research management problems

Overcoming research management challenges

"Research administration and leadership are like playing chess blindfolded; trying to make the right moves at the right time all without being able to see the board or the moves of the other player." (quote by The Research Universities Futures Consortium)

Hyper-competitive research environment

Even though the number of research institutions grows, the sources of grants and funding do not seem to keep up with pace. Decision makers are then forced to deal with the scarcity of resources, causing a hyper-competitive zero-sum research environment amongst institutions in acquiring grant funding to secure their monetary supply for operation. Competition is not just prevalent between institutions, but also within internal departments.

Another reason for the hyper-competitive environment in research management is attributed to globalisation. As such, research institutions have turned their attention towards a global stage, with focus centred on an international level, investing resources and brands overseas. Global recognition is now considered a significant benchmark of a research institution’s success, making competition more intense.

Compliance with changes in regulations

Regulatory requirements are continually reviewed, often forcing research administrators to react by planning and implementing changes. Over time, established processes and procedures evolve in complexity, while shifts in an area of operations may affect other sections. Furthermore, the decline in funding results in a surge of proposal submission. Researchers submit numerous proposals for higher chances of grant approval. More submission means more work for the managers and administrators.

The concept of research management has evidently transformed, career-wise. In addition to ensuring compliance and maintaining integrity, research managers are expected to deliver on limited or reduced funding and resources. With increased governance, inconsistent reporting directives and pressure to deliver, the workload deflects and distracts from the primary function–research.

Collaboration and change management with the support of technology

Collaboration and change management have been identified as a strategy for research management. Effective collaboration helps institutions to make the best use of research funding. By sharing resources together, the collaborators can write a stronger proposal and allocate budget practically. Therefore, getting a higher chance of grant approval. Effective change management, on the other hand, ensures that institutions stay current with regulatory requirements and flexibly adapt to future changes. With the fact that funding regulations are getting stricter and more mandated, it is crucial to stay ahead of changes.

What can be done?

Technology can help streamline these efforts. With technology, institutions can have a platform for collaboration with the rest in mind that regulations are adhered to. The right system can assist research administrators and managers to deal with all administrative issues, and free researchers from all complexities of rules and regulations to do breakthrough research for society needs.

Manage research processes in a single software solution

The key is finding the right technology that can help in implementing the strategies identified above. OmniStar Research is a smart solution for managers and administrators in managing all aspects of research.

OmniStar Research promotes collaboration with SaaS architecture (Software as a Service). Anyone who has a computer (or tablet) and an internet connection can access the system. It also allows more than one person to "take turns" updating a single application form which one researcher "owns" and all other collaborators may access and contribute on. Offline capabilities are also available!

OmniStar Research is highly adaptive to changes. The system uses SmartForm to create an intelligent and personalised application process. It asks only the necessary fields relevant to a specific applicant. Regulatory requirements or any other changes can be added easily to the SmartForm. Furthermore, the 500 features in OmniStar Research can be turned on and off depending on organisations’ need. Institutions can also use OmniStar Research workflow engine to define and customise business process.

OminiResearch is a complete solution for all aspects of research management including application, ethics compliance and grants. It is the first research management system to integrate fully with NHMRC’s Human Research Ethics Application (HREA). It auto-populates data and documents across other forms to minimise duplication of data entry, a real time-saver.

The software provides complete transparency and accountability with the entire research project life-cycle, from application through to evaluation. It also generates a tamper-proof audit log, which makes compliance and auditing straightforward.

OmniStar Research has helped a lot of companies reach their goals by managing thousands of applications and users each year. We’ve made it possible for these organisations to achieve over $11 billion dollars’ worth of funding for massive projects. Imagine what it can do for you.

But don’t just take our word for it, experience OmniStar Research yourself.

Talk to us today to discuss how we can help you.

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There are lots of systems that claim to be able to provide grant management capabilities. This article covers the considerations and common pitfalls when selecting other than a purpose-built grant management system.

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Grant management is a complex and lengthy process and following a well-designed grant management process proves highly beneficial when giving out grants.

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How to Define a Research Problem | Ideas & Examples

Published on November 2, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on May 31, 2023.

A research problem is a specific issue or gap in existing knowledge that you aim to address in your research. You may choose to look for practical problems aimed at contributing to change, or theoretical problems aimed at expanding knowledge.

Some research will do both of these things, but usually the research problem focuses on one or the other. The type of research problem you choose depends on your broad topic of interest and the type of research you think will fit best.

This article helps you identify and refine a research problem. When writing your research proposal or introduction , formulate it as a problem statement and/or research questions .

Table of contents

Why is the research problem important, step 1: identify a broad problem area, step 2: learn more about the problem, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research problems.

Having an interesting topic isn’t a strong enough basis for academic research. Without a well-defined research problem, you are likely to end up with an unfocused and unmanageable project.

You might end up repeating what other people have already said, trying to say too much, or doing research without a clear purpose and justification. You need a clear problem in order to do research that contributes new and relevant insights.

Whether you’re planning your thesis , starting a research paper , or writing a research proposal , the research problem is the first step towards knowing exactly what you’ll do and why.

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As you read about your topic, look for under-explored aspects or areas of concern, conflict, or controversy. Your goal is to find a gap that your research project can fill.

Practical research problems

If you are doing practical research, you can identify a problem by reading reports, following up on previous research, or talking to people who work in the relevant field or organization. You might look for:

• Issues with performance or efficiency
• Processes that could be improved
• Areas of concern among practitioners
• Difficulties faced by specific groups of people

Examples of practical research problems

Voter turnout in New England has been decreasing, in contrast to the rest of the country.

The HR department of a local chain of restaurants has a high staff turnover rate.

A non-profit organization faces a funding gap that means some of its programs will have to be cut.

Theoretical research problems

If you are doing theoretical research, you can identify a research problem by reading existing research, theory, and debates on your topic to find a gap in what is currently known about it. You might look for:

• A phenomenon or context that has not been closely studied
• A contradiction between two or more perspectives
• A situation or relationship that is not well understood
• A troubling question that has yet to be resolved

Examples of theoretical research problems

The effects of long-term Vitamin D deficiency on cardiovascular health are not well understood.

The relationship between gender, race, and income inequality has yet to be closely studied in the context of the millennial gig economy.

Historians of Scottish nationalism disagree about the role of the British Empire in the development of Scotland’s national identity.

Next, you have to find out what is already known about the problem, and pinpoint the exact aspect that your research will address.

Context and background

• Who does the problem affect?
• Is it a newly-discovered problem, or a well-established one?
• What research has already been done?
• What, if any, solutions have been proposed?
• What are the current debates about the problem? What is missing from these debates?

Specificity and relevance

• What particular place, time, and/or group of people will you focus on?
• What aspects will you not be able to tackle?
• What will the consequences be if the problem is not resolved?

Example of a specific research problem

A local non-profit organization focused on alleviating food insecurity has always fundraised from its existing support base. It lacks understanding of how best to target potential new donors. To be able to continue its work, the organization requires research into more effective fundraising strategies.

Once you have narrowed down your research problem, the next step is to formulate a problem statement , as well as your research questions or hypotheses .

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If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them.

In general, they should be:

• Focused and researchable
• Answerable using credible sources
• Complex and arguable
• Feasible and specific
• Relevant and original

Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

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Challenges in the Successful Research Management of a Collaborative EU Project

Introduction:.

Successful research management requirements include; equal teamwork and efficient coordination, in order to increase the impact of the research outcomes and provide added value knowledge. Aim of this paper is to discuss the strategies that have been followed during the RN4CAST study, the largest nursing multi-country research project ever conducted in Europe. The paper focuses on the core research strategies rather than on the administrative activities, which are inevitably also required for the success of a large scale research.

Results and discussion:

This paper is an extension of a conference presentation in the International Conference of the European Federation for Medical Informatics (MIE) 2011 in Oslo, and was subsequently published in the Studies in Health Technology and Informatics book series (IOS Press) under the title “Research management: the case of RN4CAST.” Management of a multicountry nursing survey requires the use of common data collection tools, applicable to every context, research protocols supporting the scope of the research, data models for multi-country analyses and global dissemination strategies. Challenges that may be faced during the implementation of the study include the individualized confrontation of obstacles during data collection, the coherence of national procedures (for example permissions for data collection) in European level, and the challenge to gain information of added value for the EU, by aggregating the national survey results through a powerful data analysis model. Communication strategies are also discussed.

1. INTRODUCTION

Effective research management requires close collaboration of researchers, sometimes specialized in different scientific areas and residing in various locations. The methodological approach for the efficient management of research has been discussed during the last decades in many research papers ( 1 , 2 ). Recently many authors define research management as opposed to the “research administration” which is a core centralized approach required to conduct a medical research ( 3 ). This new approach not only requires all partners’ active participation, but also of communities, other interest groups, stakeholders and policymakers ( 4 ). There is an inter-connection between research strategies and successful management and this link is very important since the achievements of a research can be proved to be the key of scientific research management ( 5 ). General management practices applicable in research management include the need for empowering partners and equally working together beyond institutional boundaries; communicating effectively with stakeholders for the development of new knowledge utilised through unique practices. Successful research management does not only imply project management in financial and administrative terms but also involves the core scientific research itself.

Nowadays research involves international collaboration; therefore resource mobilization and use of proper methods of dissemination to different stakeholders are key success factors. The success is also based on the ability to mobilize multi-country and multi-disciplinary teams while knowledge management and use of essential informatics tools for health research are important. The role of coordination is equally important for the efficient management of a large scale research ( 6 ).

Aim of this paper is to present the main strategies that have been followed in order to successfully manage the RN4CAST study, one of the largest ever multi-country nursing workforce research projects ever conducted in Europe. This case study focuses on the RN4CAST practices that have been agreed through a common consensus and collaborative work to tackle lingual, conceptual and organizational variations between the participant countries, in order to develop an effective and at the same time equal multi-country research environment. Aim is not to present the administrative and managerial perspective of this large scale research but to identify those tasks related with the scientific content and the coherence of the RN4CAST activities.

This paper is divided into two different parts, addressing two distinct perspectives as identified by the authors, addressing the successful research management of RN4CAST: the first, more extended part of this paper refers to the common consensus and research activities that have been agreed for the successful implementation of the survey, while the second part makes a short reference to common challenges that have been faced and proactive actions to successfully tackle them. This paper is an extension of a conference presentation in the International Conference of the European Federation for Medical Informatics (MIE) 2011 in Oslo, and was subsequently published in the Studies in Health Technology and Informatics book series (IOS Press) under the title “Research management: the case of RN4CAST.” ( 7 ).

3. RESEARCH MANAGEMENT IN THE CASE OF RN4CAST

RN4CAST, the largest nurse workforce study in Europe will add to accuracy of forecasting models and generate new approaches to more effective management of nursing resources in Europe. The project RN4CAST aims innovative forecasting methods by addressing not only volumes, but quality of nursing staff as well as quality of patient care. RN4CAST is a consortium of 15 partners in 11 European countries, collecting and analyzing data on important unmeasured factors in forecasting models including how features of hospital work environments and qualifications of the nurse workforce impact on nurse recruitment, retention, productivity and patient outcomes. Each European partner conducted surveys from over 50,000 nurses and outcomes of tens of thousands of patients ( 8 ). RN4CAST is a three year project funded under the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Program FP7-HEALTH-2007-B.

3.1. Deciding on Common Study Protocols

Nursing job varies across European countries participating in the RN4CAST study. Despite common characteristics, there are differences in the organization of the healthcare system ( 9 ). Information about the specific characteristics of the nursing job as well the structure of the healthcare system has been collected through the aggregation of national reports that were prepared by all participating countries. This was the basis in order to agree on common principles regarding the research methodology in all countries. Towards this direction, an international protocol was prepared to standardize data collection process. The same process was followed for the preparation of instruments for the cross-country analyses (patient and nurse survey questionnaires). Differences between the national study protocols were reported by each national research team during the consortium meetings. Extended discussion provided feasible solutions which were consequently approved by the coordinator.

3.2. Data Sources and data definitions

An opening discussion regarding data sources identified a limitation in the case of some countries, regarding the availability and/ or quality of routinely collected data. This is a common issue that has to be tackled in all multicountry, multi-centered studies which require data collection. This issue is a natural consequent of the need for quality data and therefore the need to standardize the collected information and create a coherent universal dataset. The above limitation was tackled using an additional instrument to primarily collect patient data not readily available in routinely collected databases and this strategy allowed the timely inclusion into the analysis.

