A COMPLETE GUIDE

TO WRITING A

RESEARCH PAPER

Prof. JESUS G. LLORANDO, PhD

Guidelines in Writing a Research PaperFormat and Style, The Text of a Research Paper and other Formalities

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I/AME FORMAT AND STYLE OF PRESENTATION(TO BE PRINTED ON THE FRONT COVER and the TITLE PAGE inside 1st Page)INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS1061 Metropolitan Avenue, Makati City School logo/address

2 TITLE OF RESEARCH STUDY 2 A RESEARCH PAPER PRESENTED TO THE FACULTY OF INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS (I/AME)3In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master in Business Administration (Major in Management)2 By NAME OF CANDIDATE YEAR SUBMITTED 1

TABLE OF CONTENTSChapterTitleCHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND1. Background of the Study2. Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework3. Assumption (s)4. Statement of the Problem5. Hypothesis of the Study6. Scope and Delimitation of the Study7. Definition of Terms8. Importance of the Study

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

1. LiteratureForeignLocal

2. StudiesForeignLocal

CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Population of the Study

3. The Instrument and the Data Gathering Procedures

4. Statistical Treatment of Data

CHAPTER IV PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

1. Presentation of Data2. Analysis of Data3. Interpretation on Data

CHAPTER V SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Summary2. Conclusion3. Recommendations

REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Bibliography2. Appendices

CURRICULUM VITAE

FRONT MATTER

The Preliminaries and Functions:

A. TITLE PAGE Contains the following information. Title of the study. Full name of the researcher. The degree for which the paper is presented. The institution to which the paper is presented and the month and year in which the degree is to be granted.

INDORSEMENT - The school office usually prescribes the form of endorsement. Most institutions have a model or form printed for this purpose and requirements should always determine the format of this page.

C. APPROVAL SHEET This is a certification of approval of the college or department to which the paper is presented. It includes the complete title of the study; full name of researcher; degree to which the paper is applied for; statement of acceptance; advisers full name and signature; Deans full name and signature and complete date of oral defense.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - This page is the researchers written recognition and appreciation of the assistance and guidance provided by people who in any way helped the researcher in bringing in thesis into its completed form.

E. TABLE OF CONTENTS List the chapter headings into which the paper is divided.

F. LIST OF TABLES - List of table comes after the table of contents is made up of the captions of the tables included by the researcher in the report to provide substantial evidence in his presentation.

G. LIST OF FIGURES AND ILLUSTRATIONS This is included only if the researcher used and included in his thesis any figures such as graphs, charts and other illustration materials.

H. ABSTRACT - Contains the title of the study, full name of researcher, the degree for which the paper is presented, the College or Institution to which the paper is presented, the name of Adviser and the year in which the paper is presented. This page contains a brief and concise description of the problem (s) investigated, the methodology used and the significant findings, conclusions and recommendations.

COMPONENT PARTS OF A RESEARCH PAPER

CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

1. Introduction. A brief paragraph introducing the problem area that indicates the importance and validity if the particular problem. Suitable background information maybe incorporated into this introductory statement. The introduction should indicate the need to study the problem.

2. Statement of the Problem. A clear and sharply-defined statement of the problem. An experimental problem could be stated as one or more hypothesis; all other kinds or research problem are best defined by stating the problem then breaking it down into specific questions.

3. Importance of the Study. This section explains the contribution of the study, what possible effects the results of the study on a theory or practice to the student goals, company goals, national policies, community goals/plans and also for future researches.

4.Theoretical Framework. This state the theory (ies) on which the study is premised in order to establish the relationship among the variables of the study. It also explain the concepts and present the paradigm in the study.

5. Scope and Delimitation of the Study. This should state definite scope of the study and period of time involved in the investigation.

6. Hypotheses. This states expected or tentative conclusions that may be reached. This also states the relationship must be tested. This is needed most especially in experimental research or investigation.

