ASSIGNMENT

MB0050-RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
MBA: Semester III Name 1205006802 Learning Centre : AIM Computer Education Learning 02030 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Q.1. a. Explain the types of research. b. What is the significance of research in social and business sciences? a) Explain the types of research. Answer: Research may be classified crudely according to its major intent or the methods.According to the intent, research may be classified as: Basic (aka fundamental or pure) research is driven by a scientist's curiosity or interest in a scientific question. The main motivation is to expand man's knowledge, not to create or invent something. There is no obvious commercial value to the discoveries that result from basicresearch.For example, basic science investigations probe for answers to questions such as: How did the universe begin? What are protons, neutrons, and electrons composed of? How do slime molds reproduce? What is the specific genetic code of the fruit fly?

: Ajit Kumar

Registration No. : Centre Code :

Some scientists feel that the time has come for a shift in emphasis away from purely basic research and toward applied science. This trend, they feel, is necessitated by the problems resulting from global overpopulation, pollution, and the overuse of the earth's natural resources. a) b) c) d) Exploratory research Descriptive research Diagnostic research Evaluation research.

a) Exploratory research Exploratory research provides insights into and comprehension of an issue or situation. It should draw definitive conclusions only with extreme caution. Exploratory research is a type of research conducted because a problem has not been clearly defined. Exploratory research helps determine the best research design, data collection method and selection of subjects. Given its fundamental nature, exploratory research often concludes that a perceived problem does not actually exist. b) Descriptive Research Descriptive research, also known as statistical research, describes data and characteristics about the population or phenomenon being studied. Descriptive research answers the questions who, what, where, when and how. Although the data description is factual, accurate and systematic, the research cannot describe what caused a situation. Thus, descriptive research cannot be used to create a causal relationship, where one
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variable affects another. In other words, descriptive research can be said to have a low requirement for internal validity. The description is used for frequencies, averages and other statistical calculations. Often the best approach, prior to writing descriptive research, is to conduct a survey investigation. Qualitative research often has the aim of description and researchers may follow-up with examinations of why the observations exist and what the implications of the findings are. c) Diagnostic Research It is similar to descriptive study but with a different focus. It is directed towards discovering what is happening, why it is happening and what can be done about. It aims at identifying the causes of a problem and the possible solutions for it. It may also be concerned with discovering and testing whether certain variables are associated. This type of research requires prior knowledge of the problem, its thorough formulation, clear-cut definition of the given population, adequate methods for collecting accurate information, precise measurement of variables, statistical analysis and test of significance. d) Evaluation Research It is a type of applied research. It is made for assessing the effectiveness of social or economic programs implemented or for assessing the impact of developmental projects on the development of the project area. It is thus directed to assess or appraise the quality and quantity of an activity and its performance, and to specify its attributes and conditions required for its success. It is concerned with causal relationships and is more actively guided by hypothesis. It is concerned also with change over time. b) What is the significance of research in social and business sciences? Answer: Significance of Research in Social and Business Sciences: Research encourages scientific and inductive thinking, besides promoting the development of logical habits of thinking and organization. The Role of research in applied economics in the context of an economy or business is greatly increasing in modern times. The increasingly complex nature of government and business has raised the use of research in solving operation problems. Research assumes significant role in formulation of economic policy, for both the government and business. It provides the basis for almost all government policies of an economic system. Government budget formulation, for example depends particularly on the analysis of needs and desires of the people and the availability of revenues, which requires research. Research helps to formulate alternative policies, in addition to examining the consequences of these alternatives. Thus, research also facilitates the decision making of policy-makers, although in itself it is not a part of research. In the process, research also helps in the proper allocation of a countrys scare resources. Research is also necessary for collecting information on the social and economic structure of an economy to understand the process of change occurring in the country. Collection of statistical information thought not routine task, involves various research problems. Therefore, large staff of research technicians or experts is engaged by the government these days to undertake this work. Thus, research as a tool of government economic policy formulation involves three distinct stages of operation which are as follows; Investigation of economic structure through continual completion of facts Diagnoses of events that are taking place and the analysis of the forces underlying them; and The prognosis, i.e. the prediction of future developments

