped by 15% last quarter.
Research problem: Ineffective digital marketing strategy failing to attract younger customers.
2. Key characteristics of a well-defined research problem
Introduction:
A well-defined research problem acts as a clear blueprint for the study.
Explanation:
• Clarity: Clearly describes what is to be studied.
• Specificity: Narrow in scope to avoid vague outcomes.
• Feasibility: Can be studied within time, cost, and resource limits.
• Relevance: Important to stakeholders.
• Researchability: Can be explored using scientific methods.
Example:
Poorly defined: “Study customer behavior.”
Well-defined: “Analyze how delivery time affects customer satisfaction in urban online grocery shoppers in
Mumbai.”
3. Steps in identifying and formulating a research problem
Introduction:
Problem identification is systematic and involves multiple stages.
Explanation:
1. Observe and detect issues or trends.
2. Collect relevant background information.
3. Review literature to understand existing work.
4. Consult stakeholders for input.
5. Narrow down the issue to a specific, actionable problem.
6. Write a clear problem statement.
Example:
A company sees high product returns → collects return data → finds most due to quality issues → narrows
to “failure rate of component X” as the research problem.
4. Major sources for identifying a research problem
Introduction:
Problems can be identified from various business and academic sources.
Explanation:
• Business environment: Market competition, customer behavior changes.
• Company reports/data: Sales figures, HR data, financial performance.
• Literature review: Gaps in academic research.
• Expert opinions: Insights from professionals.
• Customer feedback: Complaints, surveys, and reviews.
Example:
A spike in customer complaints about packaging becomes the source for a study on packaging
improvements.
5. How reviewing literature helps in formulating objectives and hypotheses
Introduction:
A literature review informs what should be studied and how.
Explanation:
• Shows what’s already known.
• Highlights gaps to set objectives.
• Suggests possible relationships between variables for hypotheses.
• Identifies relevant theories to guide the study.
Example:
Reviewing articles on employee engagement suggests testing whether flexible work hours increase
engagement (hypothesis).
6. Purposes of a literature review in business research
Introduction:
A literature review is more than summarizing — it’s an analytical process.
Explanation:
• Establish a theoretical foundation.
• Identify gaps or inconsistencies.
• Refine research questions.
• Avoid repeating past mistakes.
• Strengthen credibility with scholarly references.
Example:
Before studying online purchasing trends, reviewing e-commerce literature helps identify missing insights
about rural consumers.
7. Common methods for conducting literature reviews
Introduction:
Multiple strategies are used to gather and synthesize academic information.
Explanation:
• Database searches: Using platforms like JSTOR, Google Scholar.
• Manual search: Reviewing key journals and books.
• Citation tracking: Following references in existing papers.
• Systematic review: Structured search and evaluation.
Example:
Using citation tracking, a researcher reviewing “digital payment adoption” finds related studies via
reference lists.
8. Writing a research problem and specific objectives
Introduction:
Clear problem definition and measurable objectives are key to research effectiveness.
Explanation:
• Problem: States the main issue.
• Objectives: Break issue into SMART sub-goals.
• Should align with expected outcomes.
Example:
Problem: Low customer repeat purchase rate.
Objectives:
1. Identify factors influencing repeat purchase.
2. Evaluate effect of loyalty programs on retention.
9. Research objectives vs research questions
Introduction:
Although related, they serve different functions.
Explanation:
• Research questions: Broad inquiries the study seeks to answer.
• Research objectives: Specific, measurable actions to address those questions.
• Objectives are derived from questions.
Example:
Question: What impacts employee productivity?
Objective: Measure the effect of training hours on weekly output.
10. How poorly framed objectives affect research
Introduction:
Weak objectives hurt research quality and usefulness.
Explanation:
• May lead to irrelevant data collection.
• Makes analysis unfocused.
• Produces inconclusive or misleading results.
Example:
Vague objective “Study employee behavior” → leads to collecting unrelated data on appearance, attitude,
and work styles without focus.
11. Explain the characteristics of SMART objectives in business research
Introduction:
SMART objectives provide a clear pathway for researchers, ensuring that goals are effective and
achievable.
Explanation:
• Specific: Clearly define what is to be accomplished; no ambiguity.
• Measurable: Results can be quantified or evaluated.
• Achievable: Objectives are realistic and obtainable given resources.
• Relevant: Directly related to the research problem.
• Time-bound: Specifies a deadline for achievement.
Example:
Objective: "Increase customer satisfaction scores by 10% within 6 months by implementing a new
feedback system."
12. Define a hypothesis and explain its role and importance in quantitative research
Introduction:
A hypothesis is a tentative statement predicting the relationship between variables, forming the backbone of
quantitative research.
Explanation:
• Provides direction for data collection and analysis.
• Establishes what the researcher expects to find.
• Ensures the research is testable and measurable.
• Allows statistical testing to confirm or refute predictions.
Example:
Hypothesis: "Providing leadership training to managers increases team productivity."
13. Distinguish between a null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis with examples
Introduction:
Hypotheses are formulated in pairs to allow statistical testing of relationships in research.
Explanation:
• Null hypothesis (H0): States there is no effect or relationship between variables.
• Alternative hypothesis (H1): States there is a significant effect or relationship.
Example:
H0: "Employee incentives have no impact on sales figures."
H1: "Employee incentives increase sales figures."
14. Describe the different types of hypotheses used in business research
Introduction:
The type of hypothesis chosen directs the analysis and interpretation of research findings.
