RESEARCH PROBLEMS AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS

RESEARCH PROBLEMS AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS 4

Information Technology Issues Facing Retailer Business

Discussion Board

PART A

What research methodology are you planning to use and why?

I am planning to use the qualitative research design in this study. I believe that the methodology will effectively help me review some of the examples through which the information technology is playing a critical role in the provision of the quality customer services along with quick delivery of products and services. It will also efficiently observe and interview various customers of different retail outlets.

How does your selected research methodology differ from, at least, one other research methodology?

The qualitative research methodology differs from other research design in that

My selected research methodology differs from the other research methodology since it is exploratory research used in gaining more knowledge and understanding of some of the underlying purposes, views, and motivations concerning the topic. It is also essential in providing more insights into a given problem or even helps in developing ideas and hypotheses for the likely quantitative research (Bricki & Green 2007).  

Reference

Bricki, N., & Green, J. (2007). A guide to using qualitative research methodology.

 

Assignment

PART B

Problem Statement and Research Questions

Part 1

Problem statement

Although the retail industry is the fastest growing industry, its growth has always been compromised by the failure to effectively implement or integrate the various modern forms of information technologies. Research has proved that reluctant to integrate the modern information technologies have led to the drastic decline in the performance in the retail industries. Therefore, this research seeks to solve some of the issues or challenges experienced by the retail companies because of their failure to implement the modern forms of information technologies. Some of the challenges which the research will attempt to solve include the inventory management, value-added services, people management or human resource management and security. Besides, this research seeks to improve the productivity in the retail industry at the same time ensuring that every company or retail store maintains its competitiveness. The only proven way of solving this problem is through the adoption of the appropriate and best practices through the integration of the modern forms of information technology systems. Hence, information technology systems are the best and sustainable strategies for ensuring that there is increased productivity in the retail industry.

Research questions

The following are the research questions which will guide this research project:

1. What is the importance of information technology in retailing?

2. What are the technology issues or challenges facing the retail businesses?

Part 2

Process of developing Research Problem

Development of the research problem is one of the most critical elements of the research process, and the success of the research project largely depends on the explicit analysis and examination of the research problem. First and foremost, I defined the meaning of both the research problem and the problem statement which is a process in the research. Literary, research is simply going to the field and look for the unknown. In other words, it refers to the systematic investigative procedure which is employed to improve or even revise the prevailing knowledge through the discovery of facts and opinions. A given problem always influences the research. Research is meant to solve a specific knowledge gap or problem; hence the term statement of problem or problem statement. Therefore, the research problem refers to the area of concern, a knowledge gap or even the deviation in the tradition or standard which points to the necessity for further investigations. The definition of the two terms or concepts were my initial steps in the development of the previously explained research problem.

After understanding the difference between research and the problem statement, it was now a good opportunity to look for the specific problem. My first stop was at the university library where I examined and analyzed various resources and databases on the topic including books, past studies on the topic along with the online article related to my research topic, “Information Technology Issues Facing Retailer Business.” While reading and evaluating these resources and materials, I had to consider the various questions marks I had in mind before coming to the library. Specifically, I was thinking about ways the retail stores in my county can improve their productivity and performance in the industry. I was wanted to find the solution to the various challenges which are facing the retail store in the retailing industry since I am greatly concerned by the rising growth or performance of the retail stores and industry at large.

Nonetheless, I established the research problem goals which was to shift the generalized research problem into a specific and researchable area of research. After stating the various purposes of my research problem, I had found the right opportunity to ensure that there are key features of a comprehensive and elaborate problem statement. for instance, I kept in mind that the excellent research problem should always address the knowledge gap and also lead to further study of the topic, “Information Technology Issues Facing Retailer Business.” Nonetheless, the approach towards solving the research problem should integrate ethical practices and codes of conducts.

I also implemented the three notable and standard format of writing the problem statement after describing the factors which I had considered while developing the research problem. Firstly, identified the ideal of the research problem by explaining my expected objectives or ideal condition. I also explained how things are expected to be in the retail industry to enhance service delivery and the overall performance of the retail stores. Secondly, I explained the reality part of the problem statement by explaining the various conditions which are geared to prevent the objective, status or value in the first part of the ideal from being attained at the time. Besides, by explaining the problem statement, I wanted to ensure that I explain that the current condition is falling short of the specific goal and ideal. Finally, I evaluated the consequences or impacts of the research problem by identifying the manner in which the study can enhance the prevailing situation while moving it closer to the objective or ideal of the whole research project.

Process of Research questions

Upon completion of choosing the research topic, it was essential to begin thinking about how to develop the appropriate research questions of the research project. Research that has no proper research questions is probably to result in a study that will not come together which will also make it challenging to understand or examine. Therefore, good research questions will effectively guide the whole process of the study thereby making it a simple or easy procedure.

It is also notable that the research questions developing process is one of the most vital steps in the process of research. A well-crafted research question is important as it guides the research project at the same time assist in the development of the logical research argument. It was my responsibility to make sure that the research questions are precise and focused with the aim of summarizing the various issues in the retails stores which my research will focus on.

I began the process of developing a research question by understanding its meaning and role in the research project. A research question is a question which is related to the topic and requires its response. The primary purpose of any research is to provide response or solutions to the research questions. It is considered one of the hardest part of any given research process and project. I have to admit that I faced a lot of challenges in the process of developing these research questions. However, I developed different strategies which will ensure that there is the adequate implementation of the appropriate processes of developing the research questions. For instance, I took much time in the school library to have much knowledge and insight on the selected topic, and this helped to have various research questions to consider in the research project. Besides, I also integrated my already acquired knowledge in the retail industry to establish the research questions which I will use to guide my research project. For instance, I already had a great deal of knowledge concerning the retail business operating environment, and I only need some little background knowledge before developing the research questions.

Similarly, it was also essential to ensure that my research questions are not only interesting to me also put others including my peers or classmates. The research questions which are geared towards the improvement of the services in the retail industry will be exciting to many people in the society. Making the research question specific will also ensure the research project ends with a logical conclusion (Valos, 2008).

It was also necessary to evaluate the highlighted research questions to ensure that they are not too broad or even narrow and this one of the most critical factors that determine how good the research questions are for the study. Besides, I also ensured that the research questions that the research questions are researchable as opposed to searchable. The research questions are also specific, and they contain facts which can be confirmed by various authors. I had to avoid big, irrelevant and ambiguous research questions since they will make the whole research process to be hectic and annoying. Last but not least, I made sure that the research questions are unique and this will further motivate the readers to read my research project with the aim of gaining more knowledge on solving a given research problem.

 

References

Alford, P., & Page, S. J. (2015). Marketing technology for adoption by small business. The Service Industries Journal, 35(11-12), 655-669.

Kariuki, I. M. (2011). Challenges and survival strategies of supermarkets in Nairobi, Kenya. Unpublished Doctoral dissertation). University Of Nairobi, Kenya.

Ponduri, S. B., & Sailaja, V. (2014). Information technology in Indian retailing, issues and challenges (A case study on the rise and fall of Subhiksha Retail Chains). African Journal of Marketing Management, 6(3), 33-38.

Valos, M. J. (2008). A qualitative study of multi-channel marketing performance measurement issues. Journal of Database Marketing & Customer Strategy Management, 15(4), 239-248.