Copperbelt University

School of Business

Research Methodology-Taught Unit 1

Shem Sikombe-PhD, M.A, BSc, FCIPS., FZIPS.
 Course Objectives
At the end of this unit, students must be able to:

• The nature of the research

• Understand the research process
• Types of research
• To identify a research problem
• Able to formulate a research topic
• Understand research ethics
Readings
• Burns, R, B & Burns, R, A (2008). Business Research and Statistics Using
SPSS. SAGE Publications Ltd (soft copy available)

• Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis, Adrian Thornhill (2019): Research Methods for
Business Students (Main Text)

• Online resource http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/

• Journal articles
What is Research

• The word research is used in everyday speech to give various

meanings which sometimes can be confusing to students and
requires one to unlearn some of such false concepts.
• Research is endless quest for knowledge or unending search for truth.
• It brings to light new knowledge or corrects previous errors and
misconceptions and in an orderly manner to the existing body of
knowledge.
• The knowledge obtained by research can be scientific, objective,
and/or subjective this is a matter of rational understanding, common
verification and experience
 What Research is not

• It is not an information discovery exercise

• It is not a mere transportation of facts from one source to another
• It is not a mere rummaging (search unsystematically and untidily
through something) for information
• it is not a mere information gathering about a particular subject
matter
 Definitions of Research
❖Research is an ORGANISED and SYSTEMATIC way of FINDING
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
❖It is a process of planning, acquiring, analyzing and disseminating relevant
data and information and insights to decision makers in ways that mobilize
the organization to take appropriate actions that, in turn, maximize business
performance.
 Definitions of Research
❖Research is a process of systematic enquiry or investigation into a specific
problem or issue that leads to new or improved knowledge.
❖There are many approaches and methods that this systematic investigation
can follow from the stereotypic scientific quantitative, objective, replicable
experimentation based on hypothesis testing to more subjective and
qualitative face-to-face depth interviewing and participant observation
modes.
❖But whatever the general approach or method of investigation in the
business field, the aim is to enable managers and consultants to deliver
informed decisions that generate successful outcomes.
General Purposes of research
➢ Research adds to existing knowledge
➢ It addresses gaps in knowledge
➢ It expands knowledge
➢ It adds voices of individuals to knowledge
➢ Research helps improve the field of practice e.g. It helps in gaining new ideas, it
helps in gaining new insight into methods and corrects misperceptions. It does this
by explanations beyond common sense.
➢ Research creates data for policy discussions.
➢ Research helps people weigh different perspectives on issues.
➢ Research helps people make informed decisions regarding policy
➢ Research helps students build skills; Organization skills; Analytic skills; Writing
skills and presentation skills.
General Purposes of research cont…
➢ Research helps in business management decisions
➢ Research helps in making formal, objective measurement and appraisal of the
extent to which a given activity, project, or program has achieved its objectives.
This is referred to as evaluation research.
➢ Regularly provides feedback for evaluation and control
➢ Indicates what things are or are not going as planned
➢ Research may be required to explain why something “went wrong”
➢ Research in business management decision-making process is mainly associated
with the development and implementation of strategy.
➢ Research helps in reducing uncertainty and to focus on decision making
General Purposes of research: context
• A Production Manager at a plant making brake discs for cars needs to be
sure that no more than 3% of the discs produced are defective. The
Manager will routinely collect random samples of discs and check their
quality. Based on the random samples, the Manager may then draw a
conclusion about the proportion of defective items in the entire
population of discs.
• A pharmaceutical manufacturer interested in marketing a new drug may
be required by law to demonstrate conclusively that the drug does not
cause serious side effects. The results of tests of the drug on a random
sample of a defined population may then be used in a statistical
inference about the effects of the drug on that entire population who
may use the drug if it is introduced.
Types of Research-basic research
• This type of research aims to extend the frontiers of knowledge.
• It may lack practical application in the short term.
• It is often concerned with developing a theory, further confirmation
of an existing theory, providing more knowledge about an existing
concept, or developing new perspectives.
• For example, does the amount of time available to reach a decision
affect the balance between task oriented behaviours and socio-
emotional behaviours in a group?
Types of Research-applied
• This focuses on solving a particular business problem.
• This could be as ordinary as ‘is mail drop advertising more cost effective
than newspaper advertising for pizza sales’, or ‘what sort of offers
stimulate demand for our product?’
• Most business research tends to fall into the applied category.
• Basic research is associated more with longer-term university projects.
• It must be emphasized that research is only a tool to assist management to
make better decisions.
• It will rarely eliminate all uncertainty but it will certainly reduce it and form
a vital input into the decision-making process.
Types of Research-action
• Action research-practical application for the immediately available
small sample e.g:
• studying leadership styles in Police Stations
• A case study of Mopani procurement system
• A case study of ZAMBEEF production optimization
• A case study of ZRA project implementation of tax online
• A case study of RATSA speed camera implementation
• Understanding causes of accidents in a particular town
❑You will be expected to undertake this type of research for your level
of study. Keep it in mind as you think about your topic.
❑Let us look at this closer
 FOCUS ON ACTION RESEARCH
Key characteristics of Action Research
• Focus on Immediate Problem and its Solution
• Not Concerned with building theories or
Generalization
• Aims to improve practices or work conditions
• Need little efforts, resources and finances
• A practical focus
 Steps of Scientific Research
Selection of area no need for study

