is concerned with finding answers. It is a systematic, organized search for knowledge or answers to questions (Mason & Bramble, 1989 cited in Garcia, 2017)

is a process of obtaining knowledge through techniques, where truth, accuracy, validity, reliability, and other criteria can be ascertained(Genato et al, 1989 cited in Garcia, 2017)

is the systematic gathering, recording, and analyzing of data about problems relating to the financial, production, and marketing of goods and services (Salvador, et al., 2008).

is a systematic inquiry that provides information used as guide in managerial decisions. It is a process of planning, acquiring, analyzing, and disseminating relevant data, information, and insights to decision makers in ways that mobilize the organization to take appropriate actions that, in turn, maximize performance (Cooper & Schindler, 2012).

normally deals with topics such as human attitudes, behavior, and performance. People think they already know a lot about these and do not easily accept research findings that differ from their opinions (Flores, 2016).

It is systematic inquiry geared towards providing information to solve problem (Emory, 1995 cited in Garcia, 2017) It is the continuous discovery and exploration of the unknown. It entails an investigation of new facts, leading to the discovery of new ideas, new methods, or improvements (Charles, 1998 cited in Garcia, 2017

The fundamental purpose of Business Research is to allow a firm to plan and execute its business activities and ideas in order to create exchange transactions that satisfy both the firm and its stakeholders.

When a company evaluates a new product idea, develops a test market, or plans change for existing products, a critical research is needed to estimate how customers will respond to alternate prices or non-price factors for its product such as quality, brand name, delivery, service or changes in features or styles due t recent innovation.

Business research has an inherit value only to the extent that it helps management make better decision.

5 general applications of business research

Identify target markets, determine behavioral patterns and attitudes of buyers (brand preference, shifting patterns to other brands) , market demands, analyze and interpret sales data and market share, study problems in conjunction with selling activities and distribution channels

Study business cycle and forecasting to determine short and long range plan. It includes study of product lines, product mix, product diversification, evaluation of alternative financial investment opportunities, attitude of customers toward a particular business establishment.

It includes study such product planning and development, branding, and packaging. Specifically, consumer purchase brand history, quality opinions of competing brands, acceptability of package utility and designs of product among consumers, testing the salability and acceptability of the new product, determining the durability of all competing brands of products.

Research studies dealing with the proper selection of advertising themes, copywriting, media selection and analysis, account management, production props, preparation of advertisements, and budgeting. Example: most preferred TV advertising jingles of cola drinks, attitudes and opinions of students about junk foods.

Studies which are outside the commercial dimensions of selling of goods and services. It deals with the business firm’s social responsibilities to the public. Examples: study of underground economy, effects of value added tax, consumer demand etc.

4 Kinds of research

This type of research seeks to describe systematically, factually, accurately and objectively a situation, problem or phenomenon. It seeks to describe what is.

In this type of research, the investigator tries to probe on the significance of the relationship between two or more factors or characteristics.

This type of research probes into the cause of an effect by exposing one or more experimental groups to one or more treatments or conditions.

The researcher attempts to reconstruct the past objectively and accurately or to explain an incident that happened in the past with the use of data taken from the past.

these are interrelated steps or procedures a researcher has to observe in solving the problem.

It is not based on guesswork. This is because empirical data have to be gathered by the researcher prior in making conclusion or proposing new solution to an identified difficulty or problems.

If a researcher is serious about understanding a phenomenon, he/she needs to examine and analyze all aspects or angles before making a generalization or conclusion.

This means that procedures employed by the researcher must be able to withstand critical scrutiny by other researchers.

Whenever a researcher formulates conclusion, these have to be based on actual findings.

Research is said to be verifiable as other researchers can check on the correctness of the results by replicating the study, based on methods and procedures employed by the researcher.

The generalization drawn by the researcher are rooted upon hard evidence gathered from information collected from real-life experiences or observations.

7 characteristics of research

4 characteristics of researcher

The researcher undertakes deep thinking and inquiry of the things, problems and situations around him/her.

It refers to the characteristic of a researcher where he/she is careful in conducting his study by starting in the right time and in the right place wisely, efficiently and economically.

The researcher is always doubtful as to the truthfulness of the results.

The researcher approach research work with objectivity & honesty

6 overview of the research process