Business Research Methodology, as a core subject of study in most business education curriculum of most universities and Business Schools, has contributed significantly for the development of core competence of the managers of tomorrow. Research Methodology provides a decision-making base to managers to take sound managerial decisions. When manager themselves conduct a, Research Methodology tells what quality research is.
As a student of business education, one should know the conceptual toots and techniques to empower oneself about the (i) Scientific method to be applied in a business setting (ii) to decide whether the research is well conducted and (iii) to adopt planning and control of any business research. Even the teachers of Research Methodology should know the ins and outs of ft to teach this subject in a comprehensive manner. Business researchers lace certain conflicts when they start planning a research concerning a business problem. It may be between the objectives to be incorporated in research, which may oppose to each other or a conflict between traditional and modern research methods. To avoid these conflicts many follow the traditional methodology. Wherever the research is complex in nature, researchers adopt modern IT solutions like SPSS tool to avail correct results and to save time in conducting research.
This title is written for beginners of research to understand in a simple way the methodology of research. As a subject of study in core area of degree level, most of the universities offering business education (B.Com., BBM, BBA, etc.,) have introduced Research Methodology as one of the essential subjects of study for the reasons cited above. In this context, this title is prepared to give a broad outline of Research Methodology covering mainly the syllabus content at degree level. Written in a simple style, many Research Methodology models are given at each and every chapter to give an insight into methodology. The whole Research Methodology process is explained in a sequential order commencing from exploring and identifying the research problem to development of research design to collection of data to analysis, interpretation of data and reporting. In annexure, certain latest tools and techniques are given. At the end of each chapter graded questions and practical exercises are given for self-study.
Contents –
MODULE – 1 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
Meaning and Scope of Research – Application of research in Business – Types of Research – Characteristics of Good Research – Steps in Research Process; Terminologies of research – Concept, Construct, Variables, Proposition and Theory & Model
MODULE – 2 RESEARCH DESIGN
Selecting a Topic for Research – Types of Research Problems in Social Science – Components & Sources of Research Problem. Review of Literature: Need, Purpose – Research Gap Identification. Introduction to Research Design: Meaning, Need & Importance – Uses of Research Design – Features of Good Research Design
MODULE – 3 SCALES OF MEASUREMENT AND DATA PROCESSING
Data: Meaning and Types – Sources of Primary and Secondary Data – Questionnaire, Survey, Schedule & Observation. Sampling: Probability and Non-Probability Sampling Techniques. Measurement and Scaling: Primary scales of Measurement (Nominal, Ordinal, Interval and Ratio) – Scales for Measurements of Constructs- Likert and Semantic Differential Scale
MODULE – 4 DATA ANALYSIS
Frequency Distribution, Descriptive Statistics, Graphical Representation of Data. Hypothesis: Concepts – Types – Level of Significance – Steps in Hypothesis Testing; Hypothesis Testingparametric (Z test and t test) and non-parametric (chi- square test) (only theory)
MODULE – 5 REPORT WRITING AND ETHICS
Types of Reports – Steps in Report Writing – Format and Presentation of Report, Referencing and Citation (APA, HBR). Ethics in Business Research: Plagiarism, Data Privacy, Informed Consent & Academic Misconduct.