7. Definition of Terms. The contextual, preferable not textbook, but the researchers definition as well as the working definition (used in the study or given about terms that are keywords into the research.

CHAPTER II - REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

The review of related literature, collates all the reading materials which have significance and bearing to the statement of the problem. The review should not merely summarize a series of books and articles; rather, it should call attention to the most important previous work, identify the place of your study in relation to other research, and delineate areas of agreement and disagreement in the field. This should also give the reader the context for the present study.

The review should evaluate and interpret existing research rather than simply repeat it. Organizing the review by topic rather than by author and avoiding unnecessary direct quotation can help you focus the review of research.

CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The chapter devoted to the Research Designs of the investigation should discuss such matters as:

1. the method of research and techniques to be used2. the nature of the sample and any control groups3. the data needed to test the hypothesis or the answer to the questions4. the source of data5. the procedures followed in gathering and analyzing the datathe statistical treatment of data.

Research designs may be qualitative, quantitative or a combination of both depending on the subject of the research study and investigation.

CHAPTER IV PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS, ANALYSIS OF DATA AND INTERPRETATION

The analysis chapter presents the result of the investigation with the corresponding interpretations.

Explanations of the information should be written in clear, coherent prose. You may wish to accompany your analyses with charts or tables, but theses should supplement the text rather than substitute for it. The body of the paper should be comprehensible even if the reader chooses not to consult the tables.

CHAPTER V SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The chapter of summary and discussions should be devoted to evaluation and interpretation of the data and formulations of conclusions. Also covered here, as appropriate are implications of the findings for revising the existing body of knowledge, possible contributions of the thesis top research methodology, the relation of the results to previously published studies limitations of the study, and unexpected conclusions. Practical applications of the findings or speculations about further studies might conclude this section.

SUMMARY This section gives an overview of the study from the statement of the problem to the investigation.

B. FINDINGS The findings should present the interpretations in relation to the statement of the problem.

CONCLUSIONS This section gives the answers to the statement of the problem, the summary points gathered by the researcher. This is the realization of the over-all aim of the study.

D. RECOMMENDATIONS This section presents the suggested appropriate courses of action/measures to address the findings of the study, either to introduce innovative ideas, practices, implementation of recommended policies and also further related researches to be undertaken in the future.

A. WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER

CHOOSING A TOPIC

The choice of a topic involves identifying a general subject area, limiting and defining the topic and stating the topic as a question or hypothesis.

The adviser sometimes specified a broad area of study. The adviser may assign a particular topic, provide a list of possible topics, or give the writer a free choice of topics within a broad range. As you make decisions leading to a topic, you should also consider such factors as your interest in the subject; your ability to be objective (especially if the topic is controversial); and the time available for completing the assignment.

As you begin to focus on a specific within the general subject area, you should evaluate the possibilities according to the following criteria: importance and interest, manageability, and availability of resources.

You should formulate your topic as a question. You will conduct your research by exploring a full range of possible answers to your question. As you gather information, you may discover that you have asked the wrong question or that you are more interested in answering a related question. If so, you can revise your question. Your answer to the question will become the thesis statement, or controlling idea, of your paper.

2. PREPARING A WORKING BIBLIOGRAPHY

After selecting a broad subject of your paper, you should begin to work in the library to determine how to shape and limit the topic with the materials available. This effort should result in a working bibliography, a list of sources that appear to be relevant at the initial stage of your research. Developing a working bibliography requires knowledge of library sources, the use of reference systems to locate sources, and consistent method of preparing bibliography cards.

During the first phase of your research you will want to write down information about every source you encounter that might be relevant to your study even if you are not certain you will be able to use it. You are likely to regret ignoring potential sources at this early stage. As your thinking develops, you will wish that you had made bibliography cards for work that seemed irrelevant at the time but later proved essential. Instructors and suggestions from your adviser, as well as the nature and scope of your topic, should indicate the appropriate number of sources for your working bibliography.

