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Master of Business Administration Semester III MB0050 Research Methodology- 4 Credits (Book ID: B1206) Assignment Set- 1 (60 Marks) Q 1. Why should a manger know about research when the job entails managing people, products, events, environments, and the like? [10 Marks] Ans: Research simply means a search for facts. answers to questions and solutions to problems. Managing people is only a fraction of a mangers responsibility they have to manage the operations of the department, and often have responsibilities towards the profitability of the organization. Knowledge of research can be very helpful for a good manager. The manager should know about research because its purpose and objectives are varied:

Research extends knowledge of human beings, social life and environment. The search is for answers for various types of questions: what, where, when, how and why of various phenomena and enlighten us. Research brings to light information that might never be discovered fully during the ordinary course of life. Research establishes generalizations and general laws and contributed to theory building in various fields of knowledge. Research verifies and tests existing facts and theory and these help improving our knowledge and ability to handle situations and events. General laws developed through research may enable us to make reliable predictions of events yet to happen. Research aims to analyze inter-relationships between variables and to derive casual explanations; and thus enables us to have a better understanding of the world in which we live. Applied research aims at finding solutions to problems, socio-economic, problems, health problems human relations problems in organizations and so on. Research also aims at developing new tools, concepts and theories for a better study of unknown phenomena. Research aids planning and thus contributes to national development. According to a famous Hudson Maxim, All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry and inquiry leads to invention. Research encourages scientific and inductive thinking, besides promoting the development of logical habits of thinking and organization. The role of research in applied economics in the context of an economy or business is greatly increasing in modern times. The increasingly complex nature of government and business has

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raised the use of research in solving operational problems. Research assumes significant role in formulation of economic policy, for both the government and business. The research facilitates the decision making of policy-makers, although in itself it is not a part of research. Research ads a tool of government economic policy formulation involves three distinct stages of operation which are as follows: Investigation of economic structure through continual compilation of facts. Diagnoses of events that are taking place and the analysis of the forces underlying them. The prognosis, i.e, the prediction of future developments. Research also assumes a significant role in solving various operational and planning problems associated with business and industry. In several ways, operations research, market research and motivational research are vital and their results assist in taking business decisions. Market research refers to the formulation of efficient policies relating to purchases, production and sales. Operational research related to the application of logical, mathematical and analytical techniques to find solution to business problems such as cost minimization or profit maximization, or the optimization problems. Motivational research helps to determine why people behave in a manner they do with respect to market characteristics. More specifically, it is concerned with analyzing the motivations underlying consumer behavior. All these researches are very useful for business and industry, which are responsible for business decision making. Q 2. a. How do you evolve research design for exploratory research? Briefly analyze. [5 marks]. Ans: (a) A research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analyses of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure. Research design in case of exploratory studies: Exploratory research studies are also termed as formulative research studies. The main purpose of such studies is that of formulating a problem for more precise investigation or of developing the working hypothesis from an operational point of view. The major emphasis in such studies is on the discovery of ideas and insights. As such the research design appropriate for such studies must be flexible enough to provide opportunity for considering different aspects of a problem under study. Inbuilt flexibility in research design is needed because the research problem, broadly defined initially, transformed into one with more precise meaning in exploratory studies, which fact may necessitate changes in the research procedure for gathering relevant data. The following three methods in the context of research design for such studies are talked about. 1. The survey of concerning literature happens to be the most simple and fruitful method of formulating precisely the research problem or developing hypothesis. Hypothesis stated by

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2.

3.

