Exemplary Business Research Problem Identification Essay

Introduction

Research projects are mainly carried out with a certain objective. The entire project has to have a structure focused on the objectives with the utilization of the right methods to establish its validity. This paper focuses on a critical analysis of two research projects. The analysis is limited to the design structure, methods used, and the findings from the two studies.

Critical Analysis of the Article by Shepherd, Douglas, and Fitzsimmons

This article investigates the extent to which 283 MBA students from Thailand and India had mindsets that are associated with those that are deemed crucial for a successful manager in today’s economy. This objective has been questioned based on whether there is a difference between managers and entrepreneurs (Chen, Greene & Crick, 1998). The research relies on other researches with assumptions that the evaluation of the MBA admissions is to make them suitable to the employing organizations (Ghoshal, 2005). This influences the design structure and goes beyond the objective since entrepreneurial culture can also be based on starting one’s business. However, the research relies on recent researches to form its two hypotheses and conclusions. The research is mainly based on a GMAT score and work experience and has an experimental design structure (Shepherd, Douglas & Fitzsimmons, 2008).

The study uses a sample of 205 students from India and 78 from Thailand. This difference in the sample size for the two countries is significant thus generating doubts about its objectivity, generativity, and replicability (Ghoshal, 2005). The method of conjoint analysis is used to get data of the students’ mindsets while the questionnaires are used to collect data at the individual level whose use is justified. The use of more than one method increases the objectivity and generativity of the research (Ghoshal, 2005). The findings of the research show that the work experience could not support the first hypothesis since it did not significantly explain the variances of the mindsets to work effort, risk, or independence. However, the findings supported the hypothesis on GMAT. The research is more inclined towards supporting the criticism on the training of MBA students for successful management (Ghoshal, 2005). Further, the research supports its replicability by outlining the limitations encountered, supporting it based on the criticism, and giving recommendations on how to address the limitations.

Critical Analysis of the Article by Oz

This research was carried out to investigate the positive commitment and turnover of information system professionals (Oz, 2001). The purpose of the research was to provide a valid understanding of the ethical attitudes and commitment of information system professionals to their organizations. Oz relies on other researches and bases his research on the assumption that the high turnover of information professionals due to their shortage reduces their organizational commitment. The design structure is focused on the purpose of the research from the hypothesis set, the measurements are done, the findings, and the conclusion. However, Oz (2001) does not conclusively point out the limitations of the study to establish its validity.

The methods used for measuring the level of organizational commitment are based on three dimensions. The dimensions used are subjective due to expected differences among organizations as well as individual values. In addition, their replicability and testability are questionable. This is likely to affect the generalization of the findings to other organizations. Additionally, the research relies on past years’ researches to establish the dimensions but does not incorporate organizational changes over the years which are likely to affect its reliability. The measurement of ethical behavior is quite difficult to test validly. Further, the issues of ethics are subjective and generalizations to other organizations may not be applicable. Further, the research used is ancient yet the subjective nature of ethics in behavior requires the support of recent researches.

The sample used in the research encompasses full-time employees thus hindering its applicability to information system professionals who are on a part-time basis. Further, the use of questionnaires as the only method of data collection is likely to have hindered the opportunity to view other non-verbal responses. Additionally, the questionnaires may have been influenced in many ways and this may have hindered the study’s objectivity. The findings showed that the organizational commitment of information system professionals was likely to be higher than other professionals. However, this conclusion was not highly objective and replicable due to the group influence. The findings on ethical issues showed that the IS professionals are likely to engage in unethical acts involving technical knowledge but less likely for cases involving professional opinions. This however is likely to be circumstantial due to the theoretical nature of the research which affects its objectivity.

Conclusion

This paper has critically analyzed the articles by Shepherd et al. (2008) and Oz (2001). The paper has reviewed the methods used, design structure, and the findings from the researches. Although of considerable importance, the studies have inherent limitations in their designs and methods which in turn affect their overall quality.

Reference List

1. Chen, C. C., Greene, P. G., & Crick, A. (1998). Does entrepreneurial self-efficacy distinguish entrepreneurs from managers? Journal of Business Venturing, 13(1), 295-316.
2. Ghoshal, S. (2005). Bad management theories are destroying good management practices. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 4(1), 75–91.
3. Oz, E. (2001). Organizational commitment and ethical behavior: An empirical study of information system professionals. Journal of Business Ethics, 34, 137-142.
4. Shepherd, D., Douglas, E. & Fitzsimmons, J. (2008). MBA admission criteria and an entrepreneurial mindset: Evidence from “Western” style MBAs in India and Thailand. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 7(2), 158-172.