RCH 7301: Critical Thinking for Doctoral Learners 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit IV Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

2. Analyze a business research problem using academic scholarly journals. 2.1 Investigate published scholarship to find calls for further research.

3. Formulate a purpose statement that is aligned with a problem statement for a proposed research

project. 3.1 Assemble a purpose statement that aligns with a study’s purpose statement.

5. Develop research topics into focused problem statements that are useable for business research.

5.1 Assemble a problem statement that is measurable and focused on a specific, observed issue. 5.2 Apply the iterative steps for defining a research problem.

Course/Unit

Learning Outcomes Learning Activity

2.1 Unit Lesson Chapter 3 Unit IV Assignment

3.1 Unit Lesson Chapter 3 Unit IV Assignment

5.1 Unit Lesson Chapter 3 Unit IV Assignment

5.2 Unit Lesson Chapter 3 Unit IV Assignment

Required Unit Resources Chapter 3: Selecting and Planning Business Research Proposals and Projects Unit Lesson

Introduction Albert Einstein explained that the formulation of a problem is often more essential than its solution. This is good advice for doctoral students in business administration, and it applies to working on issues that one finds in business and organizations. Although the problem definition stage of the research and writing process is probably the most important stage, it is frequently neglected. Knowing what is to be accomplished by a study determines the research process. An error in problem definition in the field can result in a costly mistake that cannot be corrected in later stages of the process. At the doctoral research stage, an error in problem definition can result in time lost during the concept paper and dissertation processes.

UNIT IV STUDY GUIDE The Problem Statement and Purpose Statement

RCH 7301, Critical Thinking for Doctoral Learners 2

UNIT x STUDY GUIDE Title

Research begins with discovery of the problem, and identifying the problem is the first step toward solving it. In general usage, the word problem connotes that something has gone wrong. Unfortunately, the term problem does not connote a business opportunity, such as expanding operations into a foreign country, nor does it connote the need for the evaluation of an existing program, such as developing an understanding of employees’ satisfaction with professional development programs. Therefore, the research task may be to clarify a problem, evaluate a program, or define an opportunity. Within business administration, problem discovery and definition are understood within this broader context. The initial stage is problem discovery rather than definition. The researcher might not have a clear-cut problem statement at the outset of research. Often, only symptoms are apparent in the beginning. Profits may be declining, but management may not know the exact nature of the problem. Thus, the problem statement is often made in general terms. What is to be investigated is not yet specifically identified. A problem well-defined is a problem half-solved is an adage worth remembering because a clear articulation of the problem gives a sense of direction to any investigation. If the researcher devotes attention to defining the problem, then the researcher can set the proper research objectives. If the purpose of the research is clear to the researcher, the chances of collecting the neces