business research nature & scope

Business Rreserach- NaturBusiness Rreserach- Nature & Scopee & Scope

Prof. Parul GuptaProf. Parul Gupta 11

BUSINESS RESEARCHBUSINESS RESEARCHMS108MS108



SCHEME OF EVALUATIONSR.NO.

EVALUATION CATEGORY

MARKS ALLOTTED

WEIGHTAGE OUT OF 40

1 Written Internal Test 40 15

2 Report ( I to IV)Via Voice

Business Research Project

(15*4)=6040

100

1005

15

3 Written Assignments/ Class room PresentationsClass Room Activities

(15*4)=60

60 10

TOTAL 200 40



UNIT 1- SESSION DETAILSUNIT 1- SESSION DETAILS

Session 1&2 – LECTURESession 1&2 – LECTURE - Nature & scope of business - Nature & scope of business Announcement - BRP-Part IAnnouncement - BRP-Part I

Session 3&4 – LECTURESession 3&4 – LECTURE –Research process; Problem identification & –Research process; Problem identification &

definition, Determination of information needdefinition, Determination of information need

Session 5&6 – LECTURESession 5&6 – LECTURE – Hypothesis formulation – Hypothesis formulation Announcement - ASSIGNMENT 1Announcement - ASSIGNMENT 1 (Business research exe.) (Business research exe.)

Session 7 - LECTURESession 7 - LECTURE – Developing research proposal – Developing research proposal

Session 8 -Session 8 - Class Room Presentations by all syndicates on Ass. 1 Class Room Presentations by all syndicates on Ass. 1 Submission - AssignmentSubmission - Assignment 1 (Business research exe. Report) 1 (Business research exe. Report)



UNIT 1UNIT 1SESSION 1 & 2SESSION 1 & 2

BUSINESS RESEARCH DEFINITION,BUSINESS RESEARCH DEFINITION, NATURE AND SCOPE NATURE AND SCOPE



ResearchResearch

A careful investigation or inquiry A careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts specially through search for new facts

in any branch of knowledgein any branch of knowledge



What is Research?What is Research?

The task of research is to generate accurate The task of research is to generate accurate information for use in decision making. The information for use in decision making. The emphasis of research is on shifting decision emphasis of research is on shifting decision makers from intuitive information gathering to makers from intuitive information gathering to systematic and objective investigation. systematic and objective investigation.

Research is defined as the systematic and Research is defined as the systematic and objective process of gathering, recording and objective process of gathering, recording and analyzing data for aid in making decisions analyzing data for aid in making decisions



ObjectivesObjectives1.1. To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to

explore new ideas.explore new ideas.

2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a 2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group.particular individual, situation or a group.

3. To determine the frequency with which 3. To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated.something occurs or with which it is associated.

4. To establish a cause and effect relationship and 4. To establish a cause and effect relationship and test the relationship between two variables.test the relationship between two variables.



Why is Research Needed / Important / Why is Research Needed / Important / Necessary IN Business?Necessary IN Business?

EFFCETIVE DECISION MAKINGEFFCETIVE DECISION MAKING UNAVAILABILITY OF PORTABLE UNAVAILABILITY OF PORTABLE

SOLUTIONSSOLUTIONS FREQUENTLY CHANGING BUSINESS FREQUENTLY CHANGING BUSINESS

ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT TO EXPLORE NEW MARKETS & TO EXPLORE NEW MARKETS &

OPPORTUNITESOPPORTUNITES TO IDENTIFY PROBLEM AREAR etc……TO IDENTIFY PROBLEM AREAR etc……



Characteristics of ResearchCharacteristics of Research 1. Research begins with a 1. Research begins with a problemproblem in the form of a in the form of a

question in the mind of the researcher.question in the mind of the researcher.2. Research demands the identification of a problem, 2. Research demands the identification of a problem,

stated in stated in clear, unambiguous termsclear, unambiguous terms..3. Research requires a 3. Research requires a planplan..4. Research deals with the main problem through 4. Research deals with the main problem through

appropriate appropriate sub-problemssub-problems..5. Research seeks 5. Research seeks directiondirection through appropriate through appropriate

hypotheses hypotheses and is based upon obvious assumptions.and is based upon obvious assumptions.6. Research deals with 6. Research deals with facts and their meaningfacts and their meaning..7. Research is 7. Research is circularcircular..