Participating hospitals of the RN4CAST study were selected through a common strategy, explicitly describing the type and size of eligible hospitals, nursing units and the type of eligible nurses. ’Nurses’ have been clearly defined in all countries based on the European Union definition (directive 2005/36/EC), therefore variations in the local interpretation of what is a nurse have been overcome. The communication issues with hospital representatives and nurses, as well as the strategies to increase response rates have also been discussed. Among those strategies is the common use of a poster in all participating hospitals informing nursing staff about the importance of RN4CAST in relation with their job. The survey instruments were based on a common template that all partners agreed to use. The instruments were translated into all primary languages using the backward-forward translation method and evaluated with the CVI instrument ( 10 ) by experts in every country, while no changes to the core template were accepted, since this would make the collected data non-comparable. Standard definitions of all variables were agreed, based on (i) previous knowledge (ii) well-known validated instruments (ie Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work, Maslach Burnout Inventory) and (iii) research team expertise ( 11 ). Finally, identifiers indicating survey variables (ie International Classification of Diseases-ICD, Diagnosis Related Groups-DRGs) were decided and commonly used by most national studies in fields addressing diseases and diagnoses.

3.3. Data Collection, data Analysis and dissemination strategies

The strategy followed to facilitate data collection was based on the enrollment of a field manager in each hospital as key contact with national research teams. Once data was collected by all countries, there have been gathered centrally by the research coordinator to perform preliminary analyses of the raw datasets to identify out-ofrange, missing values and data entry errors, producing a cleaned version. This cleaned version was then distributed to the national research groups, on demand. Statistical analyses strategies were discussed by the consortium and a universal statistical model was finally selected to explore specific research questions within each country but also through cross-country analyses.

Since the beginning of the research project, dissemination was considered as an important priority. For the above reason there has been consensus about dissemination strategies and an agreement on citation and acknowledgement requirements, also on national data sharing issues. The main dissemination activities of the results of the RN4CAST survey include the following

• Yearly stakeholder meetings during the project 3 year period.
• Special issue of the scientific journal “International Journal of Nursing Science” dedicated to RN4CAST
• Drafting and co-authoring a synthesis document presenting and comparing the conclusions of the data analyses across countries, with possible Europewide conclusions.
• An observatory book bringing together a sample of country case studies and contextual contribution of nursing in the quality of care.
• An RN4CAST International Conference (Basel, Switzerland, September 2012)

3.4. Challenges and proactive strategies

There are series of additional challenges that needed to be tackled since the beginning of such a large scale study and were seen as of great importance for the success of the project, with proactive thinking and timely decision making.

One of the issues to be faced during the implementation of the study include the individualized inspection and confrontation of obstacles during data collection, that was mainly due to bureaucracy in the process of permissions (external issues) or due to specific nursing job conditions within hospital departments (internal issues). Another issue that was tackled successfully has been the coherence of national procedures in European level and the specification of feasible deadlines taking into account differences across countries. Also was identified the challenge to gain information of added value for Europe, by aggregating the national survey results through a powerful data analysis model.

It is quite evident that such a large scale multi-country project with many ambitious partners actively working hard for the success of RN4CAST requires a sensible and democratic communication and auditing strategy. This strategy should aim to support the consortium in order to work based on an agreed consensus rather than on decisions through an informal email communication. For this purpose, an “one” (coordinator/Work Package leader) to “many” (partners) communication scheme was followed for key communication issues such as deadlines and core activities, while dissemination issues were more open in the sense of working within an online email forum.

4. DISCUSSION

The experience from the participation within the RN4CAST consortium indicates that the requirements for the successful management of a multi country, multicentered large scale research crosses two different levels of challenges. Other than successful financing, mobilization and reporting to the commission, which mainly refer to the project administration, there are challenges directly addressing the content and methodology of the research itself. These challenges address the methods of the survey, data harmonization issues, data collection, multi-level data analysis modeling and finally dissemination of the results, to give added value to the individual national surveys, in EU level. Specific proactive strategies in order to tackle individual shortcomings and communication with partners are also important to safeguard the coherence of the survey and its scientific basis.

5. CONCLUSION

The authors of this paper stress the importance of above mentioned challenges, identifying them as key factors for the validity of the survey results and the scientific quality of large scale surveys, such as the RN4CAST survey.

Acknowledgements

RN4CAST is a three year project funded under the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Program FP7-HEALTH-2007-B.

RN4CAST is coordinated by the Centre for Health Services & Nursing Research at the Catholic University Leuven. University of Pennsylvania, USA, contributes with its specialized research expertise derived from previous international research. Many thanks to the principal investigators of the RN4CAST consortium: Walter Sermeus, Linda Aiken, Koen Van den Heede, Luk Bruyneel Tomasz Brzostek, Reinhard Busse, Maria Teresa Casbas, Sabina De Geest, Peter Griffiths, Juha Kinnunen, Anne Matthews, Anne-Marie Rafferty, Carol Tischelman, and Theo Van Achterberg and to all RN4CAST partners.

Conflict of interest

None declared.

3 Common Research Management Challenges

Effective research management isn’t easy; mapping out the associated challenges and identifying the ones that have the biggest impact on your organization are the first steps to solving them.

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But before organizations can manage their insights, they have to conduct the research to generate them first. And we’ve come to find that for many companies, this process of research management still has a lot of room for improvement. 

That’s why in this article, I’ll be breaking down the top three research management challenges and exploring some examples of them.

Common challenge No. 1: Lack of automation

While the research management process is not the only business area that frequently lacks automation, the complexity of the projects being managed and the number of stakeholders involved can make it seem like automation isn’t feasible. 

But that’s a misconception. Because while research projects are complex, they still involve a lot of routine, repetitive tasks that software can actually do. Far too much of the research management process is often still done manually, creating inefficiencies and taking up time that could be better allocated.

For example, all research-related documents that can be templated should. Otherwise, teams from across the organization might be wasting time reinventing the wheel when they formulate briefs, RFP documents or other study materials. And on top of time wasted, this can also lead to inconsistencies across research projects.

Without the right technological support, centralizing all the elements of your research program, let alone within an individual project, is nearly a full-time job in and of itself. But it’s an essential task; otherwise, key details risk falling through the cracks, incurring delays and subsequent extra costs. 

Common challenge No. 2: Lack of transparency

This second challenge builds on the first. If centralizing or sharing information related to a research project is too difficult or time-consuming, then it’s naturally going to be challenging to understand what’s going on and what isn’t. 

Lack of transparency might manifest as not having a single view on the budget, siloed vendor management or limited experience sharing across teams and departments, among other things. In any of these situations, inefficiencies and redundancies are likely. For example, with no single view on budget status, it’s harder to manage resources and be agile in short-term planning.

Or in the case of siloed vendor management, regionally distributed teams might be paying more than they have to at local branches of a research agency because they’re unaware of a general agreement with that agency on a global level.

In other words, a lack of transparency can quickly incur excess costs. 

Common challenge No. 3: Lack of integration

Finally, you have a lack of integration, which is often the result of one or both of the first two challenges. 

This is when research has been conducted, but it isn’t consistently integrated into the decisions an organization is making. 

It might look like finished research being difficult to find, research becoming outdated because the time from idea to action takes too long, research being duplicated and, in the most extreme situations, not being taken into account when making decisions at all.

In all cases, it means that research spend does not yield a high return on investment. 

One way to help to combat this challenge is to ensure that your organization has a centralized repository where everyone can quickly access insights when they need to find them. But it’s also a matter of ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are notified when new research has been published. Knowledge sharing on the organizational level is complex, and requires a thoughtful, multi-faceted approach. 

For more effective research management, start by looking inward

Before you can address the challenges above, it’s important to evaluate which ones are most prevalent at your company and what form they take. Or perhaps you identify a research management challenge that I didn’t manage to fit into this article (I admit this was just the shortlist). 

And of course, the right solution is never just tech. Solving complex challenges like ineffective research management will always require a combination of tools, people, processes and creativity.

Anyone who tells you otherwise is trying to sell you something. 

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Handbook of Philosophy of Management pp 183–202 Cite as

Problematizing the Relation Between Management Research and Practice

• Benjamin Grossmann-Hensel 4 &
• David Seidl 4  
• Reference work entry
• First Online: 02 December 2022

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Part of the book series: Handbooks in Philosophy ((HP))

The epistemological question of how management research can impact management practice is of central concern to management scholars. This question has been the subject of a long-standing discussion about the status of management studies as an applied science, the so-called relevance debate. In this chapter, we discuss the relation between management research and practice from the perspective of the “descriptive” stream of the practical relevance literature, analyzing the forms and conditions of practical relevance in epistemological terms. Drawing on Niklas Luhmann’s sociology of science, we start with a characterization of research as self-referential communication and discuss its most fundamental implication for the question of practical relevance: the impossibility of a linear transfer of research results to practice. Based on this, we discuss the ways in which management research can impact management practice and indicate a number of implications for the relation between research and practice.

• Practical relevance
• Management research
• Sociology of science
• Transferability
• Niklas Luhmann

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Grossmann-Hensel, B., Seidl, D. (2022). Problematizing the Relation Between Management Research and Practice. In: Neesham, C., Reihlen, M., Schoeneborn, D. (eds) Handbook of Philosophy of Management. Handbooks in Philosophy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76606-1_57

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Methodological Issues in Management Research: Advances, Challenges, and the Way Ahead

Table of contents, the methodological domain in management research.

The introductory paper begins with the issue about the relevance of research in management. It emphasizes the need for scholars to adopt methodologies best suited to the research problem of their choice. This paper contains sections on the nature of management research, dominant research paradigms, the methodological domain, quantitative versus qualitative research, and triangulation in using multiple methodologies. The paper provides a background to the purpose of the book and summarizes in brief the purpose of each the subsequent papers.

Reviewing the Literature

Management research is a discipline characterized by heterogeneity in viewpoints, the application of research to real-life problems in the organization and the multidisciplinary nature of research problems. The need for a good literature review is paramount in doctoral dissertations with a view to justifying research agendas and help interested scholars use synthesized organization of extant work. The paper aims to provide an overview of the types of review, pointers for effective review, evaluating sources of information, referencing the sources cited, and avoidance of plagiarism in writing literature reviews. The paper is intended to make doctoral scholars understand the importance of literature reviews, the organization and synthesis of ideas involved, and the rigor in detailing references and avoiding plagiarism to increase the quality of the finished output.

Purpose and Process of Research

This chapter explains the “reason” and “procedure” of research. It also pertains to the substances of undertaking research including hypothesis building, conceptual framework, and theory advancement. It is intended to serve as a fundamental resource to equip the researcher with a manual for research.

Research Design

This paper covers different types of research designs, like, longitudinal, cross-section and sequential design, experimental design (including factorial experimental design), and correlational design, with illustrative examples. This paper will help a scholar to know how choice of research design depends on a number of parameters, highlighted by author.

Questionnaire Design

This chapter covers the attributes of a well-designed questionnaire and on how to adopt a framework for developing questionnaires. Different types of questionnaires are discussed exhaustively, with tips on structure, procedures, and standard format examples. The author gives an elaborate example of a survey questionnaire, closely related to one of his major research project.

Qualitative Interviewing

Much qualitative research is interview based, and this paper provides an outline of qualitative interview techniques. This paper explains the rationale for using interviewing as a qualitative technique. Various types of qualitative interviews, seven stages of interviewing, preparations needed for conducting interview as well as the skills of interviewers are discussed.

Focus Group Discussions

In this paper on focus group discussion (FGD), the author reviews the origins of FGD during World War II to its current usages, epistemological positions underpinning FGDs that shape its design and implementation including composition and group size, competencies required for facilitators, recruitment of participants, recording and transcribing FGDs, technology-supported virtual group designs, and ethical considerations of data collection in a social setting.

Quantitative Data Analysis

This paper is the main section on quantitative data analysis. It explains the concepts at a greater detail to help non-Math/Stat scholars to understand the basics easily. Proper data analysis is critical to any research. If data are not properly analyzed, then it may give results which either cannot be properly interpreted or wrongly interpreted. This section covers univariate, multivariate analysis and then, factor analysis, cluster analysis, conjoint analysis, and multidimensional scaling (MDS) techniques.

Testing of Hypothesis: Concepts and Applications

Testing of hypothesis, also known as sample-testing, is a common feature with almost every social and management research. We draw conclusion on population (characteristics) based on available sample information, following certain statistical principles. This paper will introduce the fundamental concepts with suitable examples, mostly in Indian context. This section is expected to help scholar readers, to learn, how hypothesis tests for differences means (or proportions) take different forms, depending on whether the samples are large or small; and also to appreciate hypothesis-testing techniques, on how it could be used in similar decision-making situations, elsewhere.

