a$)$ As a student undertaking a class in research methods, what factors does one need to take into consideration when reviewing the literature?

b$)$ Explain the relationship that exists between variables in the research design and the steps for evaluating these relationships

c$)$ Best known for printers, cameras, calculators and computers, Hewlett Packard Company $($HP$)$ had its share of organizing challenges over the years. Carly Fiorina was named CEO of HP in $1999($A move that made News headlines because Hp was one of the first USA corporations to be headed by a woman$),$ and continued the company$$s strategy of growth by acquiring business.

Her most controversial acquisition was the $$50$ billion purchase of rival computer company, a decision that was the beginning if the end of Fiorina. To The board, this decision was arbitrary and had no research backing. The combined $/$acquired companies experienced many problems including financial, cultural, and structural resulting in poor performance. Her differences with the company$$s board of directors over the direction Hp was going, finally led to her firing in early Feb $2005.$ By the end of march $2005,$ Mark Hurd, CEO Hurd of NRC had been selected by the new board as the new CEO of HP company.

The first task for Marks Hurd was to find out the problems bedeviling HP and make the decision that would reverse the negativity. He$,$ therefore, appointed an external research team of consultants to undertake the tasks.

Based on the above case study

d$)$ Identify the research problem the new CEO and consultant team needs to address

e$)$ Generate three possible general objectives and hypotheses of the study.

f$)$ Justify the need for research for HP company