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 PART 2

CHAPTER 3

Preliminary Information Gathering

and Problem Definition

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 LEARNING OUTCOMES

After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

 Understand the first step in business research
process, i.e. the broad problem area
 Identify the broad problem area through several ways
 Understand how preliminary information gathering
aids in deciding whether the problem is worth
investigating and describe the problem clearly

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 LEARNING OUTCOMES (cont.)

 Comprehend the literature review stage of the

research process in its entirety
 Define a research problem clearly in the form of a
problem statement
 Understand the principles, values and standards
of conducting research (research ethics)

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 3.1 Broad Problem Area

 First step in the research process is the

identification of a broad problem area
 Broad problem area refers to the general or
entire situation where research and problem–
solving might be needed

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 3.1 Broad Problem Area
(cont.)
Broad problem area can be identified in ways
such as:
Recognition of existing problems
Desire to improve the status quo
Planning for the future

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 3.2 Preliminary Information
Gathering

 Gathering phase is an early stage of soliciting

information regarding the problem of interest to
enable a researcher to gain a wider
understanding and perspective of the problem.

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 3.3 Literature Review

 The term “literature” in a literature review means

published or unpublished research articles that
others have conducted in the areas that are
relevant to the study.
 There are a few concerns that need to be
addressed.

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 3.3 Literature Review (cont.)

This includes:
 What is a Literature Review?
 The Purpose of a Literature Review
 Sources of Literature
 Writing-up the Literature Review

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 3.4 Defining the Problem

 Defined as a clear and concise statement

that describes the symptoms of the specific
issues that a researcher wishes to investigate.
 In a sense, literature review has assisted the
researcher to be more focused and specific
compared to the early stages of the research.

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 3.4.1 Elements of Problem
Statement

 Conventionally, problem statements have three

elements.
– clear statement with sufficient contextual detail to justify
its importance
– the method of solving the problem, often stated as a
claim or a working thesis
– the purpose, statement of objective and scope of the
document the researcher is preparing

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 3.4.2 Guidelines in Creating a
Good Problem Statement
 A well-written and good problem statement.
 Quantify the extent or size of the problem.
 Emphasize the consequences if the problem
identified is not overcome, why it is considered
as a problem.

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 3.4.3 Criteria in Assessing the
Quality of a Good Problem
Statement
 Relevant
 Feasible
 Interesting

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 3.5 Ethical Issues

 Objectivity and integrity in conducting a

research
 Avoid invasion of privacy of subjects and
respect the dignity of respondents
 Do no harm to individuals or groups, the
research discipline or to society in general

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 Conclusion

Within a research context, a problem identified with

the intention of providing a solution, will remain a
problem unless it is properly identified and
explained clearly.

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