This paper examines the process of formulating research questions and designing appropriate research methodologies for organizational training challenges. Using two hypothetical companies—Loehr Equipment Company, which seeks to implement distance learning, and Hynes Medical Distributors, which needs to improve managerial performance—the paper demonstrates how to apply the "five whys" technique, narrow research problems, develop testable hypotheses, and select suitable research designs. The analysis illustrates the distinction between quantitative approaches (meta-analysis for Loehr) and qualitative approaches (grounded theory for Hynes), providing practical guidance for researchers addressing real-world business problems.
A researcher must identify a good research question. A good research question is a logical statement that originates in truth and expands into the unknown. From there, research is performed to validate the unknown by developing a hypothesis and testing it using a research design.
The research question is the manner of clarifying the problem before developing the hypothesis (Christensen, Johnson, & Turner, 2011). The research question cannot be a generalized statement. If the question is too vague, there is a chance that the research will be deviated away from the original intent. It must be narrowed down to determine the specifics of what the researcher will be studying.
To determine the goal of the research, researchers must clarify what the problem is. The "five whys" technique is a good tool for this process. Simply put, if the researcher asks why a particular event is taking place five times, he or she will reach the root of the actual problem that is taking place. Past literature aids in guiding the researcher to specify the problem. Reviewing cases already conducted on this subject will shape the direction of the research. The best method of surveying past research is through electronic databases, like the one operated by the American Psychological Association.
For Loehr Equipment Company, determining the research problem could follow the five whys process. Loehr has noticed that no one is attending training anymore because it is too expensive to send people. Since forcing people to attend is not an option, another method of training needs to be determined. Using a distance learning method is an option.
If Loehr is going to use this method, they have to know if they have the knowledge to establish this system. They also have to determine if it will be conducive to training their employees. Which means that the research problem is the following: Will the option of distance learning get the employees at Loehr to participate in training again?
For Hynes Medical Distribution, determining the research problem will involve an exploratory process. It has already been established that there is a lack of satisfaction with current management skills. It has also already been decided that further management training is required.
The research question for Hynes Medical Distribution is not a question of why, but a question of how. Hynes knows that the condition exists, so the management is looking for a method to fix it. The research problem would be the following: What is the best option for improving managerial performance with sustaining results?
The research must also determine if conducting the research is going to be feasible. This means that an assessment must be made of the resources available to the organization. This includes time, money, and personnel. The research must also confirm that the experiment does not violate any ethical codes.
In both Loehr Equipment Company and Hynes Medical Distribution, the availability of resources is apparent since they have made the decision to contract out in order to develop solutions. In the case of Hynes Medical Company, there is an additional ethical requirement to perform this research. Without the research, the management will continue to be dysfunctional, which could create a high level of stress for the remaining workers who do not quit.
The final step is to transfer the research question into a testable hypothesis. At this point, the question becomes a statement. A hypothesis is a declarative version of the research question which provides a potential answer to the question originally posted.
A hypothesis is the best prediction or a tentative solution to a problem. The hypothesis takes the research question and breaks it down into characteristics. These features include a proposed problem, a proposed solution, and an anticipated result. In order for the hypothesis to qualify for research, it must be capable of being either refuted or confirmed.
For Loehr, the hypothesis is the following: If Loehr develops an e-learning system to replace the current training, the number of employees participating in training will increase from its current state.
For Hynes Medical Distribution, there is a question of the quality that a service will provide. This technique is used when an organization is looking for new methods that are available. For example, Smither (2011) asked the research question if psychotherapy research can serve as a guide for research about executive coaching. For Hynes, the hypothesis will be the following: The use of a personal coach for the managers is more effective in reducing employee turnover than a workshop.
The study design is the most important detail in research. According to Henard & McFadyen (2005), the design of the study entails a decision-making process to determine sample selection, measurement, and other research techniques. A research design is defined as a systematic plan to study a scientific problem. The design of a study defines the study type, hypotheses, independent and dependent variables, and experimental design.
Research design accounts for the different variables within the research to ensure selecting the right measurement (Christensen et al., 2011). Research designs have a variety of types. Among them are descriptive, correlational, semi-experimental, review, and meta-analytic (Creswell, 2013). Any of these designs can be combined with another design to fit the needs of the research.
The wording of the research question will determine if quantitative or qualitative research will be needed. After, a decision will be made to use one or more of the types of design previously described. Quantitative research can support the existence of a condition or behavior.
Examples of quantitative research include descriptive design research, experimental research, and correlational research. When a research question is attempting to generate explanatory or predictive knowledge, then quantitative methods are the methods of choice. All of these designs use deductive reasoning to determine their results.
More intensive studies require a qualitative research design. Qualitative research is a method of inquiry employed in many different academic disciplines, traditionally in the social sciences, but also in market research and further contexts (Merriam, 2002). Problems that are currently researched include causes and effects of poor productivity, stress, and any relevant issues that have an effect on the company's financial status (Christensen et al., 2011). Research designs that qualify include historical research and ethnographic research.
"Meta-analysis for distance learning, grounded theory for coaching"
A good research question is a logical statement that originates in truth and expands into the unknown. Both Loehr Equipment Company and Hynes Medical Distributors were placed into the unknown by situations within their organization. Research will validate the unknown by developing a hypothesis and testing it using a research design. This paper has discussed the process to develop a research question and research design using the hypothetical background of two companies facing distinct organizational challenges.
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