City University

Doctor of Business Administration

Advance Business Research Method 1
(DBA7113)
Assignment 1

Submitted by: - Ritesh Rana

Submitted to: - Prof. DR. A. Selvanathan
Submission date: 2nd March 2019

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Question 1: What are research paradigms and why is business research influenced by the
ontology and epistemology positions of the researcher?

Belief about world in which we lives’ in and want to live in, is the characteristically
reflection of a research paradigm on the researcher Lather (1986). It comprises the unique
convictions and principles that shape how world is seen from researchers prospective, and how
they interpret and acts inside that world (Charles Kivunja, 2017). When we state that it
characterizes the researcher’s worldview, means the beliefs and principles which changes his
perspective and let him act inside that world.

Research paradigm is a researcher’s lens through which they look at the world and inspect
the methodological aspects of their research project to decide the use of specific methods of
research and data utilization. Guba and Lincoln (1994) states that a paradigm is a fundamental set
of believe or perspective that guides steps of research or an investigation (Charles Kivunja, 2017).

Similarly, Denzin and Lincoln (2000), stated paradigm as human construction, which
manage basic principles and ultimate’s indicating where they input construct meaning embedded
in data, and provide beliefs and dictates (Charles Kivunja, 2017).

When your research approaches in specific research paradigm, level of understanding will
uphold and should be guided with assumptions, norms, beliefs and values from the specific
paradigm. Therefore, important to demonstrate meaning of all the factors and elements that you
know (Gibson Burrell, 1979). Named ontology, epistemology, methodology and social behavior
as philosophical assumption.

Slevitch (2011) stated that the study of the real world or things that involve reality can be
defined as ontology. The perspective on Guba and Lincoln, (1994) is that the ontological thought
is what is the structure and nature of the real world and in this manner, what can be thought about
it is "how things truly are" and "how things truly work".

Bryman and Bell (2013) stated that an epistemological issue concerns the topic of what is
(or ought to be) viewed as adequate learning in a discipline. They likewise express that an
especially focal issue in this setting is the subject of regardless of whether the social world can and
ought to be examined by similar standards, methodology and ethos as the natural sciences (Yilmaz,
2013).

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 Allison and Hobbs (2006) noticed that ontological thought is about "What is the nature of
the knowable, or what is the nature of the real world?" and the epistemological thought is about
"What is the idea of the connection between the knower and the knowledge?"

Nature of social research and their practice which are inextricably tied up with domains,
limitation and implications of the nature of the knowledge could immensely influenced by the
ontological and epistemological dynamicity and transformation (Yilmaz, 2013).

In social science, technology, information science and most specifically ideological studies
they do have practical application of ontological issues of the organizations, existence and nature
of reality.

Researcher’s points of view on the ideas of the reality, information, information

interpretation, legitimacy and dependability of research, generalizability, the obviously impact
reasonable and metatheoretical worries of authenticity, control, information analysis, in addition
to other things are the effect of ontology and epistemology.

Rationalism and logical positivism of epistemological and ontological approaches are

intimately tied up with interpretation of terms used such as beliefs, norms and values, attitude,
culture, morality and imagination, as an example practice of qualitative and quantitative research
design leading to their interests in relevant paradigm.

Fundamentally ontology is related with investigation of presence, additionally

epistemology relates understanding of knowledge, science rationality, reasoning of science or
anything you desire to state. There is no basic method to embrace or to connect with ontology or
epistemology in a research. Ontological beliefs and epistemological paradigm give direction to the
situation of research study, science, thinking way and research thoughts (Yilmaz, 2013).

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Question 2: What are the aims and purposes of a literature review for the conduct of business
research?

Literature review is the analysis of the available literatures on a particular topic or field.
The literature review describes what has been explain by key authors and analyses their theories
and hypothesis and determines which methods or methodologies are appropriate for existing
problems in the selected topic or field. (Emerald Insight). A literature review is not only considered
a summary of the topic in focus instead is an in-depth analysis of the existing research related to
the focused topic. A literature review should be relatable to the topic in hand and should include
identification of gaps that are present in the existing researches conducted on the topic. In a
business research literature review, the fundamental component that helps in developing the
literature review is to “Think and Identify” the type of research that can benefit the project
(Teesside University, 2019).