Nature of Qualitative Research

Current paper is an overview of qualitative research. It starts with discussing meaning of research and links it with a framework of experiential learning. Complexity of socio-political environment can be captured with methodologies appropriate to capture dynamism and intricacy of human life. Qualitative research is a process of capturing lived-in experiences of individuals, groups, and society. It is an umbrella concept which involves variety of methods of data collection such as interviews, observations, focused group discussions, projective tools, drawings, narratives, biographies, videos, and anything which helps to understand world of participants. Researcher is an instrument of data collection and plays a crucial role in collecting data. Main steps and key characteristics of qualitative research are covered in this paper. Reader would develop appreciation for methodiness in qualitative research. Quality of qualitative research is explained referring to aspects related to rigor, worthiness of topic in interpretivist research. This paper presents challenges of qualitative research in terms of thinking of qualitative research, doing of qualitative research, and trustworthiness.

Case Study Research

Case study research, most often associated with qualitative inquiry has gained significance as an effective approach to investigate complex issues in real-world settings. Conducting case research is considered to be appropriate when a contemporary phenomenon is to be studied. This chapter covers all related concepts, relating to this unique method of research. The focus is on bringing about rigor in case study research.

Grounded Theory: A Method of Research Inquiry

Grounded theory (GT) is a very crucial qualitative tool in research inquiry. It embraces systematic, inductive, and comparative inquiry method to construct a theory. GT is mostly appropriate to investigate organizational phenomena, which involves a change process. In this chapter, the authors focus on the emergence of GT as a research inquiry tool with the focus how GT evolves from classis grounded theory to constructivist ground theory. In the detailed method of GT, a focus is given on coding method along with theoretical sampling and theoretical saturation points. Despite being a powerful technique, GT has drawn a number of criticisms. Majority GT researchers consider the technique as an inductive method with a few exceptions, where it has been deliberated as a deductive method. However, in the line of Corley (2015), it can be argued that GT should be considered as a methodological approach to study inductive phenomena having less understanding of theoretical perspective. Chapter concludes with identifying future scope of study in the field of GT.

Supplementary Research Methods: DEA, ISM, AHP and Non-Parametric Statistics

This chapter introduces four research methods that are not covered in the previous chapters. They are (1) non-parametric statistics, (2) interpretive structural modeling, (3) analytic hierarchy process, and (4) data envelopment analysis. The methods are discussed with examples. The discussion, however, is introductory; so we urge the reader to go through the pertinent references for details.

Chapter 14: Special Section: Sample Research Papers

Working with second-order construct in measurement model: an illustration using empirical data.

With human resource (HR) roles evolving to encompass wider responsibilities, HR decision-making in organizations has become more complex than ever. This has compelled researchers in the area to move beyond simplistic models to testing models that involve studying the relationship between multiple independent and dependent variables in the presence of moderators and mediators, in order to make relevant contribution to managerial decision-making. Thus, research in the field is heavily dependent on multivariate techniques that can run several regressions simultaneously and can study the influence of one variable on the other, in presence of the other variables in the model. Structural equation modeling is the most widely used multivariate technique and involves two phases – measurement model to test reliability and validity of study constructs and structural model that involves path diagrams to test the causal relationships between these constructs. At times, however, the researcher might run into trouble with validity issues of constructs in the measurement model; especially when dimensions of a larger construct are used as independent constructs in the study. Introducing a second-order construct in such a case could be the solution to proceed further. Using empirical data, this chater illustrates the case of such a problematic measurement model and details the research methodology of introducing and working with a second-order construct in a step-wise manner, starting with an exploratory factor analysis and subsequently, moving toward a confirmatory factor analysis, highlighting the best practices to be followed while using these statistical techniques.

Role of Self-Congruity in Predicting Travel Intention

Purpose of this study was to understand intention of tourists to visit a destination by exploring factors related to destination image and self-congruity of tourists with destination image. A quantitative survey-based methodology was employed for gathering data. Study used a convenience sample of 225 students and faculty members from a leading university in India. Regression analysis was carried out for testing the main effect and moderation impact. The results revealed that cognitive destination image and self-congruity had a direct impact on destination image. However, the results did not establish a moderating effect of self-congruity on relationship between destination image and return intention. The study findings have direct implication for destination marketing managers for drafting a positioning strategy for their destinations.

Structural Equation Modeling: Threshold Criteria for Assessing Model Fit

Nowadays, structural equation modeling is a buzz word in the arena of research in management, social sciences, and other equivalent fields. Although the theoretical base bears its significance in building the measurement and structural models, assessing different goodness-of-fit indices (GOFI) equally retains its importance for model validity and conformity. There are various alternative GOFI available for the researchers and the threshold values of each differ. The present paper discussed all the well-accepted and reported GOFI and their threshold value, which will be a great help to researchers and practitioners who use structural equation modeling in research. The author has also presented the different GOF values and validity results of her current research carried out in an Indian power transmission organization in Odisha, India.

Socio-economic Development Disparity in India: An Inter-state Analysis

Socio-economic development is multi-faceted. The major facets consist of: income, level of education, level of health, quality of infrastructure, sex ratio, level of employment, industrial and agricultural development, and so on. In India, the progress of socio-economic development among the states is not even. This study makes a modest attempt to measure the socio-economic development among the states of India and highlight the disparity among them. In the same line of thought, a composite index based on several facets of socio-economic development has been developed in a holistic manner and the states are arranged accordingly based on the indices. Instead of studying the disparity of a particular facet across states, a composite index is a better measure. This study has utilized the varied dimensions of socio-economic development and a taxonomic approach to construct a composite index without making any assumptions on the raw data. The findings of the study also support the general perception of large disparity in socio-economic development status of the states in India.

Stages and Methods for Cleaning Large Secondary Data Using R

Data, either in primary or secondary form, represent the core strength of quantitative research. However, there is significant difference between collected data and the final researchable data. The data collection is driven by objectives of the research. The data also could be in various formats at different sources. The collected data in its original form may contain systematic and random errors. Such errors need to be cleaned from the data which is termed as data cleaning process.

The present chapter discusses about the different methodologies and steps that may be helpful for fine tuning the data into researchable format. The discussions are instantiated with the applications of methodologies on a set of financial data of companies listed in Bombay Stock Exchange. Various steps involved in transformation of collected data to researchable data are presented. A schematic model including data collection, data cleaning, working with variables, outlier treatment, testing the assumption of statistical test, normality, and heteroscedasticity is presented for the benefit of research scholars. Beyond this generic model, this paper focuses exclusively on financial data of listed companies in the Bombay Stock Exchange. The challenges involved in various sources, data gathering and other pre-analysis stages are also considered. This is also applicable for research based on secondary data sources in other fields as well.

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Home » Research Problem – Examples, Types and Guide

Research Problem – Examples, Types and Guide

Table of Contents

Research Problem

Definition:

Research problem is a specific and well-defined issue or question that a researcher seeks to investigate through research. It is the starting point of any research project, as it sets the direction, scope, and purpose of the study.

Types of Research Problems

Types of Research Problems are as follows:

Descriptive problems

These problems involve describing or documenting a particular phenomenon, event, or situation. For example, a researcher might investigate the demographics of a particular population, such as their age, gender, income, and education.

Exploratory problems

These problems are designed to explore a particular topic or issue in depth, often with the goal of generating new ideas or hypotheses. For example, a researcher might explore the factors that contribute to job satisfaction among employees in a particular industry.

Explanatory Problems

These problems seek to explain why a particular phenomenon or event occurs, and they typically involve testing hypotheses or theories. For example, a researcher might investigate the relationship between exercise and mental health, with the goal of determining whether exercise has a causal effect on mental health.

Predictive Problems

These problems involve making predictions or forecasts about future events or trends. For example, a researcher might investigate the factors that predict future success in a particular field or industry.

Evaluative Problems

These problems involve assessing the effectiveness of a particular intervention, program, or policy. For example, a researcher might evaluate the impact of a new teaching method on student learning outcomes.

How to Define a Research Problem

Defining a research problem involves identifying a specific question or issue that a researcher seeks to address through a research study. Here are the steps to follow when defining a research problem:

• Identify a broad research topic : Start by identifying a broad topic that you are interested in researching. This could be based on your personal interests, observations, or gaps in the existing literature.
• Conduct a literature review : Once you have identified a broad topic, conduct a thorough literature review to identify the current state of knowledge in the field. This will help you identify gaps or inconsistencies in the existing research that can be addressed through your study.
• Refine the research question: Based on the gaps or inconsistencies identified in the literature review, refine your research question to a specific, clear, and well-defined problem statement. Your research question should be feasible, relevant, and important to the field of study.
• Develop a hypothesis: Based on the research question, develop a hypothesis that states the expected relationship between variables.
• Define the scope and limitations: Clearly define the scope and limitations of your research problem. This will help you focus your study and ensure that your research objectives are achievable.
• Get feedback: Get feedback from your advisor or colleagues to ensure that your research problem is clear, feasible, and relevant to the field of study.

Components of a Research Problem

The components of a research problem typically include the following:

• Topic : The general subject or area of interest that the research will explore.
• Research Question : A clear and specific question that the research seeks to answer or investigate.
• Objective : A statement that describes the purpose of the research, what it aims to achieve, and the expected outcomes.
• Hypothesis : An educated guess or prediction about the relationship between variables, which is tested during the research.
• Variables : The factors or elements that are being studied, measured, or manipulated in the research.
• Methodology : The overall approach and methods that will be used to conduct the research.
• Scope and Limitations : A description of the boundaries and parameters of the research, including what will be included and excluded, and any potential constraints or limitations.
• Significance: A statement that explains the potential value or impact of the research, its contribution to the field of study, and how it will add to the existing knowledge.

Research Problem Examples

Following are some Research Problem Examples:

Research Problem Examples in Psychology are as follows:

• Exploring the impact of social media on adolescent mental health.
• Investigating the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for treating anxiety disorders.
• Studying the impact of prenatal stress on child development outcomes.
• Analyzing the factors that contribute to addiction and relapse in substance abuse treatment.
• Examining the impact of personality traits on romantic relationships.

Research Problem Examples in Sociology are as follows:

• Investigating the relationship between social support and mental health outcomes in marginalized communities.
• Studying the impact of globalization on labor markets and employment opportunities.
• Analyzing the causes and consequences of gentrification in urban neighborhoods.
• Investigating the impact of family structure on social mobility and economic outcomes.
• Examining the effects of social capital on community development and resilience.

Research Problem Examples in Economics are as follows:

• Studying the effects of trade policies on economic growth and development.
• Analyzing the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on labor markets and employment opportunities.
• Investigating the factors that contribute to economic inequality and poverty.
• Examining the impact of fiscal and monetary policies on inflation and economic stability.
• Studying the relationship between education and economic outcomes, such as income and employment.

Political Science

Research Problem Examples in Political Science are as follows:

• Analyzing the causes and consequences of political polarization and partisan behavior.
• Investigating the impact of social movements on political change and policymaking.
• Studying the role of media and communication in shaping public opinion and political discourse.
• Examining the effectiveness of electoral systems in promoting democratic governance and representation.
• Investigating the impact of international organizations and agreements on global governance and security.

Environmental Science

Research Problem Examples in Environmental Science are as follows:

• Studying the impact of air pollution on human health and well-being.
• Investigating the effects of deforestation on climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Analyzing the impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and food webs.
• Studying the relationship between urban development and ecological resilience.
• Examining the effectiveness of environmental policies and regulations in promoting sustainability and conservation.

Research Problem Examples in Education are as follows:

• Investigating the impact of teacher training and professional development on student learning outcomes.
• Studying the effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning in promoting student engagement and achievement.
• Analyzing the factors that contribute to achievement gaps and educational inequality.
• Examining the impact of parental involvement on student motivation and achievement.
• Studying the effectiveness of alternative educational models, such as homeschooling and online learning.

Research Problem Examples in History are as follows:

• Analyzing the social and economic factors that contributed to the rise and fall of ancient civilizations.
• Investigating the impact of colonialism on indigenous societies and cultures.
• Studying the role of religion in shaping political and social movements throughout history.
• Analyzing the impact of the Industrial Revolution on economic and social structures.
• Examining the causes and consequences of global conflicts, such as World War I and II.