Selection of topic answers found

Crude research question Literature review

no answer

Refined research question

Research hypothesis, goals and objectives

Study design Ethical issues

Population & sampling

Variables confounding bias

Research tools

Pilot study

Work plan

Collection of data

Data management

Interpretation

Reporting
Eight Major Components of Research
• Research originates with a question or problem
• Research requires a clear articulation of a goal
• Research follows a specific plan of procedure
• Research is guided by the specific research problem, question or
hypothesis
• Research requires collection, analysis and interpretation (From data
to information)
• Research is by its nature cyclical or more exactly, helical and not a
straight line process.
• Research begets more research
Research Process
1. Planning Phase
• identify broad area of study,
• Select the research topic
• Decide the approach
• Formulate plan
2. Effectuate Phase
• Collect data
• Analyse and interpret data
• Present findings
Research Process
• Identifying and formulation of research problem or Selection of a
topic and focusing it into a research question or declarative
statement. You must read extensively to achieve this!
• Undertaking of Literature review-with a critical perspective not just a
collection of data.
• Conceptual framework (optional)
• Deciding on a Research Design-research approaches, Sample design,
Sampling, Data collection and Data Analysis Methods.
• Summary of Results, Data Analysis and Interpretation of Research
findings.
• Conclusion and recommendations.
The start of the any essay, thesis or academic report

• The RESEARCH PROBLEM-what is the GAP that needs filling in

knowledge??

• No automatic manner to discover or generate your research problem

• This is a process largelly depends YOU as a researcher, as a student, as a

person.
• But it must be grounded from the courses done from year 1 to 4.....it is
culmination of your study
• Focus on your 3rd and 4th year courses as you think of your research
(where does it fall????)
 The Research Problem
1. Research Problem should be of INTEREST for YOU. You must have a subject
– you are engaged in
– you will benefit from
– you have capabilities about

2. The problem should be INTERESTING to research

– It should not be trivial so that readers wonder”and so what?”
– It should/must contribute to research and practice
– It must be within your FIELD of study-POM, PS, PP, Project Management, Transport and Logistics etc

3. The problem should be ANSWERED an the end.....

4. The problem SHOULD be FEASIBLE/ REALISTIC
– time frame
– Access to data-
– Any other resources (travel)
The Research Problem Checklist…
• Relevance and IMPORTANCE! Should align with your program
• Feasible-time, data availability etc
• Avoidance of duplication-already done research
• Political and social acceptability-e.g corruption-related topics
• Level of research-Diploma, BSc, MSc, MBA, PhD etc
• Interesting
• Availability of data-
• Ethical (issues) responsible
The Research Problem and Topic
Elements of business research and their implications
• Naturally, this is the unifying factor across the commerce disciplines– be it
entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, operations management,
economics, or human resources management. Accordingly, the domain
of any topic in business research rests upon one of the following three
themes (Shambare, 2019):
1. approaches to increase sales and revenues; or
2. mechanisms to reduce costs; or
3. a combination of both cost reduction and increasing revenues.
• A topic in business or management ought to find its home ground
within at least one of the three abovementioned themes.
• Failure to do so is a clear sign of danger.
• This is criterion referred to as the ‘Show Me the Money Principle’.
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Elements of business research and their implications

