1.1 Meaning of research

Research is a solution to everyday problem situation. Research is logical approach to investigation to know more about something. Research can legitimately apply to various contents. Research is logical approach to investigation to know more about something. Research can legitimately applied to various contexts: in academic areas, in work areas and to much more everyday problem solution.

According to Sekran 2000 “Research is an organized systematic enquiry or investigation into a specific problem undertaken with the objectives of finding answer or solution to it.”

Research process based on philosophical, principals and mechanism to solve the problem is known as RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.

1.2 Types of research: applied and fundamental research

Applied or decisional research

·         Done to find a solution for specific problem

·         More concerned with knowledge that has immediate application

           Fundamental research

·         Also called pure or basic research

·         Undertaken to improve understanding of specific problems that commonly occur in organization and hw to solve them

·         These are the research works of professors, scholars and professionals devoted to generate new knowledge in particular area of their concern.

·         They contribute in theory formation

1.3 Scientific research

It pursues a step-by-step, systematic, logical organized and rigorous method to identify problems, gather data, analyze the data and draw the valid conclusions.  

1.3.1Scientific research process 

1.      sensing and realizing problems

2.      problem identification and theoretical framework

3.      hypothesis formulation

4.      designing research plan

5.      fieldwork and data collection

6.      summarizing and analyzing data

7.      interpretation and generalization of findings; i.e. refinement of theory or practice

	Source: Borders and Abbort (2006)

 

1.4 Managerial research

It is related to specific problem to make solution. This type of research is focused on one particular activity, scheme or project launched by management.

Examples of managerial research include those concerning the market potential for a new product, or best approach for the implementation of a new MIS system.

1.5 Action Research

It involves a continuous gathering and analyzing of research data during the normal on-going operations of an organization. Action research  is a methodology that combines “action” and “knowledge of research” together. 

The basic features of action research are: addressing the real-life problems, generates new knowledge, participatory e.t.c.