research methods for business

Business Research: Methods, Types & Examples

Content Index

Business research: Definition

Quantitative research methods, qualitative research methods, advantages of business research, disadvantages of business research, importance of business research.

Business research is a process of acquiring detailed information on all the areas of business and using such information to maximize the sales and profit of the business. Such a study helps companies determine which product/service is most profitable or in demand. In simple words, it can be stated as the acquisition of information or knowledge for professional or commercial purposes to determine opportunities and goals for a business.

Business research can be done for anything and everything. In general, when people speak about business research design , it means asking research questions to know where the money can be spent to increase sales, profits, or market share. Such research is critical to make wise and informed decisions.

LEARN ABOUT: Research Process Steps

For example: A mobile company wants to launch a new model in the market. But they are not aware of what are the dimensions of a mobile that are in most demand. Hence, the company conducts business research using various methods to gather information, and the same is then evaluated, and conclusions are drawn as to what dimensions are most in demand.

This will enable the researcher to make wise decisions to position his phone at the right price in the market and hence acquire a larger market share.

LEARN ABOUT:  Test Market Demand

Business research: Types and methodologies

Business research is a part of the business intelligence process. It is usually conducted to determine whether a company can succeed in a new region, to understand its competitors, or simply select a marketing approach for a product. This research can be carried out using steps in qualitative research methods or quantitative research methods.

Quantitative research methods are research methods that deal with numbers. It is a systematic empirical investigation using statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques . Such methods usually start with data collection and then proceed to statistical analysis using various methods. The following are some of the research methods used to carry out business research.

LEARN ABOUT: Data Management Framework

Survey research

Survey research is one of the most widely used methods to gather data, especially for conducting business research. Surveys involve asking various survey questions to a set of audiences through various types like online polls, online surveys, questionnaires, etc. Nowadays, most of the major corporations use this method to gather data and use it to understand the market and make appropriate business decisions.

Various types of surveys, like cross-sectional studies , which need to collect data from a set of audiences at a given point of time, or longitudinal surveys which are needed to collect data from a set of audiences across various time durations in order to understand changes in the respondents’ behavior are used to conduct survey research. With the advancement in technology, surveys can now be sent online through email or social media .

For example: A company wants to know the NPS score for their website i.e. how satisfied are people who are visiting their website. An increase in traffic to their website or the audience spending more time on a website can result in higher rankings on search engines which will enable the company to get more leads as well as increase its visibility.

Hence, the company can ask people who visit their website a few questions through an online survey to understand their opinions or gain feedback and hence make appropriate changes to the website to increase satisfaction.

Learn More:  Business Survey Template

Correlational research

Correlational research is conducted to understand the relationship between two entities and what impact each one of them has on the other. Using mathematical analysis methods, correlational research enables the researcher to correlate two or more variables .

Such research can help understand patterns, relationships, trends, etc. Manipulation of one variable is possible to get the desired results as well. Generally, a conclusion cannot be drawn only on the basis of correlational research.

For example: Research can be conducted to understand the relationship between colors and gender-based audiences. Using such research and identifying the target audience, a company can choose the production of particular color products to be released in the market. This can enable the company to understand the supply and demand requirements of its products.

Causal-Comparative research

Causal-comparative research is a method based on the comparison. It is used to deduce the cause-effect relationship between variables. Sometimes also known as quasi-experimental research, it involves establishing an independent variable and analyzing the effects on the dependent variable.

In such research, data manipulation is not done; however, changes are observed in the variables or groups under the influence of the same changes. Drawing conclusions through such research is a little tricky as independent and dependent variables will always exist in a group. Hence all other parameters have to be taken into consideration before drawing any inferences from the research.

LEARN ABOUT: Causal Research

For example: Research can be conducted to analyze the effect of good educational facilities in rural areas. Such a study can be done to analyze the changes in the group of people from rural areas when they are provided with good educational facilities and before that.

Another example can be to analyze the effect of having dams and how it will affect the farmers or the production of crops in that area.

LEARN ABOUT: Market research trends

Experimental research

Experimental research is based on trying to prove a theory. Such research may be useful in business research as it can let the product company know some behavioral traits of its consumers, which can lead to more revenue. In this method, an experiment is carried out on a set of audiences to observe and later analyze their behavior when impacted by certain parameters.

LEARN ABOUT: Behavioral Targeting

For example: Experimental research was conducted recently to understand if particular colors have an effect on consumers’ hunger. A set of the audience was then exposed to those particular colors while they were eating, and the subjects were observed. It was seen that certain colors like red or yellow increase hunger.

Hence, such research was a boon to the hospitality industry. You can see many food chains like Mcdonalds, KFC, etc., using such colors in their interiors, brands, as well as packaging.