Also, before starting the literature review some questions should be considered, like which
areas, the topic of the research falls on and what available sources are present to use for the
development of the literature review. Available sources could include reports of the company
under focus, market research papers, financial report of the industry or companies that falls in the
same area as the topic and other general sources like newspaper, articles and journals (Abdullah
Ramdhani, 2014). Another major question that the researcher should keep in mind before starting
the literature review is the limits of the topic, the researcher wants to focus in the literature review.
Limitation includes specific time or geographical restrictions.

Literature review that focus on a business management generally tries to exhibit ideas
based on the works already done and use them as support to suggest new ideas that the author of
the literature review paper is trying to present. This can be achieved by developing facts and
criticizing the previously researched papers of accredited researchers or scholars, on their
strengths, weaknesses, strengths, scope and purpose. A literature review paper should be well-
defined and consists of vivid explanation of the topic and exhibit an in-depth view of the main
purpose of writing the paper (W.Creswell, 2009).

Literature Review paper can also be used to identify gaps or problems in existing
researches on the topic the review is based upon. This enables the author of the review paper, the
opportunity for intensive investigation on the topic and provides an easier pathway for more

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complex works. The identification of gaps also enables the author to prove the importance of a
reputed scholars or researchers. Literature review is designed in a particular way to emphasis on
the research ability of the author by allowing him or her to identify and exhibit knowledge and
ideas on a particular topic, comparing his or her work with other papers or work on the same topic
and finally summarizing his or her whole idea to establish a connection between the old works and
the new ideas for which the literature paper was actually created (Western Sydney University,
2017).

Lastly, the purpose of a literature review in the field of business research is to design and
develop an intellectual context of a business topic and exhibit in depth knowledge on the matter
and proclaim the importance of the matter in terms of business. This enables authors to develop
new ideas by comparing with the old ideas and providing new solutions to old existing problems

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Question 3: A combination on Qualitative/inductive and Quantitative/ deductive approaches
can build on the strengths and weaknesses of both (Onwueguzie and Leech, 2004). Elaborate
on this.

In combination of strengths and weakness of inductive (Qualitative) and deductive (Quantitative)

research approaches, Hathaway (1995) said that quantitative (experimental) research systematically neglects
critical features of social phenomena with the goal that outcomes are frequently of restricted values.
Observations of deductive approaches concluded that this approach of research restrict our perspective of
society since they focus on repetitive and predictable aspects of societal behavior (Cohen & Manion 1996).
Inductive approaches can overcome these weaknesses (Schulze, 2003).

Both inductive and Deductive approaches have shortcomings. Deductive approaches have
limitations in understanding the specific situation or setting in which information or data is gathered. Inductive
approaches may incorporate inclinations and does not fit factual statistical analysis and speculation.
Combination of the both approaches can counterbalance these shortcomings by considering both
investigation and examination in a same study. In a combined research first may conduct interviews to
investigate how people portray or feel about a specific topic and after that utilizing that data to build up a
progressively valuable quantitative survey. The approach might design to use quantitative approaches to
evaluate the effect of plan. The combined research can be planned to conduct interviews to likely enrolled
suitable participants for the trail and focus groups to gather data in regarding a topic and after that utilizes a
quantitative survey with a bigger group to approve the reactions of the focus group (Vishwanath Venkatesh,
2016).

From the above it logically follows that a research needs the combined approach from both modes
for better understanding of teaching, learning and societal phenomena. Mouton and Marais (1990) see such a
bridge is fundamental, since a solitary approach can't prevail with regards to encompassing societal behavior
in their full multifaceted nature. Only by conducting both inductive and deductive approaches can the depth,
breadth and richness of the society can be grasped. For example, we may survey the advantages of another
departmental concentration and find that the new research is not expanding student performance on specific
abilities. However, we won't know exactly why there is no improvement. In-depth interviews with students
could give the data necessary to start to clarify the finding of "no improvement".

