Ques 1-Define Research. What are the features and types of Research?

Ans : The general perspective of research is that some scientists taking part in laboratory testing or presenting the results in scientific discovery to the world-actually this was my view of research when I was young.

Simply speaking the purpose of research is to find a solution to a particular type of problem or showing the problem a direction towards solution or putting some light in the unknown areas of knowledge for your enlightenment to that particular area of knowledge-thus research actually help us to understand our reality more clearly as well as help us to enjoy better living standard. So, research is kind of a project to find out some answers or solutions for a particular area-research is kind of project because every project has its scope of work, time-line and resources, that’s why you may easily interrelate research work with a project-in fact every research work works on based on a well-devised project plan.

Every Research needs lots of dedication from the researcher’s part-the amount of dedication mainly depends on the subject matter of the research. Before undertaking any research in any subject areas one must be sure about the intended purpose of the research-this purpose determines what type of research one is going to undertake. Any scientific research may fall into the following three broadly categories:

Exploratory research-This type of research may generate any novel idea in the domain of knowledge. It is primarily done for the purpose of finding anything new in any subject arena and always tries to shed some light in the unknown domain of knowledge. This kind of research also

Help us to generate new discipline in sciences and help us to identify problems of those particular research areas.

Constructive research- This is mainly done by many technological corporates in order to find new/alternative solutions to any particular crisis or problems. For example-renewable energy research or development of the capacity of optical fiber may fall into this category of research.

Empirical research-This is very impressive observational type of research, where one observes or test on real-life data or analysis the pattern of some specific events in order to identify the nature or the class of trend that specific phenomenon maintains. Based on the test result, researchers try to draw lines in order to predict the result of that type of incidents with certain level of confidence.

Ques 2- How is a research problem formulated? What are the sources from which one

may be able to identify research problems?

Ans -Formulating the research problem and hypothesis acts as a major step or phase in the research methodology. In research, the foremost step that comes into play is that of defining the research problem and it becomes almost a necessity to have the basic knowledge and understanding of most of its elements as this would help a lot in making a correct decision. The research problem can be said to be complete only if it is able to specify about the unit of analysis, time and space boundaries, features that are under study, specific environmental conditions that are present in addition to prerequisite of the research process. The selection of a problem is the first s tep in research. The term problem means a question or issue to be examined. The selection of a problem for research is not an eas y task; itself is a problem. It is least amenable to formal methodological treatment. Vision, an imaginative insight, plays

an important role in this process. One with a critical, curious and imaginative mind and is sensitive to practical problems could easily identify problems for study.

The sources from which one may be able to identify research problems or develop problemsawareness are:

• Review of literature• Academic experience• Daily experience• Exposure to field situations• Consultations• Brain storming• Research• Intuition

b. literature survey is important in research:An exploratory study is concerned with an area of subject matter in which explicit hypothesis have not yet been formulated. The researcher’s task then is to review the available material with an eye on the possibilities of developing hypothes is from it. In some areas of the subject matter, hypothesis may have been stated by previous res earch workers. The researcher has to tak e stock of these various hypotheses with a view to evaluating their usefulness for further research and to consider whether they suggest any new hypothesis. Sociological journals, economic reviews, the bulletin of abstracts of current social sciences research, directory of doctoral dissertation accepted by universities etc afford a rich store of valuable clues. In addition to these general sources, some governmental agencies and voluntary organizations publish listings of summaries of research in their special fields of service. Professional organizations, research groups and voluntary organizations are a constant s ource of information about unpublished works in their special fields.

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 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 one 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 is himself working. Sometimes the works of creative writers also provide a fertile ground for hypothes is formulation as such may be look ed into by the researcher.

3. What are the types of Observations? What is the utility of Observation in

Business Research?

Ans – the types of Observations are following….

Casual and Scientific observation Natural Observation

Subjective and Objective observation

Direct and Indirect observation

Participant and Non Participant observation

Structured and Unstructured observation

Controlled and Non Controlled observation

Observation means viewing or seeing. Observation may be defined as a systematic viewing of a specific phenomenon in its proper setting for the specific purpose of gathering data for a particular study. Observation is classical method of scientific study.

