We are discussing the purpose of Business Research and contrasting it to the purpose of Scientific Research. The purposes do overlap in some ways but are different in others. While research varies by context and by the questions it is designed to answer, the difference between research and opinion is a constant throughout. In this course you will be introduced to the larger topic of research and will be asked to perform business research. Of course, even the latter can take many forms. Key to your success in this course will be your ability to narrowly define the questions (or problems) that you want to research and to be able to do so in the time provided in this course. Do not overreach. Business research might include questions about: • The competition, including the industry as a whole. • Trends (what are they, where are they going). • Confidence • Products • Quality • Leadership • Organizational structure • Communication • Finance • Customers • Other stakeholders • The environment • Society (local, global, national...) • AND much more These readings will help you to think critically about what constitutes research. Take a look at the paper or your favorite news source. Does what you are seeing, hearing or reading represent opinion? If so is it based on research? Simply put, research is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of the phenomenon under study. It is the function of the researcher to contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon and to communicate that understanding to others. This chapter explains what research is and what it is not. Eight characteristics of research are presented. The process of research as a helical cycle is discussed. While research methods and theories continue to evolve, these chapters describe essential parts of all. Pay attention to key concepts such as reliability, validity and levels of measurement. Research projects are born of the needs of individuals, business, society, science, previous research, and the ideas of other researchers.