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 Analyzing the above study of combined research gets a serious perspective, a perceiving
sort of managing that considers about the advantages and disadvantages of quantitative and
subjective methodologies. combination of both approaches builds on the strengths of both and
agrees with Lötter's (1995) see that quantitative and subjective research is a complex continuum
(Schulze, 2003).

Question 4: Why are research questions important and how would you develop Research
Questions for Qualitative Research?

Research questions are important as they form the base of a research and allow you to find
what you want to know, as Payne and Payne (2004) stated that, ‘a research start from knowing less
toward knowing more’. to determining what you need to find out about is essential. How or what
to research is impossible without identifying a research question. In this way, goal is to compose
a clearly articulated question or set of interrelated questions, which enables a research to approach
discovering answers in concentrated and reasonable way (Kinmond, 2012).

On the ground there are conceivably an infinite number of research questions that may be
inquired which are essential for the research but Settling on 'the one question' can be tedious and
possibly upsetting. What to explore and how to investigate is impossible task without a research
question. For example, most student understand that less they know about what they are asking,
have little more expectations of finding any answers, however this may just increase further tension
for the student.

In this way, deciding the chosen topic that can be investigated on the level of your working
and ensuring that it may be inquired very well under qualitative research. once research topic got
recognized the next thing is to frame those research questions. In the first place, list majority of
the questions that you'd like answered yourself. List of questions may be very less or very large.

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It might have various interrelated questions, or it might have various altogether different questions.
For each situation, the questions ought to be connected to the research approach you have chosen
to utilize. Ensure that approach adapted with consistent research question. Deciding the
investigating questions before properly considering how to analyze the data and what
presumptions to make about data can lead the research into a trap (Agee, 2009).

Reading around topic and conceivable techniques to be more knowledgeable in qualitative

approaches, then identify which short of qualitative methods are suitable for research. Develops
research question which investigates gap in the literature and that is responsible with the time and
assets accessible. Make a list of probable questions that are clear, focused on gap in field indirectly
a reasonable method, and evaluating all these questions and settling on one (or set of inter related)
(Francislê Neri de Souza, 2016). Once got a ‘working research question’, use this question to
outline all reading, testing, investigations and every other choice made regarding the research.
Evaluate that research question time to time by further reading and data analysis so that the final
outcomes of the research should not be misguided.

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Question 5: Why is an appropriate research design important and what are the components
of a research design?

Research design is a systematic approach that is used to conduct a scientific study and the
general synchronization of recognized data and components bringing a conceivable outcome in a
research. The research design should proceed a strategic methodology, in accordance with the kind
of research followed to convincingly come up with legitimate and precise outcome (W.Creswell,
2009).

Research design are crucial in research, providing believed answer to the research problem
with a plan to satisfy objectives of research by analyzing, collecting and interpreting the provided
data. Research design is a reasonable way that guides you through the different phases of your
research. Research design are vital, in fact full design generally produce notable and accurate
reasoning as they deliberate perception of the research question and issues. Developing a research
design is must to utilize when interpreting observations, analyzing and collecting data before
making a hypothesis (Peniel, 2015).

Several purposes are served by research design. To begin with, suggesting the necessary
observations need to produce answers for the research question and indicating the way in which
the observations should be made. then, the research design recognizes the statistical and analytical
methods to utilize while investigating or analyzing the data. The main reason for research is to
establish a casual relation between dependent and independent variables. Comparison, control,
ability and manipulation are four necessary component of research design to generalize findings
which are established for this purpose (Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias 2000). Validity and
significance of the statistical relationship can be tested by use of a specific model in the research
design (H Nuzul Azam, 2012).

Clear objective of research reflects how explicit the research question is, flexibility,
effectiveness and appropriateness characterize a decent research design that has practically little
or no mistake. Various approaches can be combined depending on the research problem for the
required outcome. There are four kinds of research structures which are, Exploratory research
investigates to get some answers concerning something by responding to the questions in "what"
or "How". Descriptive research in-depth research, that addressed the question what and how.
Explanatory research looks to clarify the topic being inquired about and attempts to respond to the

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question what, how and why. Evaluation research is very broad as it quantifies the program’s
effectiveness (AngeloEdu, 2013).