Research also assumes a significant role in solving various operational and planning problems associated with business and industry. In several ways, operations research, market research, and motivational research are vital and their results assist in taking business decisions. Market research is the formulation of efficient policies relating to purchases, production and sales. Operational research related to the application of logical, mathematical and analytical techniques to find solution to business problems such as cost minimization or profit maximization or the optimization problems. All these researches are very useful for business and industry, which are responsible for business decision making. Q2. What is meant by validity? How does it differ from reliability and what are its types?
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Answer: Validity: A measurement scale may be considered to be valid if it effectively measures a specific property or characteristic that it intends to measure. The question of validity does not arise in the case of measurement of physical characteristics such as length, weight and height. This is because the measurement is direct and can be done through standard measuring devices. On the other hand, the measurement of abstract characteristics such as motivation and attitudes is more indirect and therefore poses the problems of validity. In such cases, there must be some evidence to prove measure. Such evidence is generally gathered through the application of statistical techniques. Difference between reliability and validity: Reliability and validity are closely interlinked. A measuring instrument that is valid is always reliable, but the reverse in not true. That is an instrument that is reliable is not always valid. However, an instrument that is not valid may or may not be reliable and an instrument that is not reliable is never valid. Types of Validity: 1) Content Validity a. Face Validity : Face validity is determined through a subjective evaluation of measuring scale. b. Sampling Validity : Sampling validity refers to how representative that content of the measuring instrument is. In other words, the measuring instruments content must be representative of the content universe of the characteristic being measured. 1) Predictive Validity This type of validity refers to the extent to which one behavior can be predicted based on another, based on the association between the results yielded by the measuring instrument and the eventual outcome. 2) Construct Validity A construct is a conceptual equation that is developed by the researcher based on theoretical reasoning. Q3. a. Why literature survey is important in research? b. What are the criteria of good research problem? a) Why literature survey is important in research? Answer: Frequently, an exploratory study is concerned with an area of subject matter in which explicit hypothesis have not yet been formulated. The researchers task then is to review the available material with eye onthe possibilities of developing hypothesis from it. In some areas of the subject matter, hypothesis may have been stated by previous research workers. The researcher has to take stock of these various hypotheses with a view to evaluating their usefulness for further research and to consider whether they suggest any new hypothesis. Sociological journals, economic reviews, the bulletin of abstracts of current social sciences research, directory of doctoral dissertation accepted by universities etc afford a rich store of valuable clues. In addition to these general sources, some governmental agencies and voluntary organizations publish listings of summaries of research in their special fields of service. Professional organizations, research groups and voluntary organizations are a constant source of information about unpublished works in their special fields. b) What are the criteria of good research problem? Answer: Criteria of Good Research Problems: 1. Verifiable Evidence: That is factual observations which other observers can see and check.

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2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Accuracy: That is describing what really exists. It means truth or correctness of a statement or describing things exactly as they are and avoiding jumping to unwarranted conclusions either by exaggeration or fantasizing. Precision: That is making it as exact as necessary, or giving exact number or measurement. This avoids colorful literature and vague meanings. Systematization: That is attempting to find all the relevant data, or collecting data in a systematic and organized way so that the conclusions drawn are reliable. Data based on causal recollections are generally incomplete and given unreliable judgment and conclusions. Objectivity: That is free being from all biases and vested interest. It means observation is unaffected by the observers values, beliefs and preferences to the extent possible and he able to see and accept facts as they are, not as he might wish them to be. Recording: That is free jotting down complete details as quickly as possible. Since human memory is fallible, all data collected are recorded. Controlling Conditions: That is controlling all variables except one and then attempting to examine what happens when that variable is varied. This is the basic technique in all scientific experimentation allowing one variable to vary while holding all other variables constant. Train Investigations: That is imparting necessary knowledge to investigations to make them understand what to look for how to interpret in and avoid inaccurate data collection.

