Importance of Research

Introduction of Research Scholar Introduction of Supervisor

Name: Labiba Mushtaq Name: Mam Razia Yasmin
Roll No: 4 Designation: Professor
Class: BS7 Department: Islamic studies

Session: 2021-2024 Institute: Minhaj College

School of sharia
Faculty of Islamic studies

MINHAJ UNIVERSITY LAHORE

HAMDARD CHOWK TOWNSHIP LAHORE

 Content list

Sr no. Topic Page

no.
1. Definition of Research 1

2. What is Good Research? 1-2

3. Importance of Research 2-3

4. Conclusion 3

5. References 4
Importance of research

Definition of Research
According to Clifford Woody:
"Research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested
solutions, Collecting, Organizing and Evaluating data, Making deductions and reaching
Conclusions to determine they fit the formulating hypothesis."
According to John Best:
"Research is a systematic activity directed towards discovery and the development of an
organized body of knowledge."

What is Good Research?

A good research should qualify in following essential criteria:
1) Clearly Defined Objectives: The objectives of a research study should be clearly defined.
If the objectives of research are well defined, then there would be clear road map in front of
the researcher to follow. It helps the researchers to determine the type of data required to
conduct the research efficiently.

2) Ethically Conducted: A researcher should abide by the ethical standards laid down to
conduct a research accurately. The research data and the limiting factors should be properly
scrutinized, explained, and documented to maintain a level of transparency with the readers.
The data should not be altered to match the findings. The results of the research study should
be properly documented and the conclusions should be based on proper evidences.
3) Flexibility: Research involves re-examining the data till correct findings are arrived. This is
possible only if the research approach is flexible in nature. There should always be scope to
add in significant data or change the existing data as per the requirement.

4) Reliability: Reliability refers to the repeatability of a research, tool, procedure, or

instrument. The degree of reliability of a research study depends on the degree of similarity in
research results. A research, is called reliable when it produces similar results for different
samples drawn from the same population under similar conditions and procedures. For
example, a researcher may study the effect of a course in written English on the final grades
for a group of students. The results of this study will be reliable, if the same study on another
group of students has similar outcomes.

5) Validity: Validity is measure of the applicability of the research. It refers to the suitability
and efficiency of the research Instrument or procedure regarding the research problem. It
measures the accuracy of an instrument in measuring the problem. It is a measurement of
applicability of the research. Validity is the basis of deciding whether a research conclusion,
assumption, or proposition is true or false. The validity of research is maintained by defining
the concepts as clearly as possible.

6) Accuracy: A research is called accurate, if the process of research, instruments, and tools
are related to each other. It checks to see that the research tools are being selected
appropriately. For example, if a research is carried-out on mental patients, the use of
observation would be appropriate to collect data, because in case of questionnaire or interview,
they may not be able to answer or may answer incorrectly.
7) Credibility of Sources: Credibility means that the research data should be taken from
trustworthy sources. Although the use of secondary data in research allows the researcher 10
complete the research within the time frame, but he loses the credibility, as the secondary data
are usually manipulated and hence relying exclusively it can lead to erroneous and faulty on it
can research conclusions. A researcher should try to use primary data as much as possible. If
primary data is not available, then specific amount of secondary data can be used. But,
conducting a research completely based on secondary data can harm the credibility of the
research.

8) Generalizable Results: The degree to which the result of a research can be applied to the
bigger population is called as generalizability. While carrying-out a research, the researcher
selects a small sample from a target population. Hence, the sample and the research findings
represent the target population. If the research results can be applied to other samples from the
similar population, then the research findings can be considered as generalizable.

Importance of Research
Research plays a vital role for an organization as it provides valuable information to the
managers that help them in decision-making at various stages of operation. Research helps the
management in following ways:

1) Recognizes the Potential Opportunities and Threats: For any strategy to be successful,
the organization needs to have a very good understanding of the environment in which
operates. Research is a tool with which management is able to scan its environment and
identify various opportunities and problems existing in the environment by scanning and
researching extensively, management understand the environmental can situations efficiently.
This helps to formulate strategies in accordance with the situations to overcome the prevailing
problems and exploit the opportunities to the fullest.

