DBA Research Methods and Methodologies

The procedure of business administration research is meant to acquire detailed information on all the areas associated with the business. This information is typically used to enhance businesses’ sales and profits, big and small.

So a DBA study or research enables companies to determine the in-demand or highly profitable products or services. In other words, it is a typical acquisition of knowledge or information that can be used for both commercial and professional purposes. Thus, the research methods in business administration can be used extensively to determine a business’s goals and opportunities.

Now that you are here, this article will give you valuable insights into the methods and methodologies of DBA research. Please stay tuned until the end to learn more about the same so that you can make an informed decision.

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DBA Research – What is it?

First, you should note that business research can be done for almost everything. And generally, when people discuss business research, they inquire about increasing sales, market share, and profit in business. Remember that this kind of research is crucial for making wise and informed decisions.

For instance, almost every mobile company looks forward to launching new models in the market at least once each year. But what happens if the company needs to be aware of the gadget’s dimensions, which are in high demand? Well, the company goes on to conduct business research by using different methods for gathering information.

Once all the information is gathered, it is extensively evaluated, and conclusions are drawn from the same. This will help in determining the most in-demand dimensions of the gadget. Thus, the researcher can make wise decisions while launching the new device in the market.

Hence it will acquire a larger market share.

Also read: What You’ll Learn in a DBA Program

What are the Types and Methodologies of DBA Research?

Please note that the process of business research is an immensely crucial part of business intelligence. Generally, DBA research is conducted to determine whether a company has the scope for succeeding in new regions. Besides, it also helps them understand their competitors or select any marketing approach for a product.

Remember that DBA research can be seamlessly carried out by using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Here in the following section, we have thoroughly classified both research methods:

Also read: How Long Does It Take to Complete a DBA in the USA?

Qualitative Research Methods – What is it?

The qualitative research methodology in business management is crucial in DBA research. This methodology involves acquiring data through open-ended conversational means of communication.

Thus, it enables the researcher to understand the ‘whats’ and ‘whys’ of the potential audience. Besides, various in-depth information is also gathered from the subjects according to their responses.

Please remember that there are several types of qualitative research methods. Some of them include focus groups, interviews, content analysis, ethnographic research, case study research, etc. Nevertheless, these research methods are vital for business as they enable researchers to understand their consumers.

Whatever motivates the consumer to purchase and whatever doesn’t will automatically lead to higher sales. And this is exactly the prime objective of all businesses.

Some of the qualitative research methods are:

Focus Groups

These are nothing but a set of individuals who are specifically selected for understanding their behaviours. This is typically a small set of a group that is selected on the basis of certain parameters.

This method typically enables a researcher with a larger sample than the interview or a case study. And this can be done by taking the best advantage of conversational communication.

Interviews

These are quite similar to the surveys, as most of the questions that are used are the same. However, the only difference is that the respondents stand a chance of answering the open-ended questions at length. Besides, the direction of the conversation can also be altered according to the response of the subject.

This kind of research usually provides detailed information regarding the opinions or perspectives of its subject. And conducting interviews with subject matter experts can also provide critical information to several businesses. 

Case Study Research

Case study research is another important aspect of DBA research. In fact, it is also used extensively for marketing collateral by the majority of businesses. That’s exactly how businesses land up with a greater number of clients.

It is basically conducted to assess customer satisfaction and document the challenges which are encountered. These inferences are used to point out the probable benefits enjoyed by the customers for choosing a specific firm.

Remember that such research is mostly used in fields like social sciences, education, etc. Usually, businesses offer case studies to their new clients to showcase their capabilities. Hence, such research plays an immensely vital role in the business sector.

Ethnographic Research

This research is one of the most challenging methods and can provide extremely precise results. It is quite rare as it is immensely time-consuming as well as expensive.

Besides, the researcher can also seamlessly adapt to the natural environment only to observe its target audience. This typical method is used to understand challenges, cultures, and other things that can occur in a particular setting.

Also read: Best Research Methods in Business Administration

Website Visitor Profiling/Research

The website intercept surveys have recently come into the inception and are quite useful in the business sector. This is quite an innovative approach for collecting direct feedback from website visitors with the help of surveys.

Recently, loads of businesses have been generating online. Thus, it’s immensely crucial to have a clear understanding of the potential visitors of your website. And as they are your potential customers, you need to collect their feedback as well.

Business owners should know that without understanding the demands of their customers, their business will never be successful. Also, it’s vital for companies to prioritise customer satisfaction. Besides, making customers stay loyal will also keep businesses at the highest level.

Quantitative Research Methods – What is it?

Of all the business and management research methods, the quantitative research method is another vital method that deals with numbers. A typical systematic empirical investigation makes the best use of mathematical, statistical, and computational techniques.

These typical methods usually commence with data collection and proceed towards statistical analysis by using different methods.

Some of the quantitative research methods include:

Correlational Research

This research is conducted to understand the relationship between two entities and determine their impact on one another. By making the best use of mathematical analysis, correlational research helps in correlating two or more variables.

It can provide aid in understanding patterns, trends, and relationships. Remember that manipulating one variable can also help in acquiring the most desired results. And usually, a conclusion can never be drawn primarily on the basis of correlational research.

Also read: How Much Does an Online DBA Program Cost in the USA?

Survey Research

It is one widely used research method for gathering data specifically for conducting business research. In fact, several kinds of surveys, like cross-sectional surveys, are used for collecting data from different audiences. Some of the most common types of surveys that can be conducted are online surveys, polls, and questionnaires.

Experimental research is primarily based on the methods of proving a completely new theory. And such research is extremely useful for business research as it can potentially determine the behavioural traits of its consumers. Thus, it can automatically lead to generating greater revenue.

Here in this method, an experiment is also carried out on a set of audiences. It helps to observe and analyse their behaviour while certain parameters impact it.

Causal-Comparative Research

This method is typically based on the comparison. It is typically used for deducing the cause-effect relationship between variables.

Also known as quasi-experimental research, it helps in establishing an independent variable. Furthermore, it also provides aid in determining the effects on the dependent variable. Remember that such research doesn’t involve any kind of manipulation. But considerable changes are observed under the influence of similar changes.

Literature Research or Online Research

Literature or online research is probably one of the oldest available methods. This is extremely economical as loads of information can be gathered by making the best use of such research.

It also involves gathering information from the studies and existing documents that are available in annual reports and libraries. But with technological advancements, such research has become simpler and readily accessible. So whenever you conduct online research, this will fetch you in-depth information regarding anything you’ve been looking for.

Also read: Top DBA Programs in the USA for Aspiring Leaders

Why Online DBA Programs via upGrad Are a Smart Next Step 

upGrad facilitated Online DBA programs are an intelligent choice for senior professionals seeking promotion and development, with flexibility and academic rigour. upGrad ensures you get to experience 100% online programs delivered through our internationally accredited university partners worldwide. The online DBA degree enables executives, entrepreneurs, and consultants to update their leadership and strategy skills without impeding their professional practice.

Here are some relevant programs to explore:

• DBA from Golden Gate University
• DBA from ESGCI
• DBA from Rushford Business School

To Conclude

The research methods in business management are probably the first steps a business owner uses. And when the methods are adhered to properly, they can seamlessly set up their own business. Thus, they will have the capability to survive and excel in the market.

The primary reason behind conducting such research is to help businesses grow. Thus, they can deliberately grow in the market share, revenue, or brand value.