Business Research Methods Session 1

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of respondents in the 1950 Nescafe study identified as 'thrifty'?

18%

4% (correct)

36%

12%

Which step is NOT part of the research process detailed in the content?

Doing Field Work or Collecting Data

Formulating a Hypothesis (correct)

Preparing and Presenting the Report

Preparing and Analyzing Data

How did the perception of the 'lazy wife' change from 1950 to 1970 in the Nescafe study?

It increased slightly.

It decreased significantly. (correct)

It remained unchanged.

It was eliminated from the study.

Burke emphasizes the importance of which aspect in the marketing research process?

Defining the research problem Signup and view all the answers

In 1970, what was the percentage of 'thrifty' respondents in the Maxwell study?

5% Signup and view all the answers

What is an attribute of a good research topic that ensures it is relevant and impactful?

Feasibility Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to a higher percentage of 'thrifty' respondents in the 1970 Nescafe study compared to 1950?

Changing economic conditions Signup and view all the answers

What was the percentage of respondents in the 1950 Maxwell study who identified as 'spendthrift'?

0% Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of true research?

Systematic collection of data Signup and view all the answers

What does management research uniquely emphasize?

Transdisciplinary approaches Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered research?

Reassembling facts without any analysis Signup and view all the answers

What problem does evidence-based management address?

Theory versus practice gap Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason for women's initial dissatisfaction with Nescafe instant coffee?

Dissatisfaction with its flavor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of marketing research?

To link consumer insights with marketing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a challenge in management research?

Gap between theory and practice Signup and view all the answers

Which method is suggested to overcome management research challenges?

Engaging in action research and collaboration Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary concern when considering the completion of a research project?

Whether the research will be finished within the available time. Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is not typically associated with idea generation?

Preliminary study Signup and view all the answers

How does the adoption of data-driven decision-making influence financial outcomes?

It impacts profitability and growth metrics. Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor to consider when refining a research topic?

The alignment of the topic with career goals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using the Delphi Technique in research?

To gather expert opinions and achieve consensus. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does not contribute to the effectiveness of big data analytics in customer segmentation?

The budget allocated for the project. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a key aspect of conducting a successful preliminary study?

Identifying gaps in current literature. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a strategy for searching literature in research?

Conducting surveys. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'M' in SMART objectives stand for?

Measurable Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true of exploratory research?

Information needed is loosely defined. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between descriptive and exploratory research?

Descriptive research describes characteristics of groups. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research design involves the manipulation of independent variables?

Causal research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following research designs is best for estimating the percentage of a population exhibiting specific behaviors?

Descriptive design Signup and view all the answers

In a longitudinal design, the primary goal is to understand:

Which variables are independent and dependent. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main outcomes of exploratory research?

Gaining initial insights and understanding. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is typically used in descriptive research design?

Surveys Signup and view all the answers

When creating a research proposal, which of the following sections would typically come after the background?

Method Signup and view all the answers

Which cohort was born between 1940 and 1949 based on the age cohort definitions provided?

C6 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Session Overview

Introduction to Business Research Methods led by Dr. Gopinath Krishnan at IIM Tiruchirappalli.
Evaluation scheme includes group project (40%), individual quiz (10%), and final exam (50%).

Understanding Research

True research involves systematic collection and interpretation of information with clear purpose.
Common misconceptions about research include mere fact collection, reordering information with no analysis, and using 'research' for marketing.

Management Research

Unique aspects include being transdisciplinary with personal or commercial benefits, and a dynamic, contextual nature.
Challenges include theory-practice gaps, knowledge transfer issues, and problems in knowledge production.
Solutions involve collaboration, co-creation, action research, and applied research.

Marketing Research

Acts as a link between consumers, customers, and marketers via information exchange.
Nescafe's introduction of instant coffee (1938) faced initial resistance based on consumer's flavor dissatisfaction.

Nescafe Case Studies

Research in 1950 surveyed customer perceptions, showing high association with labels like 'lazy wife' or 'poor planner'.
Results evolved from 1950 to 1970, indicating shifting perceptions of personal responsibility and thriftiness.

Research Process Steps

Step 1: Define the Problem
Step 2: Develop an Approach
Step 3: Formulate a Research Design
Step 4: Collect Data
Step 5: Analyze Data
Step 6: Present the Report

Formulating Research Topics

Crucial for targeting research efforts with clarity on specific questions or problems.
Attributes of a good research topic include feasibility, appropriateness, personal interest, relevance to theory, and resource accessibility.

Idea Generation Techniques

Methods include brainstorming, media scanning, literature review, and discussions.
Refinement processes like the Delphi Technique ensure thoughtful consideration of research ideas.

Research Design Framework

A structured blueprint that outlines procedures for obtaining necessary information.
Types of research include exploratory (insight discovery), descriptive (characteristics description), and causal (cause-and-effect relationships).

Descriptive Research Designs

Used to describe groups, estimate behavioral percentages, and predict outcomes.
Variants include single cross-section and longitudinal designs for tracking changes over time and understanding relationships between variables.

Research Proposal Content

Should include a working title, background literature, research questions, method approaches, and required resources.
Timescale and key references enhance the proposal’s comprehensiveness and credibility.

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Description

This quiz explores the foundational concepts of Business Research Methods as introduced in the first session. It is aimed at assessing your understanding of key methodologies and frameworks critical for conducting business research. Prepare to engage with theoretical knowledge and practical implications in information systems and analytics.