Types of Business ResearchTypes of Business Research

1.1. Basic Research Basic Research

2.2. Applied researchApplied research1. Descriptive Vs Analytical 1. Descriptive Vs Analytical

2. Applied (Basic) Vs Fundamental (Applied)2. Applied (Basic) Vs Fundamental (Applied)

3. Quantitative Vs Qualitative 3. Quantitative Vs Qualitative

4. Conceptual Vs Empirical4. Conceptual Vs Empirical

5. Special types of research5. Special types of research



Other Types of ResearchOther Types of Research

Based on the purposes for which the researches are Based on the purposes for which the researches are conducted, they may be divided into following categories: conducted, they may be divided into following categories:

1. Baseline/Bench-mark survey/Research.1. Baseline/Bench-mark survey/Research.

2. Evaluation Research: 2. Evaluation Research:

a) Formative Evaluation (Mid-term)a) Formative Evaluation (Mid-term)

b) Terminal Evaluation.b) Terminal Evaluation.

3. Impact assessment/research3. Impact assessment/research

4. Feasibility studies.4. Feasibility studies.



Nature of Research

a.BR- As an economic resourceb BR- As a system of authorityc. BR- As an activity of business managementd. BR- As a Team efforte. BR- AS an art or sciencef. BR- As a professiong. BR- As an interdisciplinary system



Scope & Application in Various Functions of Business

Management



Scope of Market ResearchScope of Market Research



1.Advertising Research

a. Motivation research

b. Copy research

c. Media research

d. Studies of advertisement effectiveness

e. other



2. Business economic and corporate research

a. Short range forecastingb. Long range forecastingc. Studies of business trendsd. Pricing studiese. Plant and warehouse location studiesf. product mix studiesg. Acquisition Studiesh. Export and international studiesi. Others



3. Corporate responsibility research

a. Consumers’ “ rights to know” studiesb. Ecological impact studiesc. Studies of legal constraintsd. Social values and policies studiese. Others



4. Product research

5. Packaging research



6. Sales and market research

a. Measurement of market potentialb. Market share analysisc. Sales analysisd. Establishment of sales quotas & territories



e. Distribution channel studiesf. Test marketsg. Consumer panel operationh. Sales compensation studiesI Promotional studiesj. Others



MAJOR ASSIGNMENT MAJOR ASSIGNMENT BUSINESS BUSINESS RESEARCHRESEARCH PROJCET PROJCET

SECTIONSECTION A A

SECTIONSECTION B B

SUBMISSION – SESSION 9SUBMISSION – SESSION 9

BRP – PART I PRESENTATION – SESSION 10BRP – PART I PRESENTATION – SESSION 10

(( By all the syndicates of 5-7 Min. duration) By all the syndicates of 5-7 Min. duration)




PROBLEM IDENTIFIACTION PROBLEM IDENTIFIACTION

AND AND

DEFINITIONDEFINITION



What Is A Research Problem?

It refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in context of either

a theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.



Components of a research problemComponents of a research problem**There must be an There must be an individual or a group or an individual or a group or an organizationorganization

*There must be at least *There must be at least two courses of actiontwo courses of action

*There must be at least *There must be at least two possible outcomestwo possible outcomes

*The courses of actions available must provide *The courses of actions available must provide some some chance of obtaining the objectivechance of obtaining the objective

* There must be * There must be some environmentsome environment to which the difficulty to which the difficulty

pertainspertains



Selecting a problemSelecting a problemFollowing points to be avoided while Following points to be avoided while selecting a problem,selecting a problem,

1. Overdone Subject1. Overdone Subject2, Controversial subject2, Controversial subject3. Too narrow and too vague problem3. Too narrow and too vague problem4. Unfeasible subject4. Unfeasible subject5. Uneconomical and time consuming 5. Uneconomical and time consuming problemproblem



Steps involved in defining a problemSteps involved in defining a problem

((1) General definition of the problem1) General definition of the problem

(2) Understanding the nature of the problem(2) Understanding the nature of the problem

(3) Surveying the literature available(3) Surveying the literature available

(4) Developing the ideas(4) Developing the ideas

(5) Rephrasing the problem(5) Rephrasing the problem



Research questionResearch question

**Questions in the mind of researcherQuestions in the mind of researcher

*All are able to achieve research *All are able to achieve research objective/ to solve research problem if objective/ to solve research problem if put togetherput together



Three types of Research questionsThree types of Research questionsA. Descriptive questionsA. Descriptive questionsB. Comparison QuestionsB. Comparison QuestionsC. Relational QuestionsC. Relational Questions

Association Questions (Happening together)Association Questions (Happening together) Causal QuestionsCausal Questions

a. a. Concomitant Variation (two things vary Concomitant Variation (two things vary together)together)

b. Time sequence of the variable (Occurrence of b. Time sequence of the variable (Occurrence of two variables)two variables)

c. Cause variable (Reasons behindc. Cause variable (Reasons behind



IllustrationIllustration

1) What sport matches your personality?1) What sport matches your personality?