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 How to Identify a Researchable Problem/Topic
• Reading literature-read widely on the subject matter/observing industrial
problems
• Attending professional conferences-ZIPS Conference in October 2021 in
Livingstone, ZAM symposium, ZACCI discussions, etc
• Seek the advice from experts/lecturers
• Check previous research project for the areas for further studies
• Discussions such as classroom discussions, workshops and exchange of ideas with
fellow scholars and students would suggest optional stimulating research
problems.
• Current affairs and activities-Kwacha depression, BREXIT, campaigns and market
volatility, etc
Other Sources of Possible Research Projects
• Education agencies, schools, home, community etc could have prevailing
educational practices that require research evidence.
• Social Development and technological changes do bring about new
developments and new opportunities for research.
• Record of previous research such as encyclopedia of research, research
abstracts, research bulletins, research reports, journals, dissertations and
other similar publications.
• Discussions such as classroom discussions, workshops and exchange of
ideas with fellow scholars and students would suggest optional stimulating
research problems.
• Consultations with experts, research supervisors, research guides etc could
be helpful in finding researchable areas or problems.
• Current affairs and activities.
Consider the following Social Problems
• A 4th student from CBU by the name of Injunction was keen to know what
causes electoral apathy among Zambian Citizens and decided to undertake a
research work in 4 provinces of Zambia. His sample size was about 250
respondents comprising of men, women and youths eligible voters.
• Propose an appropriate topic for this research…..
• Others…think about product quality vs competitiveness of the manufacturing
sector, counterfeit products on health, unemployment on crime, traffic
accidents on road infrastructure, poor contract management on procurement
cost, the eGP system on procurement efficiency, production cost on product
competitiveness, inventory control on customer service, queuing on service
delivery, operational improvements in hospitals (or public sector); product
packaging on perceived quality; etc
Seven Types of Research Gaps
Knowledge Gap
• The knowledge gap is a common gap in the prior
research.
• There are two settings where a knowledge gap
(knowledge void) might occur.
• First, knowledge may not exist in the actual field to
theories and literature from related research domains.
Impact of eLearning in primary schools?
• Second, it might be the case that results of a study differs
from what was expected [Müller-Bloch & Kranz, 2014].
COVID-19 and loan default rates? COVID-19 and supply
chain disruptions?
Types of Research Gaps
Empirical Gap
• An empirical gap is the type of gap that deals with gaps
in the prior research.
• This conflict deals with the research findings or propositions
need to be evaluated or empirically verified.
• For example, the empirical gap often addresses conflicts
that no study to date has directly attempted to evaluate a
subject or topic from an empirical approach [Müller-Bloch
& Kranz, 2014].
• But be cautious in making such claims as ‘No study to
date has attempted’ rather, use ‘limited studies’ and cite
them appropriately.
Types of Research Gaps
Population Gap
• A population gap is a common gap recognized among
researchers.
• There are always underserved populations that have been
under-researched. E.g. Youths, Women, SMEs, Students,
etc. Look at empowerment and women participation
• This gap is the type of research regarding the population
that is not adequately represented or under-researched in
the evidence base or prior research (e.g., gender,
race/ethnicity, age and etic) [Robinson, et al, 2011].
Writing up the Research Gaps in a Research Proposal
• To discuss the gaps in the prior research, you first must highlight
some of the prior research in the literature that does not address the
particular focus of the research. The contributions noted should
relate back to gaps, inconsistencies, and controversies noted
earlier. See Example 1:
 Structure of research proposal?
• A proposal should be 10 to 20 pages
• Structure and content of a proposal
• Research tile-this should closely mirror the research problem
(However, it can be adjusted as the research progresses)
1. Introduction
1.1 Background to the study (1-page maximum)
1.2 Problem statement (half to ¾ of a page maximum)
1.3 Research objectives and questions (4 maximum)
1.4 Hypotheses (must be linked to objectives)-optional
1.5 Scope of the study (geographical, variables, population, etc.)
1.6 Significance of the study (who will benefit from the study?)
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Aim of the research… about doing = answering the
research problem. A title must use Active Verbs such
as
Analyse
Discuss
Examine
Explore
Investigate
Propose
Synthesise
Test
Compare
 Structure of research proposal?
2. Literature review
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Definition of key terms
2.3 Concepts of the study (link to the objectives)
-Objective 1
-Objective 2…
2.4 Empirical literature review
-Global studies on the subject matter
-Local studies on the subject matter
2.5 Research gap
-Explain how your research fits in the existing literature by filling in the research
gap in the currents studies
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 Structure of research proposal?
3. Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
3.1 Discuss at most three theories that underpin your research
3.2 Develop hypotheses through literature synthesis
3.3 Develop a conceptual framework
-Objective 1----Hypothesis 1
-Objective 2----Hypothesis 2
-Show the independent variables (from objectives) and the dependent variable
(1)
3.4 Summarise in a table form how the variables will be measured.

