usiness research nature amp scope

7/29/2019 Usiness Research Nature Amp Scope

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Business Rreserach-Nature & Scope

Prof. Parul Gupta 1

BUSINESS RESEARCH

MS108


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Prof. Parul Gupta 2

SCHEME OF EVALUATIONSR.

NO.

EVALUATION

CATEGORY

MARKS

ALLOTTED

WEIGHTAGE

OUT OF 401 Written Internal Test 40 15

2 Report ( I to IV)

Via Voice

Business Research

Project

(15*4)=60

40

100

10

05

15

3 Written Assignments/

Class room

Presentations

Class Room Activities

(15*4)=60

60 10

TOTAL 200 40


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Prof. Parul Gupta 3

UNIT 1- SESSION DETAILS

Session 1&2 LECTURE - Nature & scope of business

Announcement - BRP-Part I

Session 3&4LECTUREResearch process; Problem identification &

definition, Determination of information need

Session 5&6LECTUREHypothesis formulation

Announcement - ASSIGNMENT 1 (Business research exe.)

Session 7 - LECTUREDeveloping research proposal

Session 8 - Class Room Presentations by all syndicates on Ass. 1

Submission - Assignment 1 (Business research exe. Report)


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Prof. Parul Gupta 4

UNIT 1

SESSION 1 & 2

BUSINESS RESEARCH DEFINITION,

NATURE AND SCOPE


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Prof. Parul Gupta 6

What is Research?

The task of research is to generate accurateinformation for use in decision making. The

emphasis of research is on shifting decisionmakers from intuitive information gathering tosystematic and objective investigation.

Research is defined as the systematic andobjective process of gathering, recording andanalyzing data for aid in making decisions


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Prof. Parul Gupta 7

Objectives

1.To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to

explore new ideas.

2. To portray accurately the characteristics of a

particular individual, situation or a group.

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

4. To establish a cause and effect relationship and

test the relationship between two variables.


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Prof. Parul Gupta 8

Why is Research Needed / Important /

Necessary IN Business?

EFFCETIVE DECISION MAKING UNAVAILABILITY OF PORTABLE

SOLUTIONS

FREQUENTLY CHANGING BUSINESSENVIRONMENT

TO EXPLORE NEW MARKETS &

OPPORTUNITES TO IDENTIFY PROBLEM AREAR etc


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Prof. Parul Gupta 9

Characteristics of Research

1. Research begins with a problem in the form of a

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

stated in clear, unambiguous terms.

3. Research requires a plan.

4. Research deals with the main problem throughappropriate sub-problems.

5. Research seeks direction through appropriatehypotheses and is based upon obvious assumptions.

6. Research deals with facts and their meaning.

7. Research is circular.


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Prof. Parul Gupta 10

Types of Business Research

1. Basic Research

2. Applied research

1. Descriptive Vs Analytical

2. Applied (Basic) Vs Fundamental (Applied)

3. Quantitative Vs Qualitative

4. Conceptual Vs Empirical

5. Special types of research


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Other Types of Research

Based on the purposes for which the researches are

conducted, they may be divided into following categories:

1. Baseline/Bench-mark survey/Research.

2. Evaluation Research:

a) Formative Evaluation (Mid-term)

b) Terminal Evaluation.

3. Impact assessment/research

4. Feasibility studies.


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Nature of Research

a.BR- As an economic resource

b BR- As a system of authority

c. BR- As an activity of business managementd. BR- As a Team effort

e. BR- AS an art or science

f. BR- As a professiong. BR- As an interdisciplinary system


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Scope & Application in Various

Functions of Business

Management


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Scope of Market Research


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1.Advertising Research

a. Motivation research

b. Copy research

c. Media research

d. Studies of advertisement effectiveness

e. other


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2. Business economic and corporate research

a. Short range forecastingb. Long range forecasting

c. Studies of business trends

d. Pricing studiese. Plant and warehouse location studies

f. product mix studies

g. Acquisition Studiesh. Export and international studies

i. Others


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3. Corporate responsibility research

a. Consumers rights to know studies

b. Ecological impact studiesc. Studies of legal constraints

d. Social values and policies studies

e. Others


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4.Product research

5. Packaging research


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6. Sales and market research

a. Measurement of market potential

b. Market share analysis

c. Sales analysis

d. Establishment of sales quotas & territories


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e. Distribution channel studies

f. Test marketsg. Consumer panel operation

h. Sales compensation studies

I Promotional studiesj. Others

MAJOR ASSIGNMENT


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MAJOR ASSIGNMENT

BUSINESS RESEARCH PROJCET

SECTION A

SECTION B

SUBMISSIONSESSION 9

BRPPART I PRESENTATIONSESSION 10(By all the syndicates of 5-7 Min. duration)
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/BRP%20details.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/BRP2010.xlshttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/BRP2010.xlshttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/BRP2010.xlshttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/BRP2010.xlshttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/BRP%20details.doc


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UNIT 1

SESSION 3 & 4

PROBLEM IDENTIFIACTION

AND

DEFINITION


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What Is A Research Problem?