Another example of inferences drawn from experimental research, which is used widely by most bars/pubs across the world, is that loud music in the workplace or anywhere makes a person drink more in less time. This was proven through experimental research and was a key finding for many business owners across the globe.

Online research / Literature research

Literature research is one of the oldest methods available. It is very economical, and a lot of information can be gathered using such research. Online research or literature research involves gathering information from existing documents and studies, which can be available at Libraries, annual reports, etc.

Nowadays, with the advancement in technology, such research has become even more simple and accessible to everyone. An individual can directly research online for any information that is needed, which will give him in-depth information about the topic or the organization.

Such research is used mostly by marketing and salespeople in the business sector to understand the market or their customers. Such research is carried out using existing information that is available from various sources. However, care has to be taken to validate the sources from where the information is going to be collected.

For example , a salesperson has heard a particular firm is looking for some solution that their company provides. Hence, the salesperson will first search for a decision maker from the company, investigate what department he is from, and understand what the target company is looking for and what they are into.

Using this research, he can cater his solution to be spot on when he pitches it to this client. He can also reach out to the customer directly by finding a means to communicate with him by researching online.’

LEARN ABOUT: 12 Best Tools for Researchers

Qualitative research is a method that has a high importance in business research. Qualitative research involves obtaining data through open-ended conversational means of communication. Such research enables the researcher to not only understand what the audience thinks but also why he thinks it.

In such research, in-depth information can be gathered from the subjects depending on their responses. There are various types of qualitative research methods, such as interviews, focus groups, ethnographic research, content analysis, and case study research, that are widely used.

Such methods are of very high importance in business research as they enable the researcher to understand the consumer. What motivates the consumer to buy and what does not is what will lead to higher sales, and that is the prime objective for any business.

Following are a few methods that are widely used in today’s world by most businesses.

Interviews are somewhat similar to surveys, like sometimes they may have the same types of questions used. The difference is that the respondent can answer these open-ended questions at length, and the direction of the conversation or the questions being asked can be changed depending on the response of the subject.

Such a method usually gives the researcher detailed information about the perspective or opinions of its subject. Carrying out interviews with subject matter experts can also give important information critical to some businesses.

For example: An interview was conducted by a telecom manufacturer with a group of women to understand why they have less number of female customers. After interviewing them, the researcher understood that there were fewer feminine colors in some of the models, and females preferred not to purchase them.

Such information can be critical to a business such as a  telecom manufacturer and hence it can be used to increase its market share by targeting women customers by launching some feminine colors in the market.

Another example would be to interview a subject matter expert in social media marketing. Such an interview can enable a researcher to understand why certain types of social media advertising strategies work for a company and why some of them don’t.

LEARN ABOUT: Qualitative Interview

Focus groups

Focus groups are a set of individuals selected specifically to understand their opinions and behaviors. It is usually a small set of a group that is selected keeping in mind the parameters for their target market audience to discuss a particular product or service. Such a method enables a researcher with a larger sample than the interview or a case study while taking advantage of conversational communication.

Focus group is also one of the best examples of qualitative data in education . Nowadays, focus groups can be sent online surveys as well to collect data and answer why, what, and how questions. Such a method is very crucial to test new concepts or products before they are launched in the market.

For example: Research is conducted with a focus group to understand what dimension of screen size is preferred most by the current target market. Such a method can enable a researcher to dig deeper if the target market focuses more on the screen size, features, or colors of the phone. Using this data, a company can make wise decisions about its product line and secure a higher market share.

Ethnographic research

Ethnographic research is one of the most challenging research but can give extremely precise results. Such research is used quite rarely, as it is time-consuming and can be expensive as well. It involves the researcher adapting to the natural environment and observing its target audience to collect data. Such a method is generally used to understand cultures, challenges, or other things that can occur in that particular setting.

For example: The world-renowned show “Undercover Boss” would be an apt example of how ethnographic research can be used in businesses. In this show, the senior management of a large organization works in his own company as a regular employee to understand what improvements can be made, what is the culture in the organization, and to identify hard-working employees and reward them.

It can be seen that the researcher had to spend a good amount of time in the natural setting of the employees and adapt to their ways and processes. While observing in this setting, the researcher could find out the information he needed firsthand without losing any information or any bias and improve certain things that would impact his business.

LEARN ABOUT:   Workforce Planning Model

Case study research

Case study research is one of the most important in business research. It is also used as marketing collateral by most businesses to land up more clients. Case study research is conducted to assess customer satisfaction and document the challenges that were faced and the solutions that the firm gave them.

These inferences are made to point out the benefits that the customer enjoyed for choosing their specific firm. Such research is widely used in other fields like education, social sciences, and similar. Case studies are provided by businesses to new clients to showcase their capabilities, and hence such research plays a crucial role in the business sector.