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 Structure of research proposal?
5. Schedule of the final project
6. Appendices
6.1 Budegt
6.2 Tools for data collection
6.3 Letters of permission to collect data where possible.

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 Structure of research proposal?
4. Methodology
4.1 Discuss and justify the research design
4.2 Describe the target population of the study
4.3 Describe the Sample design and sampling procedures
4.4 Describe and justify the data collection methods
4.5 Discuss the sources and nature of the data
4.6 Discuss the data analysis methods
4.7 Discuss the anticipated limitations
4.8 Discuss the ethical consideration

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 Introduction/Background
• The introduction helps put your project in conversation with other projects on
similar topics.
• Generally, the introduction provides necessary background information to
your study and provides readers with some sense of your overall research
interest.
A good introduction should:
1. Establish the general territory (real world or research) in which the research
is placed.
2. Describe the broad foundations of your study, including some references to
existing literature and/or empirically observable situations. In other words,
the introduction needs to provide sufficient background for readers to
understand where your study is coming from.
3. Indicate the general scope of your project, but do not go into so much
detail that later sections (purpose/literature review) become irrelevant.
4. Provide an overview of the sections that will appear in your proposal
(optional).
5. Engage the readers.
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 Introduction/Background
• The ‘Introduction and Background’ section of any research is a
special type of a literature review and requires skill and effort to
craft effectively.
• This section is undoubtedly the single most important part of the
proposal as it sets the tone for everything else that follows.
• Perry (2002, 13) describes the Introduction and Background section
as ‘short and aims to orient the readers and grasp their attention.’
• In simple terms, this first section shows any reader whether you know
what you are talking about, understand the research process and
understand the complexities of your selected topic.
• Through this section you must demonstrate how the proposed
research project frames itself within a much wider ‘discipline’ and
how it narrows down to a specific and unique research question

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 Introduction/Background
• Perry (2002, 13) elaborates that the ‘Introduction and
Background’ section sets the tone for the research proposal by
outlining four key elements.
• These are:
1. establishing the overall field of the study;
2. summarizing previous research;
3. indicating the research gap; and
4. stating the purpose of the research and outlining it.
• In keeping with Perry’s (2002) advice, the Introduction and
Background section should contain four paragraphs.
• However, depending on the specific requirements of the
student, supervisor, or research topic, a maximum of six
paragraphs is reasonable.
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 Introduction/Background
• The recommended content of these paragraphs is briefly discussed next.
The opening paragraph
• The opening paragraph introduces the topic and shows how the rest of the
proposal will be developed.
• The choice for an opening style is a function of writing style preference.
• Whatever style you choose for your proposal, the opening paragraph must
contain the following:
1. The broad discipline of your work.
2. The current academic debates in that field.
3. Main arguments of your research, which will lead to the topic.
4. The topic of the study will then be further developed in the topic paragraph.
Five styles of opening paragraphs are suggested. These are opening with a
definition, opening with a quotation, the funnel opening, using an anecdote
and opening with a contrast (Twist 2007).

