LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANEMENT
RESEARCH METHODS
INDIVUDUAL ASSIGNMENT
STUDENT ID
1502305
SUBMITTED TO: ABEBE
1. Understanding Research and Its Modern Significance
esearchmeans acareful and systematic way of findingnew knowledge or
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understanding something better. It is not guessing,not personal opinion, and not copying
what others say. Research is done bycollecting facts,observing, measuring,
comparing, and analyzing information.
In simple words,research is asking a question andfinding the correct answer using
evidence.
What research is NOT
It is not just reading books.
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● It is not personal belief.
● It is not repeating what others say without checking.
What research IS
● planned activity.
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● Based on facts and data.
● Done to solve a problem or answer a question.
● Aimed at discovering truth or improving knowledge.
Modern significance of research
In today’s world, research is extremely important because:
1. S olving real-life problems
Research helps governments, organizations, and individuals solve problems such as
poverty, health issues, education problems, unemployment, and climate change.
2. Development and progress
New machines, medicines, technologies, and systems exist because of research.
Without research, society would stop progressing.
3. Better decision-making
Research provides reliable information. Decisions based on research are more
accurate than decisions based on guesswork.
4. Improving education and knowledge
Teaching methods, learning tools, and educational policies are improved through
research.
5. Business and economy
Companies use research to understand customers, improve products, reduce costs,
and increase profit.
6. Social improvement
Research helps understand human behavior, culture, social problems, and
relationships, leading to better social policies.
Conclusion
esearch is thefoundation of modern life. Almost everything we use or know today is the
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result of research. Without research, there would be no scientific, social, or economic
development.
2. Steps in the Research Process
esearch follows aclear sequence of steps. Thesesteps help the researcher stay
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organized and avoid mistakes.
Step 1: Identifying the research problem
he first step is tofind a problem or questionthatneeds an answer.
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Example:
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● hy are students performing poorly in exams?
● What factors affect customer satisfaction?
A good research problem must be:
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● lear
● Specific
● Researchable
Step 2: Reviewing the literature
This meansreading previous studies, books, articles,and reportsrelated to the topic.
Purpose:
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● o understand what is already known.
● To avoid repeating previous research.
● To find gaps in knowledge.
Step 3: Formulating research objectives or questions
Here, the researcher clearly states:
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● hat the research wants to achieve.
● What questions need answers.
Example:
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● o identify factors affecting exam performance.
● To examine the relationship between study time and grades.
Step 4: Designing the research
This step decideshow the research will be done:
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● ethod (survey, experiment, interview, etc.)
● Sample (who will be studied)
● Tools (questionnaire, tests, observation)
Step 5: Collecting data
Data is gathered from:
● uestionnaires
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● Interviews
● Observations
● Experiments
Data can be:
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● rimary(collected directly)
● Secondary(taken from books, reports, websites)
Step 6: Analyzing data
Collected data is organized, summarized, and analyzed using:
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● ables
● Charts
● Statistical methods
This step helps find patterns and relationships.
Step 7: Interpretation and conclusion
The researcher explains what the results mean and answers the research questions.
Step 8: Report writing
Finally, the findings are written in a report or thesis and shared with others.
3. Types of Research: Experiment vs. Survey
here are many types of research, butexperimentalresearchandsurvey researchare
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two very common ones.
A. Experimental Research
xperimental researchis a type of research where the researcherchanges one variable
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and observes its effect on another variable.
Key features
● ontrolled environment
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● Cause-and-effect relationship
● One variable is manipulated (independent variable)
● Another variable is measured (dependent variable)
Example
A researcher wants to know:
Does studying with music affect exam performance?
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● roup A studies with music.
● Group B studies without music.
● Exam results are compared.
Advantages
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● hows cause and effect clearly.
● High accuracy.
● Strong scientific method.
Disadvantages
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● an be expensive.
● Sometimes not possible in real-life situations.
● Ethical issues may arise.
B. Survey Research
Survey researchcollects data by asking people questionsdirectly.
Tools used:
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● uestionnaires
● Interviews
● Online forms
Example
A researcher asks students:
How many hours do you study per day?
The answers are collected and analyzed.
Advantages
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● asy to conduct.
● Covers large populations.
● Saves time and money.
Disadvantages
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● esponses may be dishonest.
● No control over variables.
● Cannot strongly prove cause and effect.
4. Formulating the Research Problem
research problemis themain issue or questionthatthe researcher wants to study.
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Formulating the research problem meansclearly definingwhat exactly needs to be
researched.
If the problem is not clear, the whole research becomes weak.
Meaning
Formulating the research problem is the process of:
Identifying a broad issue
●
● Narrowing it down
● Stating it clearly and precisely
In simple words:
It is deciding what you want to find out.
Why it is important
● It gives direction to the research.
● It helps decide methods, data, and tools.
● It saves time and effort.
● It avoids confusion.
Sources of research problems
Research problems can come from:
● eal-life problems (education, health, society)
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● Previous research gaps
● Personal observation
● Government or organizational needs
● Theory or concepts that need testing
Characteristics of a good research problem
A good research problem should be:
● lear– easy to understand
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● Specific– not too broad
● Researchable– data can be collected
● Relevant– useful to society or knowledge
● Feasible– possible with available time and resources
Example
ad problem (too broad):
B
Education problems in Africa
ood problem (clear and specific):
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Factors affecting secondary school students’ academic performance in Addis Ababa
Conclusion
ormulating the research problem is thefoundationof research.
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If this step is weak, all other steps will also be weak.
5. Meaning and Significance of Research Design
Meaning of Research Design
esearch designis theoverall plan or blueprint ofthe research.