3. DATA GATHERING

To gather information for your paper, you need to develop a bibliography, evaluate sources of their dependability and authority, and take accurate, useful notes.

Books and articles that appear relevant to your topic should be listed systematically, one to card and in the bibliographic format that you will use to your final draft. Each entry on a bibliographic card should follow the format specified by the style sheet governing, your final paper. If the entries on your cards follow the specified format, you will able to prepare you final bibliography to simply transferring the information from the cards.

As you select works to read and sources to use in your paper, you should continually evaluate materials with regard to the primary or secondary nature of sources, the qualification of the author, and the level of the source.

An effective system for recording information requires you to select cards of a convenient size, a system of notation for relating the note cards to the bibliography cards and the outline, and a form for recording information. Even though you will probably want to photocopy some materials in the library, you will still need to take notes on the works that you find useful for your paper.

4. OUTLINING THE PAPER

Some researches begin with a tentative or working outline that guides the choice of research materials; other let the outline grow from research. If you develop outline in advance it should remain open to change as you read and take notes. Formulating and revising an outline will help you arrive at a logical and meaningful structure for your paper.

Creating an outline involves working decisions about the thesis statement, the principle of organization, the type of outline, and format of the outline.

5. WRITING THE PAPER

Writing the research paper involves preparing a first draft, revising the draft as often as necessary, editing the draft preparing the documentation and attending to other elements of the format, and proofreading.

Although the some extent you will approach this task in the order they are listed here, should not expect to complete any of them until you have a finished copy. Each activity proceeds both linearly and recursively. Even as you proceed with writing your first draft, you will constantly be thinking back to the sentences and paragraphs you have already written and thinking ahead to the projected design of your entire paper. Similarly, throughout the writing process you may be preparing parts of the final format such as the notes and bibliography.

6. ON FONTS AND FONTS SIZES

A uniform presentation for RESEARCH PAPER of all disciplines are required for the font sizesArial font

When using Arial fonts the following fonts actual sizes are suggested:

1. Title of the STUDY - SIZE 17 202. Chapter title - 163. Section of Chapter - 154. Sub-section of section n - 145. Font-size for the body-text - 12 1

7. ON MARGINS AND SPACE

MARGINS - 1 inch margins on all sidesSPACE - One space or Two single spaces

8. Submit to hard copies and soft copy of the research paper, BINDED using only the designated I/AME binders available in the library.

1 copy for the school1 copy for the Professor

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

BOOKSTurubian, L. Kate, 6th Edition, A Manual For Writers of Term Paper, Theses and Dissertations, The University of Chicago Press

Calmorin, Laurentina Paler and Calmorin, Melchor A., 1995, Methods of Research and Thesis Writing, Printed by REX Printing Company Inc.

WORK BOOKRebustes, Nerza A., 2002, Methods of Research-Fundamental Concepts and Application, I/AME Design Studio

Guide to Thesis Writing Llorando, 2006, Research, etc. LLAVE Center forContinuing Academic Development, Inc.

Report on The Research Process

One of the characteristics of good research is that, it is systematic. It consists of steps or stages that must be understood and followed so that research can be effective and rewarding.

The following are three research process models available to researchers.

By Dr. N. Rebustes By Treece and Treece Jr. By Cooper (Eight Steps Model) (Scientific Method) (Business Model)

Problem Identification 1. Determining the 1. Discovering the and Formulation Problem Management Dilemma and Defining the Creation of the 2. Forming a hypothesis Research Problem / Research Design (Intelligent guesses) Questions.

Constructing an 3. Doing the library 2. Research Proposal Instrument for Data ResearchCollection

Selection of the 4. Designing the Study. 3. Research Design to Sampling Include Design Strategy, Data Collection Design, and Sampling Design.

Collection of the Data 5. Developing the 4. Data Collection and Instruments for Preparation Collecting data.