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Research Problem
• This section should:
• Answer the question: “What is the gap that needs to
be filled?” and/or “What is the problem that needs to
be solved?”
• State the problem clearly early in a paragraph or two.
• Limit the variables you will address in stating your problem or question.
• You may want to consider framing your problem “statement” as a question,
since you are really seeking to answer a question (or a set of questions) in
your study.
Research Problem-key word
• Despite…………there has been….or there has not been much research
• Notwithstanding the above revelations, …….has received limited
research attention.
• Even though this area has received sufficient attention in research as
studies indicate (cite relevant studies at least 3); they have all been
conducted in a developed country context with limited studies in the
developing country context.
• Analysis of the trends reveal a consistent increase or decrease,
despite an increase in X.
 Research problem
• Justify your problem using
1. Authentic authorities e.g cite relevant sources
2. Use statistics or figures
3. Show a trend of a recurring problems-NOT CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE
4. Carry preliminary personal interviews
• Do not use emotions in phrasing the problem
• Do not use hearsay-visit the company talk to experts
• The problem must be current/contemporary
• Avoid problems that border on health, politics or unethical practices (Data is difficult
to find)
• ADDRESS THE (1) BACKGROUND, (2) CONSEQUENCES OR GAP AND (3)
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM IN THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AS STATED IN THE NEXT SLIDE
Examples of problems: address 3 issues
Examples of problems
• Topic:
• CREDIT ASSESSMENT PROCESS AND REPAYMENT OF BANK LOANS IN
BARCLAYS BANK UGANDA LTD
 Problem Statement
• Income from lending constitutes on average 75-80% of the total bank income.
Credit policies and procedures are designed to guide lending and ensure
prudent lending operations (Background).
• Despite rigorous credit assessment process Barclays uses that includes among
others proof that customer does not have other credit obligation, analysis of
their account performance, sustainability of their income levels, security and
ability to pay (International Credit Manual, 2003) (Consequences/Gap).
• Barclays is faced with poor management of its loan portfolio as noted in Credit
reference Bureaux Report 2005 (Management problem)
 Aims vs objectives

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Research Purpose and Objectives
Purpose/aim:
• The study examined the criteria used in the credit assessment process and
repayment of bank loans.
Objectives:
• To examine the appropriateness of the credit assessment process used by Barclays
Bank Uganda Ltd;
• To establish the level of loan default on Barclays Bank’s performance;
• To design strategies for improving credit assessment and repayment of bank loans.
Research questions:
• What were the procedures followed by Barclays Bank in credit assessment?
• What was the level of loan default on Barclays bank performance?
• What strategies were designed to improve credit assessment and repayment bank
loans?
TEACHER-STUDENTS’ RELATIONSHIP AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Statement of the Problem
The schools in Zambia have been associated with the formation of
bad gangs by students, general hatred for teachers, and neglect of
some subjects, which then gives rise to serious problems for the
realization of educational objectives. Research has shown that
students who have teachers that care and joke with them do better
in their academic pursuits.
Therefore, it is safe to say that the teacher-student relationship
affects the students’ performance. This is because when a teacher is
harsh to his/her students, they tend to develop hatred for the
teacher and poor attention in the classroom. It is unfortunate that
many students have lost the virtues of good behaviour since their
teachers no longer show the love, care and affection students crave.
In light of these, the researchers, therefore, intend to carry out this
study to understand the extent to which poor teacher-student
relationship has contributed to students' academic performance.
Research Objectives/Questions
• Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of this study is to find out the causes of poor teacher-
students relationship and the extent to which it affect the academic
performance of pupils

• The researchers intends to:

1. Determine the causes of poor relationship among teachers and students.
2. To find out the effects of poor relationship between students and teachers.
3. To establish how cordial relationship be created between teachers and
students?

• Research Questions
1. What are the causes of poor relationship among teachers and students?
2. What are the effects of poor relationship between students and teachers?
3. How can there be cordial relationship between teachers and students?
Examples of problems
• AN INVESTIGATION OF THE CHALLENGES SMEs FACE IN
PARTICIPATING IN PUBLIC TENDERS IN LUSAKA
 Research Problem
• It has been observed that SMEs are the engine of any nations economy because they
occupy major positions in the development of the economy (Chibwe, 2011). By
contracting with SMEs, public procurers may, contribute to both job creation and
economic development (Reed et al. 2004) (Background).
• However, SMEs have continued to be sidelined from participating in public
procurement, considering their qualifications, sizes and production levels. There is
poor access to information regarding procurement opportunities, this, therefore,
poses a challenge on SMEs that hinder them from accessing public procurement
opportunities (Consequences or gap).
• It is, therefore, necessary to carry out this research and look at the challenges SMEs
face (Management problem).