For example: A services company has provided a testing solution to one of its clients. A case study research is conducted to find out what were the challenges faced during the project, what was the scope of their work, what objective was to be achieved, and what solutions were given to tackle the challenges.

The study can end with the benefits that the company provided through its solutions, like reduced time to test batches, easy implementation or integration of the system, or even cost reduction. Such a study showcases the capability of the company, and hence it can be stated as empirical evidence of the new prospect.

Website visitor profiling/research

Website intercept surveys or website visitor profiling/research is something new that has come up and is quite helpful in the business sector. It is an innovative approach to collect direct feedback from your website visitors using surveys. In recent times a lot of business generation happens online, and hence it is important to understand the visitors of your website as they are your potential customers.

Collecting feedback is critical to any business, as without understanding a customer, no business can be successful. A company has to keep its customers satisfied and try to make them loyal customers in order to stay on top.

A website intercept survey is an online survey that allows you to target visitors to understand their intent and collect feedback to evaluate the customers’ online experience. Information like visitor intention, behavior path, and satisfaction with the overall website can be collected using this.

Depending on what information a company is looking for, multiple forms of website intercept surveys can be used to gather responses. Some of the popular ones are Pop-ups, also called Modal boxes, and on-page surveys.

For example: A prospective customer is looking for a particular product that a company is selling. Once he is directed to the website, an intercept survey will start noting his intent and path. Once the transaction has been made, a pop-up or an on-page survey is provided to the customer to rate the website.

Such research enables the researcher to put this data to good use and hence understand the customers’ intent and path and improve any parts of the website depending on the responses, which in turn would lead to satisfied customers and hence, higher revenues and market share.

LEARN ABOUT: Qualitative Research Questions and Questionnaires

• Business research helps to identify opportunities and threats.
• It helps identify research problems , and using this information, wise decisions can be made to tackle the issue appropriately.
• It helps to understand customers better and hence can be useful to communicate better with the customers or stakeholders.
• Risks and uncertainties can be minimized by conducting business research in advance.
• Financial outcomes and investments that will be needed can be planned effectively using business research.
• Such research can help track competition in the business sector.
• Business research can enable a company to make wise decisions as to where to spend and how much.
• Business research can enable a company to stay up-to-date with the market and its trends, and appropriate innovations can be made to stay ahead in the game.
• Business research helps to measure reputation management
• Business research can be a high-cost affair
• Most of the time, business research is based on assumptions
• Business research can be time-consuming
• Business research can sometimes give you inaccurate information because of a biased population or a small focus group.
• Business research results can quickly become obsolete because of the fast-changing markets

Business research is one of the most effective ways to understand customers, the market, and competitors. Such research helps companies to understand the demand and supply of the market. Using such research will help businesses reduce costs and create solutions or products that are targeted to the demand in the market and the correct audience.

In-house business research can enable senior management to build an effective team or train or mentor when needed. Business research enables the company to track its competitors and hence can give you the upper hand to stay ahead of them.

Failures can be avoided by conducting such research as it can give the researcher an idea if the time is right to launch its product/solution and also if the audience is right. It will help understand the brand value and measure customer satisfaction which is essential to continuously innovate and meet customer demands.

This will help the company grow its revenue and market share. Business research also helps recruit ideal candidates for various roles in the company. By conducting such research, a company can carry out a SWOT analysis , i.e. understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. With the help of this information, wise decisions can be made to ensure business success.

LEARN ABOUT:  Market research industry

Business research is the first step that any business owner needs to set up his business to survive or to excel in the market. The main reason why such research is of utmost importance is that it helps businesses to grow in terms of revenue, market share, and brand value.

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Which are the best business research methods.

12 min read Business research is a well-established way to get an edge in your market. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most valuable business research methods.

Business research is a well-established way to gain an edge in your target market . But less than 40% of US marketers use consumer research to make decisions, according to data from Google. Could the huge range of methodologies and techniques be preventing business research takeup?

In this article, we’ll lay out some of the most popular and valuable business research methods, from general approaches to industry-specific techniques, to help you decide which business research process is the best fit for you and your company.

Free eBook: The ultimate guide to conducting market research

What do we mean by business research?

There are two primary areas of business research – understanding the market in which you’re operating, including the target consumers out there who don’t yet buy from you, and understanding your existing customers.

Market research

Market research is an umbrella term covering a wide variety of business research techniques which are used to help a business understand its target customer’s preferences.

This arm of business research often involves techniques like the focus group, where a moderated discussion helps companies understand their target audience, and survey research, including online surveys.