Analysis of Data6. Analyzing the data. 5. Data Analysis and Interpretation.

7. Writing and 7. Determining the 6. Research Reporting. Presentation of Data Implications and Conclusions from the Findings.8. Research Report / 8. Making 7. Management Decision Presentation Recommendations for further research.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE EIGHT-STEP STEP 1: Problem Identification and Formulation

The research problem is one or more questions to be answered empirically by factual investigation. It identifies the destination of the research work.

Possible sources of research problems are people, problems, programs and phenomena. Other sources include theses, dissertations, and research journals as the researchers of these recommend problems for future research workers to investigate into.

The research problem should be SMART, that is, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound whether it is historical, descriptive, experimental or a case study.

Once a research problem has been identified. It has to be stated STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM. The statement of the Problem usually consists of a main problem and sub-problems.

Main Problem usually stated in declarative form covers the broad problem area. It states the intent of the investigation in a clear and grammatical sequence.

b) Sub-Problems interrelated parts of the main problem that allows the researcher to confront the main problem into smaller sub-parts.

Characteristics of sub-problems

Each sub-problem is a complete research unit which should constitute a logical sub-component within the larger research goal.

Sub-problems must add to the totality of the research problem.

Each sub-problem should be completely researchable units amenable to testing or verification.

EXAMPLE 1:

Statement of the ProblemThe main problem of this study is to determine the problems met by Science and Mathematics instructors and professors at the SUC in Region 6 (Western Visayas) in school 1994 1995. Specifically, it attempts to answer the following questions:

1.What are the problems met by Science and Mathematics instructors and Professors at the SUC in relation to (a) administration and supervision, (b) instructional materials, (c) teacher factor, and (d) student factor?

What is the most pressing problem met by Science and Mathematics instructors and professors in relation to administration and supervision, instructional materials, teacher factor and student factor?

3. Is there a significant difference in the man rank levels of the problems met by Science and Mathematics instructors and professors in relation t (a) administration and supervision (b) Instructional materials, (c) teacher factor, and (d) student factor?

EXAMPLE 2:

Management Question:

What should be done to improve the Complete Care programmed for Mind Writer laptop repairs and servicing to enhance customer satisfaction.

Research Question:

Should the technical representatives be given more intensive training or not?

Should ABC courier service be replaced by an overnight air transport, or not?

Should the repair diagnostic and repair sequencing operations be modified, or not?

Should the return packaging be modified to include pre-model rigid foam inserts, conforming-expanding foam protection, or not?

5.Should metropolitan repair centers be established to complement or replaced in-factory repair facilities, or not?

EXAMPLE 3:

Statement of the Problem

The main problem of the study is to determine the acceptability, nutritive values, and economics of canned milkfish (Chanos chanos Forskal) with and without seaweeds. The specific problems are:

What is the mean value of the odor, color, flavor, texture, and general acceptability of canned milkfish with and without seaweed?

What are the nutritive values of these products?

Which of the products is more nutritious?

Which is more economical, canned milkfish with seaweeds or canned milkfish without seaweeds?

5.Is there a significant difference on the acceptability of odor, color, flavor, and texture of canned milkfish (Chanos chanos Forskal) with and without seaweeds?

EXAMPLE 4:

Statement of the Problem

This study explored into the realm of business, educational management research and evaluation consultancy and the excellencies or expertise that must be developed by Filipino students at the doctoral level to prepare them for consultancy jobs in these fields, and determine areas that may need in-depth inquiry.

The specific problems attempted to determine the approaches/techniques to management consultancy in research and evaluation as well as the skills and the expertise that must be developed by consultants in setting up consultancy services I the management of research and evaluation?

STEP 2: Creation of the Research Design

The Research Design constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. In other words, it includes the plan, structure and strategy of investigation conceived so as to obtain answers to research questions and control variance.

Simply stated, research designs are made to enable research questions as validly, objectively, accurately and economically as possible.

