Preface

Preface

Revising Research Metbodsfor Business for this fourth edition has been an enjoy-

able experience. As in previous editions, the simple and informal style of pre-

setting information has been maintained and the focus 'on practical skill building

preserved. The book provides several examples to illustrate the concepts and

points presented. Users Will also note throughout the book the variety of exam-

pales in the different areas of business-production, operations management,

business policy and strategy, organizational behavior, human resources manage-

meant, information systems, marketing, accounting, and finance-cited to illus-

trite that research finds application in all areas of business. It is hoped that

students will Hand research to be interesting, no intimidating, and of practical use.

In addition to the inclusion of more mini exercises at the end of chapters from

cases adapted from business journals, the chapter on technology has been sub-

statically revised to keep in line with the changing trends. The application of

software for 'collecting data, analyzing them, and presenting the results is also

discussed in the relevant chapters. The final chapter on managerial decision

making anal research elucidates the research cycle as encompassing the full

gamut from qualitative data analysis to quantitative hypothesis testing empirical

studies. An additional case is presented to emphasize the need for research by

exemplifying a company’s failure due to lack of investigation.

Data analysis is illustrated through the current SPSS Version 11.0 in the data

analysis chapter and the student version thereof is available with this edition of

the book for the interested student.

Most chapters in the book include managerial implications of the contents dis-

cussed, emphasizing the need for managers to understand research. The biblical

considerations involved in conducting research are also clearly brought out. The

dynamics of cross-malarial research in terms of instrument development, surveys,

and sampling are discussed, which in the context of today’s global economy will

be useful to students. The final chapter of the book discusses tvvo case studies,

one set in a cross-cultural context further highlighting the need to be culture-sen-

sativa, and the other illustrating how, for lack of research intervention, an orga-

negation can be obliterated.

The Refresher Module on Statistical Terms and Tests at the end of the book

should help instructors to assign the material to students when they are ready to

do so. It is presented in a simple way without discussing derivation of formulas.

so that the student has enough knowledge to conduct research applying appro-

priate statistical tests. '