Research in Educational Management: it's Nature, Function, and Advantage

By: Fitri Rahmawati Syahwal (1232010111), Student of Islamic Education Management, Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University, Bandung

Institutional management often faces various challenges such as strategy formulation, policy development, and innovation that must be in line with the needs of the times. This shows that decisions in educational management cannot be based solely on experience, but require a proven scientific basis. Through systematic research, unstructured educational management issues can be analyzed objectively and appropriate solutions can be provided. Therefore, the purpose of this discussion is to understand the meaning and essence of educational management research, starting from its functions, advantages, and aspects that distinguish it from other types of studies, so that research can be used as a basis for making appropriate, measurable, and sustainable decisions in the field of educational management.

First, the Meaning and Essence of Educational Management Research: Etymologically, research comes from the word research, which means systematic activities to discover, test, and develop knowledge. In the context of educational management, research becomes a practical tool in formulating strategies, policies, and educational innovations that focus on institutional management issues. The essence of research has the main characteristics of being systematic, logical, and empirical, which are the main standards for testing the truth as a basis for decision making.

Second, the Function of Educational Management Research: Educational management research plays a fundamental role in the development of educational management knowledge and practice. Theoretically, research can enrich knowledge and deepen understanding of phenomena through investigation. Practically, research provides real solutions to problems while helping to identify the root causes of issues effectively. In terms of policy, research serves as the basis for decision-making and strategic planning in accordance with the principles of evidence-based policy. In addition, research has an academic function as a requirement for students at various levels of higher education to hone their scientific skills, practice critical thinking, and internalize scientific methods.

Third, Advantages of Educational Management Research: The advantage of educational management research lies in its ability to provide objective and measurable data, thereby minimizing differences in opinion and producing scientific legitimacy. In addition, research can also help reduce bias in decision-making because decisions are based on valid data, thereby minimizing errors. Another advantage of research is that it can provide scientific evidence that can be used as a basis for formulating innovations and policies, so that every policy taken has a proven foundation for its effectiveness. Another advantage is that research can produce solutions that can be retested or replicated, so that knowledge development can be carried out consistently and the results are not only applicable in one case, but can also be applied in various contexts.

Fourth, Other Types of Studies Similar to Educational Management Research: There are several other types of studies in educational management research that differ from research. Evaluation studies are systematic efforts that focus on measuring the achievement of predetermined objectives. Unlike research, these studies emphasize practical aspects in the form of assessing the success of a program. Meanwhile, literature reviews are studies that focus on collecting literature relevant to a specific topic. The advantage of literature reviews lies in their ability to present a comprehensive framework of thinking, even though they do not produce new empirical data because they rely solely on secondary data. Case studies in non-research form are usually compiled as descriptions of an event without using a complete research methodology. Nevertheless, case studies still play an important role as material for reflection, inspiration, and input in policy making.

Natizah:
Research in educational management is a systematic activity to discover and develop knowledge in the management of educational institutions. The advantages of research are that it can produce objective data, reduce bias in decision making, provide scientific evidence, and produce findings that can be replicated. Research has a higher position in the scientific hierarchy, contributing to the development of new theories and knowledge.

This paper is a review of Part 2 (Research in Educational Management) of the teaching materials for the Research Methods in Management course, taught by Prof. Dr. H. A Rusdiana, M.M.