Types of Research DesignsThere are a number of research designs which a researcher may choose to use depending on the nature of his investigation. The four major types are:

1) Historical Research It describes what occurred in the past and then makes a critical inquiry into the truth of what occurred. It must also be interpretative, that is, it describes the present situations in terms of past events.

2) Descriptive Research It is fact-finding with adequate information. The process of descriptive research goes beyond mere gathering and tabulating of data. It involves elements of interpretation of the meaning or significance of what is described.

3) Experimental Research it involves the control and manipulation of conditions for the purpose of studying the relative effects of various treatments applied to members of a sample, or of the same treatment applied to members of different samples.

4) Case Study It is an intensive investigation of a particular individual, institution, community or any group considered as a unit.

STEP 3: Constructing an Instrument for data collectionResearch instruments are the devices used for gathering or collecting data and are very important because the success or failure of a study lies on the data gathered.

The choice of instrument or tools depends on factors such as the nature of the problem, the population or universe under study, the cost of the survey, and the time factor.

There are several tools or instruments for collecting data, but the most common are as follows:

Observation (Checklists and Recording Sheets)

Examples: a. 1, Another example of a checklist with short verbal entriesName of Observer___________________

Direction for Observer: In the space provider, record observations that bear on the individuals physical development and social development. Do not evaluate, but describe. Avoid vague words such as good, strong, shy, etc. Enter statement of what happened, or what you saw, as Did three push-ups, and couldnt do anymore. Cried and started fighting when he was called out. Date each entry.

Physical Development

Social DevelopmentName of Observed (optional)____________________ Place of Observation______Date______Direction for Observer: Give a brief description of each item.Type of Farming _______________Farming tools _________________Work Animals _________________Farming machinery _____________Soil Fertility ___________________Soil preparation _______________Crops planted _________________Water Management ____________Pest control __________________Weed control _________________Fertilizer application ____________Harvesting ___________________Farm structures ________________Access road ___________________Other factors __________________

2) Interview (Schedules and Interview GuidesInterview Schedule same as questionnaires

Interview Guide does not go into detailsbut it only provides ideas and allows the interviewer to freely pursue relevant topics in depth. INTERVIEW GUIDE

Name (optional)______ Date ____Address ______________ ______________

Educational qualification (of faculty)

Methods and strategies of teaching

Facilities

Supervisory assistance

Problems encountered in teaching

Proposed solutions to problems

Implications to the teaching of science

ETHICS IN FAMILY BUSINESSQUESTIONNAIRE_________________________________________Basic DataAge Gender Education ________________

2. Your position in the family business

Board of Directors Manager None Chief Executive Officer Other

3. Are you shareholder?

Yes No

4. What percentage of equity do you own or represent?

Less than 5% 50% Between 5% and 49% More than 50%

5. Is there a shareholder that owns more than 50%

Yes No

6. Does the company have shareholders who are not family members?

Yes No

7. Approximately what percentage of the capital do they own? 8. Last generation already incorporated in the family business:

First Fourth

Second Fifth or more

Third

9. Main sector of activity is: MF

Behaviors and their frequency

How common in your experience, are the following types of unethical behavior in family business?(The columns indicate the level of frequency. Please put cross in the appropriate column)

Ownership of capital

1.1 Ways of obtaining ownership:

1.1.1 By forcing property rights from other people 1.1.2 By valuing shares incorrectly

1.2 Ways of transferring ownership: 1. 2.1 By defrauding legitimate heirs 1. 2.2 By creating an ownership structure that makes governance of the company difficult

2. Power

2.1 Ways to gain Power:2.1.1 By deceiving those entitled to hold power2.1.2 By threatening from a position of strength Backed by a large equity stake, confidential information, etc2.1.3 By using delaying tactics to prevent others from Gaining power.2.2 General ways of using power: 2.2.1 Promoting personal financial interest and other Expenses.2.2.2 Adopting strategies that entail serious risks for Others.2.2.3 Satisfying personal preferences to the Detriment of others2.2.4 Boosting personal prestige and status

3. Business Strategy

3.1 Preventing the necessary development, growth and change in the company (by staying in mature business, diversifying, etc.

