NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

MASTER’S PROGRAM

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
& SELECTING A TOPIC

DR. KANG SOVANNARA

2024
 Wha is a Research ?

❖Research is simply the process of finding solutions to a

problem after a thorough study and analysis of the
situational factors.
❖Basic Research is scientific research aimed to improve
scientific theories or enhance the understanding of
problems that commonly occur in organisations can be
solved.
❖Applied Research is done with the intention of applying
results to specific problems in the business.

2
 Deductive & Inductive Approach
Deductive Approach Inductive Approach
1.Read first (literature review) 1. Read first (literature review)
2. Develop an idea (theoretical 2. Gain experience, participate, listen,
framework) record experiences & data
3. Go and gather evidence (data 3. Describe the theoretical implications of
collection methods) what you saw/heard (discussion & theory
building)
4. Test it (findings) 4. Explain where you were and how you
went about your task of understanding
(background to the study)
5. See if you were right in the first place
(discussion)
6. Quantitative methods are usually 5. Qualitative methods are usually
associated with deductive approaches associated with inductive approaches.

3
 Quantitative & Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research Qualitative Research
1. Objective 1. Subjective
2. Number-based 2. Text-based
3. Use statistical tests 3. No statistical tests
4. Structured responses 4. Unstructured responses
5. Methods: survey, structured 5. Methods: focus groups, in-
interviews, observations, and depth interviews, and reviews
reviews of documents for of documents for types of
numerical data. themes.

4
 A. FRONT MATTER
This part may include:
i. Title page: the title, the author, the university, and the publication date
Research Paper ii. Table of content: a breakdown of sections and subsections by page number
iii. Abstract: brief summary of the report around 250 words or less
iv. Acknowledgement: acknowledge anybody who helped with this report
o A research paper is a B. BODY OF RESEARCH PAPER
written document that This part may include:
1. INTRODUCTION
shows the results of 1.1 Background (describe the basic facts and importance of the research area)
original research or 1.2 Problem statement (overview of the issues involved with the subject/topic)
evaluation of research 1.3 Research questions (tell what the overall report will focus on)
1.4 Research objectives (briefly outline the main points in the report)
by others. 1.5 Limitation & scope (identify potential weaknesses and how it is bounded)
o It is a short, highly 1.6 Significance of study (tell the contribution of the research report)
focused academic 1.7 Methodology (describe the methods used to conduct this study report)
2. DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
paper that can be 2.1 Review and define the key concepts of study (key variables)
written for various 2.2 Situation of the organization (background, vision, mission, strategies, structure,..)
purposes. 2.3 SWOT analysis (summarize strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats)
2.4 Discussion of key findings to answer the research questions (discuss the main
issues of the subject/topic)
3. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION
3.1 Conclusion: Summary of main points and what can be done about the
situation
3.2 Recommendation: What actions should be taken in response to the initial
problems
C. END MATTER
This may include:
- References: Follows APA guidelines
- Appendices: Tables, figures and others (optional)

5
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of Study
1.2 Statement of Problem
1.3 Research Questions
1.4 Research Objectives
1.5 Scope & Limitation
1.6 Significance of Study
Research Thesis CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Reading, exploring, and thinking about relevant theories and what others have done can
o A thesis is a long-form help you understand concepts and issues related to the topic, it will also help you to see
whether someone has already researched these ideas or areas for further inquiry in the
academic writing topic area.
document which CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
presents the author’s 3.1 Research design
original research and 3.2 Research instruments
3.3 Sampling method
findings. 3.4 Data collection
o It is generally submitted 3.5 Data analytical tools
in the final semester of CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
the program for Discussing the statistical methods used, all available data, significance levels, and if the
defense. hypotheses were supported by the data. Interpreting the results and how the results to
answer the research questions.
CHAPER 5: CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion: Summary of main points and what can be done about the situation
5.2 Recommendation: What actions should be taken in response to the initial
problems
REFERENCES
Alphabetically list all references cited in the dissertation, using APA Style, 6th Edition of the
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, for listing references (see
APA style).
APPENDIX
6
 Differences between Research Paper & Thesis
Aspect Paper Thesis
1. Purpose o Reporting findings of a specific o Original research & contribution to
investigation. knowledge.
2. Scope o Narrower scope focuses on a o Broader scope covers multiple
specific topic. research aspects.
3. Structure o At least 3 parts: Introduction, o At least five chapters: introduction,
body (literature, methodology, literature review, methodology,
results, discussion) and discussion of findings, and
conclusion. conclusion & recommendations.
4. Length o Shorter, typically from 20 to 30 o Longer, typically from 50 to 100+
pages. pages.
5. Hypothesis o May or may not have a central o Central argument or hypothesis to
hypothesis. be proven.
6. Contribution o Provides insights into a specific o Advances knowledge in the field.
topic.