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It explainshow the research will be conducted fromstart to end.
In simple words:
Research design is the plan that shows how data willbe collected, measured, and
analyzed.
What research design includes
A research design decides:
● ype of research (survey, experiment, etc.)
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● Data collection method
● Sample size and sampling method
● Tools used for data collection
● Data analysis method
Significance (importance) of research design
1. P rovides a clear plan
It guides the researcher step by step and avoids confusion.
2. Ensures accuracy
A good design reduces errors and increases reliability.
3. Saves time and cost
Proper planning avoids unnecessary work.
4. Controls variables
Helps manage factors that may affect results.
5. Improves validity
Results become more trustworthy and meaningful.
6. Helps achieve objectives
A good design ensures the research goals are met.
Conclusion
esearch design is theheart of research planning.
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Without a proper design, research becomes unorganized and unreliable.
6. Good Research Design and Its Applicability
Meaning of a Good Research Design
Agood research designis one that:
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● nswers the research problem correctly
● Uses suitable methods
● Produces valid and reliable results
In simple words:
A good research design is a design that works welland gives correct results.
Characteristics of a good research design
1. O bjectivity
The design should be free from personal bias.
2. Reliability
If the research is repeated, it should give similar results.
3. Validity
It should measure what it is supposed to measure.
4. Flexibility
It should allow small changes if needed.
5. Efficiency
It should use minimum resources for maximum results.
6. S
implicity
It should be easy to understand and apply.
Applicability of research design
Applicability meanshow useful the research designis in real situations.
A good research design is applicable because:
● It can be used in real-world problems
● It fits the research objectives
● It matches the type of data needed
● It works within time and budget limits
Examples of applicability
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● urvey design is suitable for studying opinions.
● Experimental design is suitable for testing cause and effect.
● Case study design is suitable for deep analysis of one case.
Conclusion
good research design makes researchuseful, practical,and trustworthy.
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It connects theory with real-life application.
7. Sample Design: Meaning and Considerations
Meaning of Sample Design
In research, it is oftenimpossible to study everyperson or itemin a population.
So, researchers select asmall group, called asample.
Sample designis theplan used to select this samplefrom the population.
In simple words:
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Sample design explains who will be studied andhow they will be chosen.
Why sample design is important
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● aves time and money
● Makes research manageable
● Allows accurate conclusions if done properly
Considerations in sample design
When designing a sample, the researcher must consider:
1. P opulation
The entire group from which the sample is taken.
2. Sample size
The number of units selected.
It should not be too small or too large.
3. Sampling unit
Who or what will be selected (individuals, households, schools, etc.).
4. Sampling method
The technique used to choose the sample.
5. Representativeness
The sample should reflect the characteristics of the population.
6. Time and cost
The sample should be selected within available resources.
Conclusion
A well-designed sample helps produceaccurate andreliable research results.
8. Probability Sampling vs. Non-Probability Sampling
Sampling methods are mainly divided intotwo types.
A. Probability Sampling
robability samplingis a method whereevery memberof the population has a known
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and equal chance of being selected.
Characteristics
● andom selection
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● Less bias
● Scientific and objective
● Results can be generalized
Common types
● imple random sampling
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● Systematic sampling
● Stratified sampling
● Cluster sampling
Advantages
● More accurate
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● eliable results
● Representative sample
Disadvantages
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● ime-consuming
● Costly
● Requires complete population list
B. Non-Probability Sampling
on-probability samplingis a method wherenot everymember has a chance of being
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selected.
Characteristics
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● on-random selection
● Based on convenience or judgment
● Higher bias
Common types
● onvenience sampling
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● Purposive sampling
● Quota sampling
● Snowball sampling
Advantages
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● asy to conduct
● Low cost
● Useful for exploratory research
Disadvantages
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● ess accurate
● Results cannot be generalized
● Higher chance of bias
Main differences
Aspect Probability Non-Probability
Selection Random Non-random
Bias Low High
Accuracy High Low
Cost High Low
Generalization Possible Not reliable
. Recommended Sampling Methods for Different
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Circumstances
Different research situations requiredifferent samplingmethods.
When probability sampling is recommended
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● hen accuracy is important
● When population list is available
● When results need generalization
Examples:
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● ational surveys
● Academic research
● Government studies
When non-probability sampling is recommended
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● hen population is hard to identify
● When time and budget are limited
● For exploratory or qualitative research
Examples:
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● ase studies
● Pilot studies
● Interviews with experts
Choosing the right method depends on:
● esearch objectives
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● Population size
● Available resources
● Time limit
● Level of accuracy required
Conclusion
here isno single best sampling method.
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The best method is the one that fits the research situation.
0. Systematic Bias in Sampling: Causes and
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Implications
Meaning of Systematic Bias
ystematic biasoccurs whensome members of the populationare consistently
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excluded or favored, leading to inaccurate results.
In simple words:
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Bias means unfair selection.
Causes of systematic bias
1. F aulty sampling frame
The population list is incomplete or incorrect.
2. Non-random selection
Selecting samples based on convenience.
3. Non-response bias
Some people refuse to participate.
4. Researcher bias
Personal preference affects selection.
5. Measurement bias
Poor tools lead to wrong data.
Implications (effects) of systematic bias
● esults become inaccurate
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● Findings cannot represent the population
● Wrong conclusions are drawn
● Poor decisions are made based on the research
How to reduce bias
● se random sampling
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● Ensure proper sample size
● Improve data collection tools
● Train data collectors
Conclusion
ystematic bias seriously damages research quality.
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Reducing bias is essential forcredible and validresearch.
REFERENCE: INTERNET.