Q4. Explain the procedure for Testing Hypothesis. Answer: Procedure for hypothesis testing refers to all those steps that we undertake for making a choice between the two actions i.e., rejection and acceptance of a null hypothesis. The various steps involved in hypothesis testing are stated below: 1. Making a Formal Statement 2. Selecting a Significant Level 3. Deciding the Distribution to use 4. Selecting a Random Sample & Computing an Appropriate Value 5. Calculation of the Probability 6. Comparing the Probability 1. Making a Formal Statement: The step consists in making a formal statement of the null hypothesis (H 0) and also of the alternative hypothesis (Ha). This means that hypothesis should clearly state, considering the nature of the research problem. The formulation of hypothesis is an important step which must be accomplished with due care in accordance with the object and nature of the problem under consideration. It also indicates whether we should use a tailed test. 2. Selecting a Significant Level: The hypothesis is tested on a pre-determined level of significance and such the same should have specified. Generally, in practice, either 5% level or 1% level is adopted for the purpose. The factors that effect the level of significance are: The magnitude of the deference between sample: The size of the sample; The variability of measurements within samples; Whether the hypothesis is directional or non directional

3. Deciding the Distribution to use: After deciding the level of significance, the next step in hypothesis testing is to determine the appropriate sampling distribution. The rules for selecting the correct distribution are similar to those which we have stated earlier in the context of estimation. 4. Selecting a Random Sample & Computing an Appropriate Value: Another step is to select a random sample (S) and compute and appropriate value from the sample data concerning the test static utilizing the relevant distribution. In other words, draw a sample to furnish empirical data.
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5. Calculation of the Probability: One has then to calculate the probability that the sample result would diverse as widely as it has from expectations, if the null hypothesis were in fact true. 6. Comparing the Probability: Yet another step consists in comparing the probability thus calculated with the specified value for a (Alfa), the significance level. Flow Diagram for Testing Hypothesis State H0 as well as Ha Specify the level of significance Decide the correct sampling distribution Sample a random sample and workout an appropriate value Calculate the probability that sample result would diverge as widely as it has from expectations, if H0 were true Is this probability equal to or smaller than a value in case of one tailed test and /2 in case of twotailed test Reject H0 Run the risk of some risk of committing type II error Q5.a. Explain the components of a research design. b. Briefly explain the different types of research designs. a) Explain the components of a research design. Answer: The researcher must keep in mind that his research report must contain following aspects: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Purpose of study Significance of his study or statement of the problem Review of literature Methodology Interpretation of data Conclusions and suggestions Bibliography Appendices Accept H0