Customer feedback is an important part of any business intelligence process. This might come in the form of direct feedback, where a customer provides their opinion to a business either spontaneously or in response to a survey invitation or feedback form, or through indirect methods like social media listening.

As well as being able to assess customer satisfaction , this allows businesses to discover the unmet needs of their current customers. This kind of business research helps seed new product development, among other improvements.

Qualitative research methods for business

Qualitative business research techniques are all about the ‘why’ of what’s happening in your business. Rather than relying on data and statistics, they use description and human interpretation to investigate situations and events.

Qualitative research can be quite time-consuming and historically it has been harder to automate than quantitative methods, although nowadays tools are available to scale up qualitative data collection.

Even without these tools, qualitative research can be done with smaller sample sizes and still provides rich information that can offer lasting value.

Focus groups

Focus groups are a business research mainstay. They can help companies understand their current customers or target customers in a deep and authentic way using the power of conversation and connection. Focus groups can be valuable for nuanced topics, as well as controversial ones, since you can use the format to bring in multiple points of view from within your target audience.

As a form of qualitative research, focus groups are well-established with plenty of best practice advice and techniques available. They are also relatively familiar to the general public, which means low effort is required to on-board your participants.

At the height of COVID-19, Jittrapirom et al. (2021) used remote focus groups to study perceptions of car-sharing services in Bangkok, Thailand as a way of improving transport planning. They found that the ‘mental models’ of different stakeholder groups were significantly different depending on their understanding of the car-sharing concept. Working with the focus group, the researchers were able to collaboratively build a diagrammatic representation of how car-sharing works, which could then be used to help roll it out as a more sustainable means of transport in developing countries.

Ethnographic research

In ethnographic research, you study people in a naturally occurring setting. Rather than bringing them into your offices or restricting your data collection to a survey, you’re looking at the person and their environment as a whole.

In this sense, ethnographic research is all about understanding the context. You might be observing customers in a store, or interviewing them as they interact with your products and services. Ethnographic research in contexts like shopping malls, online discussion boards or social media can help you understand your target consumer too. Business research of this kind can be especially valuable in consultancy and B2B settings, where one business is looking to gain a deep understanding of another in order to help them improve.

Autmaring et al. (2018) studied SMEs working in B2B to investigate the potential for ethnographic research to improve product development. They found that although SME-level businesses had good access to their customers, their uptake of ethnographic research was low because of a lack of familiarity and concerns about expense. The B2B SMEs studied had low awareness of the benefits of ethnographic research and did not recognize that they were in a strong position to carry it out. This suggests that ethnographic research is an underused technique in business, and one that could offer significant advantages for SMEs especially.

Quantitative research methods for business

Like qualitative research methods, quantitative research methods help you understand your customer and your market better. Quantitative research can also be used to make forecasts and predictions about what might happen in the future. You can develop an in depth knowledge of your customers using existing data, or you can carry out business research to find out more about a specific research question.

Experimental research

In experimental research, you start out with a hypothesis about something happening in your business, and test it by manipulating an independent variable – or multiple independent variables – to find out the effect on a dependent variable. Strictly speaking, experimental research should follow rigorous scientific principles, but in business it’s more likely you will adopt a quasi-experimental approach with less emphasis on method and more on results.

One of the most popular applications of experimental research in business is A/B testing. A/B testing pits two or more variations of something against one another to find out which is more successful. It’s commonly used in marketing management when developing ads or marketing campaigns. In A/B testing, the hypothesis you’re testing is that both or all variations are equally successful. You’ll disprove this if one of the variants gets better results.

One of the benefits of A/B testing is that you can test multiple variants simultaneously by segmenting your audience.

For example, Kornitzer et. al (2020) used A/B testing in a healthcare setting to compare 9 patient messaging options to see which were more effective at preventing hospital appointment no-shows. The options each used a behavioral ‘nudge’ to encourage patients not to skip their appointments. By randomly assigning patients with upcoming appointments into groups, the researchers were able to test all 9 messaging approaches simultaneously. They determined that the most successful messages were those reminding people that skipping their appointment negatively impacted other patients who needed care.

Correlational research

Unlike causal research and experimental research, which look at relationships between a dependent variable and the independent variables acting on it, correlational research doesn’t deal with cause and effect. Instead it looks at phenomena that occur in proportion to one another, without one necessarily having to act on the other.

This kind of business research is helpful because it acts as a starting-point for further research. It can provide promising hypotheses that are worth investing in, as opposed to just guessing which variables might be related causally. Correlational research can also be used to bust myths and remove unhelpful assumptions.

For example, a correlational study by Stanley (2011) explored the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance, using quantitative data to challenge assumptions that socially responsible behavior is negatively associated with financial success in business.