With the help of these design approaches and understanding them the research design can
be drawn. For example, when an architect has numerous designs to fit the short of research being
carried out but only one layout is chosen from many designs to fit a specific landscape. With their
extended components, Inductive and Deductive approaches are the general terms to view research
design from two prospective and both can be utilized or applied together and distinctively.
Deductive approach explains and analyze its findings by investigating the relationship between
variables while using statistics and numbers, on the other side, Inductive approach is exploratory
in nature which attempts to investigate not predict the outcome and utilized to explore the meaning,
importance and understanding of social complex environment, like individuals' experience,
utilizing contextual analyses or case study (Neuman, 2014).

An effective research approach more often makes least predisposition in information and
builds trust on the gathered and analyzed research data and the design which creates minimal error
in research can be touted as the best. To make a research design effective some essential
components should be use, which are:

 Classify proposed outcome of what needs to be understand, this is the base of a research
design in which a researcher finds ‘what is going on (descriptive research)? After
reading and understanding ‘what’ question is raised, why it is going on (explanatory
research)? When question ‘why’ is explored it gives a purpose to investigate, is it to
clarify founding of researcher or to investigate dome political or social occurrences
(Neuman, 2014).
 Implementing strategies for developing exploration question and finding results based
on the decisions, fundamental approach of social investigation includes assessing and
evaluating ‘reasonable rival hypotheses. To inspect and assess elective methods for
explaining a specific phenomenon for social investigation need to know that data
gathered are quantitative or qualitative, despite of research design (longitudinal, case
study, cross-sectional and experimental) used. Strategy approached for what to be
measured and can it be utilized for critical decisions like operational, strategic, tactical
and investment importance?

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 Required level of accuracy and confidence based on chosen research methodology,
discovering for skeptical of the evidence that gives a convincing trial to the hypotheses
is better than generally discovering evidence practically that are only reliable and
consistent with hypothesis based on the two related strategies of ‘purposely looking for
evidence that could disprove the hypotheses’ and ‘eliminating rival explanations of the
evidence’.
 Probable objections for research mean by thoroughly evaluating own hypotheses with
alternative explanation which are being evaluating and eliminating at the same time.
Asking 'What evidence can persuade that the hypothesis is wrong?', is better than
asking 'What evidence would comprise support for the hypothesis?' Discover proof
reliable with a hypothesis is not harder than a hypothesis to endure the trial of
individuals attempting to disprove it.
 Setting up area of research in available time, from evaluating what resource and
necessary data available for research study to selected (area, period and group of
people) in given time for the research. It can be possible that time can be wasted to
produce a lot of questionnaires and finding wrong information source. Frequently must
discover approaches for resource limitations without diverting research objectives
(Geoffrey Marczyk, 2005).
 Adopting a skeptical approach to explain, by anticipating rival interpretations and
gathering data to recognize which hypotheses make factual sense. To construct
interrelated characteristics by using accurate analysis methods, identify measurement
of analysis and collection method of ideal, additionally need to know which data would
test the clarification and gather data to evaluate and support the hypotheses from this
more demanding perspective.

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References

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Basic and Applied Science Vol 03, 50-51.

Agee, J. (2009). Develping qualitative research questions: a reflective process . International Journal of
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AngeloEdu. (2013). Objective 1: The basics of research designs. Retrieved from angeloEdu:
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Charles Kivunja, A. B. (2017). Understanding and Applying Research Paradigms in Educational.

International Journalof Higher Education, 26-28.

Francislê Neri de Souza, D. C. (2016). Asking Questions in the Qualitative Research Context. The
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Geoffrey Marczyk, D. D. (2005). General Types of Research Designs and Approaches. In D. D. Geoffrey
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Gibson Burrell, G. M. (1979). Assumptions about the nature of social science. In G. M. Gibson Burrell,
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Kinmond, K. (2012, February 15). COMING UP WITH A RESEARCH QUESTION. Retrieved from sagepub:
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