RResearch questionsesearch questions1. Sociability1. Sociability2. Spontaneity2. Spontaneity3. Discipline3. Discipline4, Aggressiveness4, Aggressiveness5. Competitiveness5. Competitiveness6. Mental focus6. Mental focus7. Risk taking7. Risk taking



1. Sociability1. Sociability2. Spontaneity2. Spontaneity3. Discipline3. Discipline4, Aggressiveness4, Aggressiveness5. Competitiveness5. Competitiveness6. Mental focus6. Mental focus7. Risk taking7. Risk taking

Variables

Very High

High Medium Low Very Low

1 *

2 *

3 *

4 *

5 *

6 *

7 *



Possible AnswersPossible Answers

1. Carom 1. Carom

2. Jogging2. Jogging



THE RESEARCH PROCESSTHE RESEARCH PROCESS



Define Research Problem & Research Objective

[II] Review concepts

and theories

[II]Review previous research finding

[IV]Design research

(Including Sample design)

[V]Collect data(Execution)

[VI] Analyze Data(Test Hypothesis)

[VII] Interpretation and Implications

[III] Formulate Hypothesis

FF

F

F

FFF

[VIII] Actionable Proposition

[IX] Report preparation



((I) Defining the Research ProblemI) Defining the Research Problem“ A problem well defined is half solved “

Two steps are involved defining the research problema. Understanding the problem thoroughly andb. Rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from analytical point of view Techniques for preliminary investigationa. Situation Analysisb. Informal investigations

Researcher can review two types of literaturea. The conceptual literatureb. The empirical literature



(II) Review of theories, concepts and previous research finding

•Background of the study•Research questions

•Formulation of Hypothesis



(III) Development of Working Hypothesis(III) Development of Working Hypothesis

Working hypothesis is tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences

Approach

1.Discussion with colleagues and experts2. Examination of data and records3. Review of the same4. Exploratory personal investigation which involves original field interviews



(IV) Research Designs (including sample design)

Research Design is the basic framework which provides guidelines for the rest of the research work. It is a map or a blueprint according to which the research is to be conducted.



Research design categories

a. Exploratory research designs

b. Descriptive research designs

c. Causal research designs



Following points must be considered while selecting Following points must be considered while selecting any of the research designs availableany of the research designs available

1. The means of obtaining the information1. The means of obtaining the information

2. The availability and skills of the researcher and his 2. The availability and skills of the researcher and his staffstaff

3. Time available3. Time available

4. Cost factor4. Cost factor

5. sampling plan 5. sampling plan



Sample designSample design

AA sample design is a definite plan determined before sample design is a definite plan determined before any data is actually collected for obtaining a sample any data is actually collected for obtaining a sample

from a given populationfrom a given population

It provides answer to the following four questions;It provides answer to the following four questions;

1. What sampling unit should be studied ?1. What sampling unit should be studied ?2. What should be the sample size?2. What should be the sample size?3. What sample procedure should be used?3. What sample procedure should be used?4. What contact method should be used4. What contact method should be used



(IV) Data collection(IV) Data collectionA. Primary Data Collection ToolsA. Primary Data Collection Tools

1. By observation1. By observation

2. Through personal interview2. Through personal interview

3. Through telephone interviews3. Through telephone interviews

4. Through Schedules4. Through Schedules

5. By mailing questionnaire 5. By mailing questionnaire

B. Secondary Data Collection ToolsB. Secondary Data Collection Tools

1. Printed information1. Printed information

2. Already available information in other forms2. Already available information in other forms



(V) Analysis of data (V) Analysis of data

The researcher should classify the raw data into some The researcher should classify the raw data into some purposeful and usable categories.purposeful and usable categories.