3.2 Putting the company automatic prior leaving it to carry on us usual, so us to be able to devote more time to other things.

3.3 Preventing others from contributing with their opinions to strategic analysis and decision making

3.4 Neglecting the interest of future generations

4. Company organizations

4.1 Appointing incompetent people to important post (Nepotism)

4.2 Unfair or inadequate compensation

4.3 Favoritism and discrimination

4.4 Buying or controlling managers through Compensation, threats, etc.

4.5 Blocking the careers of capable managers

4.6 Delaying successions processes

4.7 Devoting too title time to the company

4.8 Revealing confidential information

4.9 Withholding or falsifying information

4.10 Unjustified expenses

4.11 Unnecessary luxury in company offices

5. Shareholders

5.1 Alliances among some shareholders at the expense of others

5.2 Obliging the company to pay dividends that have not been earned.

5.3 Demanding favors contrary to the interest of the company

5.4 Demanding information to which they are not entitled

5.5 Making inappropriate personal use of company assets

5.6 Appropriating company funds

5.7 Imprudently failing to exercise shareholder rights

STEP 4: Selecting a Sample

Sampling means selecting a given number of persons, objects or events called subset from a given population by specified selection process. Sampling also refers to strategies of picking up a subgroup from a larger group to be used as a basis for making judgments about the larger group is the Sample while the larger group is the Population.

Population means all the members of a real or hypothetical set of persons, objects or events of interest in study. Also called a Universe.

Sampling Techniques:

Probability

This refers to a technique in which the unique characteristic is that one can specify for each element in the population the probability that it will be included in the sample

Is used when inferences about the population are required as in thesis and dissertation or other academic researches.

2. Non-probability

This is technique used when there is no way of estimating the probability that each element has being included in the sample and no assurance that every element has a chance of being included.Is usually adapted when immediate information feedback is needed, as in marketing research studies, such as product launching.

3. Mixed Sampling

Combination of Probability and Non-probability.

The sampling theory is guided by two principles:

1. The avoidance of bias in the selection of a sample 2. The attainment of maximum precision for a given outlay of resources.

STEP 5: Collection of Data

Data are a collection of numbers, quantities, facts, or records, used as bases for drawing conclusions or making inferences.

Data are what research is searching for and which are subjected to analysis, statistical procedures, and interpretation so that inferences, principles, or generalization are drawn. Data also reveal unsatisfactory conditions that need to be improved.

Two types of data:

1.Primary Data gathered directly from an original source. Sources include individuals, groups organizations and established practices.

2.Secondary Information taken from published or unpublished data which were previously gathered by other individuals or agencies. Sources are books, magazines, census reports, articles, manuscript, internet/world-wide-web and the like.

Most common methods of data collection with their specific instruments:

1.OBSERVATION as a means of gathering information for research may be defined as perceiving data through the senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. The sense of sight is the most important and the most used among the senses. Observation is the most direct way and the most widely used in studying behavior.

Advantages:

It provides a direct procedure for studying various aspects of human behavior which may be the only effective way to gather data in a particular situation.

It enables the observer to code and record at the time of its occurrence.

Disadvantages:

Subject may intentionally attempt to exhibit an artificial behavior when he knows that he is being observed.

It is time consuming and sometimes costly.

2.INTERVIEW is one of the major techniques in data gathering or information. It is defined as a purposeful face to face relationship between two persons, one of whom called the interviewer who asks questions to gather information and the other is called the interviewee or respondent who supplies the information asked for:

Purpose and Uses of the Interview:

The researches may approach and interview knowledgeable people to enable him to gain insight into his problem, the variables he is going to use, the formulation of his specific questions and hypotheses, the statistical methods he is going to utilize etc.

