CHAPTER 1-INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

TUGAS OLEH :

1. BENG DIHQANTAMA - 20207204
2. JOKO ADI PRASETYO - 20207612
3. LITA PRADITHA - 20207663
4. PURRI SETIANINGRUM - 20207860

CHAPTER 1

1.      Define research and explain the difference between applied and basic research.

2.      Why is it important for managers to know about research?

3.      Explain why handling the manager-researcher relationship effectively is important.

4.      Describe a situation where it would be more beneficial to engage an external research team rather than an internal one.

5.      “Because basic research is not applied immediately to a problem, it is less valuable and useful than applied research.” Comment on this statement.

6.      “If managers learn how to conduct good research by taking a course such as this book offers, there would be no need to hire anyone to solve problems in organizations.” What is your response to this statement?

7.      Describe a situation where research will help you as a manager to make a good decision.

8.      Given the following situation: (a) discuss with reasons, whether it will fall into the category of Applied or Basic research, and (b) who will conduct the research.

To Acquire or Not to Acquire: That is the Question

Companies are very interested in acquiring other firms even when the latter operate in totally unrelated realms of business. For example, Gencore Industries manufacturing asphalt plants for road construction acquired Ingersoll-Rand in 1996. And later acquired yet another company engaged in the business of food processing. Such acquisitions are claimed to “work miracles”. However, given the volatility of the stock market and the slowing down of business, many companies wonder whether such acquisitions are becoming too risky. At the same time, they also wonder if they are missing out on a great business opportunity if they fail to engage in this activity. Some research is needed here!

Answer :

1.      Research ; a somewhat intimidating term for some, is simply the process of finding solutions o a problem after a thorough study and analysis of the situational factors.

Research can be undertaken for two different purposes ; One is to  solve a current problem faced by the manager in the work setting, demanding a timely solution is called applied research. The other is to generate a body of knowledge by trying to comprehend how certain problems that occur in organizations can be solved, this is  called basic research.

2.      Because knowledge of research not only helps one to look at the available information in sophisticated and creative ways in the fast-paced global environment in which businesses exist, but this knowledge also helps in the other ways. And modern technology has made research an exciting and a relatively smooth process. As managers, we have to know about it.
3.      The manager-researcher relationship effectively is important, because The manager should make sure while hiring researchers that; The roles and expectations of both parties are made explicit. Relevant philosophies and value systems of the organization are clearly stated, and constraints, if any, communicated. There is good rapport established with the researchers, and between the researchers and employees in the organization, so that the latter cooperate fully with the researchers.
4.      There are at least four advantages in engaging an internal team to do the research project :
·         The internal team would stand a better chance of being readily accepted by the employees in the subunit where research needs to be done.
·         They would require much less time to understand the structure, the philosophy and climate, and the functioning and work systems of the organization.
·         They would be available for implementing their recommendations after the research findings are accepted.
·         The internal team might cost considerably less than an external team for the department enlisting help in problem solving, because they will need less time to understand the system due to their continuous involvement with various units of the organization. For problems that are low complexity, the internal team would be good.
The advantages of the external team are :
·         The external team can draw on a wealth of experience from having worked with different types of organizations that have had the same or similar types of problems. This wide range of experience would enable them to think both divergently and convergently rather than rushing to an instant solution on the basis of the apparent facts in the situation. They would be able to consider several alternative ways of looking at the problem because of their extensive problem-solving experiences in various other situations. Having viewed the situation from several possible angles and perspectives, they could critically assess each of these, discard the less viable options and alternatives, and focus on specific feasible solutions.
·         The external teams, especially those from established research and consulting firms, might have more knowledge of current sophisticated problem-solving models through their periodic training programs, which the  teams within the organization may not have access to. Because knowledge obsolescence is a real threat in the consulting area, external research institutions ensure that their members are current on the latest innovations through periodic organized training programs. The extent to which internal team members are kept abreast of the latest problem-solving techniques may vary considerably from one organization to another.
Knowledge of research methods and an appreciation of  the comparative advantages of the external research team help managers to make decisions on how to approach problems and if the problem is a complex one, or if there are likely to be vested interest, or if the very existence of the organization is at stake because of one or more serious problems, it would be advisable to engage external researchers despite the increased costs involved rather than an internal one. 
  5.      “because basic research is not applied immediately to a problem, it is less valuable and useful than applied research” ; on basic research, research done chiefly to enhance the understanding of certain problems that commonly occur in organizational settings, and seek methods of solving them. The other one research is different methods, we have to applying the result of the finding to solve specific problems currently.
6.      I don’t agree with that statement. Because in this book, internal-external teams help managers to make decisions on how to approach problems and determine whether internal or external researchers will be the appropriate choice to investigate and solve the problem.
7.      Knowledge of research methods and an appreciation of  the comparative advantages and disadvantages of the external and internal team help managers to make decisions on how to approach problems and determine whether internal or external researchers will be the appropriate choice to investigate and solve the problem.
8.      (a) undertaken specifically to solve a current business problem whereas the latter is primarily resorted to because of the importance of the subject to researcher. To acquire other firms in basic research as well.      (b) internal researcher will conduct the research.