General Characteristics of Observation MethodObservation as a method of data collection has certain characteristics.1. It is both a physical and a mental activity: The observing eye catches many things that are present. But attention is focused on data that are pertinent to the given study.2. Observation is selective: A researcher does not observe anything and everything, but selects the range of things to be observed on the basis of the nature, scope and objectives of his study. For example, suppose a researcher desires to study the causes of city road accidents and also formulated a tentative hypothesis that accidents are caused by violation of traffic rules and over speeding. When he observed the movements of vehicles on the road, many things are before his eyes; the type, make, size and colour of the vehicles, the persons sitting in them, their hair style, etc. All such things which are not relevant to his study are ignored and only over speeding and traffic violations are keenly observed by him.3. Observation is purposive and not casual: It is made for the specific purpose of noting things relevant to the study. It captures the natural social context in which persons behaviour occur. It grasps the significant events and occurrences that affect social relations of the participants.4. Observation should be exact and be based on standardized tools of research and such as observation schedule, social metric scale etc., and precision instruments, if any.

Use of Observation in Business ResearchObservation is suitable for a variety of research purposes. It may be used for studying (a) The behaviour of human beings in purchasing goods and services.: life style, customs, and manner, interpersonal relations, group dynamics, crowd behaviour, leadership styles, managerial style, other behaviours and actions; (b) The behaviour of other living creatures like birds, animals etc. (c) Physical characteristics of inanimate things like stores, factories, residences etc. (d) Flow of traffic and parking problems

Ques- 4. What is Research Design? What are the different types of Research Designs?

Ans- A detailed outline of how an investigation will take place. A research design will typically include how data is to be collected, what instruments will be employed, how the instruments will be used and the intended means for analyzing data collected.Types of Research Design1 Philosophical/discursive This may cover a variety of approaches, but will draw primarily on existing literature, rather than new empirical data. A discursive study could examine a particular issue, perhaps from an alternative perspective (eg feminist). Alternatively, it might put forward a particular argument or examine a methodological issue.2 Literature reviewThis may be an attempt to summarise or comment on what is already known about a particular topic. By collecting different sources together, synthesising and analysing critically, it essentially creates new knowledge or perspectives. There are a number of different forms a literature review might take.

3 Case studyThis will involve collecting empirical data, generally from only one or a small number of cases. It usually provides rich detail about those cases, of a predominantly qualitative nature. There are a number of different approaches to case study work (eg ethnographic, hermeneutic, ethogenic, etc) and the principles and methods followed should be made clear.4 SurveyWhere an empirical study involves collecting information from a larger number of cases, perhaps using questionnaires, it is usually described as a survey. Alternatively, a survey might make use of already available data, collected for another purpose. A survey may be cross-sectional (data collected at one time) or longitudinal (collected over a period). Because of the larger number of cases, a survey will generally involve some quantitative analysis.5 EvaluationThis might be an evaluation of a curriculum innovation or organisational change. An evaluation can be formative (designed to inform the process of development) or summative (to judge the effects). Often an evaluation will have elements of both. If an evaluation relates to a situation in which the researcher is also a participant it may be described as ‘action research’. Evaluations will often make use of case study and survey methods and a summative evaluation will ideally also use experimental methods.6 ExperimentThis involves the deliberate manipulation of an intervention in order to determine its effects. The intervention might involve individual pupils, teachers, schools or some other unit. Again, if the researcher is also a participant (eg a teacher) this could be described as ‘action research’. An experiment may compare a number of interventions with each other, or may compare one (or more) to a control group. If allocation to these different ‘treatment groups’ is decided at random

it may be called a true experiment; if allocation is on any other basis (eg using naturally arising or self-selected groups) it is usually called a ‘quasi-experiment’.

Ques- 5. Explain the Sampling Process and briefly describe the methods of Sampling.

Ans: In statistics and survey methodology, sampling is concerned with the selection of a subset of individuals from within a statistical population to estimate characteristics of the whole population. Two advantages of sampling are that the cost is lower and data collection is faster.

Each observation measures one or more properties (such as weight, location, color) of observable bodies distinguished as independent objects or individuals. In survey sampling, weights can be applied to the data to adjust for the sample design, particularly stratified sampling (blocking). Results from probability theory and statistical theory are employed to guide practice. In business and medical research, sampling is widely used for gathering information about a population.

The sampling process comprises several stages:

Defining the population of concern Specifying a sampling frame, a set of items or events possible to measure

Specifying a sampling method for selecting items or events from the frame

Determining the sample size

Implementing the sampling plan

Sampling and data collecting

Sampling methods

The sampling techniques may be broadly classified into

1. Probability sampling2. Non-probability sampling

Probability Sampling:

Probability sampling provides a scientific technique of drawing samples from the population. The technique of drawing samples is according to the law in which each unit has a probability of being included in the sample.

