Business Research Methodology Report: Strengths and Weaknesses

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of business research methodology, covering various aspects such as strategic and operational strengths and weaknesses of different organizations like Carrefour, ADNOC, Admirals Trading, and Atlas Telecom. It delves into problem structuring methods, including the use of Group Explorer, Banxia Decision Explorer, Pareto charts, and Fishbone diagrams for effective problem analysis. Furthermore, the report explores decision-making tools like marginal analysis and SWOT analysis. It also examines the application of quantitative and qualitative research principles, research and development questions, and the utilization of research evidence, big data, and data analytics. Additionally, it identifies the requirements and factors for effective strategic management, providing recommendations for senior management on aligning work priorities, employee engagement, training, and fostering a positive corporate culture. The report concludes with a discussion on the importance of communication and sustainability in business operations, supported by relevant references.

Running head: BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Business research Methodology
Name of student
Name of University
Author note

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Table of Contents
Task 1.........................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Critical analysis of strategic and operational strengths and weaknesses for different
organizations...........................................................................................................................3
1.2 Examining the problem structuring methods and application of problem analysis
methods...................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Decision making applied to business issues and problems..............................................5
Task 2.........................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Application of principles and practices related to quantitative and qualitative research. 6
2.2 Research and development questions related to business and managerial needs.............6
Task 3.........................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Utilisation of research evidence, big data and data analytics...........................................7
3.2 Identification of requirements and factors for effective strategic management...............7
3.3 Recommendations............................................................................................................8

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Task 1
1.1 Critical analysis of strategic and operational strengths and weaknesses for different
organizations
Organisations Sector or industry Strengths Weaknesses
Carrefour Retail supermarket
sector
 Automated
processes and
activities
bringing
superior quality
of products and
services
 Highly skilled
workforce
 Strong and free
flow of cash
 High level of
customer
satisfaction
 Poor financial
planning
 Lack of
investments
 Poor
marketing
activities and
not investing
much in
research and
development
 Incompatibility
of
organisational
structure with
few business
models
Abu Dhabi
National Oil
Company
(ADNOC)
Oil and gas sector  Market leader in
the UAE oil and
gas sector
 Reduced cost of
 Lack of
employee
motivation and

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labour
 Huge market
share
encouragement
 Poor
management
of trust and
loyalty among
the customers
 Lack of brand
awareness
Admirals
Trading
Food and beverage
sector
 High quality
products and
services
 Great
distribution of
retail products
 Good import
and export
activities
 Lack of
innovation due
to ineffective
R&D
 Lack of
empowerment
of staffs
 Poor
management
of
sustainability
Atlas Telecom Telecommunication
s sector
 Great
communications
and security
solutions
 Proper planning
against potential
 Lack of sales
due to poor
quality
services
 High switching
power of the

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threats
 Good corporate
culture and
working
conditions
(Amuna, Al
Shobaki and
Naser 2017)
customers
 Competitive
deficiencies
1.2 Examining the problem structuring methods and application of problem analysis
methods
The problem structuring methods include various techniques associated with the
modelling and mapping of structure or situation during the research project. The software
programs that are related to the structuring of problem include Group Explorer and Banxia
Decision Explorer, which can allow for cognitive mapping as well as develop strategic
options to analyse the issues and problems properly. The problem analysis methods include
Pareto chart, which ensures grouping the cost and frequency of various issues experienced
and understand its significance (McDONALD 2016). The Fishbone diagram could also
determine the major causes of various issues and problems, furthermore, determine the sub-
causes of such problems experienced.