It refers to some difficulty which a

researcher experiences in context of eithera theoretical or practical situation and

wants to obtain a solution for the same.


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Components of a research problem

*There must be an individual or a group or anorganization

*There must be at least two courses of action

*There must be at least two possible outcomes

*The courses of actions available must provide some

chance of obtaining the objective

* There must be some environment to which the difficulty

pertains


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Selecting a problem

Following points to be avoided whileselecting a problem,

1. Overdone Subject2, Controversial subject

3. Too narrow and too vague problem

4. Unfeasible subject5. Uneconomical and time consuming

problem


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Steps involved in defining a problem

(1) General definition of the problem

(2) Understanding the nature of the problem

(3) Surveying the literature available

(4) Developing the ideas

(5) Rephrasing the problem


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Research question

*Questions in the mind of researcher

*All are able to achieve research

objective/ to solve research problem ifput together


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Three types of Research questionsA. Descriptive questions

B. Comparison QuestionsC. Relational Questions

Association Questions (Happening together)

Causal Questions

a. Concomitant Variation (two things varytogether)

b. Time sequence of the variable (Occurrence of

two variables)c. Cause variable (Reasons behind


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Business Rreserach-Nature & Scope Prof. Parul Gupta 30

Illustration

1) What sport matches your personality?

Research questions

1. Sociability2. Spontaneity

3. Discipline

4, Aggressiveness

5. Competitiveness6. Mental focus

7. Risk taking


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1. Sociability

2. Spontaneity

3. Discipline

4, Aggressiveness

5. Competitiveness

6. Mental focus

7. Risk taking

Variable

sVery

HighHigh Medium Low Very

Low

1 *2 *

3 *

4 *

5 *

6 *

7 *


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Possible Answers

1. Carom

2. Jogging


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THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Define Research


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Problem &ResearchObjective

[II]

Review conceptsand theories

[II]

Review previousresearch finding

[IV]Design research

(Including Sampledesign)

[V]Collect data

(Execution)

[VI] Analyze Data(Test Hypothesis)

[VII] Interpretationand Implications

[III]FormulateHypothesis

FF

F

F

FFF

[VIII] Actionable

Proposition

[IX] Reportpreparation


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(I) Defining the Research ProblemA problem well defined is half solved

Two steps are involved defining the research problem

a. Understanding the problem thoroughly and

b. Rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from

analytical point of view

Techniques for preliminary investigation

a. Situation Analysis

b. Informal investigations

Researcher can review two types of literature

a. The conceptual literature

b. The empiricalliterature


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(II) Review of theories, conceptsand previous research finding

Background of the study

Research questionsFormulation of Hypothesis


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(III) Development of Working Hypothesis

Working hypothesis is tentative assumptionmade in order to draw out and test its logical

or empirical consequences

Approach

1.Discussion with colleagues and experts

2. Examination of data and records3. Review of the same

4. Exploratory personal investigation which

involves original field interviews


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(IV) Research Designs (including sample

design)

Research Design is the basic framework whichprovides guidelines for the rest of the research

work. It is a map or a blueprint according to

which the research is to be conducted.


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Research design categories

a. Exploratory research designs

b. Descriptive research designs

c. Causal research designs


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Following points must be considered while selecting

any of the research designs available

1. The means of obtaining the information

2. The availability and skills of the researcher and hisstaff

3. Time available

4. Cost factor

5. sampling plan


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Sample design

Asample design is a definite plan determined beforeany data is actually collected for obtaining a sample

from a given population

It provides answer to the following four questions;