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 Research Objectives/Questions
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
• To examine the main factors affecting SME participation in the public sector.
• To understand whether there is sufficient support from the government concerning SMEs.
• To determine how information access on procurement and tendering affect SMEs when bidding for
tenders.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
• What are the main factors affecting SME participation in the public sector?
• What forms of support are being provided by the government concerning SMEs?
• How does information access on procurement and tendering affect SMEs when bidding for
tenders?

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Ethical Issues in Research
• Codes of ethics provide guidance but being ethical is a moral and professional
obligation of any individual researcher, even when the respondents are not aware of
the same ethics.
• As long as a research endeavor involves dealing with human beings, ethical issues
are inevitable.
• Ethics are simply moral principles that guide our behavior and based on shared
values and beliefs about what is good or bad.
• Ethical principles actually help ensure that research is directed towards achieving
worthwhile goals.
Ethical Issues in Research
• Ethics, according to Resnik (2015) relates to the method, procedure,
or perspective for deciding how to act when analyzing complex
problems and issues.
• Therefore, within the context of academic research, ethics refers to
the generally accepted standards of collecting, analyzing and
reporting results in a manner that does not negatively affect research
respondents or participants.
Ethical Issues in Research
I. Protection from Harm: the researcher should not expose respondents to undue physical or psychological harm. Respondents should not be
subjected to unusual stress, embarrassment, Loss of self esteem, legal risks etc.

II. Informed Consent: Respondents should be informed of the nature of study to be conducted and be given the choice of ether participating or
not. They should also be told that should they want to change their minds later, they are free to withdraw at any time. Thus any participation in a
research study should be strictly voluntary.

III. Right to privacy: A researcher should respect the respondent’s right to privacy. Under no circumstance should a researcher record orally or
written about a respondent in such a way that they are aware of which respondent behaved or responded in particular manner.

IV. Principle of Anonymity and confidentially: This is where a participants’ identify is not disclosed and is done by anonymity and confidentiality
E.G -The respondent’s name is not collected or a researcher gives a fictitious name and location etc. in case of a research report where one
finds a need to provide a social picture in the report. This also means that data collection tools such as a questionnaire do not contain traceable
details of the respondents such as names and physical address etc.

V. Honesty with professional Colleagues: This is where a Researcher is expected to report their findings in a complex and honest fashion
without misrepresenting what they have done or the nature of their findings.

VI. Value-neutrality: Researchers should not attempt imposing their values on others or alter their respondent’s behavior, and one hand they should
guard against letting their values influence interpretation of their findings.

VII. Non guarantee to respondents: Researchers should not make any guarantees to respondents, groups or organizations unless there are
intentions to honor such commitments.
Literature Review
At the end of this unit students should be able to:

• Understand and demonstrate how literature review is related to the

research project.
• Identify literature from primary, secondary and tertiary sources.
• Undertake effective literature searching.
• Critically analyse literature for a research project.
 Benefits of Literature Review
• Helps identify areas of prior scholarship to prevent duplication of effort and point the way in fulfilling a need for
additional research, and thus helps to locate your own research within the context of existing literature.

• It places your work in the context of its contribution to the understanding of the research problem being studied,

• Helps to identify new ways to interpret, and shed light on any gaps in previous research,

• Helps to resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous studies,

• It increases one’s confidence in the topic of interest after discovering that others have invested time and energy
in the similar area.

• To demonstrate a familiarity with a body of knowledge and establish credibility.

• To learn from others and stimulate new ideas.

• It can provide one with new ideas and approaches that might not have occurred to one’s mind.
Why literature review?
Why literature review?
What type of literature should your look for?
• At an early stage in trying to identify a research project, any kind of literature relating to your area of study may be useful.

• So a Google search (www.google.com), Google scholar (www.googlescholar.com ), using Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.com)

• Using any other general search engine which will help us experiment with key words until we find the material which is
useful. As soon as we get a clear idea of what is there, we need to identify specific kind of literature, so that we judge the
relative merit of what we find as a research study.

