Research Methodology: Developing Effective Research Questions

This report provides an analysis of how research topics are developed and refined, emphasizing the importance of research questions in guiding research projects. It discusses brainstorming techniques, background information review, and keyword identification for topic development. The report also covers refining research topics by exploring related issues, comparing and contrasting topics, and considering time, population, and methods. The significance of research questions and objectives in providing direction and clarity to research projects is highlighted, along with the characteristics of SMART objectives. A specific business research topic related to project delays in port construction is presented as an example, illustrating the application of the discussed methodologies. Desklib offers a platform for students to access this and other solved assignments.

RUNNING HEAD: RESEARCH 0
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH 1
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Development of research topics.......................................................................................................2
Discussion about Research Question and Objectives......................................................................4
Research question for business research..........................................................................................6
Research topic..............................................................................................................................6
Research Objective......................................................................................................................6
Research question........................................................................................................................6
SMART objectives..........................................................................................................................7
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7
References........................................................................................................................................8

RESEARCH 2
Introduction
A research question is 'a question that a research project sets out to answer'. Choosing a research
question is an essential element of both quantitative and qualitative research (Albert & Grzeda,
2015). Investigation will require data collection and analysis, and the methodology for this will
vary widely. Therefore, it is considered significant to keep in mind several elements while
defining the research questions, this is considered major step it is because the overall objective of
conducting the study is based on the research question (Loka et al., 2019).
In selecting the methodology it is important to frame the research question because this can help
in selecting the research approach and philosophies (Lynch, 2018). The purpose of the report is
to analyze the ways in which research topics are developed and refined are discussed. The
discussion was also made on identifying the research question which support in assisting the
research projects. The aim is also to define the SMART objectives which help in guiding
business research project.
Development of research topics
There are various ways in which research topics will be developed which includes brainstorming
of the ideas by defining the strong ideas regarding the current political, social controversy. The
ideas will also generated by describing the personal interest and major problem which have to be
research because of understanding more about the topic (Demir, 2015). After developing the
ideas and opinions related to various topics and problems background information leads to be
reviewed to understand the enough information about the topics we have selected (Cushion,
2018).
In this the ideas which are generated are narrowed so that research will be conducted in effective
manner. While defining the background information about the topic the elements which should
be covered in the topics are divided into various areas such as time frame, population group,
culture etc. After defining the topic are keywords has to be identified so that topic will be
described in more flexible manner by describing the articles and general information (Howlett et
al., 2016).

RESEARCH 3
Further, the topic is defined which is mainly focused on the research question and thesis
statements are formulated so that research is conducted by describing the major key points
(Iacobucci, 2016). These are points which should keep in mind by defining the research topic it
is because the objective and question of the research is based on the topic.
The different steps is also taken into consideration for ways in which research topics will be
refined for developing the research questions and objectives which includes that related issues
will be explored. It is because this helps in defining all the problems through which the objective
of conducting the research will be achieved (Martin et al., 2017). The related issues lead in
describing the complete information about the topics it is because through this the current
overcoming issues is also identified.
The other steps which are also considered in refining the topic into objectives are that the
selected topic is compared and contrast with other topics it is because through this similarities
and comparison about the topics will be identified. This leads in describing the other important
information and problems about the chosen topic; through this the alternative topic will be
chosen which are not covered in the books, articles and other relevant journals. Therefore, this
leads in narrow down the topic and leads in selecting the refining so that research objective can
be developed by focusing on the main element of the topic (Lynch, 2018). The related parts
leads in defining the complete information about the related topics and research question define
the research problem for which the research should be conducted so that purpose will be linked
with the current political and social factors.
The topics are also refined for the research objective and question by defining the time,
population and method should be considered in the research related to the topic. It is because
through this the target population in the sample size is also described and geographical area in
which the selected topic is could be expanded. Therefore, the narrow down topics leads in
developing accurate objective and research question and in this area the different articles are
selected in which different main aims about the related topic.
The alternative problems characteristics and aspects leads in describing framing the objectives so
that accuracy will be maintained in conducting the research for example the topic are selected to
focus on the health of the women. It will further narrow by describing the disease which is

