I AM LOST, WHERE DO I START​
How to Start the Research Process. Learn to Identify the Research Gaps to Propose a new and Original Research Model.Â
If You are Lost and Don't Know Where to Start, This Tutorial is Just for You.
I have not done any research before, Where do I start?
Step 1: Area – Identify the Research Area – for example Human Resource Management
The first step, which is basic and easy. Identify what is the area of your research. This could be Finance, Human Resource Management, or Marketing
Step 2: Your Topic of Interest – for Example Leadership
Once you have identified your area, the next step is identifying what topic in that particular area interests you. This has to be something that you understand well and would love to read on. This is important, as reading is critical to quality research. Also, the topic should be current, something that is catching the eye of academics and practitioners. A topic should be one on which there has been a significant number of publications recently.
Step 3: What is Available – (Try to look for systematic reviews)
The next important step is to look for existing research on the topic. This step will include
Identifying what has been done and what limitations have been identified with regards to the topic
What could be done in the future
What can be done in future
Step 4: Have the top journals in your field focused on the topic of your interest.
This is an important step to identify the value of the topic with regards to the academics and practitioners. If you could find the latest research on the topic, the topic seems to be viable and one that is interesting.
Step 5: Start Reading
The next step is to start reading, If anyone asks me what is one thing that ensures publication, I would say Reading
Step 6: BE able to identify where particular information is located and Store Relevant Information
Step 5 and Step 6 are linked to each other. it is important that you do not just read the papers but also store the relevant information. Failure to store relevant information will lead to the loss of information. (Excel file is attached to support the storage of relevant information). Here are two videos to help the scholars with reading and storing relevant information.Â
Step 7: Start Proposing a Research Idea
Once the scholar is able to read and store relevant information, scholars and academics shall think of proposing an idea as to what they would like to do for research.
Step 8: Discuss with experts
A very important step, Discussion, Discuss your idea with experts, tell them what you think, what you have read, why do you think the idea is good enough for research and what is your approach. This will help you get more ideas plus discussion at an early phase can help you remove any anomalies in your topic.
Step 9: Try to Write and get it reviewed
Reading and Storing information is not enough, start writing, and get your work reviewed by experts or any colleagues who have writing experience. This is important to give your confidence and most importantly develop an ability to write research content.
Step 10: Do not be discouraged, take the critique openly.
Finally, rejection is part of the process, and there will be strong criticism of your work. But, do not get discouraged and keep working hard.