• Use key words in your topic or problem

• For example in a topic: A Comparative Study of Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in Zambian Local
and Foreign Banks

• Key Words could be: Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Foreign and Local Banks, Zambia
Types of Literature Reviews
• Argumentative Review-This form examines literature selectively in order to
support or refute an argument
• Integrative Review-this is considered a form of research that reviews,
critiques, and synthesizes representative literature on a topic in an integrated
way such that new frameworks and perspectives on the topic are generated
• Historical Review-are focused on examining research throughout a period of
time; often starting with the first time an issue, concept, theory, phenomena
emerged in the literature, then tracing its evolution within the scholarship of a
discipline
• Methodological Review-a review does not always focus on what someone said
[content], but how they said it [method of analysis]
• Theoretical Review-the purpose of this form is to concretely examine the
corpus of theory that has accumulated in regard to an issue, concept, theory,
phenomena
Structure and Writing Style
The structure of a literature review should include the following:
• An overview of the subject, issue or theory under consideration,
along with the objectives of the literature review,
• Division of works under review into themes or categories (e.g. works
that support of a particular position, those against, and those offering
alternative approaches entirely),
• An explanation of how each work is similar to and how it varies from
the others,
• Conclusions as to which pieces are best considered in their argument,
are most convincing of their opinions, and make the greatest
contribution to the understanding and development of their area of
research.
Critical evaluation of each work should
consider
• Provenance -- what are the author's credentials? Are the author's
arguments supported by evidence (e.g. primary historical material,
case studies, narratives, statistics, and recent scientific findings)?
• Objectivity -- is the author's perspective even-handed or prejudicial?
Is contrary data considered or is certain pertinent information ignored
to prove the author's point?
• Persuasiveness -- which of the author's theses are most/least
convincing?
• Value -- are the author's arguments and conclusions convincing? Does
the work ultimately contribute in any significant way to an
understanding of the subject?
Use the Table-summarise at least 30 articles
SERVQUAL: Measuring higher education service quality in Thailand, Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 116 ( 2014 ) 1088 – 1095

# Authors Approach-qualitative Analysis used Summarise Findings Research Gaps, unanswered

or quantitative issues

1 Yousapronpaiboon, 2014 XXXX XXXXX XXXXXXXX

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#2 A Comparative Study on Quality of Education Received by Students of Private Universities versus Public Universities, Procedia Economics and Finance 35 ( 2016 ) 659 – 666

Authors Approach Analysis Summarise Findings Research Gaps, unanswered

issues

Naidu & Derani, 2016 XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX

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Cross-sectional
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Sources in your literature review do not clearly relate to the research
problem;
• You do not take sufficient time to define and identify the most relevant
sources to use in the literature review related to the research problem;
• Uncritically accepts another researcher's findings and interpretations as
valid, rather than examining critically all aspects of the research design and
analysis;
• Does not describe the search procedures that were used in the literature
review;
• Only includes research that validates assumptions and does not consider
contrary findings and alternative interpretations found in the literature.
Critical analysis of literature
Descriptive writing Critical analytical writing

states what happened identifies the significance of what happened

states what something is like evaluates strengths and weaknesses

gives the story so far weighs one piece of information against another

states the order in which things happened makes reasoned judgment

says how to do something argues a case against evidence

explains what a theory says shows why something is relevant or suitable

state options gives reasons for selecting each option

states links between items shows the relevance of links between pieces of
information
HINTS TO A SUCCESSFUL REVIEW
One may consider to do the following suggestions:

• Compare and contrast varying theoretical perspectives on the topic.

• Show how approaches to the topic have changed over time.
• Show evidence of general trends in research findings.
• Identify discrepant or contradictory findings and suggest possible explanations for
such.
• Identify general themes that run through the literature which has been reviewed
etc.
What Next After Literature Review?
• Conceptual framework???
Stages in the development of a theoretical
and conceptual framework

DEFINING LINKING
Literature Review THE
CONCEPTS
CONCEPTS
Key Issues
• A theoretical framework begets a conceptual framework
• Hypotheses are developed after extensive review of literature and
theories
• Connections (arrows) represents causal relations=hypotheses
 Theoretical and Conceptual framework

• It is the researcher’s own position on the problem and gives

direction to the study.
• It may be an adaptation of a model used in a previous study,
with modifications to suit the inquiry.
• Aside from showing the direction of the study, through the
conceptual framework, the researcher can be able to show the
relationships of the different constructs that he wants to
investigate.