Combined qualitative and quantitative research methods

Mixed mode research.

Mixed mode is a form of business research that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods in a single research project. Qualitative business research can be used in an exploratory way to uncover the questions that should be addressed more deeply. Quantitative research is used to investigate specific research questions arising from the qualitative study. Then, a second round of qualitative research might be used to add depth and nuance to the quantitative verdict, bringing the insights to life.

Survey research

Surveys are a staple among business research methods, as well as being to collect data in other forms of research such as academic studies. A survey can generate both qualitative and quantitative data, depending on the question formats used. It’s a familiar format for most people, and can be taken in a variety of formats from online surveys to telephone surveys. This makes it a very inclusive method, giving you maximum access to your target audience. Survey business research can be used for everything from customer satisfaction to concept testing.

Today’s technology means that surveys can be integrated right into the experiences they’re measuring. This helps offset some of the weaknesses of the survey method, such as participants misremembering or generalizing their experiences, or forgetting details because of the time lag between the events being studied and the participant taking the survey.

For example, Virgin Media used on page surveys to gather user feedback from website customers who had abandoned their carts. These in-the-moment insights helped them not only to understand the customer pain points , but to put them right quickly and efficiently.

Case study research

In case study research, the emphasis is on depth rather than breadth. Researchers explore a particular phenomenon in situ, looking at how a group or organization behaved in a specific time and place, and what happened as a result. It is both a quantitative research method and a qualitative research method, as the research involves both types of data.

Case study research can be very helpful in business, as it offers an opportunity to learn how other companies approached a challenge you might be facing, and to learn from the solutions they devised and the obstacles they faced. However, this research method does require care and attention on the part of the researcher to make sure the research involves relevant cases. They must fully understand the similarities and differences between their own business goals and the situation being explored, in order to avoid incorrectly assuming equivalence and coming to faulty conclusions.

Case study research really comes into its own in emerging areas where best practice approaches are not yet firmly established.

For example, Urbaniti et al. (2020) conducted case study research on circular economy practices in multiple European manufacturing businesses. They noted different managers’ peculiar and innovative approaches to achieving the circular economy business model, taking into account environmental factors like legislation which helped shape the approaches.

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Qualitative research interviews 11 min read, market intelligence 10 min read, marketing insights 11 min read, ethnographic research 11 min read, qualitative vs quantitative research 13 min read, qualitative research questions 11 min read, qualitative research design 12 min read, request demo.

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Research Methods For Business: A Skill Building Approach 8th Edition

Research Methods For Business, 8 th Edition explains the principles and practices of using a systematic, organized method for solving problematic issues in business organizations. Designed to help students view research from the perspective of management, this popular textbook guides students through the entire business research process. Organized into six main themes—Introduction, Defining the Management and the Research Problem, Theory, Collecting Information, Drawing Conclusions, and Writing and Presenting the Research Report—the text enables students to develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully create, conduct, and analyze a research project.

Now in its eighth edition, this popular textbook has been thoroughly updated to incorporate substantial new and expanded content, and reflect current research methods and practices. The text uses a unique blended learning approach, allowing instructors the flexibility to custom-tailor their courses to fit their specific needs. This innovative approach combines the face-to-face classroom methods of the instructor with internet-based activities that enable students to study what they want, when they want, at their own pace.

• ISBN-10 1119561221
• ISBN-13 978-1119561224
• Edition 8th
• Publisher Wiley
• Publication date August 26, 2019
• Language English
• Dimensions 8 x 1 x 9.9 inches
• Print length 432 pages
• See all details

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wiley; 8th edition (August 26, 2019)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1119561221
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1119561224
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.67 pounds
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• #26 in Business Research & Development
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Research Methods for Business

Education + Training

ISSN : 0040-0912

Article publication date: 5 June 2007

Issue publication date: 5 June 2007

Hair, J.F. , Money, A.H. , Samouel, P. and Page, M. (2007), "Research Methods for Business", Education + Training , Vol. 49 No. 4, pp. 336-337. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2007.49.4.336.2

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

If I am honest I began reading this new text on research methods with a doubt in my mind as to whether the world really needed another text on this topic area. On balance I think the authors do do enough to warrant their place on the library shelf.

The text is firmly grounded in the world of business, and this is maintained consistently and coherently throughout, in terms of how the key steps, processes, questions, problems and issues are addressed. Thus, everything from the need to ensure there is a research question worth addressing to writing and presentation is appropriately applied . The book is an excellent champion of the notion that managers, all managers, need business research skills. There is a similar credibility and accessibility to how the authors tackle methodology. Although there is no real discussion of methodology as such nevertheless their broad distinction between qualitative and quantitative approaches is integrated intelligently into the unfolding research process.