Explanation:
• Null hypothesis: Asserts no relationship (“There is no effect…”).
• Alternative hypothesis: Proposes a relationship (“There is an effect…”).
• Directional hypothesis: Predicts the direction of the relationship (“Positive feedback increases
morale.”).
• Non-directional hypothesis: Only states a relationship exists, not the direction (“Feedback affects
morale.”).
Example:
Directional: "Higher advertising spends lead to increased brand awareness among teenagers."
Non-directional: "Advertising spends affect brand awareness among teenagers."
15. Discuss the essential characteristics of a good hypothesis and why it must be testable and
measurable
Introduction:
For a hypothesis to be useful, it must meet certain quality standards.
Explanation:
• Clear and precise in its statement.
• Testable using data or observation.
• Measurable using quantifiable variables.
• Based on existing theory or evidence.
• Specifies variables involved.
Example:
A good hypothesis: "Offering flexible work hours reduces employee absenteeism by at least 15% in one
year."
16. From a research topic of your choice, formulate a pair of null and alternative hypotheses
Introduction:
Formulating both types of hypotheses is critical for proper testing in quantitative research.
Explanation:
• Choose a topic (e.g., Remote work and productivity).
• Develop both null and alternative versions.
Example:
H0: "Remote work arrangements do not affect employee productivity."
H1: "Remote work arrangements increase employee productivity."
17. Discuss the difference between inductive and deductive logic in research, with examples
Introduction:
Research can reason from observation to theory (inductive) or from theory to observation (deductive).
Explanation:
• Inductive logic: Begin with observations/data, then build theories from those patterns.
• Deductive logic: Start with general theories or hypotheses, then test these with data.
Example:
Inductive: Interview employees and note that work-life balance is appreciated, then develop a theory that
flexible hours improve morale.
Deductive: Use Herzberg’s Motivation Theory to hypothesize that recognition increases productivity, then
test it with a survey.
18. Why is diagnosing the symptoms of a business issue important before formulating a research
problem?
Introduction:
Jumping to conclusions can mean addressing the wrong problem.
Explanation:
• Symptoms are signs; deeper root causes must be found.
• Diagnosing prevents misdirected solutions.
• Proper diagnosis leads to more effective research outcomes.
Example:
If sales are dropping (symptom), but the real issue is a poor distribution network, research should target
distribution—not just marketing.
19. Significance of aligning research objectives with the identified problem
Introduction:
Research objectives act as a roadmap and must directly address the research problem.
Explanation:
• Ensures all data and analysis focus on solving the core problem.
• Prevents waste of resources on unrelated data.
• Enables relevant and actionable results.
Example:
If the problem is “high customer complaints about product durability,” the objective should be “to identify
factors contributing to product failures,” not something unrelated like market expansion.
20. How can an improper literature review lead to flawed hypotheses or incorrect conclusions?
Introduction:
A literature review shapes the direction of a study; errors here ripple through the research.
Explanation:
• Missed research leads to repeating past mistakes or missing key variables.
• Incomplete reviews result in unsupported hypotheses.
• Outdated information skews findings.
Example:
Ignoring recent trends in consumer payment methods could lead to testing outdated hypotheses about credit
card usage.
21. How is hypothesis formulation influenced by literature review and theoretical framework?
Introduction:
A strong hypothesis draws upon what’s already known and theoretical models.
Explanation:
• Literature review reveals gaps, established variables, or tested relationships.
• Theoretical framework provides logic for hypothesized connections.
• Together, they make hypotheses more focused and justified.
Example:
Reviewing literature on remote work productivity and using the Job Demands-Resources Theory, you
hypothesize that increased autonomy leads to higher output.
22. Real-world business issue (example):
Introduction:
This task applies the earlier steps to a practical scenario.
Explanation:
• Pick an issue (e.g., declining sales).
• Write the problem, objectives, and a hypothesis.
Example:
Problem: "Sales in the company’s northern region have declined 20% over six months."
Objectives:
1. Identify reasons for declining sales in the northern region.
2. Assess customer satisfaction levels.
Hypothesis: "Reduced customer satisfaction due to slower delivery times has caused the decline in
sales."
23. Process of deriving hypotheses from a theoretical model in management research
Introduction:
Theories guide which variables to test and what kind of relationships to expect.
Explanation:
• Choose a relevant theoretical model.
• Identify key variables specified in the model.
• Formulate testable predictions (hypotheses) about relationships between these variables.
Example:
Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, hypothesize that employees at the “esteem” level are more likely to
respond to recognition-based incentives.
24. How a research gap differs from a research problem, and identifying gaps through the literature
review
Introduction:
Distinguishing between what is missing and what will be researched is key.
Explanation:
• Research gap: Area or question not yet explored or fully answered.
• Research problem: Specific focus your study will tackle, often based on the gap.
• Literature review uncovers gaps by summarizing what is and is not known.
Example:
Gap: Lack of research on mobile banking adoption by seniors in rural areas.
Problem: "What factors hinder mobile banking adoption among seniors in rural Tamil Nadu?"
25. Necessity to revisit objectives and hypotheses during the research process, with examples
Introduction:
Flexibility is important since research often encounters surprises.
Explanation:
• New data or changes in the market may shift the research landscape.
• Early findings may reveal different causes than expected.
• Adjustments ensure relevance and accuracy.
Example:
If interim results show that pricing, not marketing, has led to declining sales, objectives should shift focus
to pricing strategies.