earlier workers may be reviewed and their usefulness be evaluated as a basis for further research. It may also be considered whether the already stated hypothesis suggests new hypothesis. In this way the researcher should review and build upon the work already done by others, but in cases where hypothesis have not yet been formulated, his task is to review the available material for deriving the relevant hypothesis from it. Besides, the bibliographical survey of studies, already made in ones area of interest may as well as made by the researcher for precisely formulating the problem. He should also make an attempt to apply concepts and theories developed in different research contexts to the area in which he himself working. Sometimes the works of creative writers also provide a fertile ground for hypothesis formulation as such may be looked into by the researcher. Experience survey means the survey of people who have had practical experience with the problem to be studied. The object of such a survey is to obtain insight into the relationships between variables and new ideas relating to the reaearch problem. For such survey, people who are competent and can contribute new ideas may be carefully selected as respondents to ensure a representation of different types of experience. The respondents so selected may then be interviewed by the investigator. The researcher must prepare an interview schedule for the systematic questioning of informants. But the interview must ensure flexibility in the sense that the respondents should be allowed to raise issues and questions which the investigator has not previously considered. It is often considered desirable to send a copy of the questions to be discussed to the respondents well in advance. This will also give an opportunity to the respondents for doing some advance thinking over the various issues involved so that, at the time of interview, they may be able to contribute effectively. Thus an experience survey may enable the researcher to define the problem more concisely and help in the formulation of the research hypothesis. This survey may as well provide information about the practical possibilities for doing different types of research. Analyses of insight stimulating examples are also a fruitful method for suggesting hypothesis for research. It is particularly suitable in areas where there is little experience to serve as a guide. This method consists of the intensive study of selected instance of the phenomenon in which one is interested. For this purpose, the existing records, if any may be examined, the unstructured interviewing may take place or some other approach may be adopted. Attitude of the investigator, the intensity of the study and the ability of the researcher to draw together diverse information into a unified interpretation are the main features which make this method an appropriate procedure for evoking insights. Experience indicates that for particular problems certain types of instances are more appropriate than others. One can mention few examples of insight stimulating cases such as the reactions of strangers, the reactions of marginal individuals, the study of individual who are in transition from one stage to another, the reactions of individuals from different social strata and the like. In general, cases that provide sharp contrasts or have striking features are considered relatively more useful while adopting this method of hypothesis formulation.

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Thus in an exploratory formulative research study which merely leads to insights or hypothesis , whatever method or research design outlined above is adopted, the only thing essential is that it must continue to remain flexible so that many different facets of a problem may be considered as and when they arise and come to the notice of the researcher. (b) Briefly explain Independent dependent and extraneous variables in a research design Dependent and Independent Variable: A magnitude that varies is known as a variable. The concept may assume different quantitative values like height, weight, income, etc. Qualitative variables are not quantifiable in the strictest sense of objectivity. However, the qualitative phenomena may also be quantified in terms of the presence or absence of the attribute considered. Phenomena that assume different values quantitatively even in decimal points are known as continuous variables. But all variables need not be continuous. Values that can be expressed only in integer values are called non-continuous variables. In statistical terms, they are also known as discrete variable. For example, age is a continuous variable, whereas the number of children is a non continuous variable. When changes in one variable depends upon the changes in one or more variables, it is known as dependent or endogenous variable, and the variables that cause the changes in the dependant variable are known as the independent or explanatory or exogenous variables. For example, if demand depends upon the price, then demand is a dependant variable, while price is the independent variable. And if more variables determine demand like income and prices of substitute commodity, then demand also depends upon them in addition to the own price. Then demand is a dependant variable which is determined by the independent variables like own price, income and price of substitute. Extraneous variable: The independent variables which are not directly related to the purpose of the study but affect the dependant variable are known as extraneous variables. For instance, assume that a researcher wants to test the hypothesis that there is a relationship between childrens school performance and their self concepts, in which case the latter is an independent variable and the former, the dependant variable. In context, intelligence may also influence the school performance. However since it is not directly related to the purpose of the study undertaken by the researcher, it would be known as an extraneous variable. The influence caused by the extraneous variable on the dependant variable is technically called as an experimental error. Therefore a research study should always be framed in such a manner that the dependant variable completely influences the change in the independent variable and nay other extraneous variable or variables. Q 3. (a) Differentiate between Census survey and Sample Survey. [5 Marks]

