Business Research Methods, Part 1

Business Research Methods, Part I

Glendadenise Brock-Meredith

University of Phoenix (online)

Business Research Methods, Part I

Explain how the management-research question hierarchy is used to develop your question.

“The management-research question hierarchy is designed to move the researcher through various levels of questions, each with a specific function within the overall business research process”, (Cooper and Schindler, 2008). Management relies on accurate and timely data to make informed decisions to benefit their customers and organization.

Team A used the management-research question hierarchy to decide on a specific question affecting VA medical centers. The first step is identification of a potential or current management dilemma. Management dilemmas can arise from any event that affects the organization’s ability to meet customer needs. Team A’s management dilemma is the result of the President’s decision to begin withdrawal of troops from specific areas of conflict. The result of this event leads to numerous questions concerning supply and demand of resources needed to fulfill government obligations to the returning veterans.

The second step involves management determining how events will affect operations. This includes resources in areas such as finance, personnel, equipment, services provided or needed, status of current or future projects. The third step involves management examining available and future options. Step number four begins the process of research, determining what information is needed to select the best course of action. In addition to step four, step five pinpoints the specific data needed to arrive at step six, the business decision based on analysis of research findings.

Ref: Cooper, D.R., & Schindler, P. S. (2008). Business research methods (10th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin