Page 138 - [Uma_Sekaran]_Research_methods_for_business__a_sk(BookZZ.org)

122 THE RESEARCH PROCESS

characteristics of the organizations that implement flexible manufacturing sys-
tems (FMS) or that have a certain debt-to-equity ratio.
The goal of a descriptive study, hence, is to offer to the researcher a profile or
to describe relevant aspects of the phenomena of interest from an individual, orga-
nizational, industry-oriented, or other perspective. In many cases, such information
may be vital before even considering certain corrective steps, as for example:
Should the organization consider changing its practices? If a study of the firms in
the industry indicates that most of them resort to just-in-time systems to cut inven-
tory costs, maybe organization Z should also seriously consider the feasibility of
this practice. Or if a descriptive study stresses the need to introduce flexible work
hours for parents of children under 3 years of age, this may have to be seriously
considered, and a much more focused study initiated to decide on the matter.
A brief description of the study of advances in the textile industry might look
something like this:

US Textiles has used high-tech to make huge advances in productivity and
innovation. An army of reels surrounds a complex circular knitting
machine at Malden Hills, feeding yarn to thousands of needles producing
polyester fabric. The 3-dimensional loom has added value utility in the com-
petitive market.
Jacquard looms, which are computer controlled at Burlington, weave
miles of intricately patterned materials. Even faster looms use jets of com-
pressed air to move the weft. The industry is being revolutionized with a 3-
dimensional loom that weaves the fibers in the shape of the end product,
skipping the laborious process of lamination.
Denims, which are difficult to make, are now made by computer controls
and electric sensors to a so-called dye range, which ensures a shade perfectly
matching customers’ samples.
The fastest looms, automated spinning processes, and Sanfmi machines
programmed from a desktop computer and capable of producing any type of
garment are other innovations in the textile industry.
Such a description of the advances helps textile companies to gauge their
progress in keeping up with the technological advances.
Descriptive studies that present data in a meaningful form thus help to (1)
understand the characteristics of a group in a given situation, (2) think system-
atically about aspects in a given situation, (3) offer ideas for further probe and
research, and/or (4) help make certain simple decisions (such as how many and
what kinds of individuals should be transferred from one department to another).
Below are examples of situations warranting a descriptive study.

Example 6.2 A bank manager wants to have a profile of the individuals who have loan pay-
ments outstanding for 6 months and more. It would include details of their