The objective of this assignment is to reflect on the material taught from weeks 1-6 and provide an in-depth explanation of the major concepts and tools used to conduct effective and efficient research.

Research is crucial for managers to comprehend how to resolve or minimize organizational challenges; therefore, it involves a systematic process of multiple activities such as inquiry, investigation, examination, and experimentation. A manager can find a solution to handle the problem, but these processes must be completed entirely.

Major Concepts of Research:

1. Applied Research- When it comes to applied research, the study is conducted to address particular questions regarding an issue that has immediate implications for one's real life. There is a research hypothesis, experiment to verify it. Practical approaches are frequently used in this study strategy. Applied research focuses on finding an immediate fix for a problem.

2. Basic Research- Basic research is research that is carried out to broaden the scope of one's knowledge and curiosity for a particular subject. Experimentation, descriptive analysis, and explanatory analysis are all types of basic research, but the majority of it is explanatory in nature.

3. Decision Making- Making a conscious decision of choosing a course of action or strategy from the available information and alternatives, in a given situation is called decision-making. An objective decision-making process is essential for efficient research.

4. Preliminary Research- Preliminary research is the term we use to describe the first step of the research process. The goal of preliminary research is to make sure the challenge is clearly comprehended and to expand or limit its scope. This study can also be used to help you in the choosing of specific keywords in order to reach more depth on the subject.

5. Primary Research- Primary research is conducted exclusively to solve a specific challenge that requires in-depth investigation. The researchers gather data themselves rather than relying on prior studies.

6. Secondary Research- Secondary research utilizes previously gathered data to support work being done with fresh knowledge. Secondary research may be used to reinforce primary research. Existing data is summarized and gathered in order to improve research efficiency.

7. Hypothetico-Deductive Model- This model uses the inverted triangle approach, where we begin with a broad canvas of information and narrow our focus as we go. We can validate or disprove our initial hypothesis by analyzing particular facts.

8. Research Design- A research design is a strategy for the gathering, evaluating, and interpreting information that is constructed to find an answer to the specific question being posed. Research strategies are essential in establishing how you intend to answer the research questions and how you will execute the methodology to find answers to the questions.

In conclusion, the understanding of these major concepts and tools and how to use them in research will help managers to resolve or minimize organizational challenges and make an objective decision based on research.

When conducting research, it is important to consider the study setting, which refers to the physical, social, or experimental environment where the research takes place. Describing the study environment is crucial since it may significantly influence the findings and interpretations.

The unit of analysis is a critical concept in any research project. It refers to the single significant category that researchers study, such as individuals, groups, cities, and more.

Time horizons play a crucial role in research design. The cross-sectional design is used to gather information all at once while the longitudinal design involves gathering information over a period of time.

The type of scientific evaluation to be conducted depends on the variable's measurement level. Variable levels are determined according to their quantitative nature or the best unit of measure. The four basic scales include nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales.

The JMCO model is a four-level approach to measuring variables in research. This model includes the object, characteristics, measurement, and evaluator levels.

Sampling is a technique used to generalize research findings from a small sample to a larger population. Factors such as population diversity and the level of accuracy required must be considered when determining sample size. A random or a stratified sample may be used, while selecting a sample size that is too small or too large is not recommended.