7
 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background;
1.2 Problem statement;
1.3 Research questions;
Research Proposal 1.4 Objectives of study;
1.5 Scope and limitation; and
1.6 Significance of study.
o Research proposal is a
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
formal document that 2.1 Defining your subject (Dependent Variable);
outlines a planned 2.2 Defining all factors (Independent Variables) found in literature review;
research project. 2.3 Explaining the relationship between key variables (IVs and DV);
2.4 Proposing the statement of hypothesis.
o It demonstrates the 2.5 Research Framework/conceptual framework (from your literature review);
student’s understanding 3. METHODOLOGY
of the research topic, 3.1 Research Design (exploratory, descriptive, causality, or combining);
literature review, and 3.2 Measurement of key variables/research instruments;
3.3 Source of Data (Primary and Secondary data);
methodology to
3.4 Data Collection ( how to collect data);
undertake the project. 3.5 Target Population, Sampling Methods & Sample size; and
3.6 Statistical tools for analysis (if any).
4. CONCLUSION
Summarizing the combination of introduction, literature review and methodology
5. REFERENCES
6. APPENDIX

8
 Schedule for Proposal Writing & Presentation
Week
Activities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

A. Choosing a Topic
(Presentation)
B. Writing Introduction
(Presentation)
C. Literature Review
(Presentation)
D. Methodology
(Presentation)
E. Revise & Submitting
Research Proposal
F. Research Proposal
Presentation

9
 CHOOSING
A RESEARCH TOPIC

10
 What is a Research Topic?
o A research topic is a significant decision that can shape
your academic and professional trajectory.

o Choosing a research topic is crucial for serval reasons:

1. Personal interest and motivation,
2. Relevance to your field,
3. Expertise and background,
4. Career goals and future opportunities,
5. Impact and contribution,
6. Feasibility and resources, and
7. Supervisory support.

11
 How to Choose a Research Topic?
o Choosing a research topic involves identifying a general subject
area first, and then narrow down to define the topic, and stating
the topic as a question or hypothesis.

o Different approaches to choose a research topic:

▪ Identify your interests,
▪ Review existing literature,
▪ Consult with supervisors and peers,
▪ Align with career goals,
▪ Define the scope,

12
Example: Some Commonly Research Areas in Business

13
Example: Some Commonly Research Areas in Business

14
Example: Some Commonly Research Areas in Business

15
 Ex: Research Topics
1. Exploring the impact of digital employee engagement practices on organizational
performance in SMEs
2. Exploring green HR practices and their effects on retention of millennial talent in the fintech
industry
3. Assessing the impact of corporate green innovation on financial performance in listed
companies in Cambodia
4. An analysis of the impact of digital transformation on business strategy in consulting firms
5. The role of innovation in transportation practices for creating a competitive advantage within
the agricultural sector
6. Assessing the effect of corporate governance on financial performance in the garment
industry in Cambodia
7. Exploring the relationship between operational management and innovative business models,
lessons from the fintech industry
8. An evaluation of the role of government import and export policies in shaping international
business practices.

16
 Ex: Research Topics
8. An evaluation of the role of government import and export policies in shaping international
business practices.
9. The role of international trade agreements on business activities in developing countries.
10. The relationship between leadership and corporate culture and job satisfaction in hospital
industry
11. The influence of leadership on knowledge sharing and innovation in the technology
industry
12. The impact of social media on public relations and media relations: a Case Study of ABC
13. A comparative analysis of different risk management strategies employed by investment
banks
14. Assessing the impact of digital transformation on commercial banking services and
competitiveness
15. The role of green technologies and innovation in shaping the zero-carbon transition and
the knock-on effects for local economies

17
Thank you,

18