For my money, though, it is the questions, exercises, cases, and dilemmas that the authors use to bring the process to life that is the real strength of the book. For example, the authors focus on a single case throughout the book – a Greek restaurant in London. Interestingly, it would appear that one of the book's authors is (was) also the proprietor of this establishment. If true, what better way to ensure real problems and issues are applied to the research process? A second example is that the book makes available additional and complimentary resources for both the lecturer and the student. This is in the form of a website accompanying the book. It includes Powerpoint slides, guides to using Excel and SPSS, SPSS data sets, sample questionnaires and self‐test quizzes.

This said the book is not without weaknesses and problems. I have lost count of the number of times I have been asked by students “how big should my sample be?”. The authors do address this question but I'm not sure I'll be referring my students to this section over any others in alternative texts. The authors, in their preface, claim the book's coverage of quantitative analysis is more extensive and much easier to understand than other texts. This is somewhat presumptuous. I did not find the discussion of a range of statistical tests any less perplexing than elsewhere. Furthermore, in the context of qualitative data analysis the discussion was skipped over far too quickly. One of the “Research in Action” illustrations is headed “Qualitative data analysis: software to the rescue”. This refers to the use that can now be made of software such as NVIVO. Such software can be useful but it offers no easy short‐cuts. A much fuller discussion of how software might be applied to the complexity and difficulties inherent within qualitative data analysis was warranted.

Overall, the book deserves recommendation to business studies students. In particular, the features that are utilised to assist the reader make effective decisions about research activity are such that this recommendation can be made with some confidence. The associated website offers further value. I shall certainly be availing myself of some of these resources for my own teaching purposes.

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Program Description

This certificate in business research methods is a niche program targeting senior researchers in the “insights industry”. These are researchers in companies such as Qualtrics, Gartner, Nielsen, PwC, EY or an organization that recruits and employs individuals with significant training and experience in planning, designing, conducting, and analyzing research studies and applying research skills to solve complex business problems. Certificate candidates will follow the once-a-month in class residency structure of the Ph.D. in Business Administration and side-by-side with Ph.D. candidates.

At the end to the course of study, participants students will be able to

• Get an overview of research designs, including the ethical considerations involved.
• Design a research strategy based on research questions.
• Conduct a research study using surveys, experiments, archival, or qualitative methods
• Utilize appropriate statistical techniques for data analysis, including univariate, multivariate, qualitative, and latent construct modeling.
• Interpret results and formulate business implications based on such outcomes.
• Learn typically used software packages such as SAS, SPSS, NVIVO and SmartPLS

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Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation Policies

Admission requirements .

The following requirements are in addition to the regular Admissions    requirements: 

• Resume documenting professional experience. Minimum 8 years of experience. 
• Candidates need to have to have an accredited Master’s Degree. Preference will be given to applicants holding a business related Master’s Degree.

Graduation Requirements 

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in the Academic Policies: 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION   .

Program Course Requirements 

Required courses (9 credit hours).

• BRM 9201:Research Methods and Basic Data Analysis
• BRM 9202:Analysis of Variance Designs
• BRM 9204:Regression Analysis

Electives (3 Credit Hours)

Select one of the following for three credit hours:

• BRM 9203:Qualitative Research Methods
• BRM 9205:Advanced Business Research Analysis

Program Total (12 Credit Hours)

Businesses prefer decision-ready market intelligence. Here’s why

Simple yet powerful market intelligence brings profound change to the current states at 550+ enterprises as global industry leans increasingly toward action- and outcome-oriented research.

Shining light on the DNA of our market research

At Infiniti Research, our research methods are sharply focused on consistently driving business growth for clients by improving their business choices and customer experiences while lessening the impact of risks. Our systematic investigations of the market are, furthermore, grounded in our four core values: focus on specialized knowledge, continuous skill development, strong brand promise, and customer centricity.

Most importantly, our more than 550-strong talent pool strives to take as much of the pain out of organizational change as is humanly possible, thus leaving clients with pleasant surprises and memories only.

Much like our peers, we follow almost all the classic steps in market research, right from defining the research problem to communicating decision-ready insights to clients and, furthermore, helping businesses put these into action. But that’s where the similarities end. What sets us apart is an almost unparalleled research and validation rigor wherein nearly every single data point must pass ultra-careful checks for accuracy and anomaly. The result is that decision makers at client businesses have access to reliable and trustworthy data.

Deconstructing our research methodology

In-depth business requirements analysis

Our analysts spent significant time with client teams and key stakeholders (i.e., the intended end users of our reports) to flesh out their business pain points and get a fix on what kind of market insights would answer the business question at hand.

