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Erik Kirk Doctors without Borders: A Study of Diseases Business Research Methods, Part I Doctors Without Borders is an International medical organization that provides emergency and surgical care to people in countries or situations where healthcare is generally not accessible. When one considers that this organization is primarily operating with volunteers and donated funds, one would expect funds could be misallocated.
To better determine what problem is affecting the organization, this team of scholarly researchers will attempt to explain how the Management-Question Research Hierarchy helps one to determine a specific question to research, identify a specific problem to research, choose a research design, and describe the sample design. Management Question Research Hierarchy Developing a research question to study can be difficult.
The Management Question Research Hierarchy (MQRH) model “is designed to move the researcher through various levels of question, each with a specific function within the overall business research process” (Cooper and Schindler, 2008, p. 114). The specific research question is generally discovered during the exploratory phase of research. Using the MQRH model in addition to the exploratory phase should result in a “revision of the management or research questions” (Cooper and Schindler, 2008, p. 124).
Once the researcher has developed a specific research question, he or she can then begin specific research to avoid a loss of time and funds for the research. In determining the research question for Doctor’s Without Borders (DWB), the research team asked the questions found in Appendix B to develop the specific research question that follows. Research Question and Problem Identification After completing the steps in the MRQH model, the team developed the following research question: From the funds obtained how are they allocated within Sudan for administering medical care?
Based on the exploratory research, the team also identified that the main problem affecting the organization is that funds are not being properly allocated to the appropriate diseases. The reason for the misallocation of funds seems to stem from the variables affecting the country’s economy. In addition to disease, kidnapping and wartime are the other variables affecting funding and cannot be ignored during the study. Wartime is a moderating variable because “it has some significant contributory effect on the proposed relationship” (Purdue University, 2010, slide 12, 13, and 14).
Kidnapping is an intervening variable because “it cannot be measured, observed, or manipulated (spurious)” (Slide 12, 13, and 14). Research Design The research design is “the blueprint for fulfilling objectives and answering questions” (Cooper and Schindler, 2008, p. 89). Based on the research question, the diagram found in Appendix A portrays the variables to consider, which include kidnapping, disease, wartime, and funding. As portrayed in the diagram, the funding is the dependent variable and the diseases are the independent variable. The amount of funding needed in Sudan depends on the types of diseases.
Funding for Sudan is primarily from the United States, and because DWB is based out of England the operational data will be in Euros. Next a sample design will be created for further planning. Sample Design A sample is a portion or part of the population of interest (Lind, Marchal, & Wathen, 2008). To collect the data needed for the research, the team determined a simple random sample would be the best option. A random sample is the most common form of sampling. A random sample ensures that all variables have an equal chance of being included in the sample.
Randomly selecting numbers from a data sheet is an effective way to create a sample because this method saves time, money, is less destructive, and still provides adequate results. Conclusion The first step in the research process consisted of explaining the MQRH model for determining a specific research question, identifying DWB’s specific problems, and determining a design for the research and the sample to complete the research. As the research team progresses to the next step of the research project, we will seek to answer how funds are allocated for medical care in Sudan and determine the best course of action for DWB.
Appendix A Appendix B Step 1: Management Dilemma Are there diseases which are prevalent within the Sudanese population that are not being appropriately funded? Step 2: Management Question Within the Southern Region of Sudan, how can we more effectively allocate funding towards diseases which are more prevalent? Step 3: Research Question What is the appropriation of funds to various diseases? Step 4: Investigative Questions Are the most serious diseases receiving the most funding? Step 5: Measurement Questions How can we measure the amount of funding to specific diseases? Step 6: Management Decisions
How can executive management direct the flow of funds to the most serious diseases? What is the appropriation of funds to various diseases? References Cooper, D. R. , & Schindler, P. S. (2008). Business Research Methods (10th ed. ). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Lind, D. A. , Marchal, W. G. , & Wathen, S. A. (2008). Statistical Techniques in Business and Economics (13th ed. ). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Purdue University. (2010, July). CGT 411: Research presentation, conducting research: what do you need to think about? [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from, http://www2. tech. purdue. edu/cg/… cgt411/… /CGT411_research_pres_part2. ppt |Content and Development |Points Earned | |60% (6pts) |6/6 | | |Additional Comments: | |All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way |Content of assignment is nicely done. |in the report. |Your assignment is well developed. Your answers, examples, and | | |explanation are good. | |The paper provides: |You cover the topic in an thorough and complete analysis | |An appropriate research question springing from a dilemma in the |You did a great job with this paper with good discussion on each major | |organization |point. |A definition of the problem | | |An explanation of how the management-research question hierarchy is | | |used to develop the research question (refer to pp. 14-124 of | | |Business Research Methods) | | |An appropriate research design for the study | | |A description of the characteristics of the design such as the | | |independent variables, dependent variables, operational definitions, | | |etc. | | |Identification of a sample design to use for collecting data | | | | |The paper does not exceed 700 words in length. | | |The content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive. | | |The paper develops a central theme or idea directed toward the | | |appropriate audience. | | |The paper links theory to relevant examples and uses the vocabulary | | |of the theory correctly. | |Major points are stated clearly; are supported by specific details, | | |examples, or analysis; and are organized logically. | | |The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and | | |previews major points. | | |The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper, and | | |reviews the major points. | | | | |Readability and Style |Points Earned | |20% (2pts) |2/2 | | |Additional Comments: | |Paragraph transitions are present, logical, and maintain the flow |Sentence structure is good. | |throughout the paper. | | |The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment. | | |Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. | | |Sentences are well constructed, strong, and varied. | | |Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought. | | | | |Mechanics |Points Earned | |20% (2 pts) |2/2 | | |Additional Comments: | |The paper, including the title page, reference page, tables, and | | |appendixes, follows APA formatting guidelines. | | |Citations of original works within the body of the paper follow APA | | |guidelines. | | |The paper is laid out with effective use of headings, font styles, | | |and white space. | | |Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed. | |Spelling is correct. | | | | | |Total |Points Earned | |10 Points |10/10 | |Overall Comments: | |See comments above. | | |