12 - Quality criteria for research
from Part III - On methods
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 December 2009
Summary
Introduction
One of the central operational goals of production processes is to meet the quality criteria for the goods produced. These criteria pertain, for example, to a product's strength, functioning or resistance to wear. If a product does not meet its associated quality criteria, it loses much of its value. The same holds for business problem-solving (BPS) projects. Executing a BPS project can also be interpreted as a production process. The deliverables of this production process are defined in the assignment (see Chapter 5.6). This chapter discusses quality criteria for the products of a BPS project.
BPS projects can be evaluated on several criteria. We make a distinction between research-oriented criteria and change-oriented criteria. Research-oriented criteria relate to the research aspects of BPS projects. They are particularly relevant for diagnosis and evaluation, since these comprise most research activities. Research-oriented criteria are less important during problem definition, redesign and implementation. Change-oriented criteria, including relevancy and the creation of support, are more relevant for those latter activities. Change-oriented criteria are discussed in Chapter 2. The present chapter will only deal with research-oriented criteria.
Many people say that the ultimate aim of research is to yield true conclusions (Goldman 1999). However, others doubt whether truth is a useful concept, or quarrel about the meaning of truth (Lawson and Appignanesi 1989). Anyway, given the fallibility of our knowledge, we can never be sure whether a conclusion is true or not.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Problem Solving in OrganizationsA Methodological Handbook for Business Students, pp. 155 - 168Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2007