The researcher may also interview knowledgeable people about the proper construction and validation of a questionnaire, or who can make any contribution to the enrichment of his study.

In cases when the subject of the study is a person with some signs of abnormality, the interviewer may wish to gain information from the overt, oral, physical or emotional reactions of the subjects towards certain questions to be used for a possible remedy of the abnormality.

The researcher may also use the interview as the principle tool in gathering data for his study or just to supplement data collected by other techniques.

Types or classes of interview

a) Standardized interview in this type of interview, the interviewer is not allowed to change the specific wordings of the question in the interview schedule.

b) Non-standardized interview In this type, the interviewer has complete freedom to develop each interview in the most appropriate manner for each situation. He is not held to any specific question.

Semi-standardized interview The interviewer is required to ask a number of specific major questions, and beyond these he is free to probe as he chooses.

Focused interview This is also called depth interview. This is similar to the non-standardized interview in which no required questions should be asked by the interviewer. The researcher asks a series of a question based on his previous understanding and insight of the situation.

e)Non-directive interview In this type of interview, the interviewee or subject is allowed and even encouraged to express his feelings without fear of disapproval.

QUESTIONNAIRE has been defined by Good as a list of planned, written questions related to a particular topic, with space provided for indicating the response to each question, intended for submission to a number of persons for reply; commonly used in normative survey studies and in the measurement of attitudes and opinions.

In other words, a questionnaire is simply a set of questions which, when answered properly by a required number or properly selected respondents, will supply the necessary information to complete a research study.

AdvantagesThe questionnaire is easy to construct. The rules and principles of construction are easy to followDistribution is easy and inexpensive.The respondents replies are free.Confidential information may be given freelyThe respondent can fill out the questionnaire at will.The respondent can give more accurate replies.

STEP 6: Analysis and Interpretation of Data

Data Processing is a precedent of Data Analysis. It involves editing (detecting or errors and commissioning and correcting when possible) and coding of information (grouping and assigning numeric codes to the various responses to a particular question) from the research instruments.

The following problems to be determined during data editing are:

1. Dont know answers2. Not applicable answers3. Wrong answers4. Inconsistent answers5. Ambiguous answers6. All extreme or central tendency answers7. Disqualified respondent8. Illegible writing9. Mistakes by the researcher10. Failure of respondent to follow instruction

4. Unanswered questions Examples of data coding:What changes would you like to see in your company?RAW RESPONSES FREQUENCYReduction of absenteeism 9 Obtain zero defects in production 5 Have a more aggressive advertising campaign for the product 10Lessen tardiness of employees 7Lessen late deliveries to customers 5 Minimize customer complaints about defective products 14Increase number of delivery vans 3 Improve products features 3 Better communication between production and marketing 15Increase efforts towards introducing new things that could add value of the product 5 Better coordination between departments 31Engage in TV advertising 4 Good teamwork within and between departments 12Better relationship with distributors 7 Additional benefits to employees20 TOTAL 150 CODECATEGORIES FREQUENCY 1 Human Resources 36Management issues (e. g., absenteeism, tardiness, employee morale, salary, benefits

2 Marketing related issues 29(e.g., advertising, distribution, products added value)

3Production related issues19 (e.g., quality control,production output)

4Logistics and Support 8 related issues (e.g., deliveries, warehousing)

5Organizational communi- 58 cation issues TOTAL150

Data analysis is the process of breaking down and ordering of data into meaningful categories or groups and the search for trends and patterns or relationships among data categories.

Type of Analysis:

1.Qualitative Analysis This uses descriptive tools such as content analysis and descriptive statistics (e.g., percentage, frequency, measure of central tendencies etc.).

2.Quantitative Analysis This uses regression, Z or t-tests, correlation, and time-series analysis.

