Mgt 540

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• Mgt 540
• Research Methods
• Phase II Sekaran
• A different perspective

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Hallmarks of Science

• Purposiveness
• Rigor
• Testability
• Replicability
• Precision and Confidence
• Objectivity
• Generalizability
• Parsimony

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Reality check?

• 100 scientific inquiry in management?
• Exactness?
• Error-free?
• Is Management a science or an art?

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Hypothetico-deductive method
Fig. 2-1 Building Blocks of Science
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Theoretical Framework
Hypothesis

• Hypothesis generation via induction
• Hypothesis testing via deduction
• Look at Example 2.2 and 2.3

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Deduction / Induction

• Induction is a process of drawing inferences from
  observed phenomena which may be subsequently
  tested through research. A form of reasoning in
  which a generalized conclusion is formulated from
  particular instances
• For instance if a manager oberves that people
  residing at distances beyond 50 miles from the
  workplace remain absent more frequently than
  those he knows to reside close by, and infers
  thateby that distance is a factor in absenteeism,
  this is an inductive process.
• Deduction is a process of arriving at a
  conclusion from the result of data analysis. A
  form of reasoning in which conclusions are
  formulated about particulars from general or
  universal premise
• For example, data analysis can infer that
  turnover problems can be minimized by a)flexible
  work hours b) recognizing superior performance
  through suitable merit pay raises, and c)
  enriching certain jobs.

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Steps in Hypothetico- Deductive Model

• Observation
• Preliminary information gathering
• Interviews
• Literature surveys
• Theory formulation
• Hypothesizing
• Further scientific data collection
• Data analysis
• Deduction

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Business Research Software

• Groupware
• Focus groups, group interviews
• Neural networks
• Project based on past data
• CAM / CAD
• Form of action oriented aids
• ERP
• Integrated data management
• Data Analytic
• SPSS or SAS
• Jmp-In
• Excel

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Emerging technologies

• Handhelds
• Interactive devices
• Digital whiteboards
• Videoconferencing
• Virtual reality
• Linking PCs to other electronic devices

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Data use

• Operations Management / Research
• Data warehousing
• Central repositories
• Data mining
• Application
• Research