RESEARCH 4
mainly faced by the women and gain focus will be on the reason of raising health issues,
therefore the research objectives and problems are discussed by defining the focus topic in
different segment this leads in achieving the objective of the research and leads in getting the
positive outcomes about the research by containing the varieties of books, websites as well as
journal article.
The major step in refining and developing the research question is that in this the research
question will be become clearer and it is the core of the research (Padilla-Díaz, 2015). This also
leads in defining the focused area so that specific elements which are to be covered will specify
with the focused approaches and philosophies. However, the various points leads to be
considered for developing the question such as clear which provide complete clarity about the
topic, focused to segment the specific area and complex by describing the other challenges for
making the objectives more concurrent and specified.
Discussion about Research Question and Objectives
The research questions and objectives helps in assisting to the research projects it is because this
is the clear statement which is defined in concise terms and leads in providing specific direction
of conducting the research. Through this various variables are defined so that all important are to
be covered in the research (Teherani et al., 2015). This helps the researchers to move to the
current path by developing the various sub-points in the main heading under the literature
review. Therefore in this clear description of the variables make study more accurate and
summarize the other set of objectives so that main purpose of the study will be accomplished.
This support in the research projects it is because this summarizes the purpose of the study in
which all points are covered and describe the subject and aspect which research wants to be
achieved. The objective will be cover following points that is objective will be relevant, feasible,
logical, measurable and observable. Research question also helps in achieving the objective
within the time frame and use all the adequate resources so that research will be conducted in the
adequate and appropriate time frame. This assist in the research project it is because this is the
standard or the hope which researchers have about their accomplishment through the study.

RESEARCH 5
This is the step in which other related steps are coordinated and related that is hypothesis and
variables are developed according to the objectives and research questions. The objectives of the
research describe the main pints by which other approaches and philosophies are developed in
the research (Percy et al., 2015). This step helps in involving several other steps which are
considered important in conducting the study which includes limiting the time of establishing the
study and avoids the data collection techniques which are not required in the collection of
information.
The research question helps in assisting in developing the efficient research projects by including
all the aspects of the research objectives which includes objective and research question describe
some relevance theoretical framework which increase the information and knowledge about the
particular area of study (Martin et al., 2017). The research question also help he researcher to
find something new and unique for the subject matter which are not included in the previous
research that is various factors are considered in achieving the research projects such as
confirming, discovering, challenging and exposing etc.
The research objectives are developed in such a manner that it helps in suggesting and provide
directions for conducting future research. This define the purpose of performing the research and
provide the opportunity in which one can understood the reason of conducting research rather
than reading full research project (Cushion, 2018). Therefore it helps the researchers to introduce
the topic of the research by which their significance in various areas is also defined. The research
also define the place where are problem in research question has to be studied by focusing on the
different parameters which is to be investigated in the research.
Research questions also help in developing the framework by which results and outcomes
received from the research has to be studied. Therefore, through the research objectives and
questions the overall subject of the research is inked with the results, data collection, sample size
and data analysis method so that it can assist the researchers to accomplish the aim of the
research (Nortjé & Hoffmann, 2019). The research objective and questions are helpful in
supporting the researchers to achieve research project it is because research are developed by
answering various questions such importance of research, areas which can be studied in the
research, room from improving the research and impact of this on the field.

RESEARCH 6
These questions help the researchers to develop accurate research objectives which are
considered achievable and measurable which should in –depth and fill the gap of previous
research. The research question is highly linked with the outcomes of the research objectives it is
because this defines the events, structure as well as thoughts of the researchers (Fanelli et al.,
2015). Therefore, to conduct the research various assistances will be taken which will be
received through developing the research questions and objective in the first phase. It is because
researchers can get the various ideas and approaches about the subject matter in which the
research is conducted (Perseghin & Solini, 2016). The investigation demonstrate that research
question and objective is highly important concept for the research it is because it work as the
strategy, procedure and framework for which the series of steps in the research will be defined
and help research to accomplish the purpose and aim of the research.
Research question for business research
Research topic
“Identifying the main causes of project delays in Port Construction”
Research Objective
The main purpose of the study is to examine the critical factors and aspects through which port
construction projects delays.
Research question
1) What are the critical factors causing delays in Port construction projects?
2) What are the appropriate tools and techniques in project management that could be used
to manage delays in Port construction projects?
This research question is selected because the estimation describes that in UAE number of post
construction delays due to various reasons (Howlett et al., 2016). Therefore, through this
research organization could understand the factors and develop strategies accordingly. This
research is also support the organization by providing the information about alternative tools and
techniques which they can adopt for effective management.