Run

These can be discussed in detail as under: 1. Purpose of Study: Research is one direction oriented study. He should discuss the problem of his study. He must give background of the problem. He must lay down his hypothesis of the study. Hypothesis is the statement indicating the nature of the problem. He should be able to collect data, analyze it and prove the hypothesis. The importance of the problem for the advancement of knowledge or removed of some evil may also be explained. He must use review of literature or the data from secondary source for explaining the statement of the problems. 2. Significance of Study:
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Research is re-search and hence the researcher may highlight the earlier research in new manner or establish new theory. He must refer earlier research work and distinguish his own research from earlier work. He must explain how his research is different and how his research topic is different and how his research topic is important. In a statement of his problem, he must be able to explain in brief the historical account of the topic and way in which he can make and attempt. 3. Review of literature: Research is a continuous process. He cannot avoid earlier research work. He must start with earlier work. He should note down all such research work, published in books, journals or unpublished thesis. He will get guidelines for his research from taking a review of literature. He should collect information in respect of earlier research work. He should enlist them in the given below: Author/researcher Title of research /Name of book Publisher Year of publication Objectives of his study Conclusion/suggestions Then he can compare this information with his study to show separate identity of his study. He must be honest to point out similarities and differences of his study from earlier research work. 4. Review of literature: It is related to collection of data. There are two sources for collecting data; primary and secondary. Primary data is original and collected in field work, either through questionnaire interviews. The secondary data relied on library work. Such primary data are collected by sampling method. The procedure for selecting the sample must be mentioned. The methodology must give various aspects of the problem that are studied for valid generalization about the phenomena. The scales of measurement must be explained along with different concepts used in the study. While conducting a research based on field work, the procedural things like definition of universe, preparation of source list must be given. We use case study method, historical research etc. He must make it clear as to which method is used in his research work. When questionnaire is prepared, a copy of it must be given in appendix. 5. Interpretation of data: Mainly the data collected from primary source need to be interpreted in systematic manner. The tabulation must be completed to draw conclusions. All the questions are not useful for report writing. One has to select them or club them according to hypothesis or objectives of study. 6. Conclusions/suggestions: Data analysis forms the crux of the problem. The information collected infield work is useful to draw conclusions of study. In relation with the objectives of study the analysis of data may lead the researcher to pin point his suggestions. The conclusions must be based on logical and statistical reasoning. The report should contain not only the generalization of inference but also the basis on which the inferences are drawn. 7. Bibliography: The list of references must be arranged in alphabetical order and be presented in appendix. The books should be given in first section and articles are in second section and research projects in the third. The pattern of bibliography is considered convenient and satisfactory from the point of view of reader. 8. Appendices: The general information in tabular form which is not directly used in the analysis of data but which is useful to understand the background of study can be given in appendix. b) Briefly explain the different types of research designs. Answer: Different Types of Research Designs: The various research designs are:
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1. Research Design in Case of Exploratory Research Studies: Exploratory research studies are also termed as formulate research studies. The main purpose of such studies is that of formulating a problem for more precise investigation or developing the working hypothesis from an operational point of view. Generally, the following three methods in the context of research design for such studies are talked about: a. The survey of concerning literature : The survey of concerning literature happens to be the most simple and fruitful method of formulating precisely the research problem or developing hypothesis. b. Experience Survey: Experience survey means the survey of people who have had practical experience with the problem to be studied. The object of such a survey is to obtain insight into the relationships between variables and new ideas relating to the research problem. c. Analyses of insight-stimulating examples: Analysis of insight-stimulating examples are also a fruitful method for suggesting hypothesis. It is particularly suitable in areas where there is little experience to serve as a guide. The method consists of the intensive study of selected instance of the phenomenon in which one is interested. 2. Research Design in Case of Descriptive and Diagnostic Research Studies: Descriptive research studies are those studies which are concerned with describing the characteristics of a particular individual, or of a group, where as diagnostic research studies determine the frequency with which something occurs or its association with something else. 3. Research Design in Case of Hypothesis-Testing Research Studies: Hypothesis-testing research studies (generally known as experimental studies) are those where the researcher tests the hypothesis of causal relationship between variables. Such studies require procedures that will not only reduce bias and increase reliability, but will permit drawing inferences about causality. 4. Principles of Experimental Designs: Professor Fisher has enumerated three principles of experimental designs: a. The principle of replication : The experiment should be reaped more than once. Thus, each treatment is applied in many experimental units instead of one. By doing so, the statistical accuracy of the experiments is increased. b. The principle of Randomization: It provides protection, when we conduct an experiment, against the effect of extraneous factors by randomization. In other words, this principle indicates that we should design or plan the experiment in such a way that the variations caused by extraneous factors can all be combined under the general heading of chance. c. The principle of Local Control: It is another important principle of experimental designs. Under it the extraneous factors, the known source of variability, is made to vary deliberately over as wide a range as necessary and this needs to be done in such a way that the variability it causes can be measured and hence eliminated from the experimental error. 5. Important Experimental Designs: Experimental design refers to the framework or structure of an experiment and as such there are several experimental designs. We can classify experimental designs into two broad categories, viz., informal experimental designs and formal experimental designs. Informal experimental designs are those designs that normally use a less sophisticated form of analysis based on differences in magnitudes, where as formal experimental designs offer relatively more control and use precise statistical procedures for analysis. Informal Experimental Designs: Before and after without control design After only with control design Before and after with control design 6. Formal Experimental Designs: Completely Randomized Design (CR Design) Randomized Block Design (RB Design) Latin Square Design (LS Design)
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Factorial Design

