ABSTRACT
Chapter Overview This chapter provides an introduction to the process of research. It addresses the basic questions and issues necessary when setting out to plan and design a research project. The chapter concentrates on eight core aspects of the research process:
• An overview of the research process. Much of the output of management research may seem to imply that the research conducted followed a clear, uncomplicated process. The reality is that this is rarely the case. Consideration is given to the ‘messiness’ and iterative nature of many research projects and programmes
• The nature of operations management research. Building on chapter 2, the focus is on ‘positioning’ research, that is, understanding the influences and implications of a research project within the context of the field as a whole
• Structured literature review. Understanding the role of the literature in shaping the research process and specifically exploring useful tools, techniques and methods for conducting and developing a cohesive and comprehensive literature review
• Research methodology. Understanding the philosophical and conceptual considerations in the choice of research perspective and the nature of research and the researcher
• Qualitative and quantitative methods. An overview of the nature of each category of method
• Methods. A discussion of the more common methods serving as an introduction to the methods examined in this text
• Positioning OM research methods. Provides an understanding of when to use certain methods and methodologies
• Ensuring quality and evaluating your research. Validity and reliability are critical concerns for researchers. The chapter examines the main issues that need to be considered in addressing research quality
• In conclusion there is a reflection on the pragmatic concerns in research design
This chapter examines the research process by providing an overview of the key elements of a research project. Whilst primarily focusing on doctoral research, the majority of the discussion is intended to be equally valid to academic research in general.