Research Problem Examples in Business are as follows:

• Studying the impact of corporate social responsibility on brand reputation and consumer behavior.
• Investigating the effectiveness of leadership development programs in improving organizational performance and employee satisfaction.
• Analyzing the factors that contribute to successful entrepreneurship and small business development.
• Examining the impact of mergers and acquisitions on market competition and consumer welfare.
• Studying the effectiveness of marketing strategies and advertising campaigns in promoting brand awareness and sales.

Research Problem Example for Students

An Example of a Research Problem for Students could be:

“How does social media usage affect the academic performance of high school students?”

This research problem is specific, measurable, and relevant. It is specific because it focuses on a particular area of interest, which is the impact of social media on academic performance. It is measurable because the researcher can collect data on social media usage and academic performance to evaluate the relationship between the two variables. It is relevant because it addresses a current and important issue that affects high school students.

To conduct research on this problem, the researcher could use various methods, such as surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis of academic records. The results of the study could provide insights into the relationship between social media usage and academic performance, which could help educators and parents develop effective strategies for managing social media use among students.

Another example of a research problem for students:

“Does participation in extracurricular activities impact the academic performance of middle school students?”

This research problem is also specific, measurable, and relevant. It is specific because it focuses on a particular type of activity, extracurricular activities, and its impact on academic performance. It is measurable because the researcher can collect data on students’ participation in extracurricular activities and their academic performance to evaluate the relationship between the two variables. It is relevant because extracurricular activities are an essential part of the middle school experience, and their impact on academic performance is a topic of interest to educators and parents.

To conduct research on this problem, the researcher could use surveys, interviews, and academic records analysis. The results of the study could provide insights into the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance, which could help educators and parents make informed decisions about the types of activities that are most beneficial for middle school students.

Applications of Research Problem

Applications of Research Problem are as follows:

• Academic research: Research problems are used to guide academic research in various fields, including social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and engineering. Researchers use research problems to identify gaps in knowledge, address theoretical or practical problems, and explore new areas of study.
• Business research : Research problems are used to guide business research, including market research, consumer behavior research, and organizational research. Researchers use research problems to identify business challenges, explore opportunities, and develop strategies for business growth and success.
• Healthcare research : Research problems are used to guide healthcare research, including medical research, clinical research, and health services research. Researchers use research problems to identify healthcare challenges, develop new treatments and interventions, and improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
• Public policy research : Research problems are used to guide public policy research, including policy analysis, program evaluation, and policy development. Researchers use research problems to identify social issues, assess the effectiveness of existing policies and programs, and develop new policies and programs to address societal challenges.
• Environmental research : Research problems are used to guide environmental research, including environmental science, ecology, and environmental management. Researchers use research problems to identify environmental challenges, assess the impact of human activities on the environment, and develop sustainable solutions to protect the environment.

Purpose of Research Problems

The purpose of research problems is to identify an area of study that requires further investigation and to formulate a clear, concise and specific research question. A research problem defines the specific issue or problem that needs to be addressed and serves as the foundation for the research project.

Identifying a research problem is important because it helps to establish the direction of the research and sets the stage for the research design, methods, and analysis. It also ensures that the research is relevant and contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field.

A well-formulated research problem should:

• Clearly define the specific issue or problem that needs to be investigated
• Be specific and narrow enough to be manageable in terms of time, resources, and scope
• Be relevant to the field of study and contribute to the existing body of knowledge
• Be feasible and realistic in terms of available data, resources, and research methods
• Be interesting and intellectually stimulating for the researcher and potential readers or audiences.

Characteristics of Research Problem

The characteristics of a research problem refer to the specific features that a problem must possess to qualify as a suitable research topic. Some of the key characteristics of a research problem are:

• Clarity : A research problem should be clearly defined and stated in a way that it is easily understood by the researcher and other readers. The problem should be specific, unambiguous, and easy to comprehend.
• Relevance : A research problem should be relevant to the field of study, and it should contribute to the existing body of knowledge. The problem should address a gap in knowledge, a theoretical or practical problem, or a real-world issue that requires further investigation.
• Feasibility : A research problem should be feasible in terms of the availability of data, resources, and research methods. It should be realistic and practical to conduct the study within the available time, budget, and resources.
• Novelty : A research problem should be novel or original in some way. It should represent a new or innovative perspective on an existing problem, or it should explore a new area of study or apply an existing theory to a new context.
• Importance : A research problem should be important or significant in terms of its potential impact on the field or society. It should have the potential to produce new knowledge, advance existing theories, or address a pressing societal issue.
• Manageability : A research problem should be manageable in terms of its scope and complexity. It should be specific enough to be investigated within the available time and resources, and it should be broad enough to provide meaningful results.

Advantages of Research Problem

The advantages of a well-defined research problem are as follows:

• Focus : A research problem provides a clear and focused direction for the research study. It ensures that the study stays on track and does not deviate from the research question.
• Clarity : A research problem provides clarity and specificity to the research question. It ensures that the research is not too broad or too narrow and that the research objectives are clearly defined.
• Relevance : A research problem ensures that the research study is relevant to the field of study and contributes to the existing body of knowledge. It addresses gaps in knowledge, theoretical or practical problems, or real-world issues that require further investigation.
• Feasibility : A research problem ensures that the research study is feasible in terms of the availability of data, resources, and research methods. It ensures that the research is realistic and practical to conduct within the available time, budget, and resources.
• Novelty : A research problem ensures that the research study is original and innovative. It represents a new or unique perspective on an existing problem, explores a new area of study, or applies an existing theory to a new context.
• Importance : A research problem ensures that the research study is important and significant in terms of its potential impact on the field or society. It has the potential to produce new knowledge, advance existing theories, or address a pressing societal issue.
• Rigor : A research problem ensures that the research study is rigorous and follows established research methods and practices. It ensures that the research is conducted in a systematic, objective, and unbiased manner.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper

• The Research Problem/Question
• Purpose of Guide
• Design Flaws to Avoid
• Independent and Dependent Variables
• Glossary of Research Terms
• Reading Research Effectively
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
• Academic Writing Style
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
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• Research Process Video Series
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• Background Information
• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
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• Evaluating Sources
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• Scholarly vs. Popular Publications
• Qualitative Methods
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A research problem is a definite or clear expression [statement] about an area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practice that points to a need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. A research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question. In the social and behavioral sciences, studies are most often framed around examining a problem that needs to be understood and resolved in order to improve society and the human condition.

Bryman, Alan. “The Research Question in Social Research: What is its Role?” International Journal of Social Research Methodology 10 (2007): 5-20; Guba, Egon G., and Yvonna S. Lincoln. “Competing Paradigms in Qualitative Research.” In Handbook of Qualitative Research . Norman K. Denzin and Yvonna S. Lincoln, editors. (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 1994), pp. 105-117; Pardede, Parlindungan. “Identifying and Formulating the Research Problem." Research in ELT: Module 4 (October 2018): 1-13; Li, Yanmei, and Sumei Zhang. "Identifying the Research Problem." In Applied Research Methods in Urban and Regional Planning . (Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2022), pp. 13-21.

Importance of...

The purpose of a problem statement is to:

• Introduce the reader to the importance of the topic being studied . The reader is oriented to the significance of the study.
• Anchors the research questions, hypotheses, or assumptions to follow . It offers a concise statement about the purpose of your paper.
• Place the topic into a particular context that defines the parameters of what is to be investigated.
• Provide the framework for reporting the results and indicates what is probably necessary to conduct the study and explain how the findings will present this information.

In the social sciences, the research problem establishes the means by which you must answer the "So What?" question. This declarative question refers to a research problem surviving the relevancy test [the quality of a measurement procedure that provides repeatability and accuracy]. Note that answering the "So What?" question requires a commitment on your part to not only show that you have reviewed the literature, but that you have thoroughly considered the significance of the research problem and its implications applied to creating new knowledge and understanding or informing practice.

To survive the "So What" question, problem statements should possess the following attributes:

• Clarity and precision [a well-written statement does not make sweeping generalizations and irresponsible pronouncements; it also does include unspecific determinates like "very" or "giant"],
• Demonstrate a researchable topic or issue [i.e., feasibility of conducting the study is based upon access to information that can be effectively acquired, gathered, interpreted, synthesized, and understood],
• Identification of what would be studied, while avoiding the use of value-laden words and terms,
• Identification of an overarching question or small set of questions accompanied by key factors or variables,
• Identification of key concepts and terms,
• Articulation of the study's conceptual boundaries or parameters or limitations,
• Some generalizability in regards to applicability and bringing results into general use,
• Conveyance of the study's importance, benefits, and justification [i.e., regardless of the type of research, it is important to demonstrate that the research is not trivial],
• Does not have unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentence constructions; and,
• Conveyance of more than the mere gathering of descriptive data providing only a snapshot of the issue or phenomenon under investigation.

Bryman, Alan. “The Research Question in Social Research: What is its Role?” International Journal of Social Research Methodology 10 (2007): 5-20; Brown, Perry J., Allen Dyer, and Ross S. Whaley. "Recreation Research—So What?" Journal of Leisure Research 5 (1973): 16-24; Castellanos, Susie. Critical Writing and Thinking. The Writing Center. Dean of the College. Brown University; Ellis, Timothy J. and Yair Levy Nova. "Framework of Problem-Based Research: A Guide for Novice Researchers on the Development of a Research-Worthy Problem." Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline 11 (2008); Thesis and Purpose Statements. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Thesis Statements. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Selwyn, Neil. "‘So What?’…A Question that Every Journal Article Needs to Answer." Learning, Media, and Technology 39 (2014): 1-5; Shoket, Mohd. "Research Problem: Identification and Formulation." International Journal of Research 1 (May 2014): 512-518.

Structure and Writing Style

I.  Types and Content

There are four general conceptualizations of a research problem in the social sciences:

• Casuist Research Problem -- this type of problem relates to the determination of right and wrong in questions of conduct or conscience by analyzing moral dilemmas through the application of general rules and the careful distinction of special cases.
• Difference Research Problem -- typically asks the question, “Is there a difference between two or more groups or treatments?” This type of problem statement is used when the researcher compares or contrasts two or more phenomena. This a common approach to defining a problem in the clinical social sciences or behavioral sciences.
• Descriptive Research Problem -- typically asks the question, "what is...?" with the underlying purpose to describe the significance of a situation, state, or existence of a specific phenomenon. This problem is often associated with revealing hidden or understudied issues.
• Relational Research Problem -- suggests a relationship of some sort between two or more variables to be investigated. The underlying purpose is to investigate specific qualities or characteristics that may be connected in some way.

A problem statement in the social sciences should contain :

• A lead-in that helps ensure the reader will maintain interest over the study,
• A declaration of originality [e.g., mentioning a knowledge void or a lack of clarity about a topic that will be revealed in the literature review of prior research],
• An indication of the central focus of the study [establishing the boundaries of analysis], and
• An explanation of the study's significance or the benefits to be derived from investigating the research problem.

NOTE :   A statement describing the research problem of your paper should not be viewed as a thesis statement that you may be familiar with from high school. Given the content listed above, a description of the research problem is usually a short paragraph in length.

II.  Sources of Problems for Investigation

The identification of a problem to study can be challenging, not because there's a lack of issues that could be investigated, but due to the challenge of formulating an academically relevant and researchable problem which is unique and does not simply duplicate the work of others. To facilitate how you might select a problem from which to build a research study, consider these sources of inspiration:

Deductions from Theory This relates to deductions made from social philosophy or generalizations embodied in life and in society that the researcher is familiar with. These deductions from human behavior are then placed within an empirical frame of reference through research. From a theory, the researcher can formulate a research problem or hypothesis stating the expected findings in certain empirical situations. The research asks the question: “What relationship between variables will be observed if theory aptly summarizes the state of affairs?” One can then design and carry out a systematic investigation to assess whether empirical data confirm or reject the hypothesis, and hence, the theory.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives Identifying a problem that forms the basis for a research study can come from academic movements and scholarship originating in disciplines outside of your primary area of study. This can be an intellectually stimulating exercise. A review of pertinent literature should include examining research from related disciplines that can reveal new avenues of exploration and analysis. An interdisciplinary approach to selecting a research problem offers an opportunity to construct a more comprehensive understanding of a very complex issue that any single discipline may be able to provide.

Interviewing Practitioners The identification of research problems about particular topics can arise from formal interviews or informal discussions with practitioners who provide insight into new directions for future research and how to make research findings more relevant to practice. Discussions with experts in the field, such as, teachers, social workers, health care providers, lawyers, business leaders, etc., offers the chance to identify practical, “real world” problems that may be understudied or ignored within academic circles. This approach also provides some practical knowledge which may help in the process of designing and conducting your study.

