'This book provides a clear and concise treatment of the history and theory of scientific research...recommended for research students in business and social sciences and as a supporting text for a course on research methodology' - Business Line A central question for all business, consulting, and research activities is what the methods, models, theories and statements that we refer to as knowledge are really about. The way in which a company is changing, a study is conducted, or the way that research is done, is to a large extent, influenced by the basic methodological approach one starts from, when considering which methods to use or develop. This volume discusses three different methodological approaches for gaining business knowledge - the analytical, systems and actor approaches. The prerequisites of, background for and consequences of using these approaches (alone or in synthesis) in various practical and theoretical situations are examined, as are the links between the ultimate presumptions - the basic methodological approach, the various techniques employed and the field of study.The techniques discussed include: historical studies, case studies, dialogues, language development, collecting data, measurement, controlling reliability and validation.