Three operations have to de done before the raw data is Three operations have to de done before the raw data is brought in a form to be analyzed further.brought in a form to be analyzed further.

a. Codinga. Coding

b. Editingb. Editing

c. Tabulationc. Tabulation



After successful completion of above operations After successful completion of above operations following three steps are there to follow to complete following three steps are there to follow to complete Data analysisData analysis

1. Hypothesis Testing1. Hypothesis Testing

a. Chi Squarea. Chi Square

b. F- testb. F- test

c. Z testc. Z test

2. Generalization2. Generalization

3. Interpretation3. Interpretation



((VII) Interpretation and ImplicationsVII) Interpretation and Implications

(VIII) Actionable Implications(VIII) Actionable Implications

(IX) Report Preparation(IX) Report Preparation




HYPOTHESIS FORMULATIONHYPOTHESIS FORMULATION



Hypothesis Hypothesis

A tentative explanation for an A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon, or scientific observation, phenomenon, or scientific problem that can be tested by further problem that can be tested by further

investigation. A hypothesis describes in investigation. A hypothesis describes in concrete terms, in the form of a concrete terms, in the form of a

statement, what you expect willstatement, what you expect will happen happen in your study.in your study.



following aspects should be kept in mind when following aspects should be kept in mind when formulating a hypothesisformulating a hypothesis::

Hypotheses can only be formulated after the researcher has gained Hypotheses can only be formulated after the researcher has gained enough knowledge regarding the nature, extent and intensity of the enough knowledge regarding the nature, extent and intensity of the problem. problem.

Hypotheses should figure throughout the research process in order Hypotheses should figure throughout the research process in order to give structure to the research. to give structure to the research.

Hypotheses are tentative statements/solutions or explanations of the Hypotheses are tentative statements/solutions or explanations of the formulated problem. Care should be taken not to over-simplify and formulated problem. Care should be taken not to over-simplify and generalize the generalize the formulationformulation of hypotheses. of hypotheses.

The research problem does not have to consist of one The research problem does not have to consist of one hypothesishypothesis only. The type of problem area investigated, the extent which only. The type of problem area investigated, the extent which encircles the research field are the determinating factors on how encircles the research field are the determinating factors on how many hypotheses will be included in the research proposal. many hypotheses will be included in the research proposal.



Criteria for the formulation of a hypothesisCriteria for the formulation of a hypothesisfollowing criteria are of importance in formulating following criteria are of importance in formulating

hypotheses. A hypotheses. A hypothesishypothesis should: should:

stand a test; stand a test; be expressed in clear language; be expressed in clear language; be in accordance with the general theme of other be in accordance with the general theme of other

hypotheses statements in the same field of study, and hypotheses statements in the same field of study, and should be regarded as valid; should be regarded as valid;

be. coordinated with the theory of science; be. coordinated with the theory of science; be a tentative answer to the formulated problem; be a tentative answer to the formulated problem; be logical and simplistic; be logical and simplistic; consider available research techniques (to be able to consider available research techniques (to be able to

analyze and interpret the results); analyze and interpret the results); be specific; and be specific; and



Be relevant to the collection of empirical Be relevant to the collection of empirical phenomenon and not merely conclude value phenomenon and not merely conclude value judgmentsjudgments

In case of exploratory research generally In case of exploratory research generally there exist no hypothesisthere exist no hypothesis



Steps inSteps in

FormulatingFormulating

a Hypothesisa Hypothesis



1.Decide what you want to explain: choose a 1.Decide what you want to explain: choose a dependent variable dependent variable

2. Choose independent variables that also show 2. Choose independent variables that also show variation variation

3. Think of multiple causes of the dependent 3. Think of multiple causes of the dependent variablevariable

4. Consider alternative measures of both the 4. Consider alternative measures of both the dependent and independent variablesdependent and independent variables. .



VARIABLES AND ATTRIBUTESVARIABLES AND ATTRIBUTES

Variable Variable – –

any entity that can take on different values. Anything that any entity that can take on different values. Anything that can be assigned a value.can be assigned a value.

Age can change. Nationality can differ. Age can change. Nationality can differ.

Variables are not always ‘quantitative’ or numerical. Variables are not always ‘quantitative’ or numerical.

Attribute –Attribute –

a specific value on a variable a specific value on a variable



The variable The variable sexsex or or gendergender has two attributes: has two attributes: male male and and femalefemale. .

