Business research is the application of the scientific method in searching for the truth about business phenomena. It is a systematic and objective process to analyze information to help with business making decisions. It includes defining business opportunities and problems, generating and evaluating alternative courses of action, and monitoring employee and organizational performance. This process also includes idea and theory development, problem definition, searching for and collecting information, analyzing data, and communicating the findings and their implications.
Applied business research is conducted to address a specific business decision for a specific firm or organization. This type of research addresses a real life problem. Example – Should McDonald’s add pasta to its menu? Should Procter & Gamble produce teeth whitening kits?
Basic business research (pure research or exploratory) is conducted without a specific decision in mind and it usually does not address the needs of a specific organization. It attempts to expand the limits of knowledge in general, and as such it is not aimed at solving a particular pragmatic problem. It can be used to test the validity of a general business theory or to learn more about a particular business phenomenon. It provides the foundation for later applied research. Example – How is the road made? Is there a correlation between success and achievement? Are teams more successful than individuals?
The scientific method is the way researchers go about using knowledge and evidence to reach objective conclusions about the real world. It attempts to prove or disprove prior conceptions based on empirical evidence.
Evaluation research Is the formal, objective measurement and appraisal of the extent a given activity, project, or program has achieved its objectives.
Performance-monitoring research is a specific type of evaluation research that regularly, perhaps routinely, provides feedback for the evaluation