business research: an illustrative guide to practical methodological applications in selected case studies

This book focuses on research methodologies that apply to business research, particularly for researchers and managers embarking thereon to support managerial decision-making in the industry. In doing so, the book’s objective is to guide business researchers in identifying, defining, and applying rigorous academic methodologies that will enable them to formulate, design, and execute effective research that answers their specific management problems. Such guidance can empower organizational managers to understand that business research can contribute to practical solutions to actual problems experienced in the industry. In addition, by emphasizing the integrative nature between (1) academic research and (2) experienced industry problems, it becomes possible to foster an awareness of such research’s potential impact on organizational performance management, sustainability, and resilience. With that, attention is given to narrowing the gap between theory and practice, which requires that fundamentals of scientific research be adhered to while maintaining the delicate balance between a practice-friendly guide to pragmatically sound and academically rigorous business research.

Pieter Buys is Professor in the Accounting Sciences at the North-West University, South Africa, and is currently the Research Director of the Management Cybernetics research entity within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. His academic qualifications include Masters’ degrees in Managerial Accounting (M.Com), Industrial Engineering (M.Eng) and Business Administration (MBA). He also holds two PhDs; Managerial Accounting and Accounting Philosophy. His research focuses primarily on applied corporate management from a business systems perspective. Before his appointment, he occupied senior management positions in various corporates as well as project management positions at a Big 4 audit firm and ERP consulting firm in Canada and South Africa.

Merwe Oberholzer is Professor in the Accounting Sciences at the North-West University, South Africa, and is currently employed in the Management Cybernetics research entity within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. His academic qualifications include a Masters’ degree in Managerial Accounting (M.Com), and he holds a Ph.D. in Managerial Accounting. He has taught Management Accounting and Financial Management in the Chartered Accountancy and Chartered Management Accountancy programs extensively.