Or,Or,

The variable The variable agreementagreement might be defined as having might be defined as having five attributes:five attributes:

1=strongly agree1=strongly agree 2=disagree2=disagree 3=neutral3=neutral 4=agree4=agree 5=strongly agree5=strongly agree



TYPES of VARIABLESTYPES of VARIABLES

Independent VariableIndependent Variable Dependent VariableDependent Variable ExampleExampleResearch question – “How could extended use of the Internet Research question – “How could extended use of the Internet

negatively affect college students’ academic performance?”negatively affect college students’ academic performance?” Extended use of the Internet negatively affects most college Extended use of the Internet negatively affects most college

students’ academic performancestudents’ academic performance

Independent variable = internet use Independent variable = internet use attributes: high, moderate, low, noneattributes: high, moderate, low, none

Dependent variable = PerformanceDependent variable = PerformanceAttributes: Good, average, BadAttributes: Good, average, Bad



Variable TraitsVariable Traits

A. ExhaustiveA. Exhaustive

B. Mutually exclusiveB. Mutually exclusive



Different forms of HypothesisDifferent forms of Hypothesis

A. A. Non Directional HypothesisNon Directional Hypothesis

All examples of associated difference, sometimes calledAll examples of associated difference, sometimes called non directional hypothesesnon directional hypotheses

B. Directional HypothesisB. Directional Hypothesis

1. With magnitude1. With magnitude

2. Without magnitude2. Without magnitude



TYPES OF HYPOTHESISTYPES OF HYPOTHESIS

The prediction is that variables A and B are The prediction is that variables A and B are related. related.

The only other possible outcome is that variables A The only other possible outcome is that variables A and B are and B are notnot rela relatedted

A.A.NULL HYPOTHESISNULL HYPOTHESIS

B. ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESISB. ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS



The Null HypothesisThe Null Hypothesis In In statisticsstatistics, a , a null hypothesisnull hypothesis set up to be set up to be

nullified or refutednullified or refuted which states that "there is no phenomenon". It is a which states that "there is no phenomenon". It is a

hypothesishypothesis that is presumed true until statistical that is presumed true until statistical evidenceevidence in the form of a in the form of a hypothesishypothesis test indicates test indicates otherwiseotherwise

HH0:μ1 = μ2 0:μ1 = μ2

where:where:

HH0 = the null 0 = the null hypothesis hypothesis

μ1 = the mean of population 1, and μ1 = the mean of population 1, and

μ2 = the mean of population 2. μ2 = the mean of population 2.



The Alternative HypothesisThe Alternative Hypothesis

The alternative The alternative hypothesishypothesis is simply the question is simply the question you are asking you are asking

Denoted by HA or H1Denoted by HA or H1

Just opposite to Null HypothesisJust opposite to Null Hypothesis

H1: μ1 = μ2 H1: μ1 = μ2



TWO TAILED V/s ONE TAILED TESTTWO TAILED V/s ONE TAILED TEST

EXAMPLEEXAMPLE

you are investigating the effects of a new employee training you are investigating the effects of a new employee training program and that you believe one of the outcomes will be that program and that you believe one of the outcomes will be that there will be there will be lessless employee absenteeism. Your two hypotheses employee absenteeism. Your two hypotheses might be stated something like this: might be stated something like this:

The The null hypothesisnull hypothesis for this study is: for this study is: HO:HO: As a result of the XYZ company employee training As a result of the XYZ company employee training

program, there will either be no significant difference in program, there will either be no significant difference in employee absenteeism or there will be a significant employee absenteeism or there will be a significant increaseincrease..

which is tested against the which is tested against the alternative hypothesisalternative hypothesis:: HAHA: As a result of the XYZ company employee training : As a result of the XYZ company employee training

program, there will be a significant program, there will be a significant decrease decrease in employee in employee absenteeism.absenteeism.



ONE TAILED TESTONE TAILED TEST



TWO TAILED TESTTWO TAILED TEST



Assignment 1Assignment 1

BUSINESS BUSINESS ass-1.docass-1.docRESEARCH RESEARCH EXERCISEEXERCISE




How To Write a Research ProposalHow To Write a Research Proposal



The goal of a The goal of a researchresearch proposalproposal (RP) is to (RP) is to present and justify a present and justify a researchresearch idea you have idea you have and to present the practical ways in which you and to present the practical ways in which you think this think this researchresearch should be conducted. should be conducted.



Having decided on the Having decided on the researchresearch topic and defined a clear topic and defined a clear researchresearch question or set of questions, together with appropriate question or set of questions, together with appropriate methods of seeking answers, you now need to convey your plan methods of seeking answers, you now need to convey your plan of of researchresearch clearly in a clearly in a researchresearch proposalproposal..

