You are asked to evaluate in terms of purpose, audience, and overall strengths and weaknesses. The essay will account for 40% of the overall grade. Indicative word count: 1500 words. Please note that you will need to submit your coursework to the Business School reception by 12:00 (noon). “Research: An inquiry involving the process of inquiry and discovery used to generate new ideas” (Hall, Jones, Raffo, 1993, Business Studies, P. 204) Research is vital in all business environments and puts into practice much more than most people assume. Every modern manager uses research with almost every decision they make within the company (not just when planning to advertise, as many seem to believe). Even when a manager believes they are acting on some sort of instinct or intuition, it will almost always be based on some kind of prior experience. So all of these decisions go back to some form of past research, although that doesn't mean that the term research isn't overused and/or used in the wrong context. For example, Walliman (2001) states that the term “research” is regularly used incorrectly. The examples he uses to highlight incorrect use of the term include situations such as "gathering facts or information without a clear purpose" (Walliman believes that in order for data to be taken as part of research, it must be aimed towards a goal) and also , "to reassemble and rearrange facts or information without interpretation." It is important to remember that research aids decision making and that the results in no way constitute a decision in themselves. which dates back many years, which is designed not only for advertising purposes, but also to help them manage their businesses properly." (Torin Douglas - 1984) Types of Search: The type of search that is performed is most simply defined by the question it is answering. Business research (also called applied research) is best defined as the attempt to "solve specific, practical questions" (www.wikipedia.com). serious and truly important problem.For example, if the manager of a retail store had problems with the attitude of the staff, he would often take responsibility for it, using his own previous experience to solve the problem not achieving objectives and not performing well compared to competitors.