Stages of the Research Process

Management
Dilemma
Defining Research
Problem
Research
Formulating Report
Research
Hypothesis

Data analysis
Developing Research & interpretation
Proposal

Research Data Refining

framework -Design And Preparation

Data Collection
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 Session Plan
 Research Proposal- -- The third stage

07/08/20 IBS 2
Research Proposal -
Relevance

3
Basic Contents of a Research
Proposal

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Definition – Research Proposal
 It is a layout of the planned research activity
 It describes
-background
-research problem
-approach,
-research design
-method of data collection ,analysis & reporting.
- cost estimate
-time schedule for completion
-appendices
Background

 The background to the problem

including the relevant context should be
discussed
Problem Definition /objectives

 A statement of problem including specific

components should be presented
 If it has not been developed objectives should be

clearly specified
Following questions should be covered:
- What is the purpose of the study?
- How much is already known?
- Is additional background information necessary?
 Approach to the problem
A review of relevant literature should be presented
Some kind of analytical model should be presented
If research questions & hypothesis have been formed then
these should be included

The following need to covered:

- What is to be measured? How?
- Can the data be made available?
- What types of questions need to be answered
- Can a hypothesis be formulated?
 Research Design
 Research design adopted (Exploratory, Descriptive or Causal)
should be specified
 Following need to be taken into consideration:

- What kind of information is to be obtained ?

- How should experimental manipulations be made?
- What is the method of administering questionnaire? (mail,
telephone, personal, electronic)
- Which Scaling techniques will be used ?
- What is the nature of questionnaire ?(type of questions asked
,length, average interviewing time)
- Sampling plan & sample size
Basic Questions -
Selection of Sample
 Who or what is the source of the data?
 Can the target population be identified?
 Is a sample necessary?
 How accurate must the sample be?
 Is a probability sample necessary?
 Is a national sample necessary?
 How large a sample is necessary?
 How will the sample be selected?
Field Work /Data Collection

 Method of data collection

 Control mechanism to ensure quality
 Need to include the following:
- Who will gather the data? (Sub contract)
- How long will data gathering take?
- How much supervision is needed?
- What operational procedures need to be followed?
 Data Analysis
 Kind of data analysis that will be conducted
( Cross tabulation, Univariate, Multivariate)
 Dummy tables

 Following points to be considered:

-Will standardized editing and coding procedures be used?

- How will the data be categorized?
- What statistical software will be used?
- What questions need to be answered?
- How many variables are to be investigated
simultaneously?
Reporting
 Intermediate reports to be prepared & stages
 Form of final report
 The following points need to be considered:
- Who will read the report?
- Are managerial recommendations requested?
- How many presentations are required?
- What will be the format of the written report?
Cost & Time
 Cost of project & time schedule
 CPM or PERT chart may be included

 The following questions need to be answered:

-How much will the study cost?

-Is the time frame acceptable?
-Is outside help needed?
-Will this research design attain the stated research
objectives?
-When should the research be scheduled to begin?
 Appendices
 Any statistical or other information that is of interest
to only a few people
 Representations of the actual tables that will be in the
findings section of the final report; used to gain a
better understanding of what the actual outcomes of
the research will be.
 Recap
 Research Proposal- -- The third stage

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Q&A
Any Queries?

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