ResearchResearch proposals serve a number of purposes. Among them: proposals serve a number of purposes. Among them: They convince others that your research is worth undertaking. They convince others that your research is worth undertaking. They enable you to demonstrate expertise and competency in They enable you to demonstrate expertise and competency in

your particular area of study. your particular area of study. They may serve as a contract between the researcher and her They may serve as a contract between the researcher and her

funders. funders. They serve as a planning tool for the researcher They serve as a planning tool for the researcher



Regardless of your Regardless of your researchresearch area and the area and the methodology you choose, all methodology you choose, all researchresearch proposals must address the following proposals must address the following questions: questions:

What you plan to accomplish,What you plan to accomplish, why you want to do it and why you want to do it and how you are going to do it. how you are going to do it.



Title:Title: It should be concise and descriptive It should be concise and descriptive Often titles are stated in terms of a functional Often titles are stated in terms of a functional

relationship, because such titles clearly indicate the relationship, because such titles clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. independent and dependent variables.

However, if possible, think of an informative but However, if possible, think of an informative but catchy title. An effective title not only pricks the catchy title. An effective title not only pricks the reader's interest, but also predisposes him/her reader's interest, but also predisposes him/her favorably towards the favorably towards the proposalproposal. .



Abstract:Abstract: It is a brief summary of approximately 300 It is a brief summary of approximately 300

words. It should include the words. It should include the researchresearch question, the rationale for the study, the question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any), the method and the main hypothesis (if any), the method and the main findings. findings.



Introduction:Introduction:

The main purpose of the introduction is to provide the necessary background The main purpose of the introduction is to provide the necessary background or context for your or context for your researchresearch problem problem

try to place your try to place your researchresearch question in the context of either a current "hot" question in the context of either a current "hot" area, or an older area that remains viable.area, or an older area that remains viable.

Secondly, you need to provide a brief but appropriate historical backdrop.Secondly, you need to provide a brief but appropriate historical backdrop.

Thirdly, provide the contemporary context in which your proposed Thirdly, provide the contemporary context in which your proposed researchresearch question occupies the central stage.question occupies the central stage.

Finally, identify "key players" and refer to the most relevant and Finally, identify "key players" and refer to the most relevant and representative publications.representative publications.



The introduction generally covers the following elements: The introduction generally covers the following elements:

State the State the researchresearch problem, which is often referred to as the problem, which is often referred to as the purpose of the study. purpose of the study.

Provide the context and set the stage for your Provide the context and set the stage for your researchresearch question inquestion in such a way as to show its necessity and such a way as to show its necessity and importance. importance.

Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is indicate why it is worth doingworth doing. .

Briefly describe the Briefly describe the major issues and sub-problemsmajor issues and sub-problems to be to be addressed by your addressed by your researchresearch. .



Identify the key Identify the key independent and dependent variablesindependent and dependent variables of your of your experiment. Alternatively, specify the phenomenon you want to experiment. Alternatively, specify the phenomenon you want to study.study.

State your State your hypothesis or theoryhypothesis or theory, if any. For exploratory or , if any. For exploratory or

phenomenological phenomenological researchresearch, you may not have any hypotheses. , you may not have any hypotheses. (Please do not confuse the hypothesis with the statistical null (Please do not confuse the hypothesis with the statistical null hypothesis.)hypothesis.)

Set the Set the delimitation or boundariesdelimitation or boundaries of your proposed of your proposed research research

in order to provide a clear focus.in order to provide a clear focus. Provide definitions of Provide definitions of key concepts.key concepts. (This is optional.) (This is optional.)



Literature Review Literature Review Ensures that you are not "reinventing the wheel".Ensures that you are not "reinventing the wheel". Gives credits to those who have laid the groundwork for your Gives credits to those who have laid the groundwork for your researchresearch. . Demonstrates your knowledge of the Demonstrates your knowledge of the researchresearch problem. problem.

Demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and Demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and research research issues issues related to your related to your researchresearch question. question.

Shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant literature information. Shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant literature information.

Indicates your ability to integrate and synthesize the existing literature. Indicates your ability to integrate and synthesize the existing literature. Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as the

conceptual framework for your conceptual framework for your researchresearch. .