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Surveys are done all over the world to collect information from the populace to arrive at conclusions that help in improving the products or services of a company. There are many techniques of survey out of which sample survey and census survey are very popular. Though there are many similarities between these two methods, there are many differences in features and also the results obtained. It depends upon time available and other circumstances to engage in either of the two types of surveys. This article will discuss the features of two types of surveys to clear the doubts in the minds of the readers. Before we begin to differentiate, it is pertinent to note that sample is a portion of the population whereas census takes into consideration everyone in the population. This obviously means that a census survey is a much bigger exercise in nature and procedures than a sample survey. Census survey also is a very time consuming exercise as information needs to be collected from each and every individual from the population. On the other hand, sample survey is easier as a representative sample is taken from the population and the results obtained are extrapolated to fit the entire population. There are times and requirements where governments have to indulge in census survey even if it is time consuming and very expensive as it needs to formulate policies and welfare programs for the population. For example, when a government has to count heads of the population, it cannot conduct a sample survey to count the number of people in the country. But when government is planning on a welfare program for cancer patients, it can conduct a sample survey of some of the cancer patients and then extrapolate the results on the section of the population that is undergoing treatment for cancer. There are errors in sampling in case of sample survey which can be minimized but never eliminated. Therefore the results of a sample survey always have a margin for error whereas census survey is always accurate. However, many times, it is not possible to carry out census survey which is when sample survey is undertaken. Census Survey vs Sample Survey Sample survey and census survey are method to gather information from people Census survey takes each and every individual whereas sample survey takes a representative sample Census survey is much bigger in proportion than sample survey Census survey takes more time and money However, there is margin for error in sample survey while census survey is more accurate. Census refers to periodic collection of information about the populace from the entire population. Sampling is a method of collecting information from a sample that is representative of entire population. There are both advantages and disadvantages of both the methods. Whereas data from census is reliable and accurate, there is a margin of error in data obtained from sampling.

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Census is very time consuming and expensive, whereas sampling is quick and inexpensive. However, if the next Census is far away, sampling is the most convenient method of obtaining data about the population.

b. Analyze multi-stage and sequential sampling. (5 marks) Ans. Multistage sampling technique: In multi stage sampling technique, sampling is carried out in two or more stages. The population is regarded as being composed of a number of second stage units and so forth. That is, at each stage, a sampling unit is a cluster of the sampling units of the subsequent stage. First a sample of the first stage sampling units is drawn, then from each of the selected first stage sampling unit, a sample of the second stage sampling units is drawn. The procedure continues done to the final sampling units or population elements. Appropriate random sampling method is adopted at each stage. It is appropriate where the population is scattered over a wider geographical area and no frame or list is available for sampling. It is also useful when a survey has to be made within a limited time and cost budget. The major disadvantage is that the procedure of estimating sampling error and cost advantage is complicated. Double sampling refers to the subsection of the final sample form a pre-selected larger sample hat provided information for improving the final selection. When the procedure is extended to more than two phases of selection, it is then called multi phase sampling. This is also known as sequential sampling, as sub sampling is done from a main sample in phases. Double sampling or multi phase sampling is a compromise solution for a dilemma posed by undesirable extremes. The statistics based on the sample of n can be improved by using ancillary information form a wide base; but this is too costly to obtain from the entire population of N elements. Instead, information is obtained from a larger preliminary sample nL which includes the final sample n. Q 4. List down various measures of central tendency and explain the difference between them? [10 marks]. Ans: Analysis of data involves understanding of the characteristics of the data. The following are the important characteristics of a statistical data: Central tendency Dispersion Skewness Kurtosis

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In a data distribution, the individual items may have a tendency to come to a central position or an average value. For instance, in a mark distribution, the individual students may score marks between zero and hundred. In this distribution, many students may score marks, which are near to the average marks. Such a tendency to concentrate to the central position of the distribution is called central tendency. Central tendency of the data is measured by statistical averages. Averages are classified into two groups: 1. Mathematical averages 2. Positional averages

Mathematical averages are of three types; Arithmetic mean, geometric mean and harmonic mean. Median and mode are the positional averages. These statistical measures try to understand how individual values in a distribution concentrate to a central value like average. If the values of distribution approximately come near to the average value, we conclude that the distribution has central tendency. Arithmetic Mean Arithmetic mean is the most commonly used statistical average. It is the value obtained by dividing the sum of the item by the number of items in a series. Arithmetic mean = /n Where = the sum of the item N = the number of items in the series

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When frequencies are also given with the values, to calculate arithmetic mean, the values are first multiplied with the corresponding frequency. Then their sum is divided by the number of frequency. Thus in a discrete series AM is calculated by the following formula. Arithmetic Mean = fx/f Where, fx = sum the values multiplied by the corresponding frequency f = sum of the frequency Geometric mean Geometric mean is defined as the nth root of the product of N items of a series. If there are two items in the data, we take the square root; if there are three items we take the cube root and so on. GM = Where, x1, x2, x3. Xn are the items of the given series To simplify calculations, logarithms are used. Accordingly, GM = Antilog of (log x/n) In discrete series GM = Antilog of f.log x/ f Harmonic mean In individual series HM = N/ (1/x) In discrete series HM = N/ f(1/m) N = Total frequency M = M values of the class Median Median is the middle most item of a given series. In individual series, we arrange the given data according to ascending or descending order and take the middlemost item as the median. When two values occur in the middle, we take the average of these two values as median. Since median is the central value of an ordered distribution, there occur equal number of values to the left and right of the median. Individual series Median = (N+ )th item. Discrete series To find the median of a grouped series, we first of all, cumulate the frequencies. Locate median at the size of (N/+1)/2th cumulative frequency. N is the cumulative frequency taken. Steps 1. Arrange the values of the data in ascending order of magnitude. 2. Find out cumulative frequencies 3. Apply the formula (N+ 1)/2th item

