Date: October 3, 2024
This article is part of Effició’s ‘Research and Article Reviews’ series, where we examine relevant research topics and their practical application for business owners. In this review, we look at the Indeed Career Guide article “What is Applied Research? Definition, Examples, and Benefits” and discuss why applied research serves as a valuable approach for small firm owners to create structured processes for decision-making. Indeed’s guide provides a clear, accessible breakdown of applied research that can be immediately useful for businesses seeking practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Understanding Applied Research
Applied research is designed to address specific, practical issues by utilizing existing knowledge and data to find solutions. According to the Indeed article, applied research contrasts with basic research, which is more exploratory and theory-driven. Indeed’s breakdown highlights how applied research directs existing knowledge toward real-life applications, which is where its value truly lies for business owners.
We find this distinction between basic and applied research particularly useful because it aligns with the immediate needs of small businesses. Rather than engaging in long-term theoretical research, applied research allows businesses to take actionable steps based on current data. This clear, focused approach is especially beneficial for small firms that require swift, practical outcomes to remain competitive.
Why Applied Research Is Key for Small Firms
For small firms, making business decisions without grounded data can be risky. The Indeed article does a good job of explaining how applied research mitigates this risk by:
- Addressing Specific Business Problems: Applied research is problem-focused, offering businesses concrete steps to find effective solutions.
- Leveraging Existing Knowledge: Rather than exploring new theories, applied research builds on what is already known, making it an efficient tool for practical business operations.
- Providing Actionable Insights: The article rightly points out that applied research leads to direct, actionable results that can be implemented quickly to improve business processes or products.
In our opinion, this ability to provide clear, actionable insights is one of the main strengths of applied research, and the Indeed article succeeds in communicating this point well.
Examples of Applied Research in Business
The article also provides practical examples of how applied research can be used to solve business challenges. From improving agricultural crop production to refining marketing strategies for Gen Z consumers, the examples provided by Indeed show that applied research is adaptable and can be applied across various industries.
For small firms, applied research might involve:
- Improving customer satisfaction by studying service delivery processes.
- Investigating new methods to reduce production costs.
- Developing targeted marketing campaigns based on consumer behavior research.
These examples further emphasize why we believe applied research is such a valuable tool for small firms—it’s flexible, practical, and grounded in the real world.
Using Applied Research as a Starting Point
Integrating applied research into business operations doesn’t require extensive resources. By following the guidance from Indeed’s article, small firm owners can begin by identifying specific challenges in their business and using research to gather data and test solutions. Over time, this process can evolve into a systematic approach to problem-solving, ultimately improving both short-term outcomes and long-term business strategies.
From our perspective, Indeed’s article provides an accessible entry point into understanding how applied research can be used effectively. It’s a valuable resource for small firms looking to enhance their decision-making process through research.
Final Thoughts
By integrating both traditional and digital resources into your research process, you can uncover valuable insights that directly support your business decisions. Whether you’re exploring new ideas or refining current strategies, a balanced approach to research will provide clarity and direction. Taking the time to build a structured research system allows you to stay informed, make data-driven decisions, and enhance the quality of your work for both your team and clients.
Join the next CORE24 Cohort
Applied research provides a practical foundation for small firms seeking to strengthen their decision-making. By focusing on real-world challenges and leveraging research-driven solutions, business owners can enhance operations and deliver greater value to their clients.
Embrace research as part of your business strategy and make evidence-based decisions that support long-term success. Consider joining our flagship CORE24 program. Engage in a 24-month journey designed for company owners who are ready to optimize operations, enhance decision-making, and achieve long-term success.
Join the Next CORE24 Cohort Today to connect with a network of scholars and professionals dedicated to strategic growth and operational excellence.
Continue following Effició Research and Article Reviews series for more analysis and reviews of insights designed to strengthen your business practices.
References
Indeed Editorial Team. (2023, January 26). What is applied research? Definition, examples, and benefits. Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/applied-research
