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 –
UNIT – 1 INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS RESEARCH
Research: Meaning, Purpose, Scientific method, types of research; scope of business research. Review of literature: need, purpose, notes taking.
UNIT – 2 RESEARCH DESIGN
Selection and formulation of a research problem, formulation of hypothesis, operational definition of concepts, sampling techniques. Research Design: Meaning, nature, process of preparation, components of research design.
UNIT – 3 DATA COLLECTION AND PROCESSING
Data: Sources of data, methods, of collection; observation interviewing, mailing; tools for collection data; interview schedule, interview guide, questionnaire, rating scale, sociometry, check list; pre-testing of tools, pilot study. Processing of data; checking, editing, coding, transcription, tabulation, preparation of tables, graphical representation.
UNIT – 4 TOOLS FOR DATA ANALYSIS
Statistical Techniques: Descriptive Statistics -Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, Mean Deviation and Quartile Deviation; Inferential Statistics -t-test, Chi-square test and ANOVA & Regression analysis [Meaning and application of each in Business Research]. Data analysis tools for Social Science Research: Python, R, SPSS, Tableau and Excel (Concepts and application only)
UNIT – 5 RESEARCH REPORTS
Research Reports- Characteristics of good Research Report, types of reports, style of report writing, Steps in drafting the Report.