Assignment # 2

Q1 : Describe the function of preliminary data gathering ?

Preliminary information helps to narrow down the broad problem area & to define a specific
problem statement
The nature of information needed by the researchers may be broadly classified as:
 Background information of the organization—that is, the contextual factors.
 Prevailing knowledge on the topic – that is, relevant findings from previous research.
Unstructured interviews, structured interviews, and library research would help the researcher to
define the problem more specifically and envolve a theory, delineating possible variable the
problem. Interview practices at different levels are focused at obtaining background information
on the system that is explored the structure and processes that run in the system.

Q2: Why is it important to gather information on the background of the organization?

Why is it important to review the literature on your topic?
Background Information
It is important for the researcher or the research team especially if on outside sgency conducts
the research to be well acquainted with the background of the company or organization studied.
Background Information; It includes the contextual factors

(a) The origin and history of the company.

(b) Size in terms of employees, assets, etc.
(c) Charter—purpose and ideology.
(d) Location—regional, national, or other.
(e) Resources—human and other.
(f) Interdependent relationships with other institutions and the external environment.
(g) Financial position during the previous 5 to 10 years, and relevant financial data.

Collecting background information also helps to focus on critical issues and raise
appropriate Questions during the interview process

Literature Review

It is very important to review the literature on your topic because

 Literature review helps to identify the important variables related to the problem
 Literature review helps the research – true reasons for the problem may not be
unidentified even at the end of the research

A good literature ensures that (benefits)

  important variables that are likely to influence the problem situation are not left out.
 What variables are important to consider (parsimony), why they are considered
important, and how they should be investigated to solve the problem.
 The Problem Statement can be made with precision and clarity and Testability and
Replicability of the findings of the current research are enhanced.
 Efforts are not wasted in rediscovering something that is already known and the problem
investigated is perceived by the scientific community as relevant and significant

Q3:Should a researcher always obtain information on the structural aspects and job
characteristics from those interviewed ? Give reason your answer with examples.

Yes a researcher always obtain information on the structural aspects and job characteristics from
those interviewed because due to this a researcher can easily obtain accurate data and reliable
then those of the interviews.
For example, the problem of not meeting the production deadlines may be directly related to the
delayed deliveries of the raw materials by the suppliers. As an example, it is possible that the
age of the machinery could be blamed for low production, and sophisticated machinery might be
installed without any appreciable difference in the results. Further investigation might throw
light on the fact that the current incentive system does not encourage high levels of production,
and this fact, rather than the type of machinery used, is the problem. Not finding this before
investing heavily on new equipment would be a costly mistake.

Q4: The Problem Definitions stage is perhaps more critical in the research process than the
problem solution stage ? Discuss this statement.

Yes problem definitions stage is more critical in the research process than a problem solution
stage because the problem definition stage introduces the key problem that is addressed in the research
project In Essence the problem definition stage allows decision makers to identify the specific problem to
be solved so they can search for alternative solutions which as a result help them select the best
alternative that eventually decide the course of action .