Ideal blend of data collection methods

Our experts draw on an ideal mix of copious data sources, including primary and secondary data sources (e.g., premium databases). Importantly, in our overall scheme of things, primary research is brought into play not only where secondary data is unavailable, but also to validate findings from secondary research.

Optimal tools to perfect prediction accuracy

Our forecasting science is informed by current machine learning (ML) techniques, which ensure end-to-end coverage and a holistic consideration of the factors that profoundly impact markets, products, and geographic categories.

Unmatched data quality rigor

Multiple levels of back-to-back checks ensure complete data accuracy and the highest quality insights that unambiguously answer the nagging research questions on the minds of decision makers. Quality control of data and insights by leads, managers and research heads ensure these comply with predetermined standards. Our editorial and process teams make sure our language and content are clear, accurate, and effective.

Presentation of research findings

With multiple consultations with stakeholders during the engagement, there is hardly any chance of the client “being in the dark” about anything at all till the report submission. Presentation of interim findings to the client ensures enough maneuvering room for course corrections around research direction or scope of work.

Ongoing post-engagement support

At least in our case, report delivery and final presentation is not the end of story! A team of analysts, leads, and managers are available to support any additional queries the client may have, even post the engagement.

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Business Analysis Techniques

Introduction.

There are many techniques that Business Analyst's employ to do their job. With different techniques being available for different purposes in different situations.  The goal of this section of the wiki is to eventually provide:

• A fairly comprehensive list of techniques of use to Business Analysts
• A brief description for each of those techniques (the more info the better, but starting small)
• Tips for when, how, and why to use each technique
• Links to other resources on the web (blog posts, articles, papers, etc) where you can find out more about the technique

The amount of content for different entries may vary significantly, depending on whether users add to the wiki entry for that technique, and whether it is a commonly used technique.

What do I mean by Technique ?

For purposes of this wiki, I am defining a Technique as a specific action or set of actions that is used by a Business Analyst to help deal with issues of scope, elicitation, documentation, analysis, and verification.

I want to try and separate Techniques from Skills which I see as more general capabilities or knowledge sets of the Business Analyst.  As an example, I would say that facilitation is a Skill, while Brainstorming or running Joint Application Development (JAD) sessions are specific Techniques that supplement the Skill.  Because Skills are more generic to BA's in general, I have them in the Career section of the wiki.

Technique Categories and List

Each technique has it's own page, but I have attempted to group them below by usage. Any technique that is not a link below is a placeholder for a future page.

General Analysis Techniques

• Class Modelling
• Mind Mapping

Data Analysis Techniques

• Data Dictionary
• Data Flow Diagrams

Decision and Rules Techniques

• Business Rule Analysis
• Decision Models
• Decision Tables
• Decision Trees

Elicitation Techniques

• Concept Map
• Document Analysis
• Feature Tree
• Focus Groups
• Interface Analysis
• JAD Sessions
• Observation
• Problem Statements
• Prototyping
• Requirements Workshops
• Storyboarding
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Use Case Diagrams
• User Stories

Enterprise Analysis Techniques

• Benchmarking
• Context Diagrams
• Feasibility Analysis
• Force Field Analysis
• Futures Wheel
• Organizational Modeling
• PEST Analysis
• SWOT Analysis
• Value Stream Mapping
• VMOST Analysis

Features and Functional Analysis Techniques

• Decomposition - Functional and Otherwise

Prioritization Techniques

• Category Assignment Prioritization
• Cumulative Voting Prioritization
• Hierarchical Cumulative Voting Prioritization
• Hierarchical MoSCoW Prioritization
• Kano Model Prioritization
• Matrix Prioritization
• MoSCoW Prioritization

Problem Solving and Ideation Techniques

• Affinity Diagram
• Brainstorming

Process Analysis Techniques

• Activity Diagram
• Business Process Modeling
• Sequence Diagram

Project Analysis and Scoping Techniques

• In/Out List
• Investment Logic Mapping
• Scope Analysis

Root Cause Analysis

• Fishbone Diagram

Stakeholder Management Techniques

• Responsibility Matrices: RACI, RASCI, and More
• Stakeholder Communications Matrix
• Stakeholder Maps
• Stakeholder Onion Diagram
• Stakeholder Radar Diagram
• Stakeholder Role Matrix
• Stakeholder Salience Diagram

Numerical Methods for the Solution of Ill-Posed Problems pp 1–5 Cite as

Introduction

• A. N. Tikhonov 3 ,
• A. V. Goncharsky 3 ,
• V. V. Stepanov 3 &
• A. G. Yagola 3  

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Part of the book series: Mathematics and Its Applications ((MAIA,volume 328))

From the point of view of modern mathematics, all problems can be classified as being either correctly posed or incorrectly posed.