RESEARCH 7
SMART objectives
The above research question is SMART it because the selected topic is precise which does not
confuse the readers that is identifying factors and analyzing the techniques, this area leads in
providing complete information about Port construction projects. It is also measurable because
secondary and primary method will be used through which various opinions of the authors and
workers will be analyzed. The research question is achievable because it has compete objective
will should be attained and accomplished through investigation. Further, it is realistic due to the
reason that research will be conducted within time and required funds as well as skills. The
estimated time which will be taken is about 9 weeks to accomplish the research question and to
attain the objective of conducting the research.
Conclusion
From the above it is estimated that background information, focusing on the key points and
major themes are identified in developing the research topic. The issues and comparison was also
done to refine the topic and narrow the specific points which are relevant for the research topic.
The investigation also describe that research question and objectives describe the overall
theoretical knowledge about the topic and support the research to identify the technique which
are to be used in data collection and analysis of the study. The objective provides guidance to the
researchers by which the objective of the research will be accomplished. Further, the research
question that is “what is the supply chain management influence on organizational outcomes”
question is developed. The SMART objectives demonstrate that factors which cause delay will
be examined and tools will also be identified for efficient administration of Port construction
projects. It is because this research question is achievable, measurable and time bound and can
support to accomplish objective within time frame.

RESEARCH 8
References
Albert, S. & Grzeda, M., 2015. Reflection in strategic management education. Journal of
Management Education, 39(5), pp.650-69.
Cushion, C.J., 2018. Reflection and reflective practice discourses in coaching: a critical analysis.
Sport, education and society, 23(1), pp.82-94.
Demir, S., 2015. Evaluation of Critical Thinking and Reflective Thinking Skills among Science
Teacher Candidates. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(18), pp.17-21.
Fanelli, D., Costas, R. & Larivière, V., 2015. Misconduct Policies, Academic Culture and Career
Stage, Not Gender or Pressures to Publish, Affect Scientific Integrity. PLOS one, 10(6), pp.1-18.
Howlett, C., Ferreira, J.-A. & Blomfield, J., 2016. Teaching sustainable development in higher
education: Building critical, reflective thinkers through an interdisciplinary approach.
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 17(3), pp.305-21.
Iacobucci, D., 2016. Marketing Management. Boston: Cengage Learning.
Loka, S.R. et al., 2019. Effect of reflective thinking on academic performance. Journal of
Education, 8(1), p.184.
Lynch, R., 2018. Strategic Management. Pearson.
Martin, F., Scott, J.M. & Thompson, J., 2017. Strategic Management: Awareness and Change.
Boston: Cengage Learning.
Nortjé, N. & Hoffmann, W.A., 2019. Research Integrity in the Context of Social Research
Integrity in the Context of Social Science Research in Africa. In Social Science Research Ethics
in Africa, pp.117-23.
Padilla-Díaz, M., 2015. Phenomenology in educational qualitative research: Philosophy as
science or philosophical science. International Journal of Educational Excellence, 1(2), pp.101-
10.
Percy, W.H., Kostere, K. & Kostere, S., 2015. Generic qualitative research in psychology. The
Qualitative Report, 20(2), pp.76-85.

RESEARCH 9
Perseghin, G. & Solini, A., 2016. The EMPA-REG outcome study: critical appraisal and
potential clinical implications. Cardiovascular diabetology, 15(1).
Teherani, A. et al., 2015. Choosing a qualitative research approach. Journal of graduate medical
education, 7(4), pp.669-70.