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Business Research Methods

Preparation of Research Proposal

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Definition It is a layout of the planned research activity

It describes

-background

-research problem

-approach,-research design

-method of data collection ,analysis & reporting.

- cost estimate-time schedule for completion

-appendices

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Background

The background to the problem includingthe relevant context should be discussed

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Problem Definition /objectives

A statement of problem including specific

components should be presented

If it has not been developed objectives

should be clearly specified

Questions

- What is the purpose of the study?

- How much is already known?- Is additional background information

necessary?

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Approach to the problem

A review of relevant literature should be presented

Some kind of analytical model should bepresented

If research questions & hypothesis have been

formed then these should be included Questions

- What is to be measured? How?

- Can the data be made available?

- What types of questions need to be answered

- Can a hypothesis be formulated?

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Research Design

Research design adopted (Exploratory, Descriptive or

Causal) should be specified Questions

- What kind of information is to be obtained ?

- How should experimental manipulations be made?

- What is the method of administering questionnaire? (mail,telephone, personal, electronic)

- Which Scaling techniques will be used ?

- What is the nature of questionnaire ?(type of questions asked,length, average interviewing time)

- Sampling plan & sample size

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Basic Questions -

Selection of Sample

Who or what is the source of the data? Can the target population be identified?

Is a sample necessary?

How accurate must the sample be? Is a probability sample necessary?

Is a national sample necessary?

How large a sample is necessary? How will the sample be selected?

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Field Work /Data Collection

Method of data collection

Control mechanism to ensure quality

Questions

- Who will gather the data? (Sub contract)- How long will data gathering take?

- How much supervision is needed?

- What operational procedures need to befollowed?

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Data Analysis

Kind of data analysis that will be conducted

( Cross tabulation , Univariate, Multivariate)

Dummy tables

Questions

-Will standardized editing and coding procedures beused?

- How will the data be categorized?

- What statistical software will be used?

- What questions need to be answered?- How many variables are to be investigated

simultaneously?

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Reporting

Intermediate reports to be prepared & stages

Form of final report

Questions

- Who will read the report?- Are managerial recommendations

requested?

- How many presentations are required?- What will be the format of the written

report?

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Cost & Time

Cost of project & time schedule

CPM or PERT chart may be included

Questions

-How much will the study cost?

-Is the time frame acceptable?

-Is outside help needed?

-Will this research design attain the stated research

objectives?-When should the research be scheduled to begin?

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Appendices

Any statistical or other information that isof interest to only a few people

Representations of the actual tables that will

be in the findings section of the final report;

used to gain a better understanding of what

the actual outcomes of the research will be.