Personal Experience Don't undervalue your everyday experiences or encounters as worthwhile problems for investigation. Think critically about your own experiences and/or frustrations with an issue facing society or related to your community, your neighborhood, your family, or your personal life. This can be derived, for example, from deliberate observations of certain relationships for which there is no clear explanation or witnessing an event that appears harmful to a person or group or that is out of the ordinary.

Relevant Literature The selection of a research problem can be derived from a thorough review of pertinent research associated with your overall area of interest. This may reveal where gaps exist in understanding a topic or where an issue has been understudied. Research may be conducted to: 1) fill such gaps in knowledge; 2) evaluate if the methodologies employed in prior studies can be adapted to solve other problems; or, 3) determine if a similar study could be conducted in a different subject area or applied in a different context or to different study sample [i.e., different setting or different group of people]. Also, authors frequently conclude their studies by noting implications for further research; read the conclusion of pertinent studies because statements about further research can be a valuable source for identifying new problems to investigate. The fact that a researcher has identified a topic worthy of further exploration validates the fact it is worth pursuing.

III.  What Makes a Good Research Statement?

A good problem statement begins by introducing the broad area in which your research is centered, gradually leading the reader to the more specific issues you are investigating. The statement need not be lengthy, but a good research problem should incorporate the following features:

1.  Compelling Topic The problem chosen should be one that motivates you to address it but simple curiosity is not a good enough reason to pursue a research study because this does not indicate significance. The problem that you choose to explore must be important to you, but it must also be viewed as important by your readers and to a the larger academic and/or social community that could be impacted by the results of your study. 2.  Supports Multiple Perspectives The problem must be phrased in a way that avoids dichotomies and instead supports the generation and exploration of multiple perspectives. A general rule of thumb in the social sciences is that a good research problem is one that would generate a variety of viewpoints from a composite audience made up of reasonable people. 3.  Researchability This isn't a real word but it represents an important aspect of creating a good research statement. It seems a bit obvious, but you don't want to find yourself in the midst of investigating a complex research project and realize that you don't have enough prior research to draw from for your analysis. There's nothing inherently wrong with original research, but you must choose research problems that can be supported, in some way, by the resources available to you. If you are not sure if something is researchable, don't assume that it isn't if you don't find information right away--seek help from a librarian !

NOTE:   Do not confuse a research problem with a research topic. A topic is something to read and obtain information about, whereas a problem is something to be solved or framed as a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution, or explained as a source of perplexity, distress, or vexation. In short, a research topic is something to be understood; a research problem is something that needs to be investigated.

IV.  Asking Analytical Questions about the Research Problem

Research problems in the social and behavioral sciences are often analyzed around critical questions that must be investigated. These questions can be explicitly listed in the introduction [i.e., "This study addresses three research questions about women's psychological recovery from domestic abuse in multi-generational home settings..."], or, the questions are implied in the text as specific areas of study related to the research problem. Explicitly listing your research questions at the end of your introduction can help in designing a clear roadmap of what you plan to address in your study, whereas, implicitly integrating them into the text of the introduction allows you to create a more compelling narrative around the key issues under investigation. Either approach is appropriate.

The number of questions you attempt to address should be based on the complexity of the problem you are investigating and what areas of inquiry you find most critical to study. Practical considerations, such as, the length of the paper you are writing or the availability of resources to analyze the issue can also factor in how many questions to ask. In general, however, there should be no more than four research questions underpinning a single research problem.

Given this, well-developed analytical questions can focus on any of the following:

• Highlights a genuine dilemma, area of ambiguity, or point of confusion about a topic open to interpretation by your readers;
• Yields an answer that is unexpected and not obvious rather than inevitable and self-evident;
• Provokes meaningful thought or discussion;
• Raises the visibility of the key ideas or concepts that may be understudied or hidden;
• Suggests the need for complex analysis or argument rather than a basic description or summary; and,
• Offers a specific path of inquiry that avoids eliciting generalizations about the problem.

NOTE:   Questions of how and why concerning a research problem often require more analysis than questions about who, what, where, and when. You should still ask yourself these latter questions, however. Thinking introspectively about the who, what, where, and when of a research problem can help ensure that you have thoroughly considered all aspects of the problem under investigation and helps define the scope of the study in relation to the problem.

V.  Mistakes to Avoid

Beware of circular reasoning! Do not state the research problem as simply the absence of the thing you are suggesting. For example, if you propose the following, "The problem in this community is that there is no hospital," this only leads to a research problem where:

• The need is for a hospital
• The objective is to create a hospital
• The method is to plan for building a hospital, and
• The evaluation is to measure if there is a hospital or not.

This is an example of a research problem that fails the "So What?" test . In this example, the problem does not reveal the relevance of why you are investigating the fact there is no hospital in the community [e.g., perhaps there's a hospital in the community ten miles away]; it does not elucidate the significance of why one should study the fact there is no hospital in the community [e.g., that hospital in the community ten miles away has no emergency room]; the research problem does not offer an intellectual pathway towards adding new knowledge or clarifying prior knowledge [e.g., the county in which there is no hospital already conducted a study about the need for a hospital, but it was conducted ten years ago]; and, the problem does not offer meaningful outcomes that lead to recommendations that can be generalized for other situations or that could suggest areas for further research [e.g., the challenges of building a new hospital serves as a case study for other communities].

Alvesson, Mats and Jörgen Sandberg. “Generating Research Questions Through Problematization.” Academy of Management Review 36 (April 2011): 247-271 ; Choosing and Refining Topics. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; D'Souza, Victor S. "Use of Induction and Deduction in Research in Social Sciences: An Illustration." Journal of the Indian Law Institute 24 (1982): 655-661; Ellis, Timothy J. and Yair Levy Nova. "Framework of Problem-Based Research: A Guide for Novice Researchers on the Development of a Research-Worthy Problem." Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline 11 (2008); How to Write a Research Question. The Writing Center. George Mason University; Invention: Developing a Thesis Statement. The Reading/Writing Center. Hunter College; Problem Statements PowerPoint Presentation. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Procter, Margaret. Using Thesis Statements. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Shoket, Mohd. "Research Problem: Identification and Formulation." International Journal of Research 1 (May 2014): 512-518; Trochim, William M.K. Problem Formulation. Research Methods Knowledge Base. 2006; Thesis and Purpose Statements. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Thesis Statements. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Pardede, Parlindungan. “Identifying and Formulating the Research Problem." Research in ELT: Module 4 (October 2018): 1-13; Walk, Kerry. Asking an Analytical Question. [Class handout or worksheet]. Princeton University; White, Patrick. Developing Research Questions: A Guide for Social Scientists . New York: Palgrave McMillan, 2009; Li, Yanmei, and Sumei Zhang. "Identifying the Research Problem." In Applied Research Methods in Urban and Regional Planning . (Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2022), pp. 13-21.

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Research Problems in Management Sciences: An Expository Approach

• OSADEME Gloria Chinagozi
• Jun 30, 2023
• Business Management

OSADEME Gloria Chinagozi Department of Business Administrations, Lagos State University, Ojo

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2023.7634

Received: 02 May 2023; Revised: 24 May 2023; Accepted: 27 May 2023; Published: 29 June 2023

The importance of the research problem cannot be over emphasised, as the success of a study is dependent on the identification of an appropriate problem. One of the most difficult tasks for a researcher is identifying a researchable problem to study. This study explored the identification of research problem in management sciences research. The study adopted an exploratory research design. Further, an evaluation of the types, sources, and procedure for formulating research problem as well as research problem statement in the field of management sciences was carried out. The study revealed three types of research problems: exploratory, causal, and relational research problems; three major sources of research problems: empirical, theoretical, and conceptual deductions; a model of research problem conceptualisation; and appropriate ways of writing problem statements in management sciences. The study concluded that identifying and conceptualising research problems as well as developing problem statements is an essential part of the research process, which must be done appropriately. The study suggested that researchers use the model to identify and formulate an appropriate research problem prior to conducting a study, because the research problem is the bedrock of all research.

Key words: Identification, Management Sciences, Methodologies, Problem Statement, and Research Problem.

INTRODUCTION

The first step in the scientific research method, according to Kebritchi (2017) is the recognition of a felt difficulty, an obstacle, or a problem that perplexes the researcher. A situation becomes a problem when it affects a single person, a group of people, or a community as a whole. A problem is defined as an issue that appears to necessitate interpretation and as matter that require change in order to be resolved (Jonker & Pennink, 2010).The first and most important step in management sciences research is the identification of research problems, without which no research can be conducted. It is like knowing where one is going before embarking on a journey (Walia & Chetty, 2020).It forms the basis for the entire research process. It is also similar to the foundation of a future building, and developing a plan of a building is a difficult task. Similarly, identifying different research problems is a difficult task (Shoket, 2014). The fuel that propels the entire scientific research process is research problems. As a result, in contemporary management sciences research, problem identification is of the utmost importance for the researcher before the research is conducted (Simmi, Tanu, & John, 2019).

When a problem is effectively identified and formulated, subsequent research efforts are facilitated (Shoket, 2014). Problem identification and formulation involves the researcher psychologically, induces restlessness, and piques his/her interest in finding a solution to the problem. Problems do not occur in a vacuum; rather, they are context dependent (Bryman, 2007). According to Simmi, et al. (2019)the fundamental component of an excellent research is an explicitly stated research problem that is essential in revealing natural mysteries. The research problem defines the problem to be investigated and guides the methodology. It results in the development of an appropriate research objective, research question, and research hypothesis. As a result, the research problem is aimed at investigating an existing ambiguity regarding a particular area of concern and demonstrates the need for deliberate investigation. A good research problem helps to develop a focused arguable thesis and the construction of a logical argument (Hashimi, 2015).

Management sciences is a broad multidisciplinary study of problem solving and decision making in human organisations, with solid links to economics,  business, management consulting, engineering, and other fields (Paavo, Sabrina & Snejina, 2020). It uses a variety of scientific research-based strategies, principles, and analytical methods, such as numerical algorithms, mathematical modelling, and statistics to enhance an organisation’s capacity for making logical and accurate management decisions by arriving at optimal or near-optimum answers to complex issues (Ellis &Yair, 2018). Management science research helps businesses achieve their goals by utilising various scientific methods (Bracio & Szarucki, 2020).

Thus, identifying and developing a compelling problem statement is critical in management science research because it functions as a communication tool and is critical in the context of research with the objective of enhancing individuals, groups, and companies,  (Ellis &Yair, 2018). The most important goal of the problem statement is to precisely and clearly define the issue under discussion. Maintaining focus and keeping the research on track.  It is revised at the conclusion of the research to make sure that the solution chosen addresses the problem (Hashimi, 2015).

The aim of this study is to shed more light on the identification of research problems in management sciences. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review the current state of affairs and present some guiding considerations in the identification of research problems in management sciences.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The significance of the research problem cannot be overstated, as the success of a study depends on identifying a suitable problem (Fischler, 2019). One of the most challenging tasks for a researcher is to identify a research problem to study (Fischler, 2019). It calls for a significant amount of thought, searching, and speculation on the part of the researcher. In addition, it calls for a substantial amount of effort, time, and energy (Miles, 2019). A novice researcher will typically struggle to determine how to locate the problem situation (Miles, 2019). A poor problem identification and formulation may fail to keep researchers interested in the study and may land the researcher in unanticipated difficulties later on (Alvesson& Sandberg, 2011). According to Nixon (2019), identifying and formulating a research problem can sometimes be more challenging than resolving it.

This challenge could be attributed to the researchers being unable to identify relevant research problems without duplicating and repeating prior research, rather than a lack of researchable problems (Simmi, Tanu, & John, 2019). This inability may occur because the researcher lacks in-depth knowledge of the research process. The researcher may not be familiar with the areas for research as well as the procedures that must be complied with in order to identify a suitable area of research (Oyediran, 2019). New researchers have an unattainable, thereby unrealistic view of the research problem. Even an experienced researcher finds it challenging to list all of the problems that require investigation (Alvesson& Sandberg, 2013). Further, even after identifying the research problem, some researchers struggle to come up with a suitable problem statement (Fischler, 2019).

However, it is clear that the importance of identifying and formulating a research problem has been formalised in academic circles. Studies have been carried out on this topic such as, Oyediran (2019), Alvesson and Sandberg (2011), Shoket (2014), Simmi, Tanu & John (2019), Kebritchi (2017), and Bryman (2007), among others. Surprisingly, there are limited existing studies on this topic that contains a comprehensive discussion and presentation of the identification of research problems, as well as the proper way of writing a problem statement, particularly in management sciences research. Further, books on research methods does not appear to place enough emphasis on it. Its treatment is usually both precise and scanty.