Q6. a. What are the assumptions of Case Study Method? b. Explain the Sampling process. a) What are the assumptions of Case Study Method? Answer: While case study writing may seem easy at first glance, developing an effective case study (also called a success story) is an art. Like other marketing communication skills, learning how to write a case study takes time. Whats more, writing case studies without careful planning usually results in sub optimal results? Savvy case study writers increase their chances of success by following these ten proven techniques for writing an effective case study: Involve the customer throughout the process. Involving the customer throughout the case study development process helps ensure customer cooperation and approval, and results in an improved case study. Obtain customer permission before writing the document, solicit input during the development, and secure approval after drafting the document. Write all customer quotes for their review. Rather than asking the customer to draft their quotes, writing them for their review usually results in more compelling material. Case Study Writing Ideas Establish a document template. A template serves as a roadmap for the case study process, and ensures that the document looks, feels, and reads consistently. Visually, the template helps build the brand; procedurally, it simplifies the actual writing. Before beginning work, define 3-5 specific elements to include in every case study, formalize those elements, and stick to them. Organize according to problem, solution, and benefits. Regardless of length, the time-tested, most effective organization for a case study follows the problem-solution-benefits flow. First, describe the business and/or technical problem or issue; next, describe the solution to this problem or resolution of this issue; finally, describe how the customer benefited from the particular solution (more on this below). This natural story-telling sequence resonates with reader. Use the general-to-specific-to-general approach. In the problem section, begin with a general discussion of the issue that faces the relevant industry. Then, describe the specific problem or issue that the customer faced. In the solution section, use the opposite sequence. First, describe how the solution solved this specific problem; then indicate how it can also help resolve this issue more broadly within the industry. Beginning more generally draws the reader into the story; offering a specific example demonstrates, in a concrete way, how the solution resolves a commonly faced issue; and concluding more generally allows the reader to understand how the solution can also address their problem. Quantify benefits when possible. No single element in a case study is more compelling than the ability to tie quantitative benefits to the solution. For example, Using Solution X saved Customer Y over $ZZZ, ZZZ after just 6months of implementation; or, Thanks to Solution X, employees at Customer Y have realized a ZZ% increase in productivity as measured by standard performance indicators. Quantifying benefits can be challenging, but not impossible. The key is to present imaginative ideas to the customer for ways to quantify the benefits, and remain flexible during this discussion. If benefits cannot be quantified, attempt to develop a range of qualitative benefits; the latter can be quite compelling to readers as well. Use photos. Ask the customer if they can provide shots of personnel, ideally using the solution. The shots need not be professionally done; in fact, homegrown digital photos sometimes lead to surprisingly good results and often appear more genuine. Photos further personalize the story and help form a connection to readers.

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Reward the customer. After receiving final customer approval and finalizing the case study, provide a pdf, as well as printed copies, to the customer. Another idea is to frame a copy of the completed case study and present it to the customer in appreciation for their efforts and cooperation. Writing a case study is not easy. Even with the best plan, a case study is doomed to failure if the writer lacks the exceptional writing skills, technical savvy, and marketing experience that these documents require. In many cases, a talented writer can mean the difference between an ineffective case study and one that provides the greatest benefit. If a qualified internal writer is unavailable, consider outsourcing the task to professionals who specialize in case study writing. b) Explain the Sampling process. Answer: The decision process of sampling is complicated one. The researcher has to first identity the limiting factor or factors and must judiciously balance the conflicting factors. The various criteria governing the choice of the sampling technique: 1. Purpose of the Survey: What does the researcher aim at? If he intends to generalize the findings based on the sample survey to the population then an appropriate probability sampling method must be selected. The choice of a particular type of probability sampling depends on the geographical area of the survey and the sixe and the nature of the population under study. Measurability: The application of statistical inference theory requires computation of the sampling error from, the sample itself. Probability samples only allow such computation. Degree of precision: Should the results of the survey be very precise, or even rough results could serve the purpose? The Desired level of precision as one of the criteria of sampling method selection. Where a high degree of precision of results is desired, probability sampling should be used where even crude results would serve the purpose any convenient non-random sampling like quota sampling would be enough. Information about Population: How much information is available about the population to be studied? Where no list of population and no information about its nature are available, it is difficult to apply a probability sampling method. The Nature of the Population: in terms of the variables to be studied is the population homogenous or heterogeneous? In the case of a homogenous population, even a simple random sampling will give a representative sample if the population is heterogeneous, stratified random sampling is appropriate. Geographical Area of the Study and the Size of the Population: It they are covered by a survey is very large and the size of the population is quite large, multi-stage cluster sampling would be appropriate. But if the area and the size of the population are small, single stage probability sampling methods could be used. Financial Resources: If the available finance is limited, it may become necessary to choose a less costly sampling plan like multistage cluster sampling or even quota sampling as a compromise. However, if the objectives of the study and the desired level of precision cannot be attained within the stipulated budget, there is no alternative than to give up the proposed survey. Time Limitation: The time limit within which the research project should be completed restricts the choice of sampling method. Economy: It should be another criterion in choosing the sampling method it means achieving the desired level of precision at minimum cost. A sample is economical if the precision per unit is high or the cost per unit of variance is low.

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