UNIT 5

MBA 31 - BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS

Unit 5 : INTERPRETATION AND REPORT WRITING Meaning of interpretation techniques precautions. Report writing significance steps in report writing types of research reports oral presentation precautions for writing research reports

Interpretation
Interpretation refers to the task of drawing inferences from the collected facts after an analytical and/or experimental study. In fact it is search for broader meaning of research findings.

Importance
It is through interpretation that the researcher can well understand the abstract principle that works beneath his findings. Interpretation leads to the establishment of explanatory concepts that can serve as a guide for future research studies. The real significance of findings can be known only through interpretation The interpretation of the findings of exploratory research study often results into hypotheses for experimental research.

Technique of interpretation
1. Researcher must give reasonable explanations of the relations which he has found and he must interpret the lines of relationship in terms of the underlying processes and the thread of uniformity. 2. Extraneous information if collected during the study, must be considered while interpreting the final results of research study. 3. Before final interpretation, consultation from an insightful person is recommended, in order to know the omissions' and errors in logical argumentation if any. 4. Researcher must accomplish the task of interpretation only after considering all relevant factors affecting the problem to avoid false generalization.

Precautions in interpretation
1. The data should be appropriate, trustworthy and adequate. One has to ensure proper analysis has been done through statistical methods. 2. The researcher must remain cautious about the errors that can possibly arise in the process of interpreting results. 3. One should never forget that the task of interpretation is very much intertwined with analysis and cannot be distinctly separated 4. Broad generalizations should be avoided. 5. Special attention should be paid to the interaction between theoretical orientation and empirical observation

Research Report
A research report is a presentation of research findings directed to a specific audience to accomplish a specific purpose A research report is a formal statement of the research process and its results. It narrates the problem studied, methods used for studying it and findings and conclusions of study A research report is a narrative but authoritative document on the outcome of a research effort.

Importance of research report

1. It is the tangible product of the research effort. 2. It serves as a basic reference material for future research 3. It serves as a means for judging the quality of research project, researchers ability and competence. 4. It provides factual base for formulating policies and strategies relating to the subject matter studied.

Steps in report writing

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Logical analysis of the subject matter Preparation of the final outline Preparation of the rough draft Rewriting and polishing of the rough draft Preparation of final bibliography Writing the final draft

Types of Reports
1. Technical report: The technical report is essentially technical in nature and scope and couched in technical language. It is comprehensive, full, formal and long covering all aspects of research process. It is mainly aimed at academic community. 2. Popular report: This type of report is designed for an audience of executives/administrators and other non technical users. The audience is less concerned with methodology details but more interested in studying the major findings and conclusions in order to use them for decision making.

Technical report
In technical report, the main emphasis is on the methods employed assumptions made detailed presentation of findings as given below:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Summary of results Nature of study Methods employed Data Analysis of data and presentation of findings Conclusions Bibliography Technical appendices Index

Popular report
The popular report is one which gives emphasis on simplicity and attractiveness. The following is a general outline of popular report.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The findings and their implications Recommendations for action Objectives of study Methods employed Results Technical appendices

Oral presentations
Oral presentation of the results of the study is considered effective, particularly in cases where policy recommendations are indicated by project results. The merit of this approach lies in the facts it fosters an interactive environment & mutual decision making. The demerit of this approach is the lack of any permanent record concerning the research details

Oral presentations
Oral presentation is effective when supplemented by various visual devices. Use of slides wall charts and black board is quite helpful in contributing to clarity and in reducing the boredom. Distributing handouts whether an outline, tables and graphs etc. will enhance the audience interest.

Precautions for writing research reports

The report should be long enough that it covers the subject but short enough to maintain the interest. Report should be written in an objective style in simple language. Graphs and table should be used where ever necessary. Report should be free from grammatical mistakes and should be in the format suited for the report. Appendices, bibliography and index are needed Report must be attractive in appearance

Components / Format of report

A) Prefatory items:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Title Page Researchers declaration The certificate of the research supervisor Preface / Acknowledgements Table of contents List of tables List of graphs and charts Abstract or synopsis

Components / Format of report

B) Body of the report:
1. Introduction
a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) Theoretical background of the topic Statement of the problem Review of literature The scope of present study The objectives of the study Hypothesis to be tested Definition of the concepts Model, if any

Components / Format of report

2. The design of the study
a) b) c) d) e) f) g) Methodology overall typology data collection methods Sources of data Sampling plan Data collection instruments Field work Data processing and analysis plan Limitations of the study

3. Results: Findings and Discussion 4. Summary: Conclusions and recommendations

Components / Format of report

C) Terminal items
a) Bibliography b) Appendix
1. 2. 3. 4. Copies of data collection instruments Technical details of the sampling plan General tables Glossary of new terms used in the report