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1.3 Decision making applied to business issues and problems
Few effective tools for proper decision making in business associated with the
overcoming of issues and problems include Marginal analysis, SWOT analysis, Decision
matrix, etc. The Marginal analysis tool allows for understanding the benefits of the intended
decision made or activity undertaken against the costs associated with it. In case the business
decision made is able to draw enough benefits that can outweigh the marginal cost, then there
will be net benefit. The SWOT analysis tool allows for understanding the strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats, furthermore, exploit the scopes and opportunities and
make effective decisions to overcome the threats too (Weber, Diaz and Schwegler 2014).
Task 2
2.1 Application of principles and practices related to quantitative and qualitative
research
In most of the cases while conducting the research, the qualitative and quantitative
research methods are managed to gather data and information along with its analysis methods
to derive positive outcomes. The quantitative data is mostly collected on the basis of survey
process, observations and according to the secondary data sources. The survey questionnaires
are to be distributed to respondents who need to provide their views and opinions, considered
as quantitative data while the secondary sources of data include journals, articles,
newspapers, websites, etc. The qualitative data is collected from sources such as focus
groups, interviews conducted with the managers of the organisation to gather responses
without any bias (Grant 2016).
2.2 Research and development questions related to business and managerial needs
 Does the research and development activities in business enable innovation to cater to
the business needs?

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 What do you think can be the effective ways or approaches to keep staffs motivated
from the managerial perspectives?
 What are the various approaches undertaken for establishing good working conditions
and foster the development of a good corporate culture?
 How can the manager make effective decisions by engaging the stakeholders in
business altogether?
 What are the various measures recommended for meeting the business as well as
managerial needs at present and in the future?
Task 3
3.1 Utilisation of research evidence, big data and data analytics
The Big Data analytics allow for identifying the valuable information and data, which
is necessary for improved decision making. The BDA has become a major trend adopted by
the business organisations in UAE to ensure development and acqusitions of valuable
information, furthermore, gain the strategic potential required to generate new revenue
streams along with sustenance within the competitive business environment (Yilmaz 2013).
The research evidences are to be gathered on the basis of surveys conducted and also with the
help of conducting secondary analysis for the various sources including journals, articles,
newspapers, websites, etc (Punch 2013).
3.2 Identification of requirements and factors for effective strategic management
The requirements for an effective report include identifying the goal or objective of
the report, to ensure collection of relevant data and information, examining the facts and
information and finally to prepare an outline of report, i.e., to draft the report. The various
factors that are considered as effective for senior and strategic management are to engage the
various stakeholders in business, facilitate communication, enable innovation and also

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establish a good corporate culture and working condition (Ansoff et al. 2018). The project
management is also considered as a major factor responsible for holding the strategic plan
together, furthermore, ensure higher commitment from employees and ensure development
and implementation of useful strategies in business (Kambatla et al. 2014).
3.3 Recommendations
 It is recommended for the senior management to focus on keeping the work priorities
aligned with the organisational goals and objectives
 Keeping the employees informed and making them adhere to the policies, principles
and procedures is recommended as well for creation of value and manage better
accountability
 As a leader, it is also recommended to provide proper training and development
sessions to employees for strengthening their skills, knowledge and expertise
 The establishment of a good corporate culture has also been recommended,
furthermore promote good reward management systems to keep employees motivated
and encouraged
 The management of good communication through media channels and platforms is
also recommended to facilitate the process of communication.
 Management of sustainability is also recommended for successful business
functioning along with focus on positive environmental impact too

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References
Amuna, Y.M.A., Al Shobaki, M.J. and Naser, S.S.A., 2017. Strategic Environmental
Scanning: an Approach for Crises Management.
Ansoff, H.I., Kipley, D., Lewis, A.O., Helm-Stevens, R. and Ansoff, R., 2018. Implanting
strategic management. Springer.
Grant, R.M., 2016. Contemporary strategy analysis: Text and cases edition. John Wiley &
Sons.
Kambatla, K., Kollias, G., Kumar, V. and Grama, A., 2014. Trends in big data
analytics. Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing, 74(7), pp.2561-2573.
McDONALD, M.A.L.C.O.L.M., 2016. Strategic marketing planning: theory and practice. In
The marketing book (pp. 108-142). Routledge.
Punch, K.F., 2013. Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches.
sage.
Weber, O., Diaz, M. and Schwegler, R., 2014. Corporate social responsibility of the financial
sector–strengths, weaknesses and the impact on sustainable development. Sustainable
Development, 22(5), pp.321-335.
Yilmaz, K., 2013. Comparison of quantitative and qualitative research traditions:
Epistemological, theoretical, and methodological differences. European Journal of
Education, 48(2), pp.311-325.