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4. Look at the cumulative frequency column and find the value of the variable corresponding to the above. Median for continuous series To find the median of grouped series, with class interval, we first of all, cumulate the frequencies. Locate median at the size of (N/2th )cumulative frequency. Apply the interpolation formula to obtain the median Median = L1+ (N/2-m)/ f x C L1 = lower limit of the median class N/2 = Cumulative frequency/2 m = cumulative frequency of the class preceding the median class f = frequency of the median class C = Class interval Merits of median: 1. Median is easy to calculate and simple to understand 2. When the data is very large median is the most convenient measure of central tendency. 3. Median is useful finding average for data with open- ended classes. 4. Median distributes the values of the data equally to either side of the median 5. Median is not influenced by the extreme values present in the data 6. Value of the median can be graphically determined. Demerits of median: To calculate median, data should be arranged according to ascending order. This is tedious when the number of items in a series is numerous. Since the value of median is determined by observation, it is not a true representative of all the values. Median is not amenable to further algebraic treatment The value of median is affected by sampling fluctuations. Mode Mode is the most repeating value of a distribution. When one item repeats more number of times than other or when two items repeat equal number of times, mode is ill defined. Under such circumstances, mode is calculated by the formula (3median-2 mean). Mode is a widely used measure of central tendency in business. We speak of modal wage which is the wage earned by most of the workers. Merits of mode: Mode is the most typical and frequented value of the distribution It is not affected by extreme values Mode can be determined even for series with open-ended classes. Mode can be graphically determined. Demerits of mode: It is difficult to calculate mode when one item repeats more number of times than others

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Mode is not capable of further algebraic treatment Mode is not based on all the items of the series Q.5. Select any topic for research and explain how you will use both secondary and primary sources to gather the required information. [10 marks] Ans: Primary sources are original sources from which the researcher directly collects data that have not been previously collected. Data collected from a source that has already been published in any form is called as secondary data. We will discuss the use of both primary and secondary sources to gather required information by considering a research topic on A study on patient satisfaction in one of the departments in a multi-specialty hospital. Following are some of the sources of primary data for the above mentioned topic: Experiments: Experiments require an artificial or natural setting in which to perform logical study to collect data. In experiments the experimenter has to keep control over the influence of any extraneous variable on the results. Selected patients are the experiments used for the study. Survey: Survey is most commonly used method in social sciences, management, marketing and psychology to some extent. Surveys can be conducted in different methods. Questionnaire: is the most commonly used method in survey. Questionnaires are a list of questions either open-ended or close -ended for which the respondent give answers. Questionnaire can be conducted via telephone, mail, live in a public area, or in an institute, through electronic mail or through fax and other methods. In the above mentioned research topic, a detailed open-ended questionnaire can be prepared on the following aspects: Demographic variables Waiting time in OPD Satisfied with the treatments received The safety and security in the hospital Policies and rules for patients rights Satisfied with the nursing care received Explanation of the procedure Hygiene Cost and expenditure on treatments and procedure Satisfied with the lab investigations Interview: Interview is a face-to-face conversation with the respondent. In interview the main problem arises when the respondent deliberately hides information otherwise it is an in