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 Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
• Independent variables dependent variables
Physiological

Security Motivated
employees

Belonging

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 Two Factor Theory of Motivation and Satisfaction

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 Two Factor Theory of Motivation and Satisfaction

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Based on the foregoing example, how should the conceptual framework
be formulated?
1. cite your conceptual framework or paradigm;
2. Identify your variables;
3. Point out the dependent and intervening variables;
4. Show the direction of the study.

Once the conceptual framework has been determined, the next for the
researcher is to determine what research methods to employ to best answer the
research problem through the proposed framework.
 EXAMPLE 1
• ASSESSING THE FACTORS AFFECTING (relationship, impact,
influence) E-BUSINESS USE BY SMEs - A CASE OF COPPERBELT
PROVINCE BASED SME SUPPLIERS TO THE MINES.

80
 PROBLEM STATEMENT
• In Zambia, mining firms have incorporated E-business technologies (Lensesview, 2017) and
in order for SME suppliers to do business with them, they also have to use the same
technologies for them to achieve the electronic Business to Business marketplace strategy.
• However, local suppliers have not been well equipped with the use of E-business
technologies causing mines to incorporate foreign suppliers who are equipped with these
technologies (Fessehaie, 2012).
• Hence, these statistics show the level of procurement from each respective supplier:
• Locally based Zambia suppliers of goods and services (4% of total value of procurement),
overseas suppliers (16%), and locally based International suppliers (80%) (Genetics
Analytics, 2014; CMZ and ICMM, 2014).
• Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a research on the factors that are affecting E-business
use by SME suppliers to the mines.

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 OBJECTIVES/RESEARCH QUESTIONS
PURPOSE
• This research was seeking to assess the factors affecting e-business use by Copperbelt province
based SME suppliers to the mines.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. How do Technological factors affect the use of E-business by Copperbelt province based SME
suppliers to the mines?
2. How do Organisational factors affect the use of E-business by Copperbelt province based SME
suppliers to the mines?
3. How do Environmental factors affect the use of E-business by Copperbelt province based SME
suppliers to the mines?
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1. To determine how Technological factors affecting the use of E-business by Copperbelt province
based SME suppliers to the mines.
2. To determine how Organisational factors affect the use of E-business by Copperbelt province based
SME suppliers to the mines.
3. To determine how Environmental factors affect the use of E-business by Copperbelt province based
SME suppliers to the mines.

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 LITERATURE=>CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

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 LITERATURE=>CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

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 Investigate organisational factors affecting E-
business use by SMEs

Org. readiness

Top mgt sup

E-business use

Inform sys sup

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 EXAMPLE 2
• ASSESSMENT of the Effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation on
the Relationship between Opportunity Identification and
Enterprise Growth of SMEs in Zambia

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 Research Problem
• The main bone of contention here is that there is a reluctantly growth of SMEs in
Zambia, as MCTI (2003) revealed that the SMEs sector in Zambia has been
stagnant due to a number of hurdles hampering its growth.
• However, MCTI 2003 attached this type of growth to lack of skills. On the other
hand Maliwatu (2004) echoes that lack of entrepreneurial activities (skills) is the
main problem for SMEs.
• The strategic orientation of an entrepreneur in the business referred to here as
the entrepreneurial orientation and the opportunity identification of an
entrepreneur which has potential to improve the entrepreneurs’ business to
growth has been least studied or explored in Zambia.
 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
• To Establish the Relationship between Opportunity Identification (OI) and
Enterprise Growth (EG).
• To Establish the Relationship between Opportunity Identification (OI) and
Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO).
• To Establish the Relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and
Enterprise Growth (EG).

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 Conceptual Framework

• KEY
OI: Opportunity Identification, EO: Entrepreneurial
Orientation and EG: Enterprise Growth

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 Hypothesis Developed
• H1:o: There is no relationship between OI and EG.
H1:1: There is a relationship between OI and EG.
• H2:0: There is no relationship between OI and EO.
H2:1: There is a relationship between OI and EO.
• H3:0: There is no relationship between EO and EG.
H3:1: There is a relationship between EO and EG.
• Main Hypotheses
• H4:0: There is no effect on the relationship between OI and EG as
mediated by EO.
H4:1: There is an effect on the relationship between OI and EG as
mediated by EO.

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Example 3: From literature to conceptual FR
 NEXT ACTIVITIES
1. Research methodology
2. Quantitative methods-SPSS practicals
3. Qualitative methods.
4. Writing style
5. Report writing