Researchers frequently asks these questions, “How can I come up with a researchable problem?”  “How do I know it is a valuable research problem that the panel will accept?” “How do I write a problem statement appropriately?” This paper is an attempt to provide answers to these questions. This study is proposed as a systematic exposition to shed more light on this subject.

Research Objective

The specific objective of this study is to:

Explore research problem identification and formulation in management sciences research.

METHODOLOGY

This study utilised exploratory research design and it relies on secondary data gathered from various publications, journals, textbooks, and internet sources that focused on research problem.

Conceptual Review

Research Problem

Nixon (2019) asserts that organisational issues or opportunities serve as the basis for research problems. If there is a problem, it means that the organisation is not operating at its best. In other words, problems occur when there is a mismatch or gap between the current state (of an organisational procedure, system, sub-system, process, etc.) and the desired state (Nixon, 2019). When a manager identifies a problem, they want to solve it. When a researcher discovers a gap, it is classified as a research problem, which should be, addressed (Simmi, Tanu & John, 2019).

A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition that needs to be improved, a difficulty that needs to be solved, or a perplexing question that exists in scholarly literature, theory, or practise and shows a requirement for significant comprehension and intentional investigation (Sanjay, 2015). The research problem, according to Bryman (2007), is the heart of a study. It is a concise, specific statement of the area of concern or investigation that is supported by evidence. It propels research questions and processes while also providing a structure to comprehend research findings (Kebritchi, 2017). The research problem is a gap in existing knowledge that the researcher desires to be filled, a problem with a well-known and well-documented process or practise requiring a solution, or some unforeseen occurrences or prior results that suggest the need for additional investigation (Oyediran, 2019). The approach can be theoretical or practical, and the type of problem addressed is determined by the type of research desired (Antony, 2022).

Researchers should not, in any case, duplicate the opinions of others previously stated, pose a question that is far too broad to be answered within the scope of their research, or be so unclear that the reader is confused of their reasons for conducting the study (Oyediran, 2019). To avoid such problems, researchers must define the research problem clearly, contextualise it, and emphasise its significance to their field of study, the larger research community, or even the general public (Antony, 2022). According to Padede (2018), defining a research problem serves three purposes: It highlights the importance of the research topic. it helps the researcher in correctly defining the parameters of the investigation  by placing the problem in a specific context. It serves as a framework for future presentations of the results.

The research problem defines how the researcher will answer the question “So what?” The question “So what?” refers to a research problem that has passed the relevancy test (reliability and accuracy of a measurement procedure). Answering the “So what?” question requires the researchers to demonstrate not only that they have researched the material, but also that they have considered its significance (Sivarkuma & Szalinski, 2016).According to Sivarkuma and Szalinski (2016), research problems for business and management research could include existing business problems for which a manager requires a solution, and situations that can be viewed as opportunities for the organisation, for which the manager may not require an immediate solution. Hence, in this study, research problem is defined as a gap between the current and desired states as well as a brief and concise statement of a challenge or question, with the goal of eliciting a solution or answer.

When analysing a problematic situation, Shoket (2014) stated that an investigator should perform the following major tasks

• Gathering facts that may be relevant to the problem.
• Determining whether the facts are relevant.
• Tracing any relationship between facts that may reveal the key difficulty.
• Proposing various explanations for the source of the difficulty.
• Using observation and analysis, determine whether these explanations are relevant to the problem.
• Tracing the relationship between explanations that may provide insight into the problem.

Types of Research Problem

There are three types of research problems: Exploratory (relates to issues that need to be studied), Relational (research questions that focus on the relationship between two or more variables), and Causal research (problems that look at cause and effect) (Walia & Chetty, 2020).

Exploratory Research Problem: This addresses questions such as ‘what is?’ with the goal of describing a specific phenomenon’s situation, state, or existence. They make an attempt to depict what already exists in a group or population.  Example, ‘What are the primary factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions?’ (Walia & Chetty, 2020).   Cross-sectional studies and longitudinal studies are used to collect data on these issues. However, data collection methods such as mail, online or offline surveys, and interviews can be used in both cases (Walia & Chetty, 2020). When conducting exploratory research, variables and hypotheses cannot be manipulated because they are usually non-directional (Hashimi, 2015).

Causal Research Problem: According to Walia and Chetty (2020), the goal of this type of research problem is to determine the extent and nature of cause and effect relationships. Such research questions help to determine the impact of various changes on existing norms and processes. As a result, they can recognise patterns in the relationships between various elements (Walia & Chetty, 2020). Experiments are the most commonly used method of gathering primary data in such cases. In this case, the hypothesis is usually directional, explaining how one factor influences the behaviour of another (Sharma, 2015). Such studies enable the researcher to manipulate the variables to his or her liking. There are two methods for collecting data for causal research: laboratory experiments and field experiments (Muhammad &Kabir, 2018).

Relational Research Problem: Based on this research problem, some kind of relationship between two variables must be investigated. The objective is to investigate the qualities or characteristics that are related in some way (Sharma, 2015). As a result, using more than one variable to describe the relationship between them is required in this type of research problem (Shoket, 2014).

The following considerations should be made when selecting a research problem type.

Identifying the concepts and terms that comprise the topic is the first step in determining the appropriate problem type, this entails determining the variables of the study (Alvesson& Sandberg, 2013). An exploratory research problem, for example, has only one variable. It is most likely relational or causal research if there are two variables (Walia & Chetty, 2020).

The second step is to conduct a literature review in order to improve the method of investigation and determine the best methods of analysis (Walliman, 2011). For instance, how much research has been done on this subject? What methods and data were used by previous researchers? What did their investigation omit? What factors did they employ? The answers to these questions will be useful in developing the best research strategy (Walia & Chetty, 2020; Padede, 2018).

The third step is to look for resources that will assist the researcher in broadening, revising, and strengthening their initial ideas. A more in-depth examination of the research will answer critical questions like, “Is a relational approach better than an investigative approach?” How will removing a few variables affect the study’s outcome? (Muhammad & Kabir, 2018; Padede, 2018).

SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS

According to Nixon (2019), each researcher selects a problem based on his or her own needs and objectives. It is difficult, if not impossible, to identify a specific problem or issue without a frame of reference (experience, theory, group of concepts, etc.). That is, regardless of the problem or issue under consideration by the researcher, certain influences will inform how the researcher describes and explains the problem to the audience (Nixon, 2019). However, the following are some useful resources to help researchers identify a suitable and significant problem.

Empirical Deductions

This relates to research problems originated or based on observation or experience, such as:

Personal Experience: Everyday experiences of the researcher can inspire good research questions. Researchers can think critically about their personal experiences and/or frustrations with a societal, community, or neighbourhood issue (Kebritchi, 2017). This can be obtained, for example, from deliberate observations of certain relationships that have no clear explanation, or from witnessing an event that appears harmful to a person or group or that is unusual (Ezeogu, 2016).

Interviewing Practitioners: Discussions with practitioners and experts in the field, such as teachers, social workers, health care providers, and so on, provide an opportunity to identify practical, “real world” problems that might have been understudied or ignored within academic circles (Ellis &Yair, 2018). This approach also provides some practical knowledge that may be useful in the process of designing and conducting a study (Ellis &Yair, 2018).

Intuition: Traditionally, intuitions have been regarded as both good sources of knowledge and sources of new research problems. The reflective mind is believed to be a good source of ideas for developing an interesting research problem (Shama, 2015).

Exposure to Field Situations: Researchers gain a wide range of experience during field exposure, which can provide a wealth of ideas for developing research problems (Antony, 2019).

Current events reported in the media : A phenomenon may be noticed in a specific society or community before it is recognised by the media. Thus, prospective researchers must keep an eye out for events, activities, or innovations that are becoming popular in practise or are being reported in popular media (Nixon, 2019). Those things could be the next big ‘thing’ that defines research across multiple disciplines (Nixon, 2019).

Organisational Stakeholders : Clients, suppliers, and other partners within an organisation may express needs that do not have an obvious solution. This may necessitate some research (Nixon, 2019).

Theoretical Deductions:

This refers to deductions from social philosophy or generalisations embodied in everyday life in a society with which the researcher is familiar. These deductions from human behaviour are then fitted within an empirical frame of reference through research (Muhammad &Kabir, 2018). A theory can be used to create a research problem or hypothesis that expresses the expected outcomes in specific empirical situations. A systematic investigation can be designed and carried out to determine whether empirical data confirm or reject the hypothesis and the theory (Walliman, 2011).

iii.         Conceptual Deductions:

Identifying and reading about key concepts that emerge whenever the researcher encounters perplexing issues is a good source of research problems (Muhammad &Kabir, 2018). Furthermore, a thorough review of relevant research related to the researcher’s overall area of interest can frequently lead to the selection of a research problem. This may reveal where there are still gaps in a subject’s understanding (Nixon, 2019). Research may be conducted to: fill such knowledge gaps; determine whether previous study methodologies can be adapted to solve other problems; and determine whether a similar study could be conducted in a different subject area or applied to a different study sample (i.e., different groups of people) (Sanjay, 2015). A body of knowledge should be built on the foundation of solid research findings. Authors frequently conclude their studies by mentioning implications for future research or problems that need to be addressed. This is typically based on previous research flaws, which can be a useful source of problems to investigate (Nixon, 2019

Conceptualisation of Research Problem in Management Sciences

The steps for conceptualising a research problem in management sciences identified by Nixon (2019) are illustrated below.

Fig. 1 Conceptual Model of Statement of Problem

Source:  Adopted from Nixon (2019)

Step 1:  Observation of a Puzzling Event (Undesired State)

A study can be problem- or opportunity-based (Padede, 2018). A researcher may notice changes (attitudes, feelings, and actions) in the external environment (workplace, organisation, society, family, etc.) that are difficult to explain in terms of their implications. Such changes perplex researchers because they are not desired (Nixon, 2019). A researcher attempts to better understand the problem when confronted with such perplexing events/observations by first identifying and reading about the key concepts that ‘pop up’ in relation to the issue from time to time(Awal, 2019).Second, the researcher investigates the history of the issue to determine why it is so perplexing.  A quest for conceptual clarity, on the other hand, is motivated by the researcher’s background, which influences the theories used to describe and explain the problem (Awal, 2019).

Step 2: Linking the Puzzling Event to the Problem Context

In addition to determining the background of the perplexing problem and conceptual clarity, a researcher attempts to relate the broad concepts of the issue to a specific problem situation/context (Padede, 2018). According to Daellenbach and Mc Nickle (2015), context is the sum of all factors that can or may influence or shape the problem or issue under consideration.A researcher should focus on those aspects of the problem context that affect the measure of performance directly or indirectly and over which the researcher has no immediate control when describing the problem context (Nixon, 2019).

Step 3:Critical review of literature

The researcher is first confronted with observations of a perplexing event, and then conducts an intensive and extensive review of literature to obtain a conceptual clarity, background of the issue, and problem context (Padede, 2018). The researcher should also consider whether previous research groups have attempted to solve problems related to that issue, as well as any aspects of that issue that have not been addressed (Padede, 2018).

Step 4: Explanation of the Problem

Following that, the researcher clarifies the topic, structures the problem adequately, and envisions specific propositions or hypotheses that warrant further investigation (Olayemi, 2021). This process allows for a critical analysis of the problem by employing an “old” theory that can be used to tentatively structure the problem (Olayemi, 2021).  In contrast, the “old” theory may not fully explain the problem. To validate the “old” theory, other research methods (deduction and induction) will be used (Ochara, 2019; Olayemi, 2021).

Step 5: Generation of Propositions/Hypotheses/Research Questions

When the a researcher has developed an understanding of the study’s background, conceptual clarity, and a critical review of literature, the result will be a conceptual/theoretical framework that serves as the foundation for developing  propositions, hypotheses, and research questions for the perplexing issue/problem (Nixon, 2019; Muhammad &Kabir, 2018). Part of the outcome of the critical review of literature is the selection of an “old” theory that is used to tentatively describe and explain the problem without excluding new facts that may not have been included in the “old” theory (Nixon, 2019; Indeed Editorial Team, 2021).

Considerations in Formulating a Research Problem

A few factors must be considered by the researcher when formulating a research problem for a study. The following factors will make the research process more manageable and keep the researcher motivated.

