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RM - Assignment 01 - Omar Refaat - 21123007

Assignment of business research methodology for masters in quality man...

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Research Writing (RHET 1020)

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The American University in Cairo

Academic year: 2021/2022

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Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY - ASSIGNMENT 1

Omar Refaat Rashad Mohamed

ID: 21123007

Assignment 1

1. Why should a manager know about research when the job entails managing people, products, events, environments, and the like? 1- Identification and effectiveness problem solving in the work setting. 2- Prober discrimination between good from bad research. 3- Take calculated risks in decision making. 4- Appreciation and awareness of the multiple influences and effects of factors impinging on a situation. 5- Experience & scientific knowledge based decision making. 6- Relate to hired researchers and consultants more effectively. 7- Prevent possible vested interests from exercising their influence in a situation.

2. For what specific purposes is basic research important?

The purpose of basic research:

To generate a body of knowledge by trying to comprehend how certain problems that occur in organizations can be solved.

Expand knowledge of processes of business and management As some organizations may later on apply the knowledge gained by the findings of such basic research to solve their own problems.
Results in universal principles relating to the process and its relationship to outcomes.
Findings of significance and value to society in general. Organization may use this information to determine if these factors are relevant to that particular work setting.

Context:

Undertaken by people based in universities
Choice of topic and objectives determined by the researcher
Flexible time scales

3. When is applied research, as distinct from basic research, useful?

Purpose of Applied research:

To solve a current problem faced by the manager in the work setting, demanding a timely solution.

Improve understanding of particular business or management problem.
Results in solution to problem For example, a particular product may not be selling well and the manager might want to find the reasons for this in order to take corrective action.
New knowledge limited to problem research done with the intention of applying the results of the findings to solve specific problems currently being experienced in the organization.
Findings of practical relevance and value to managers in organizations

Context:

Undertaken by people based in variety of settings including organizations and universities
Objectives negotiated with originator
Tight time scales

7. Describe a situation where research will help you as a manager to make a good decision.

For example, a new product developed may not be taking off, or a financial investment may not be paying off as anticipated. Such disturbing phenomena have to be understood and explained. Unless this is done, it will not be possible to predict the future of that product or the prospects of that investment, and how future catastrophic outcomes can be controlled. A grasp of research methods will enable managers to understand, predict, and control their environment.

8. Given the situations below, (a) discuss with reasons whether they fall into the category of applied or basic research, and (b) for Scenario 1, explain with reasons, who will conduct the research.

Scenario 1 - To Acquire or Not to Acquire: That is the Question

1. Companies are very interested in acquiring other firms even when the latter operate in totally unrelated realms of business. For example, Gencore Industries manufacturing asphalt plants for road construction acquired Ingersoll-Rand in 1996, and later acquired yet another company engaged in the business of food processing. Such acquisitions are claimed to work miracles. However, given the volatility of the stock market and the slowing down of business, many companies are not sure whether such acquisitions involve too much risk. At the same time, they also wonder if they are missing out on a great business opportunity if they fail to take such risk. Some research is needed here!

The research applied is Applied Research As it was made to solve a current problem faced by the manager in the work setting, demanding a timely solution. - Improve understanding of particular business or management problem. - Results in solution to problem - For example, a particular product may not be selling well and the manager might want to find the reasons for this in order to take corrective action. - New knowledge limited to problem - research done with the intention of applying the results of the findings to solve specific problems currently being experienced in the organization. - Findings of practical relevance and value to managers in organizations Context:

Undertaken by people based in variety of settings including organizations and universities
Objectives negotiated with originator
Tight time scales And will be conducted by: External Researchers
the problem is a complex one. (as they have Better technical training, usually)
there are likely to be vested interests (as they are Divergent and convergent thinking)
the very existence of the organization is at stake because of one or more serious problems (as they have Experience from several situations in different organizations) Disadvantages:
Takes time to know and understand the organization
Rapport and cooperation from staff not easy
Not available for evaluation and implementation
Higher Costs

Scenario 2 - Reasons for Absenteeism

2. A university professor wanted to analyze in depth the reasons for absenteeism of employees in organizations. Fortunately, a company within 20 miles of the campus employed her as a consultant to study that very issue.

The research applied is Applied Research, and will be conducted by : External Researchers As it was made to solve a current problem faced by the manager in the work setting, demanding a timely solution. - Improve understanding of particular business or management problem. - Results in solution to problem - For example, a particular product may not be selling well and the manager might want to find the reasons for this in order to take corrective action. - New knowledge limited to problem - research done with the intention of applying the results of the findings to solve specific problems currently being experienced in the organization. - Findings of practical relevance and value to managers in organizations Context:

Undertaken by people based in variety of settings including organizations and universities
Objectives negotiated with originator
Tight time scales

Scenario 3 - Effects of Nasal Spray on Flu

3. A research scientist surveys 1,000 employees in different organizational settings to study the efficacy of several types of nasal sprays in controlling the flu virus. He subsequently publishes his findings in a highly respected medical journal.

The research applied is Basic Research As it was made to generate a body of knowledge by trying to comprehend how certain problems that occur in organizations can be solved. - Expand knowledge of processes of business and management - As some organizations may later on apply the knowledge gained by the findings of such basic research to solve their own problems. - Results in universal principles relating to the process and its relationship to outcomes - Findings of significance and value to society in general. - Organization may use this information to determine if these factors are relevant to that particular work setting. Context:

Undertaken by people based in universities
Choice of topic and objectives determined by the researcher
Flexible time scales

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