1. The Research Report
WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Just close your eyes for a minute and utter the word research to yourself. What kinds of
images does this word conjure up for you? Do you visualize a lab with scientists at work with Bunsen
burners and test tubes. Or an Einstein like character writing dissertations on some complex subject, or
someone collection data to study the impact of a newly introduced day care system on the morale of
employees? Most certainly, all these images do represent different aspects of research. Research, a
somewhat intimidating term for some is simply the process of finding solutions to a problem after a
thorough study and analysis the situational factors. Managers in organizations constantly engage
themselves in studying and analyzing issues and hence are involved in some form of research activity as
they make decisions at the workplace.
WHY MANAGERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RESEARCH?
As a manager can face the competitive global market with its multitude of complex and
confusing factors with greater confidence.
Knowledge of research not only helps one to look at the available information in
sophisticated and creative ways in the fast paced global environment that businesses face.
E.g.;- modern technology.
BUSINESS RESEARCH;
Business research can be described as a systematic and organized effort to investigate a
specific problem encouraged in the work setting that needs a solution. It comprises a series of steps
designed and executed, with the goal of finding answers to the issues that are of concern to the
manager in the work environment.
This entire process by which we attempt to solve problems is called research. Thus,
research involves a series of well-thought-out and carefully executed activities that will enable the
manager to know how organizational problems can be solved. Or at least considerably minimized.
RESEARCH AND THE MANAGER;
A common experience of all organizations is that the managers there of encounter
problems big and small on a daily basis, which they have to solve by making the right decision, in
business, research is usually primarily conducted to resolve problematic issues in, or interrelated among,
the areas of accounting, finance, management, and marketing.
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2. Definitions;
Research has been defined in a number of different ways.
A broad definition of research is given by Martin Shuttle worth - "In the broadest sense
of the word, the definition of research includes any gathering of data, information and facts for the
advancement of knowledge."
Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states - "Research is a process of
steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue".
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research in more detail as "a studious
inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and
interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical
application of such new or revised theories or laws".
We can now define business research as an organized, systematic ,data-based, critical,
objective, scientific or investigation into a specific problem, undertaken with the purpose of finding
answers or solutions to it. In essence, research provides the needed information that guides managers
to make informed decisions to successfully deal with problems.
THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL:
Before any research study is undertaken, there should be an agreement between the
person who authorizes the study and the researcher as to the problem to be investigated, the
methodology to be used, the duration of study, and its cost. This ensures that there are no
misunderstandings or frustrations later for both parties. This is usually accomplished through the
research proposal.
The research proposal drawn up by the investigator is the result of a planned, organized,
and careful effort, and basically contains the following;
1. The board goals of the study
2. The specific problem to be investigated
3. Details of the procedures to be followed
4. The research design offering details on
1. The sampling design
2. Data collection methods
3. Data analysis
5. Time frame of the study, including information on when the written report will be handed over
to the sponsors
6. The budget, detailing the costs with reference to specific items of expenditure.
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3. THE REPORT:
It is important that the result of the study and the recommendations to solve
the problem are effectively communicated to the sponsor, so that the suggestions made are
accepted and implemented.
Otherwise, all the effort with the expanded on the investigation on the vain.
Writing the report concisely, convincingly and with clarity is perhaps as important, if not more,
than conducting a perfect research study. Hence, a well – thought – out written report and oral
presentation are critical.
THE WRITTEN REPORT:
The written report enables the manager too weigh the facts and arguments
presented there in, and implement the acceptable recommendations, with a view to closing the
gap between the existing state of affairs and the desired state. To achieve its goal the written
report has to focus on the issues discussed below.
The written report and its purpose;
Reports could aim at different purpose and hence the form of the written report would vary
according to the situations. It is important to identify the purpose of the report, so that it can be
tailored accordingly. If the purpose is simple to offer details on some specific areas of interest
requested by a manager.
The written report and its audience;
The organization of a report, its length, and focus on details, data presentation, and illustration
will in part, be a function of the audience for whom it is intended. The letter of transmittal of
the report would clearly indicate to whom the report is being sent.
Characteristics of a well-written report;
Despite the fact that report writing is a function of the purpose of the study and the type of
audience to which it is presented, and accordingly has to be tailored to meet both, certain basic
features are integral to all written reports.
Meaningful organization of paragraphs, smooth transition from one topic to the next,
apt choice of words, and specificity are all important features of a good report. the report
should to the extent possible, be free of a technical or statistical nature. Care should also be
taken to eliminate grammatical and spelling errors.
COMPONENTS OF THE RESEARCH REPORT;
It is obvious that the research report should bear a title that indicates in a sufficient manner
what the study is about. It should have at the beginning a table of contents,the research
proposal,a copy of the authorization to conduct the study,and an executive summary.
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4. All reports should have an introductory section detailing their purpose of the
study,giving some background of what it relates to,and the problem studied,setting the stage
for what the reader could expect in the rest of the report.
INTEGRAL PARTS OF THE REPORT;
The title page;
The title of the report should sufficient indicate what the study is all about,
Eg, A study of customer satisfaction on the pizza hut at tirupathi
A study of portfolio balancing & risk management in investment firms
In addition to the title of the project,the title page will indicate the name of the sponsor of the
study,the names of the researchers and their affiliations,and the date of the final report.
Table of contents;
The table of contents with page references usually lists the important headings and
subheadings in the report.a separate list of table and figures should also be in the table of
contents.
The research proposal and the authorization letter;
A copy of the letter of authorization from the sponsor of the study approving the investigation
and detailing its scope will be attached at the beginning of the report along with the research
proposal, the authorization makes clear to the readers.
The executive summary;
The executive summary is a brief account of the research study that provides an overview,and
highlights the following important information related to it;the problem statement ,sampling
design,data collection methods used,result of data analysis,findings,and recommendations,with
suggestions for their implementation.
The introductory section;
The introductory section starts with a statement of the problem under investigation.the
research objective,together with background information of why and how the study was
initiated.in the case of basic research the introductory section will offer an idea of the topic that
is researched,and why it is important to studyit.
The body of report;
In this part,the details of the interviews conducted ,the literature survey,the theoretical frame
work,and the hypothesesare furnished. The design details such as sampling and data collection
methods, as well as the nature and type of the study,the time horizon.the field setting,and the
unit of analysis, will be described.
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5. The final part of the report;
The final part of the report will contain the conclusion drawn from the findings, in most cases a
list of recommendations for implementation will follow. Frequently a cost-benefit analysis will
also be provided. Any limitations to the study.
Acknowledgments;
Help received from other is next acknowledged. Usually the people who assisted in the study by
collecting the questionnaires, acting as liaison persons, helping in data analysis, and so on….are
recognized and thanked.
The organization is thanked for the facilities provided, and its members for
responding to the survey.
References;
Immediately after the acknowledgments, starting on a fresh page, a list of the references cited
in the literature review and at other places in the report will be given. If any in the text, are
referenced either separately at the end of the report, or at the bottom of the page where the
footnote occurs.
Appendix;
The appendix, which comes last, is the appropriate place for the organization chart, newspaper
clippings or other materials that substantiate the text of the report, detailed verbal narration of
interviews with members, it should also contain a copy of the questionnaire administered to
the respondents. It would help the reader to follow the text.
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