STEP 7: Writing a Presentation of Data

Presentation is the process of organizing data into logical, sequential and meaningful categories and classification.There are three ways of presenting data:

Textual The use of statements with numerals or numbers to describe the data. Its disadvantage especially if it is too long is that it is boring to read and the reader may not even be able to grasp the quantitative relationships pf the data presented.

Example:Of the total 124 complaints received by XYZ Hotel in 2001, 18 complaints or 14.4% were due to Missing Guest Preferences, 51 complaints or 40.8% due to Unresolved guest Difficulties, 5 complaints or 4% due to Inoperable guestroom Equipment, 4 complaints or 3.2% due to Inadequate guestroom Housekeeping, 8 complaints or 6.4% due to Unready Guest Room, 3 complaints or 2.4% due to Inadequate Food/Beverage, 27 complaints or 21.6% due to Missing/Damaged Guest Property, 2 complaints or 1.6% due to Inappropriate Hotel Appearance, 3 complaints or 2.4% had to do with Unaccommodating Staff Attitude, and 4 complaints or 3.2% due to Invoice adjustments.

Tabular - This is a systematic arrangement of related data in which classes of numerical facts or data are given each a row and their subclasses are given each a column in order to present at the relationships of the sets or numerical facts or data in a definite, compact and understandable form or forms.

Example:

Customer Satisfaction Ratings by Frequent Leisure Travelers of XYZ Hotel and ABC Hotel

CriteriaXYZ Hotel ABC HotelOverall Satisfaction 91%80%Cleanliness of Room and Facilities 90%77%Adequate Security 83%64%Value for Money 42%32%Staff Knowledgeable and Helpful 67%54%

Graphical A graph is a chart representing the quantitative variations or changes of a variable itself, or quantitative changes of a variable in comparison with those of another variable or variables in pictorial or diagrammatic form. Its purpose is to present the variations, changes, and relationship of data in a most attractive, appealing, effective and convincing way.

Types of graphs or charts:

Bar graphs4. Pictograms 2. Linear graphs5. Statistical Maps 3. Hundred percent 6. Ratio Maps graphs or chart 7. Pie Charts

Example:Line Graph Pie Chart

STEP 8: Research Report

Writing the report is the last and, for many, the most difficult step of the research process. This report informs the world of what you have done; what you have discovered: and what conclusions you have drawn from the findings.

Guidelines for preparing a good research report:

1.Purpose Type, length, and nature of data being presented should be relevant to the purpose of the researcher.

2.Target Reader/End-user Contents and presentation of data should be pertinent to the needs of the target reader or end-user.

3.Clarity Using specific, measurable and descriptive words will help in illustrating statements and ideas. Logical data organization and sound interpretation add clarity to the report.

4.Appropriate Words Concepts or variables or words with flawed meaning, given a particular situation or context, should be avoided.

Style (1) The written composition must be consistent (grammar, spelling, punctuation etc.). (2) In the discussion of the results, it is preferable that this section be subdivided into subtopics based on the objectives or hypothesis of the study to focus more on the analysis. (3) To substantiate the interpretation of results, it is also possible to cite direct quotations from the answers of the respondents. (4) Technical writing in research also requires that the report be written in the third person: Therefore, the use of I, we, and our should be avoided.

Graphic Aids Use graphic aids properly.

Acknowledgement and Citation there are instances in the report when the source/s of information should be carefully cited and acknowledged.

8.Format Research format should try to include all possible contents of any research report.

Sources:

Methods of Research by Nerza A. RebustesMethods of Research and Thesis Writing by Jose Calderon and Expectation GonzalesMethods of Research and Thesis Writing by Laurentina Calmorin and Melchor CalmorinDeveloping Competencies in Research Writing by Dr. Maura FonolleraBusiness Research by Divina EdralinBusiness Research Methods by Donald Cooperhttp://cref.montesquieu.u-bordeaux.fr/Nouveau%20Site/ARTICLES/Gallo%20Cappuyus%201998%29.pdf

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