• Interest : This is the most essential criterion to consider when identifying and formulating a research problem (Mahyuddin, Nasution, &Indra, 2019). The entire research process is typically time consuming and labour intensive. If the topic chosen does not pique the researcher’s interest, it will be difficult to maintain motivation to write (Mahyuddin, Nasution, &Indra, 2019; Shoket, 2014).Before developing a research problem, researchers must ensure that they have an extent of expertise in the field. They will conduct the study using the information they gathered as well as assistance from their supervisors (Mahyuddin, Nasution, & Indra, 2019; Shoket, 2014).
• Data Availability: If the research title necessitates the collection of information (journal, reports, proceedings) before finalisation, the researcher must ensure that these materials are available and in the appropriate format (Rashid, 2022; Sharma, 2015; Shoket, 2014).
• Relevance: Researchers should always select a topic that is relevant to their interests and profession. They must ensure that their research contributes to the existing body of knowledge. Of course, this will assist them in maintaining their interest all through the study period (Mahyuddin, Nasution & Indra, 2019; Muhammad &Kabir, 2018; Rashid, 2022).
• Ethics: When developing a research problem, researchers should consider some ethical issues. It is critical to follow ethical guidelines when developing a research problem in order to establish the research’s validity (Rashid, 2022; Akhtar, 2014).

Evaluation of Research Problems 

After identifying and formulating a potential research problem, the researcher must evaluate it to ensure that it is suitable for research. A research problem is considered appropriate if it is supported by the literature, significant, timely, novel, specific, and researchable. Stronger research problems are more likely to be published, presented, and successfully applied (Kebritchi, 2017).

• Supported by the Literature: The research problem should be topical and backed up by several current peer-reviewed studies (Kebritchi, 2017). Regardless of whether the identified problem is based on a single journal article or dissertation recommendation, the researcher must carry out a literature search to make sure that it has been confirmed by other researchers, as well as additional research to address the problem (Awal, 2021; Kebritchi, 2017; Akhtar, 2014).
• Significant: The research problem should be beneficial to the field. The impact can be both practical and conceptual, with the work advancing the field by filling a knowledge gap (Kebritchi, 2017).
• Timely: The research problem ought to be pertinent to present-day field needs and well suited to the current state of the field’s issues (Ezeogu, 2016). Examine the subjects covered in current field journals. Examine requests from appropriate disciplinary organisations. Examine the research agenda’s centre and focus areas. Identifying a current issue in the field and supporting it with recent literature can help to justify the problem’s timeliness (Ezeogu, 2016).
• Novel: The research problem should be unique and original. Its goal should be to fill a knowledge or application gap (Nixon, 2019). A comprehensive review of the literature can help the researcher determine whether the problem has previously been solved with a specific sample and/or context (Kebritchi, 2017). Speaking with subject matter experts can shed light on a problem (Ezeogu, 2016). The replication of an existing study warrants further discussion of value, but novelty can be found in determining whether an already-solved problem holds true in a new sample and/or context (Mahyuddin, Nasution, &Indra, 2019; Shoket, 2014; Kebritchi, 2017).
• Specific and Clear: The research problem should be specific enough to guide the study, pose research questions, and select the best research method and design. Vague research problems may be ineffective in terms of defining the scope of the study or developing research questions (McCombes, 2021; Shoket, 2014; Kebritchi, 2017).
• Researchable: To solve research problems, the scientific method is used. This means that research-ability, or the feasibility of the problem, is likewise as important as all other characteristics (McCombes, 2021). The researcher should be able to solve the problem using his or her abilities as well as the available research methods, designs, research sites, resources, and timeframe. If a research problem possesses all of the characteristics listed above but is not researchable, it may not be an appropriate research problem (Amar, 2017).

Research Problem Statement

Following the identification of the research problem for a project, researchers must write a problem statement, which is the cornerstone of management sciences research and any other research  (Miles, 2019; McCombes, 2021).A problem statement is primarily a statement of a problem in a field that has been documented, verified, and supported by literature and is having an adverse or negative impact on some elements of the field (Ellis &Yair, 2018). The goal of research is for the researcher to look at a problem and potentially come up with a solution or some kind of innovation that will either solve or reduce the problem and benefit those in that field (Mahyuddin, Nasution & Indra, 2019). A problem statement is a concise description or overview of the problem or problems that a project intends to address. The problem statement specifies the current state, the desired future state, and any gaps that exist (Mahyuddin et al., 2019). A problem statement is a useful communication tool that serves to make sure everyone involved in a project comprehends the problem and why the project is essential (Muhammad &Kabir, 2018).

Writing a problem statement in management science research can assist researchers in contextualising and comprehending the significance of the research problem (Muhammad &Kabir, 2018). A problem statement can be a number of paragraphs long and be used as the foundation for a research proposal, or it may be summed up in a few sentences in the introduction section of the paper or thesis (Mc Combes, 2021). The problem statement will vary based on if the researcher deals with a practical real-world issue or a theoretical scientific issue. However, all problem statements follow the same procedure (Kirsten, 2016).

A problem statement’s purpose includes the following as highlighted by Mc Combes (2021):

• Put the issue into context (what is already known?)
• Describe the specific issue that the research will address (what information is required to be known?)
• Demonstrate the problem’s relevance (why is it important to know about it?)
• Set the research objectives (what will be done to find out?)
• Provides a framework for reporting the findings, indicating what is likely to be required to conduct the study and explaining how the findings will present this information.

Characteristics of Problem Statement

• Some characteristics of problem statement as highlighted by (Kirsten, 2016) includes:
• Clarity and precision (a well-written statement avoids broad generalisations and irresponsible assertions).
• Identifying what will be studied while steering clear of the use of value-laden words and terms.
• Identifying an overarching question as well as key factors or variables.
• Identifying key concepts and terms.
• Articulation of the study’s boundaries or parameters.
• It is limited in scope, but it does have some generalisability in terms of applicability and bringing results into general use.
• Communication of the study’s importance, benefits, and justification (irrespective of the type of research, it is critical to address the “so what” question by demonstrating that the research is not trivial).
• It is unique and has not been addressed previously (for example, it addresses a different research question or is applied in a novel way).
• Can be found in the literature. It must be significant, as demonstrated by the literature.
• It is neither the researcher’s opinion nor a problem that the researcher believes exists, but it should have an adverse effect on some aspect of their field.

Parts of a Problem Statement

Kirsten (2016) identified two major parts of problem statement, which are as follows:

The General Problem: This is essentially a general problem statement that serves as the introduction to the problem statement. It helps to set the tone for the gravity of the situation. It is necessary as a foundation for gaining a better understanding of the specific problem (This is essentially a general problem statement that serves as the introduction to the problem statement. It helps to set the tone for the gravity of the situation. It is necessary as a foundation for gaining a better understanding of the specific problem (Kirsten, 2016; Amar, 2017).The general problem comes before the specific problem in the problem statement (Kirsten, 2016). The researcher should describe the general problem that the study will address based on defined needs or gaps in the literature when writing the problem statement (Miles, 2019).

The Specific (Localised) Problem /Gap : Kirsten (2016) defines this as the specific issues that the researcher wishes to address. It reveals how a general problem affects a specific organisation or population, allowing the researcher to aid in the research (Kirsten, 2016). The researcher must spell out the specific problem(s) in a problem statement, citing sources to prove that it is a problem (Miles, 2019). The researcher must specify the scope of the problem, including where and for whom the problem will be researched, as well as the public who will be affected if the problem is not solved or who will benefit if it is solved. Furthermore, how the problem is related to business (Kirsten, 2016).

Flow of Ideas in a Problem Statement in a Research Paper

Fischler (2019) highlighted the following model of idea flow in a problem statement in a research paper or thesis.

Fig 2. Flow of Ideas in the Problem Statement

Source: Adopted from Fischler (2019)

• The Topic: This is a synopsis of the proposed research area. It must contain at least two sentences (Fischler, 2019).
• The General Problem: This is a point of contention, concern, or conflict (a gap between what is desired and what is observed). It ought to incorporate the most pertinent reference to back up the claim(Kirsten, 2016; Fischler, 2019).
• Background and Justification : The evidence and relevance from the literature and published or archival data demonstrating the existence of the problem. At least two references should be included. Researchers should also have a theoretical basis for their research(Kirsten, 2016; Fischler, 2019).
• Deficiencies in the Evidence/Gap/ localised problem : It should include a brief discussion of the area of need (in relation to the overall problem) and the lack of evidence in the literature (Mc Combes, 2021; Kirsten, 2016; Fischler, 2019).
• Audience: It must address who is affected and who benefits (Fischler, 2019).
• Purpose of the Study: Make a sentence that begins, “The purpose of this study is…” The researcher must clearly identify and define the study’s central concepts or ideas (Fischler, 2019).

Identifying the research problem, is the issue being addressed in this study, it is the first and most important step in undertaking a research. A research problem is derived from a topic, or the broad subject matter addressed in a study. Given that a topic is chosen based on factors such as interests, expertise, relevance, data availability, manageability, contribution to literature, and ethics, the research problem is assumed to meet these criteria. The presence of these factors may indicate that the problem can and should be investigated. This article discussed the issue with identification of research problem for novice and burgeoning researchers. It discussed the sources and types of research problem. The article provided a conceptual models and tools for helping researchers with formulating the research problem as well as criteria for evaluating the research problem. This article contributes to the research method literature by emphasising the significance of research problem identification and the critical factors.

It also discussed the research problem statement, which is succinctly stated in one or more concise paragraph but not exceeds one page by including five elements.  The five elements includes the topic, research problem, justification for research problem, deficiencies in the evidence/ gap, relating discussions to audience, and purpose.  The study in addition provided a conceptual model for the flow of ideas in the research problem statement. The development of the problem statement is an integral part of the research endeavor. Possibly future studies in research methods and strategies could provide further development on problem statement in research.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations are made based on the findings of the study.

