Business Research Design
Annie Duran
Carol O' Laughlin
April 7th, 2014
Business Research Design
Duran Fun Incorporated is a successful holding company owner if 25 hotels and 10 theme parks. They have maintained high standards and constantly receive fantastic reviews from critics such as Trip Advisor and Travelocity. Priding themselves in maintaining high levels of customer service, they strive to put the customer first in all aspects. Keeping the establishments clean and orderly is always a priority as well, they want to ensure that their guests feel comfortable and at ease in a clean and comfortable environment. Recently, there have been some complaints from guests related to housekeeping and customer service. Guests have mentioned that the staff has been having a difficult attitude and that they notice tension among employees. Duran Fun Incorporated wants to ensure that they keep the great reputation they have been able to maintain for years. Situations like these are not tolerated. To be able to fix the problem, Duran Fun Incorporated will conduct research to find out the root of the problems and to fix it.
Exploratory Research Exploratory Research is meant to provide details where a small amount of information exists. This type of research uses different methods such as trial studies, group discussions, experiments as well as other different tactics. In this situation the method that will be used to gather information will be group discussions and interviews. Specific members of the team will be interviewed individually to find out their points of view as to what is going on and why customers are complaining about the issue. Also, group discussions will help contribute to a general idea as far as what each person thinks the issue is and different ways to solve it (Shields, Patricia and Rangarjan, Nandhini, 2013).
Descriptive Research Descriptive Research is done when a researcher wants to get a better understanding of a topic. It studies frequencies, averages, and statistical calculations. Methods considered descriptive include case studies, surveys, correlational studies and so on. It measures status, rather than prediction. This type of research proves to be really effective when trying to figure out statistical information. Statistical information will help determine exact number as to what customers and upper management thing about the establishment and employees. The descriptive method use in this particular research would be Surveys. The customers would have the opportunity to complete a survey that asks specific questions about comfort, hygiene, and customer service of the location they are visiting. The upper management would have the opportunity to visit each location without notice and complete the survey as well with what they found. After this research is done, a meeting would take place where all the areas covered would be discussed for further examination and review with staff to find a solution to the problem (Shields, Patricia and Rangarjan, Nandhini, 2013).
Casual Research Design Casual research design explores the effect that one thing has to do with another. This research is typically used to measure what impact a change will have on existing rules or norms. Following that research, the company decides whether or not they would implement the change. There are many changes that can be made to help improve morale in a place of employment such as this one. Team building activities would be one of these changes. For a company to be able to run well, there has to be good morale, respect, and harmony between employees. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of work this is not always achievable. Team building activities can be an effective way to improve morale. A company barbeque can be something that can be done every certain amount of months to help improve relationships among employees. Other things can be done like lunch hour socials and such. Helping improve morale and avoiding gossip leads to a successful business (Shields, Patricia and Rangarjan, Nandhini, 2013).
Independent and Dependent Variables
Dependent variables are uncontrollable and influenced by changes in independent variables. In this situation dependent variables can include, sales revenue, growth, size of transactions, and second and third time visitors. Independent variables are the controllable factors that can be used to influence changes on those dependent variables. In this case promotion, placement, amount of employees, as well as customer needs (Shields, Patricia and Rangarjan, Nandhini, 2013).
Hypothesis
Customers have expressed low levels of customer service and hygiene in the facilities which could translate to no accountability from employees, no sense of vision of what the company wants to accomplish, and low employee morale.

The Design that will be used to accomplish the goal of better customer service as well as higher employee morale and quality of service will be a little bit of each. Interviews and group discussions will be initial, this will help determine the root of the problem and what employees and management have to say about the issue. From these meetings a conclusion will be make and changes to put in place will be determined. Surveys for customer will be a step toward the right direction, this will ensure that customers are satisfied with the level of service that they are given at the establishment as well as the comfort and cleanliness of the particular location they are given. Once all this is determined, more changes will take place to encourage employees and managers to have great relationships amongst each other and with management. Being able to use different types of research allows for a better view of the situation and a solution to the process. Without research, these problems would not be easily solved in an effective manner.

References
Shields, Patricia and Rangarjan, Nandhini. 2013. A Playbook for Research Methods: Integrating Conceptual Frameworks and Project Management. Stillwater, OK: New Forums Press.