Optimizing Business Research: A Guide to Problem Definition, Methodology, and Data Analysis

The assignment consists of nine parts: understanding specific research problems, comparing research methodology in two peer-reviewed journal articles, defining a common business challenge for a quantitative research design project, exploring correlation and key constructs, discussing data collection challenges, and proposing a high-level quantitative research project. The tasks involve critically assessing and applying concepts with examples from research studies.

1: Why do research problems have to be specific? Provide examples of poor research problem definitions and solid
research problems.
2: Find two peer-reviewed journal articles from the EBSCO library on a business topic of your interest. Make sure
the topic is narrow enough for this assignment. Compare the research methodology used in these two articles.
Provide critical thought to which article is easier to understand and follow from a methodology perspective. The
intent of this activity is to introduce you to scholarly writing. Examine the concisely written sections and frequent
use of citations that illustrate the synthesis of previous research. Be sure to use quantitative studies for this course.
Note: for peer-reviewed journal article, make sure you start with Advance Search options and click on the peer-
reviewed option. This option ensures the quality of the research study
3:Quantitative Research Design Project: Part I
Problem definition: Determine a common business challenge of interest. This could be a potential dissertation topic,
although it is still too early to define. Describe the problem from a research perspective along with its significance
in society. This is a simple paper that guides the rest of your research design project later in the course. Be sure the
problem is suited for quantitative research. The paper will cover the following:
 Definition of the problem
 Significance of the problem
 Research questions to be answered and respective hypotheses
This assignment averages 300 to 500 words for most, please keep it short and simple. This will set you up for your
Quantitative Research Design projects. Make sure you review the sample dissertations for examples of these
sections.
Have at least 2-3 research journal citations for the problem definitions and significance section.
4: Correlational research is one of the most popular methods. What’s the difference between a positive and negative
correlation? Make sure you apply the concept of correlation by providing examples from journal articles (find peer
reviewed articles from the library). Part of scholarly writing is much more than just summarizing theories and
concepts. Critically assess and apply with examples in all discussions. The examples are always from research
studies.
5: Create a few key constructs of interest from your topic. Assess the variables involved by creating solid survey
statements (be sure to include a specific Likert scale for the statement). Make sure you review validated
instruments like the MLQ or the study in the course announcements.
6: Data collection is one of the most challenging steps that prevent learners from
completing their dissertation. What challenges do you foresee in collecting your data?
What are some strategies you’ll deploy to overcome these challenges? Respond to both
qualitative and quantitative designs.
7: Quantitative Research Design Project: Part II

Data Collection and Analysis: This portion of the research design project focuses on the complexity of data
collection
• Population description
• Sampling size and access to participants
• Instrument selection
• Validity and reliability of the instrument
• Procedures of data collection (both primary and secondary data)
This assignment averages 500 to 750 words for most, please keep it short and simple. Be sure to follow the sample
dissertations. Please apply the concepts directly to your topic of interest
8: Assess the recent study of interest from a journal article and review the data analysis in its relationship to
research questions. How are they consistent? How does the statistical analysis specifically answer the research
questions? Be very clear on the research questions/hypotheses and the statistical analysis methods used.
9: Quantitative Research Design: Combine the previous two parts of the design project along with enhancements
from feedback. Create a high level proposal for your quantitative research project. Your proposal will include the
following:
 Research problem
 Purpose of research
 Significance of research
 Quantitative Research questions and hypotheses
 Population
 Sampling size
 Data collection
 Instrument description and validation
 (new sections) Statistical analysis methods
This assignment averages 1,000 to 1,500 words for most, please keep it short and simple. You’re not here to
summarize the theory or give definitions. Please apply the concepts directly to your topic of interest