• Researchers should identify and formulate appropriate research problem with the aid of the model of the study because the research problem is the foundation for all types of research.
• Researchers should be more cognizant of research problem identification and appropriate methods for developing a problem statement by publishing articles on the subject in peer-reviewed journals.
• Adeyeye, T. C. (2019). The impact of technological innovation on organisational performance. Industrial Engineering Letters, 4(3), 97-101.
• Ahsanullah, M., Najibullah, N., & Sarwar, E. (2021). The impact of organisational culture on employee’s performance: An overview. International Journal of Management (IJM), 11(8), 879-888.
• Akhtar, I. (2014). Problem formulation in social science research. International Journal of Research (IJR), 1(11), 1210-1216
• Akinyele, S. T., Akinyele, E. F.,& Joseph, A. D. (2021). Technopreneurship and performance of women entrepreneurs in small-scale enterprise: A study of selected firms in Ado Odo Ota. International Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences, 22 (4), 149-172.
• Alvesson, M.,& Sandberg, J. (2013). Constructing research questions: Doing interesting research. London, Sage.
• Alvesson, M.,& Sandberg, J. (2013). Generating research questions through problematisation. Academy of Management Review, 36 (2), 247–254.
• Amar, K. T. (2017). Research methodology. Retrieved from: https://www.lkouniv.ac.in/site/writereaddata/site Content/202004161028054465pravish_its_Research_Methdology.pdf
• Amineh, A. K., Hani, J. I., Ahmad, R. S., & Suliman, R. S. (2021). The effect of business model innovation on organisation performance. Management Science Letters, 11(2), 1481–1488.
• Antony, W. (2019). Five sources of a research problem: The complete guide. Retrieved from: https://www.helpforassessment.com/blog/sources-of-a-research-problem/
• Awal, A. (2019). Seven basic steps in formulating a research problem. Retrieved from: https://www.campuscareerclub.com/steps-in-formulating-a-research-problem/
• Bryman, A. (2007).The research question in social research: What is its role?”  International Journal of Social Research Methodology , 10 (1), 5-20.
• Daellenbach, H. G., & Mc Nickle, D. C. (2015). Management science decision making through systems thinking. Palgrave Macmillan, New York.
• Ellis, T. J., & Yair, L. N. (2018). Framework of problem-based research: A guide for novice researchers on the development of a research-worthy problem. Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Trans-discipline, 11 (1), 17-33.
• Ezeogu, L. I. (2016). Selecting and defining a research problem. Retrieved June 24, 2022 from: https://oer.unizik.edu.ng/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2017/11/selecting-and-defining-a-research-problem.pdf
• Fischler, A. (2019). From problem statement to research questions. Retrieved May 7, 2022 from: https://education.nova.edu/Resources/uploads/ app/35/files/ arc_doc /from_problem_ statement_to_research_questions.pdf
• Gallupe, R. B. (2007). Research contributions: The tyranny of methodologies in information systems research. ACM SIGMIS Database, 38(3), 46–57.
• Kirsten, K. (City U Doctoral Studies). (2016, July 19). The problem statement (Video). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h3zhfUVqJo
• Kowo, S. A., Akinbola, O. A. & Akinrinola, O. (2019). The impact of process innovation on organisational performance. ACTA Univesitatis Danubius, 15(2), 115-132.
• Hashimi, H. (2015). Types of research questions. Nursing, 4(3), 23–25.
• Indeed Editorial Team (2021). How to formulate research problems in six steps. Retrieved August 4, 2022 from: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/research-problem.
• Kebritchi, M. (2017). How to Identify an Appropriate Research Problem. Retrieved July 23, 2022 from: https://research.phoenix.edu/blog/how-identify-appropriate-research-problem
• Mahyuddin, K. M., Nasution, O. &Indra, A. (2019). Design of the research problem statement Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1235 012115
• McCombes, S. (2021). Write a problem statement for your research in three steps. Retrieved April 4, 2022 from: https: //www.scribbr.com/research-process/problem-statement/
• Miles, D. A. (2019). Problem statement development: How to write a problem statement in a dissertation. Retrieved June 7, 2022 from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333648926
• Mohammad, Q., & Ahmad, A. (2021). The impact of knowledge management on organisational performance: An empirical study of Kuwait University. Eurasian Journal of Business and Management, 3(4), 36-54.
• Muhammad, S., & Kabir, S. (2018). Problem formulation and objective determination. Retrieved July 26, 2022 from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325847015
• Nixon, M. O. (2019). What is your research problem: Discovering a research(able) problem and topic. Retrieved May 24, 2022 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332108258
• Olayemi, O. (2021). Five steps to formulate a research problem: Research methodology. Retrieved May 24, 2022 from: https://www.projecttopics.org/5-steps-to-formulate-a-research-problem-research-methodology.html
• Oyediran, K. K. (2019). Understanding problem identification in research using analogies. African Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics and Sciences, 15(2), 35-42.
• Pardede, P. (2018). Identifying and formulating the research problem. Research in ELT, 1(10), 1–13.
• Rashid, H. A. (2022). Research methodology: Formulating a research problem. Retrieved December 4, 2022 from: https://limbd.org/formulating-a-research-problem-importance-sources-considerations-in-selecting-and-steps-in-formulating-a-research-problem-formulation-of-research-objectives/
• Sanjay, K. (2015). Understanding the issues involved in the selection of a research problem in social sciences: An explorative study. Journal of Business Management & Social Sciences Research (JBM&SSR), 4(11), 645-651.
• Sharma, S. L. (2015). Identification and formulation of research problem. Journal of the Indian Law Institute, 24 (2/3), 662-668.
• Shoket, M. (2014). Research problem: Identification and formulation. International Journal of Research (IJR), 1(4), 512-518.
• Simmi K. R., Tanu, A.,& John, R. (2019). Formulation of research question – stepwise approach. Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons 24(1): 15–20.
• Sivakumar, S., & Szalinski, C. (2016). How to choose a research area. Retrieved March 15, 2022 from: https://www.ascb.org/compass/compass -points/choose-research-area/
• Suleman, A., & Ogbette, A. S. (2019). Human resource management: Implications of outsourcing in public organisations in Nigeria. Public Policy and Administration Research, 9(2), 27-31.
• UR Office of Arizona University. (2018). Identify Your Research Interests. Retrieved August 28, from: https://ur.arizona.edu/content/identify-your-research-interests
• Walia, A., & Chetty, P. (2020). Different types of research problems and their examples. Retrieved May 15, 2022 from: https://www.projectguru.in/research-problem-types-and-example/
• Walliman, N. (2011). Your research project: Designing and planning your work. Third edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

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Is Your AI-First Strategy Causing More Problems Than It’s Solving?

• Oguz A. Acar

Consider a more balanced and thoughtful approach to AI transformation.

The problem with an AI-first strategy lies not within the “AI” but with the notion that it should come “first” aspect. An AI-first approach can be myopic, potentially leading us to overlook the true purpose of technology: to serve and enhance human endeavors. Instead, the author recommends following 3Ps during an AI transformation: problem-centric, people-first, and principle-driven.

From technology giants like Google to major management consultants like McKinsey , a rapidly growing number of companies preach an “AI-first” strategy. In essence, this means considering AI as the ultimate strategic priority , one that precedes other alternative directions. At first glance, this strategy seems logical, perhaps even inevitable. The figures speak for themselves: the sheer volume of investment flowing into AI technologies shows the confidence levels in an increasingly AI-driven future.

• Oguz A. Acar is a Chair in Marketing at King’s Business School, King’s College London.

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How universities can use blockchain to transform research

Academic institutions are increasingly adopting blockchain technology to handle data. Image:  Getty Images/iStockphoto

.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:hover,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:focus,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);} Scott Doughman

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Stay up to date:, emerging technologies.

• Academic institutions across the world are turning to technologies such as blockchain to handle large amounts of research data.
• Blockchain is a cryptographically-secure storage technology that ensures data integrity for large research projects.
• Here's why the authenticity and reliability of blockchain technology can be of benefit for research at higher education institutions.

Imagine a scenario where you are a professor at a research university entering the next stage of your research project. Just as you’re about to dive deeper, you find yourself in need of a large data set from last year’s research project.

Confidently, you contact your data storage provider for access, only to be blindsided by an unexpected charge called an egress fee . This was not anticipated nor budgeted for; what do you do? Depending on the size of the data set, egress fees can be prohibitively high.

This dilemma is not unique but a widespread challenge regularly confronting university professors and researchers across the globe. Recognizing these data challenges, academic institutions are starting to turn to new technologies to address them.

Have you read?

What is blockchain and what can it do.

One technology gaining traction at universities is blockchain. Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology (DLT) that distributes data across a network. The adoption of blockchain technology by academic institutions is increasing due to advances in decentralized storage technologies promising more cost-effective and secure data storage for large research projects.

This exploration is increasingly relevant to address the pressing need to protect critical research data. This approach also highlights the potential to mitigate vulnerabilities and inefficiencies inherent in centralized storage models including the risks of data loss, as well as constraints imposed on restricted access from expensive egress fees.

How blockchain technology can make a difference in higher education

Research universities are increasingly examining blockchain’s potential benefits.

Blockchain, recognized for its ability to provide a secure and efficient method for immutable record-keeping, introduces promising ways for enhancing efficiency, security, and credibility in higher education.

Its distributed ledger technology offers a transformative method for managing and verifying digital information. One major use case is educational credentials.

Blockchain would enhance accessibility for learners, institutions and employers alike. By breaking down geographical and institutional barriers, blockchain ensures that credentials are globally recognized and can be instantly validated by educational entities worldwide.

Educational credentials go hand in hand with the concept of data democratization. Data democratization refers to the ability to share large data sets across institutions and researchers globally.

Using distributed ledger technology, blockchain democratizes access to massive datasets, which facilitates broader participation in scientific research and education.

Beyond credentials and data democratization, implementing blockchain in higher education could also lead to significant cost savings, reducing the reliance on costly centralized systems for credential verification and data management.

By streamlining these processes through blockchain, universities can allocate resources more effectively, potentially lowering administrative costs and making education more affordable for students.

University of Utah’s blockchain solution for global data access

The University of Utah’s Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute (SCI) is pioneering the use of blockchain in academia through its participation in the National Science Data Fabric (NSDF) and National Data Platform (NDP) initiatives, to improve global and equitable access to large scientific datasets including multiple petabytes of NASA climate data.

By leveraging blockchain to enable interactive processing and exploration of massive datasets without extensive local resources, the university is overcoming traditional barriers to data access.

This effort not only broadens the scope of scientific inquiry but also fosters a more inclusive academic environment, showcasing the transformative potential of blockchain in democratizing access to information and promoting collaborative research.

Manish Parashar , Director of SCI, explained how blockchain-based storage enables data democracy: "Through blockchain-based data storage, the University of Utah is advancing data democracy by enhancing secure and decentralized data sharing. This innovation accelerates scientific discoveries and broadens access for diverse researchers, marking a significant step towards open and equitable data ecosystems."

What are the advantages of blockchain as an educational resource?

Building on this momentum, the University of Utah is further expanding its technological horizon by investing in a $100 million Responsible AI Initiative . This new endeavour, led by SCI, aims to utilize AI ethically and efficiently to address critical societal challenges, from healthcare to environmental sustainability.

By combining blockchain's capabilities with AI's advanced analytical power, the university is setting a precedent for how technology can be harnessed for good. This strategic direction underscores the university's dedication to leading by example in the responsible use of technology, ensuring that its contributions have a positive impact on society.

“We are encouraged by the potential of blockchain technology through the National Science Data Fabric and National Data Platform initiatives, to exemplify the University of Utah’s leadership and commitment to innovation and inclusivity in research and education,” said Taylor Randall, President of the University of Utah .

“By facilitating unprecedented access to large-scale scientific datasets, we are enhancing the promise of data democracy and AI data integrity to support a global community of researchers.”

MIT's blockchain approach in OpenCourseWare preservation

Another university leading the innovative use of blockchain technology in academia is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which is at the forefront of integrating blockchain into education through its Open Learning initiatives .

Specifically, MIT's OpenCourseWare , recognized for providing free online access to course materials from more than 2,500 courses, has embraced blockchain-powered storage solutions. This approach is focused on cataloguing and preserving educational content, ensuring its long-term availability and integrity.

Lessons from Cambodia: how it is outgrowing its least developed status through openness

By leveraging blockchain technology, MIT guarantees that these invaluable educational resources remain accessible globally and unaltered over time, marking a significant step towards the democratization and protection of educational data.

This not only broadens educational opportunities for learners globally , but also protects the authenticity and durability of academic resources today.

Blockchain’s role in empowering scientific discovery

For research universities, blockchain adoption is driven by the need for enhanced security, improved data integrity, and the facilitation of easier sharing and collaboration across institutions.

Because of its decentralized nature, blockchain offers an immutable record of data transactions, ensuring that once information is recorded, it cannot be altered or tampered with.

This is particularly advantageous for scientific research, where the authenticity and reliability of data are paramount. Moreover, blockchain-powered data storage systems enable researchers to maintain control over their data while allowing for transparent and verifiable access to data for peer review and collaborative studies.

These use cases demonstrate that blockchain technology is not only proving to be a secure and efficient means of data storage but also creating a more inclusive and collaborative research ecosystem, where knowledge is shared freely and research is nurtured collectively.

With its promise of enhanced security, accessibility, and data integrity, blockchain technology is setting a new standard for academic research and higher education is more interconnected than ever.

By adopting blockchain-powered storage solutions, universities can lead the way towards a more secure, inclusive and collaborative future for academic research and education.

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OSTP Unveils National Strategy on Microelectronics Research; Stephen Welby Quoted

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has issued a new strategy outlining the goals, needs and actions required in the next five years to strengthen the microelectronics research and development infrastructure in accordance with the CHIPS for America Act.

The National Strategy on Microelectronics Research calls for the White House, federal agencies, academia, industry and international partners to work together to pursue four interconnected goals, the White House said Friday.

The four goals are enabling and accelerating research advances for future generations of microelectronics; supporting, building and bridging microelectronics infrastructure from research to manufacturing; growing and sustaining the technical workforce for the microelectronics R&D to manufacturing ecosystem; and creating a vibrant microelectronics innovation ecosystem to accelerate the transition of R&D to U.S. industry.

Each of the four goals comes with specific objectives. 

For the first goal, objectives include accelerating R&D of materials that provide new capabilities; increasing the capabilities of circuit design, simulation and emulation tools; developing a diverse array of robust processing architectures and associated hardware needed for future systems; and prioritizing hardware integrity and security as an element in co-design strategies across the stack.

“ This whole-of-government strategy encourages the microelectronics R&D community to bring their diverse expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and drive to focus on a common purpose—to ensure that America remains a global leader in this important field,” said Stephen Welby , deputy director for national security at OSTP. 

“ We now turn to the implementation of this strategy, leveraging the once-in-generation investments by government and the private sector—fueled by President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act and the urgency to energize U.S. semiconductor innovation for the future,” Welby added.

• chips for america act
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• Defense & National Security
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• microelectronics
• Office of Science and Technology Policy
• research and development
• semiconductor
• Stephen Welby
• White House

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Five attributes of a successful manager in a research organization

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