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depth source of information. The interviewer can not only record the statements the interviewee speaks but he can observe the body language, expressions and other reactions to the questions too. This enables the interviewer to draw conclusions easily. For the above mentioned research topic, a face-to face interview can be conducted , so that the information collected will be accurate and the chances of bias are least. Observations: Observation can be done while letting the observing person know that he is being observed or without letting him know. Observations can also be made in natural settings as well as in artificially created environment. Secondary Data: The review of literature in any research is based on secondary data, mostly from books, journals and periodicals. Secondary data can be less valid but its importance is still there. Sources of Secondary Data: Secondary data is often readily available. After the expense of electronic media and internet the availability of secondary data has become much easier. Published Printed Sources: There are varieties of published printed sources. Their credibility depends on many factors. For example, on the writer, publishing company and time and date when published. New sources are preferred and old sources should be avoided as new technology and researches bring new facts into light. Books: Books are available today on any topic that you want to research. The use of books starts before even you have selected the topic. After selection of topics books provide insight on how much work has already been done on the same topic and you can prepare your literature review. Books are secondary source but most authentic one in secondary sources. Journals/periodicals: Journals and periodicals are becoming more important as far as data collection is concerned. The reason is that journals provide up-to-date information which at times books cannot and secondly, journals can give information on the very specific topic on which you are researching rather talking about more general topics. Magazines/Newspapers: Magazines are also effective but not very reliable. Newspaper on the other hand is more reliable and in some cases the information can only be obtained from newspapers as in the case of some political studies. Published Electronic Sources: As internet is becoming more advance, fast and reachable to the masses; it has been seen that much information that is not available in printed form is available on internet. In the past the credibility of internet was questionable but today it is not. The reason is that in the past journals and books were seldom published on internet but today almost every journal and book is available online. Some are free and for others you have to pay the price. e-journals: e-journals are more commonly available than printed journals. Latest journals are difficult to retrieve without subscription but if your university has an elibrary you can view any journal, print it and those that are not available you can make an order for them.

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General websites; Generally websites do not contain very reliable information so their content should be checked for the reliability before quoting from them. Weblogs: Weblogs are also becoming common. They are actually diaries written by different people. These diaries are as reliable to use as personal written diaries. Unpublished Personal Records: Some unpublished data may also be useful in some cases. Diaries: Diaries are personal records and are rarely available but if you are conducting a descriptive research then they might be very useful. ] Letters: Letters like diaries are also a rich source but should be checked for their reliability before using them. Government Records: Government records are very important for marketing, management, humanities and social science research. Census Data/population statistics: Health records Educational institutes records Public Sector Records: NGOs's survey data Other private companies records

Q 6. a. Explain the role of Graphs and Diagrams? [5 Marks] b. What are the Types and General rules for graphical representation of data? [5 Marks] ans: a ) In presenting the data of frequency distributions and statistical computations, it is often desirable to use appropriate forms of graphic presentations. In addition to tabular forms, graphic presentation involves use of graphics, charts and other pictorial devices such as diagrams. These forms and devices reduce large masses of statistical data to a form that can be quickly understood at the glance. The meaning of figures in tabular form may be difficult for the mind to grasp or retain. properly constructed graphs and charts relieve the mind of burdensome details by portraying facts concisely, logically and simply. They by, emphasizing new and significant relationship are also useful in discovering new facts and in developing hypothesis. The device of graphic presentation is particularly useful when the prospective readers are nontechnical people or general public. It is useful to even technical people for dramatizing certain points about data; for important points can be more effectively captured in pictures than in tables. However, graphic forms are not substitutes for tables, but are additional tools for the researcher to emphasize the research findings. Graphic representation must be planned with utmost care and diligence. Graphic forms used should be simple, clear and accurate and also be appropriate to the data. B ) The most commonly used graphic forms may be grouped into the following categories: a) Line graphs or charts

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b) Bar charts c) Segmental presentations d) Scatter plots e) Bubble charts f) Stock plots g) Pictographs h) Chesnokov faces The general rules to be followed in graphic representations are: 1. The chart should have title placed directly above the chart 2. The title should be clear, concise and simple and should describe the nature of the data presented 3. Numerical data upon which the chart is based should be presented in an accompanying table 4. The horizontal line measures time or independent variable and the vertical line the measured variable. 5. Measurements proceed from left to right on the horizontal line and from bottom to top on the vertical 6. Each curve or bar on the chart should be labeled 7. If there is more than one curve or bar, they should be clearly differentiated from one another by distinct patterns or colours. 8. The zero point should always be represented and the scale intervals should be equal. 9. Graphic forms should be used sparingly. Too many forms detract rather than illuminating the presentation. 10. Graphic forms should follow and not precede the related textual discussion.

REFERENCES: Research methodology; edition: spring 2010

Handbook of qualitative research; 2nd edition; by Norman K Denzin, Yvonna S Lincoln. Research methodology methods and techniques; 2nd edition; C.R. Kothari.

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