Simple random sampling

Under this technique, sample units are drawn in such a way each and every unit in the population has an equal and independent chance of being included in the sample. If a sample unit is replaced before drawing the next unit, then it is known as simple Random Sampling with Replacement. If the sample unit is not replaced before drawing the next unit, then it is case, probability ofdrawing a unit is 1/N, where N is the population size. In the case probability of drawing a unit is 1/Nn.

Stratified random sampling

This sampling design is most appropriate if the population is heterogeneous with respect to characteristic under study or the population distribution is highly skewed.

Table: Merits and demerits of stratified random sampling

Merits Demerits

1. Sample is more representative 1. Many times the stratification is not effective

2. Provides more efficient estimate 2. Appropriate sample sizes are not drawn from each of the stratum

3. Administratively more convenient

4. Can be applied in situation where different degrees of accuracy is desired for different segments of population

Systematic sampling

This design is recommended if we have a complete list of sampling units arranged in some systematic order such as geographical, chronological or alphabetical order.

Table: Merits and demerits of systematic sampling

Merits Demerits

1. Very easy to operate and easy to check. 1. Many case we do not get up-to-date list.

2. It saves time and labour. 2. It gives biased results if periodic feature exist in the data.

3. More efficient than simple random

sampling if we have up-to-date frame.

Cluster sampling

The total population is divided into recognizable sub-divisions, known as clusters such that within each cluster they are homogenous. The units are selected from each cluster by suitable sampling techniques.

Multi-stage sampling

The total population is divided into several stages. The sampling process is carried out through several stages.

  Figure: Multistage sampling

Non-probability sampling:

Depending upon the object of inquiry and other considerations a predetermined number of sampling units is selected purposely so that they represent the true characteristics of the population.

Judgment sampling

The choice of sampling items depends exclusively on the judgment of the investigator. The investigator’s experience and knowledge about the population will help to select the sample units. It is the most suitable method if the population size is less.

Table: Merits and demerits of judgment sampling

Merits Demerits

1. Most useful for small population 1. It is not a scientific method.

2. Most useful to study some unknown traits of a population some of whose characteristics are known.

2. It has a risk of investigator’s bias being introduced.

3. Helpful in solving day-to-day problems.

Convenience sampling

The sampling units are selected according to convenience of the investigator. It is also called “chunk” which refer to the fraction of the population being investigated which is selected neither by probability nor by judgment.

Quota sampling

It is a type of judgment sampling. Under this design, quotas are set up according to some specified characteristic such as age groups or income groups. From each group a specified number of units are sampled according to the quota allotted to the group. Within the group the selection of sampling units depends on personal judgment. It

has a risk of personal prejudice and bias entering the process. This method is often used in public opinion studies.

6. What is a Research Report? What are the contents of Research Report?

Ans: Definition of 'Research Report'

A document prepared by an analyst or strategist who is a part of the investment research team in a stock brokerage or investment bank. A research report may focus on a specific stock or industry sector, a currency, commodity or fixed-income instrument, or even on a geographic region or country. Research reports generally, but not always, have "actionable" recommendations (i.e. investment ideas that investors can act upon).

CONTENTS OF A RESEARCH REPORT

The information in the first part of this section, Journal Articles, Books, Chapters in Books, Peer Reviewed Published Conference Proceedings, Non-peer Reviewed Published Conference Proceedings is filtered and extracted to formulate the Preliminary Publication Count for the Department of Education. This is a crucial step in the subsidy calculation process and it is of the utmost importance that this information must be as comprehensive accurate as possible. All research publications, which appeared in 2004, must be included, even if they are "in press". There will be an opportunity early in February to submit volume and page numbers of papers, which have appeared in the interim. Publications should be listed using the Harvard referencing system, without using italics or bold. Journal names must appear in full. Abbreviations will be returned to departments for expansion. (Theses passed for higher degrees are subsidy earning but this information is not included in the Preliminary Publication Count.)

The second part of this section, Published Conference Abstracts, Patents, Theses & Dissertations passed for Higher Degrees, University Publications & Publications of a Popular Nature - Unrefereed Journal Articles, Newspaper Articles, CD's, Online Works, Extension and Development Work, Creative Work, Consultancy and Other Activities based on Expertise Developed in Research (gives departments the opportunity to demonstrate the extent and nature of their extension and development work), Motivation for the addition of a South African Journal to the list of South African approved journals. The work included here is not subsidy earning but nevertheless is an important aspect of scholarly activity at UCT.