The Mba Research Process

REF: Management Today, 2011: (In Press)

The MBA Research Process:

Establishing a business case – A business research imperative:

Dr Sidney Shipham* (B.Sc., MBL, D.Sc.)

Introduction

Research often poses a number of obstacles to students and one reason is that it is seen as something apart from their studies. Research is often seen as a long winded process, involving statistical analysis and providing impractical business solutions. Given the rapid rate of change in business today it is not surprising that given this mindset, business research has not taken its rightful place in the forefront of business development. This article argues that the MBA process provides an opportunity to appropriately position research within the business dynamics of today.

It is possible that much of the antipathy by MBA students towards research is due to the fact that it is viewed in the research sense and not in the business sense. It is suggested here that the MBA, as a professional degree, must establish a strong business case for the research project. This article reviews some of the reasons why students tackle their research with an arms-length approach and how establishing a business case presents new challenges and understanding of business realities.

Why a Business Case?

Shipham, (2010) has discussed the role of the MBA research process and the concept of developing an understanding or unravelling of the business complexity. The unravelling of complexity has two facets i.e. unravelling a business case and unravelling an academic case. Very often however, MBA research places such a great emphasis on the academic case that the establishment of the business case is seen as secondary or even unimportant. However, in applied research or a professional research report such as the MBA, a strong business case provides the motivation for, and establishes the importance of, the research. This is especially significant in that many MBA students are sponsored by their...