Convinces your reader that your proposed Convinces your reader that your proposed researchresearch will make a will make a significant and substantial contribution to the literature (i.e., resolving an significant and substantial contribution to the literature (i.e., resolving an important theoretical issue or filling a major gap in the literature). important theoretical issue or filling a major gap in the literature).



literature reviews suffer from the following problemsliterature reviews suffer from the following problems: : Lacking organization and structure Lacking organization and structure Lacking focus, unity and coherence Lacking focus, unity and coherence Being repetitive and verbose Being repetitive and verbose Failing to cite influential papers Failing to cite influential papers Failing to keep up with recent developments Failing to keep up with recent developments Failing to critically evaluate cited papers Failing to critically evaluate cited papers Citing irrelevant or trivial references Citing irrelevant or trivial references Depending too much on secondary sources Depending too much on secondary sources



Methods (Methodology):Methods (Methodology):

The Method section is very important because it tells The Method section is very important because it tells your your Research Research Committee how you plan to tackle your Committee how you plan to tackle your researchresearch problem problem

In short, what actions are you going to take in order to In short, what actions are you going to take in order to answer the question? When will you know whether the answer the question? When will you know whether the hypothesis has been proven wrong, or has survived hypothesis has been proven wrong, or has survived enough tests to be considered, for now, valid? Those enough tests to be considered, for now, valid? Those tests and the way you are supposed to handle them to tests and the way you are supposed to handle them to give rigor to your give rigor to your researchresearch is what is understood under is what is understood under methods. methods.



Methods divide in qualitative (interviews, questionnaires) and quantitative Methods divide in qualitative (interviews, questionnaires) and quantitative (statistics, stuff that deals intensively with numbers) (statistics, stuff that deals intensively with numbers)

For quantitative studiesFor quantitative studies, the method section typically consists of the following , the method section typically consists of the following sections: sections:

Design Design -Is it a questionnaire study or a laboratory experiment? What kind of -Is it a questionnaire study or a laboratory experiment? What kind of design do you choose? design do you choose?

Subjects or participantsSubjects or participants - Who will take part in your study ? What kind of - Who will take part in your study ? What kind of sampling procedure do you use? sampling procedure do you use?

Instruments Instruments - What kind of measuring instruments or questionnaires do you - What kind of measuring instruments or questionnaires do you use? Why do you choose them? Are they valid and reliable?use? Why do you choose them? Are they valid and reliable?

Procedure -Procedure - How do you plan to carry out your study? What activities are How do you plan to carry out your study? What activities are

involved? How long does it take? involved? How long does it take?



Results:Results: Discussion:Discussion: you also need to mention the you also need to mention the

limitations and weaknesses of the proposed limitations and weaknesses of the proposed researchresearch, which may be justified by time and , which may be justified by time and financial constraints as well as by the early financial constraints as well as by the early developmental stage of your developmental stage of your researchresearch area. area.



Common Mistakes in Proposal Writing Common Mistakes in Proposal Writing

Failure to provide the proper context to frame the Failure to provide the proper context to frame the research research question. question. Failure to delimit the boundary conditions for your Failure to delimit the boundary conditions for your researchresearch. . Failure to cite landmark studies. Failure to cite landmark studies. Failure to accurately present the theoretical and empirical contributions by other Failure to accurately present the theoretical and empirical contributions by other

researchers. researchers. Failure to stay focused on the Failure to stay focused on the researchresearch question. question. Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed researchresearch. . Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues. Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues. Too much rambling -- going "all over the map" without a clear sense of direction. Too much rambling -- going "all over the map" without a clear sense of direction.

(The best proposals move forward with ease and grace like a seamless river.) (The best proposals move forward with ease and grace like a seamless river.) Too many citation lapses and incorrect references Too many citation lapses and incorrect references



SYNOPSISSYNOPSIS 1. Statement of Problem1. Statement of Problem

A. Introduction to subjectA. Introduction to subject B. Specific problem formulationB. Specific problem formulation

2. Objective of study2. Objective of study 3. Scope of study3. Scope of study 4. Research methodology4. Research methodology

a. Hypothesis Formulationa. Hypothesis Formulation C. Data collectionC. Data collection D. Analysis and presentation of dataD. Analysis and presentation of data E. Limitation of studyE. Limitation of study

5. Presentation of Study5. Presentation of Study6. Bibliography6. Bibliography



SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENT 1SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENT 1

CLASS ROOM PRESENTATIONSCLASS ROOM PRESENTATIONS

DISCUSSIONDISCUSSION

business research nature & scope

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