Research Methods for Business Capstone Projects in MBA

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The research methods for your MBA Capstone project will depend on the business issue you are addressing and the type of data you need to collect. A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods is often used to provide a comprehensive analysis.

5.1 Common Research Methods

  • Qualitative Research: Focuses on gathering non-numerical data, such as interviews, focus groups, and case studies. It is often used for understanding customer behavior, opinions, or business practices.
  • Quantitative Research: Involves collecting numerical data through methods like surveys, experiments, or statistical analysis. It is ideal for analyzing trends, market size, or financial performance.
  • Mixed Methods: Combines both qualitative and quantitative research to provide a well-rounded understanding of the issue.

5.2 Selecting the Right Research Method

  • Objective of the Project: If your project aims to understand customer perceptions, qualitative methods (e.g., interviews) may be more appropriate. If you are assessing financial performance or market trends, quantitative methods (e.g., financial modeling, surveys) may be more effective.
  • Data Availability: Consider the availability of data. If existing data is scarce, you may need to collect primary data via surveys or interviews.

5.3 Analyzing Data

  • For quantitative data, use statistical analysis to identify trends, correlations, or impacts.
  • For qualitative data, use thematic analysis or content analysis to identify patterns and themes in interviews or case studies.

Published by Lisa