1. What sampling unit should be studied ?

2. What should be the sample size?

3. What sample procedure should be used?

4. What contact method should be used


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(IV) Data collection

A. Primary Data Collection Tools

1. By observation

2. Through personal interview

3. Through telephone interviews

4. Through Schedules

5. By mailing questionnaire

B. Secondary Data Collection Tools1. Printed information

2. Already available information in other forms


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(V) Analysis of data

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

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

a. Coding

b. Editing

c. Tabulation


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After successful completion of above operations

following three steps are there to follow to complete

Data analysis

1. Hypothesis Testing

a. Chi Square

b. F- test

c. Z test

2. Generalization

3. Interpretation


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(VII) Interpretation and Implications

(VIII) Actionable Implications

(IX) Report Preparation


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Nature & Scope


1


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UNIT 1

SESSION 5 & 6

HYPOTHESIS FORMULATION


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Hypothesis

A tentative explanation for an

observation, phenomenon, or scientific

problem that can be tested by furtherinvestigation. A hypothesis describes in

concrete terms, in the form of a

statement, what you expect willhappen

in your study.

following aspects should be kept in mind whenf i i


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g p pformulating a hypothesis:

Hypotheses can only be formulated after the researcher has gained

enough knowledge regarding the nature, extent and intensity of theproblem.

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

Hypotheses are tentative statements/solutions or explanations of theformulated problem. Care should be taken not to over-simplify andgeneralize the formulation of hypotheses.

The research problem does not have to consist of one hypothesisonly. The type of problem area investigated, the extent whichencircles the research field are the determinating factors on howmany hypotheses will be included in the research proposal.

C it i f th f l ti f h th i


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

hypotheses. A hypothesis should:

stand a test;

be expressed in clear language;

be in accordance with the general theme of other

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

be. coordinated with the theory of science;

be a tentative answer to the formulated problem;

be logical and simplistic; consider available research techniques (to be able to

analyze and interpret the results);

be specific; and


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Be relevant to the collection of empirical

phenomenon and not merely conclude valuejudgments

In case of exploratory research generallythere exist no hypothesis


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Steps in

Formulating

a Hypothesis

1 Decide what you want to explain: choose a


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1.Decide what you want to explain: choose adependent variable

2. Choose independent variables that also showvariation

3. Think of multiple causes of the dependentvariable

4. Consider alternative measures of both thedependent and independent variables.

VARIABLES AND ATTRIBUTES


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Variable

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

Age can change. Nationality can differ.

Variables are not always quantitative or numerical.

Attribute

a specific value on a variable

The variable sex or genderhas two attributes: male


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g

andfemale.

Or,

The variable agreementmight be defined as havingfive attributes:

1=strongly agree

2=disagree 3=neutral

4=agree

5=strongly agree

TYPES of VARIABLES


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Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

Example

Research questionHow could extended use of the Internetnegatively affect college students academic performance?

Extended use of the Internet negatively affects most collegestudents academic performance

Independent variable = internet use

attributes: high, moderate, low, none

Dependent variable = Performance

Attributes: Good, average, Bad


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Variable Traits

A. Exhaustive

B. Mutually exclusive


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Different forms of Hypothesis

A. Non Directional Hypothesis

All examples of associated difference, sometimes callednon directional hypotheses

B. Directional Hypothesis1. With magnitude

2. Without magnitude

TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS


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TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS

The prediction is that variables A and B arerelated.

The only other possible outcome is that variables A

and B arenot related

A.NULL HYPOTHESIS

B. ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS

The Null Hypothesis


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The Null Hypothesis

In statistics, a null hypothesis set up to be nullified

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

hypothesis that is presumed true until statistical

evidence in the form of a hypothesis test indicatesotherwise

H0:1 = 2

where:H0 = the null hypothesis

1 = the mean of population 1, and

2 = the mean of population 2.

The Alternative Hypothesis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statisticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evidencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evidencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistics


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yp

The alternative hypothesis is simply the question

you are asking

Denoted by HA or H1

Just opposite to Null Hypothesis

H1: 1 = 2

TWO TAILED V/s ONE TAILED TEST


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TWO TAILED V/s ONE TAILED TEST

EXAMPLE

you are investigating the effects of a new employee trainingprogram and that you believe one of the outcomes will be thatthere will be less employee absenteeism. Your two hypothesesmight be stated something like this:

The null hypothesis for this study is:

HO: As a result of the XYZ company employee trainingprogram, there will either be no significant difference inemployee absenteeism or there will be a significant increase.

which is tested against the alternative hypothesis:

HA: As a result of the XYZ company employee trainingprogram, there will be a significantdecrease in employeeabsenteeism.

