Essentials of Business Research Methods, 5th Edition

2 Overview of the Research Process

DOI: 10.4324/9781003363569-3

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the phases of the business research process.
2. Understand theory and how it is used in business research.
3. Explain how the scientific method improves business research.
4. Contrast the rigor of science with the pragmatics of business.
5. Understand the role and importance of research proposals.

Business students often struggle with starting a research project because they do not know how things like questionnaires and data analyses eventually produce results, or how to use survey findings to develop meaningful conclusions. But experienced researchers have the benefit of prior knowledge of the research issues as well as the tools to do the job. This chapter ...