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Tikhonov, A.N., Goncharsky, A.V., Stepanov, V.V., Yagola, A.G. (1995). Introduction. In: Numerical Methods for the Solution of Ill-Posed Problems. Mathematics and Its Applications, vol 328. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8480-7_1

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Small Business Trends

4 tips for growing your business in a sustainable way.

A couple of years ago, it was just you and your computer science pals from college crowding around the communal Keurig. Your business has come a long way from that co-working space in a sketchy part of town.

You used to worry about the tires getting stolen off your 10-speed before the workday was over. Now you have a Tesla and a parking space with your name on and three very important-sounding letters after it.

Still, it’s not all sunshine and roses in the startup C-suite. You’ve got investors to impress, so you must keep going full steam ahead. You can’t lose momentum, but you can’t afford to take huge risks. Here’s how to scale your growing business in smart, sustainable ways.

1. Hire a Remote, Global Workforce

Hiring employees can be a slow, clunky process that saps resources from your team. From conducting multiple rounds of interviews to lengthy onboarding and training processes, you’re losing time and resources at every stage.

Onboarding costs can be astronomical, too. Stats vary, but according to Indeed.com, hiring a new employee can cost between $4,000 and $20,000. And that obviously does not include their salary and benefits, which could be sky-high depending on where your company is based.

From there, you’re looking at all sorts of overhead costs, like renting enough office space to accommodate your team. And if an employee leaves, you have to start the hiring process again from square one.

Hiring remotely — especially sourcing international employees — can cut a lot of these costs. Workers from lower-cost locations can help you limit salary expenses, while their remoteness means you won’t have to allot them office space. Be aware, however, that global hiring comes with all sorts of compliance and administrative hurdles. You can get around them by working with an employer of record . An EOR can take care of the onboarding, payroll, and legal pieces, saving your HR team the headache.

2. Prioritize Customer Concerns

Results can be disastrous when leadership deprioritizes the customer by solving low-priority problems first or imprudently cutting short-term costs. Many big-name companies have gone out of business simply because they thought about their numbers at the expense of their shoppers.

Take the case of Circuit City, which prioritized reducing expenses by firing experienced employees and replacing them with cheaper newcomers. The result was more frustration for customers at a time when many were already switching to more convenient rival stores.

Keeping the customer happy is practically the first rule of business, but it means actually listening to the customer. Businesses that want to scale sustainably should survey their customer base and make decisions based on real customer data. Ask what kinds of changes they would like to see or what kinds of products and promotions they’re craving.

Customer acquisition is necessary for scaling, but customer retention is just as important — not to mention cheaper and more effective. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied fans are the best kind of marketing.

3. Streamline Your Tech Stack

Too many growing businesses waste their money on clunky enterprise software suites designed for scaling they haven’t even achieved yet. They spend thousands and lock themselves into using programs that might not fit their business best.

The cost of a bad software choice isn’t just the purchase price or the price of buying a replacement program. There are hidden costs like consulting vet new software and retraining your employees every time you implement new tech.

Growing businesses, especially startups on the smaller side, should look to alternatives like SaaS solutions or free, open-source programs. They can mix and match more affordable options that meet the company’s needs better.

That said, it’s important to keep integration in mind when choosing tech. As you scale, your tech will likely need to integrate with larger platforms like Salesforce or Shopify. Most startups know this is a priority, so it shouldn’t be hard to find programs designed for compatibility.

4. Be Smart About How You Spread the Word

You don’t need an enormous marketing budget to see your company gain traction. And you don’t need to spend a ton of cash taking out expensive ads. Instead, focus on more affordable, effective strategies that put your brand name in the mouths of all the right people.

Nowadays, most consumers say they don’t really trust what brands say. They don’t believe advertising exists for their benefit or to provide useful information. They want to hear from their friends, online reviewers, or influencers. They trust real people who’ve used your product and can speak honestly to its pros and cons.

To earn credibility with your audience, grow your social media following organically or enlist the help of affordable, niche influencers. They can reach your target customers by appealing to them emotionally. Get your current loyalists to provide testimonials or write product reviews in order to build consumer trust and interest in your brand.

And don’t forget about email marketing as a tactic for growing your business and winning sales. It may seem old-fashioned, but email is customers’ preferred way of hearing from the brands they love. A few weekly emails — three to four max — can keep your customers’ brand awareness high without seeming annoying or intrusive.

Approach Expansion Cautiously and Efficiently

The name of the game in expanding sustainably is making incremental changes. Use data to see what’s working and what’s not and implement one new strategy at a time. You’re better off deploying new products or policies that can easily be recalled, reversed, or readjusted. When in doubt, partner with experts who’ve helped other companies succeed.

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