ONE TAILED TEST


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ONE TAILED TEST

TWO TAILED TEST


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Assignment 1

BUSINESS ass-1.docRESEARCH

EXERCISE
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/ass-1.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/ass-1.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/ass-1.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/ass-1.doc


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UNIT 1


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UNIT 1

SESSION 7 & 8

How To Write a Research Proposal


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The goal of a researchproposal (RP) is to

present and justify a research idea you have

and to present the practical ways in which you

think this research should be conducted.


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Having decided on the research topic and defined a clear

research question or set of questions, together with appropriatemethods of seeking answers, you now need to convey your plan

ofresearch clearly in a researchproposal.

Research proposals serve a number of purposes. Among them:

They convince others that your research is worth undertaking. They enable you to demonstrate expertise and competency in

your particular area of study.

They may serve as a contract between the researcher and her

funders. They serve as a planning tool for the researcher


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Regardless of your research area and the

methodology you choose, all research

proposals must address the following

questions:

What you plan to accomplish,

why you want to do it and

how you are going to do it.


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Title: It should be concise and descriptive

Often titles are stated in terms of a functionalrelationship, because such titles clearly indicate the

independent and dependent variables. However, if possible, think of an informative but

catchy title. An effective title not only pricks thereader's interest, but also predisposes him/her

favorably towards the proposal.


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Abstract:

It is a brief summary of approximately 300

words. It should include the research question,

the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (ifany), the method and the main findings.


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Introduction:

The main purpose of the introduction is to provide the necessary backgroundor context for your research problem

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

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

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

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

representative publications.


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The introduction generally covers the following elements:

State the research problem, which is often referred to as thepurpose of the study.

Provide the context and set the stage for your researchquestion in such a way as to show its necessity and

importance.

Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearlyindicate why it is worth doing.

Briefly describe the major issues and sub-problems to beaddressed by your research.


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Identify the key independent and dependent variables of your

experiment. Alternatively, specify the phenomenon you want tostudy.

State your hypothesis or theory, if any. For exploratory orphenomenological research, you may not have any hypotheses.(Please do not confuse the hypothesis with the statistical nullhypothesis.)

Set the delimitation or boundaries of your proposed research

in order to provide a clear focus.

Provide definitions ofkey concepts. (This is optional.)

Literature Review


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Literature Review Ensures that you are not "reinventing the wheel".

Gives credits to those who have laid the groundwork for your research. Demonstrates your knowledge of the research problem.

Demonstrates your understanding of the theoretical and research issuesrelated to your research question.

Shows your ability to critically evaluate relevant literature information.

Indicates your ability to integrate and synthesize the existing literature.

Provides new theoretical insights or develops a new model as theconceptual framework for your research.

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


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literature reviews suffer from the following problems: Lacking organization and structure

Lacking focus, unity and coherence

Being repetitive and verbose

Failing to cite influential papers Failing to keep up with recent developments

Failing to critically evaluate cited papers

Citing irrelevant or trivial references

Depending too much on secondary sources


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Methods (Methodology):

The Method section is very important because it tellsyour Research Committee how you plan to tackleyour research problem

In short, what actions are you going to take in order toanswer the question? When will you know whetherthe hypothesis has been proven wrong, or hassurvived enough tests to be considered, for now,

valid? Those tests and the way you are supposed tohandle them to give rigor to your research is what isunderstood under methods.


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

For quantitative studies, the method section typically consists of the followingsections:

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

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

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

Procedure - How do you plan to carry out your study? What activities areinvolved? How long does it take?


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Results:

Discussion: you also need to mention the

limitations and weaknesses of the proposed

research, which may be justified by time andfinancial constraints as well as by the early

developmental stage of your research area.


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Common Mistakes in Proposal Writing

Failure to provide the proper context to frame the research question.

Failure to delimit the boundary conditions for your research.

Failure to cite landmark studies.

Failure to accurately present the theoretical and empirical contributions by otherresearchers.

Failure to stay focused on the research question. Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research.

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.(The best proposals move forward with ease and grace like a seamless river.)

Too many citation lapses and incorrect references

SYNOPSIS


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SYNOPSIS

1. Statement of Problem

A. Introduction to subject B. Specific problem formulation

2. Objective of study

3. Scope of study

4. Research methodology a. Hypothesis Formulation

C. Data collection

D. Analysis and presentation of data

E. Limitation of study

5. Presentation of Study

6. Bibliography


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SUBMISSION OF ASSIGNMENT 1

CLASS ROOM PRESENTATIONS

DISCUSSION


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usiness research nature amp scope

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