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Logistical problems under investigation

Preliminary Diagnosis

What is it?

An initial analysis to understand a problem before investigating deeply.

Steps:

Observe the situation

Identify the problem

Collect information

How to identify the problem

Observe what is causing difficulties and describe it clearly.

Justification of the Research

Statement of the Research Problem

How to collect information

Observation, interviews, surveys, documents, photographs, company data.

How to collect information

Observation, interviews, surveys, documents, photographs, company data.

Causes and consequences

Causes: lack of organization, training, correct procedures, or resources.

Analyze causes

Identify consequences

Define the problem

Purpose: confirm the problem really exists.

Consequences: lost time, errors, extra costs, lower productivity.

Why it matters

It prevents starting research without knowing the real problem.

Formulation of Research Hypotheses

What is a hypothesis?

A provisional answer to the research problem, tested with data.

Characteristics:

Clear and specific

Related to the problem

Includes variables

Can be tested

Can be supported or rejected

Types:

Research: proposes an expected relationship or effect.

Null: states there is no relationship or effect.

Alternative: proposes a different possibility than the null.

Statistical: uses symbols and numbers (quantitative research).

Utility of results ("what for")

Practical: what problem will it solve?

Research Objectives and Questions

What is it?

The starting point of a research project. It describes a situation that needs to be studied.

A good statement should be:

Clear, specific, focused, and possible to investigate.

Justification (why it matters)

Explains why the research is important and who benefits from it.

Objectives

General: main purpose of the study.

Specific: concrete actions to achieve it.

Use action verbs: analyze, identify, evaluate, compare.

Research questions

Guide the study and define what information is needed.

Must be clear, specific, and answerable.

Hypothesis

A possible answer to the problem, tested with data.

Important: not a conclusion — it may or may not be supported.

How the elements connect:

Problem → what is studied

Justification → why it matters

Objectives → what we want to achieve

Questions → what information we need

Hypothesis → possible answer to test

Criteria for objectives:

Clarity: easy to understand.

Specificity: focused on one problem, group, or variable.

Achievability: realistic with available time and resources.

Criteria for research questions:

Not already known: they seek new information.

Answerable with evidence: based on real data, not opinions.

Clear: direct and easy to understand.

Substantial: produce useful knowledge.

What is it?

The section that proves the study is necessary, relevant, and feasible.

Two key criteria:

"Why?" → the origin and current need of the problem.

"What for?" → the future utility and impact of the results.

Methodological: does it create or improve instruments or models?

Social: who benefits?

Theoretical: what new knowledge is added?

Why?" explains the origin and current need of the problem.

It looks at the past/present and is based on a diagnosis of the gap.

"What for?" explains the utility of the results.

It looks to the future and is based on the impact and beneficiaries.

It answers: What motivates the study?

It answers: What will be achieved?

: "why" = why the problem exists today

"what for" = what the results will bring tomorrow.