2) Assessment of Problems and Opportunities: Researching the problems and opportunities

help the managers to estimate and analyze them. It allows the managers to identify the existing
problems and the factors responsible for the problems. Research facilitates the managers in
identifying, exploring, refining and quantifying the opportunities existing in the environment.
Along with these, it helps in setting the priorities in case of multiple opportunities.

3) Selection of Best Alternative Action: Research assists the managers in selecting the best
among the alternative courses of action. The various alternatives evaluated using specific
evaluation criteria set by the researcher. Researchers forecast the necessary future activities to
be taken with properly analyzing the scenario which in turn helps in planning. Research can
also suggest strategies that managers should use in planning properly and preventing it from
failing. For example, a company can research the best possible strategy for positioning of a
product

4) Evaluating the Course of Action: Research can be used to see if the planned course of
action has been implemented in way was intended to. It allows the managers to estimate the
extent to which a given activity or project is executed as per the direction. It helps to identify
the potential factors that can affect the execution. Research is also carried-out to evaluate and
control the strategies implemented for executing the project.
5) Analyzing the Competition: The organizations need to study the market and the level of
prevailing competition in it to fulfill this objective, organizations conduct research to collect
the information regarding the purchasing trends, competitor's strategy, market share of
competitor firms, etc. This allows managers to formulae strategies that can help them in
achieving their targets. For example, Pepsi Co. can conduct a research to know the strategies
adopted by Coca Cola.

Advancing Knowledge: Research is the primary means by which we expand our

understanding of the world. It allows us to explore new ideas, test hypotheses, and discover
new facts. This accumulation of knowledge forms the basis for scientific and intellectual
progress. Research helps us address complex problems and find solutions. Whether it's in
medicine, technology, social sciences, or any other field, research provides the evidence and
data needed to make informed decisions and tackle challenges effectively.

Innovation: Research is at the heart of innovation. It drives the development of new

technologies, products, and services. Innovative ideas often emerge from the exploration of
new possibilities and the experimentation that research enables.

Improved Quality of Life: Research in fields like healthcare, agriculture, and environmental
science leads to improvements in the quality of life. It helps develop better treatments, safer
food production methods, and sustainable practices that benefit society as a whole.

Education and Learning: Research is fundamental to education. It provides students with

opportunities to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning.
Research projects and studies also contribute to the growth of educational institutions
Economic Growth: Research and development (R&D) activities drive economic growth by
fostering innovation and creating new industries. Nations that invest in research often see a
boost in their economies and competitiveness on the global stage.

Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Research provides the evidence needed for making

informed decisions in various sectors, including public policy, healthcare, and business. It
helps policymakers, professionals, and leaders make choices that are grounded in data and
analysis rather than conjecture.

Global Challenges: Many global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and poverty,
require extensive research to understand their causes and develop effective strategies for
mitigation. Research is essential for addressing these pressing issues.

Cultural and Historical Preservation: Research in the humanities and social sciences helps
preserve cultural heritage and historical knowledge. It allows us to understand the past, learn
from it, and pass on our cultural and intellectual heritage to future generations.

Personal and Professional Development: Engaging in research can enhance an individual's

critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. It is valuable for personal growth and
can be a significant asset in professional development.

Conclusion: In summary, research is a cornerstone of human progress, enabling us to

expand our knowledge, solve complex problems, and improve various aspects of our lives. Its
impact extends across academic, economic, social, and cultural domains, making it an
essential activity in our quest for a better future.
References:

 https://www.toppers4u.com/2022/06/research-definition-types-process.html
 Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques second revised edition C.R.KOTHAR.
 Fundamentals of Research Methodology by Vicenc Fernandez, PhD