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MBA SEMESTER III MB0050 Research Methodology-Assignment Set- 1 Q 1. Why should a manger know about research when the job entails managing people, products, events, environments, and the like? [10 Marks] Ans.1. Research simply means a search for facts. The search for facts may be made through either arbitrary (or unscientific) method or scientific method. Young defines Research as a scientific undertaking which, by means of logical and systematic techniques, aims to: Discover of new facts or verify and test old facts, analyze their sequences, interrelationships and causal explanations, develop new scientific tools, concepts and theories which would facilitate reliable and valid study of human behaviour. Kerlinger defines research as a systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena. The scientific method is based on certain articles of faith. These are: 1. Reliance on empirical evidence: 2. Use of relevant concepts 3. Commitment of objectivity 4. Ethical neutrality 5. Generalization 6. Verifiability 7. Logical reasoning process Research is directed towards finding answers to pertinent questions and solutions to problems. It emphasizes the development of generalization, principles or theories. The purpose of research is not only to arrive at an answer but also to stand up the test of criticism. The purpose of research is to extend knowledge of human beings Research establishes generalizations and general laws and contributes 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 causal 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. Pure Research is undertaken for the sake of knowledge without any intention to apply it in practice. Applied Research is carried on to find solution to a real-life problem requiring an action or policy decision. It is thus problem-oriented and action-directed. Exploratory Research is also known as formulative research. It is preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem about which the researcher has little or no knowledge. Descriptive Study is a fact-finding investigation with adequate interpretation. Diagnostic Study is similar to descriptive study but with a different focus. Evaluation Studies is a type of applied research. Action Research is a type of evaluation study. The role of research in applied economics in the context of an economy or business is greatly increasing in modern times. Research also assumes a significant role in solving various operational and planning problems associated with business and industry. Research is equally important to social scientist for analyzing social relationships and seeking explanations to various social problems.

Q 2. a. How do you evolve research design for exploratory research? Briefly analyze.

Ans.2. Research design in case of exploratory research 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. Generally, 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 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. 2. 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 research problem. 3. 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 nay, 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.

Q.2.b. Briefly explain Independent dependent and extraneous variables in a research

design. Ans.2.b. Components of Research Design It is important to be familiar with the important concepts relating to research design. They are: 1. Dependent and Independent variables: 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 noncontinuous variables.. In statistical term, they are also known as discrete variable.. For example, age is a continuous variable; where as the number of children is a non-continuous variable. When changes in one variable depends upon the changes in one or more other variables, it is known as a dependent or endogenous variable, and the variables that cause the changes in the dependent variable are known as the independent or explanatory or exogenous variables. For example, if demand depends upon price, then demand is a dependent 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 dependent variable which is determined by the independent variables like own price, income and price of substitute. 2. Extraneous variable: The independent variables which are not directly related to the purpose of the study but affect the dependent variable are known as extraneous variables. For instance, assume that a researcher wants to test the hypothesis that there is relationship between children.s school performance and their self-concepts, in which case the latter is an independent variable and the former, the dependent variable. In this 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 dependent variable is technically called as an experimental error.. Therefore, a research study should always be framed in such a manner that the dependent variable completely influences the change in the independent variable and any other extraneous variable or variables. Q 3. A. Differentiate between Census survey and Sample Survey. [5 Marks] Ans.3a. Meaning of Sampling - A part of the population is known as sample. The method consisting of

the selecting for study, a portion of the universe with a view to draw conclusions about the universe or population is known as sampling. A statistical sample ideally purports to be a miniature model or replica of the collectivity or the population constituted of all the items that the study should principally encompass, that is, the items which potentially hold promise of affording information relevant to the purpose of a given research. Sampling helps in time and cost saving. It also helps in checking their accuracy. But on the other hand it demands exercise of great care caution; otherwise the results obtained may be incorrect or misleading. Amount of funds budgeted for the study: Sampling is opted when the amount of money budgeted is smaller than the anticipated cost of census survey. A statistical sample ideally purports to be a miniature model or replica of the collectivity or the population. Sampling helps in time and cost saving. If the population to be studied is quite large, sampling is warranted. However, the size is a relative matter. The decision regarding census or sampling depends upon the budget of the study. Sampling is opted when the amount of money budgeted is smaller than the anticipated cost of census survey. Q 3.b. Analyze multi-stage and sequential sampling. Ans.3b. Double Sampling and Multiphase Sampling Double sampling refers to the subsection of the final sample form a pre-selected larger sample that 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 multiphase 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 from 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.

Ans.4. Measures of Central Tendency - Analysis of data involves understanding of the characteristics of the data. The following are the important characteristics of a statistical data: . Central tendency . Dispersion . Skew ness . Kurtosis 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, i.e. 50. Such a tendency of the data 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. Statistical Averages1.Positional averages- Median & Mode 2. Mathematical averages -Arithmetic mean, Geometric mean, Harmonic mean Arithmetic mean, geometric mean and harmonic mean are mathematical averages. Median and mode are 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. Measures of central tendency will quantify the middle of the distribution. The measures in case of population are the parameters and in case of sample, the measures are statistics that are estimates of population parameters. The three most common ways of measuring the centre of distribution is the mean, mode and median. Dispersion is the tendency of the individual values in a distribution to spread away from the average. Many economic variables like income, wage etc., are widely varied from the mean. Dispersion is a statistical measure, which understands the degree of variation of items from the average. Range, Quartile deviation, Mean deviation and Standard deviation are mathematical measures of dispersion. Lorenz curve is a graphical measure of dispersion. Measures of dispersion can be absolute or relative. An absolute measure of dispersion is expressed in the same unit of the original data. When two sets of data are expressed in different units, relative

measures of dispersion are used for comparison. A relative measure of dispersion is the ratio of absolute measure to an appropriate average. Q.5. Select any topic for research and explain how you will use both secondary and primary sources to gather the required information. Ans.5. Sources of Secondary Data- The type of secondary data required to meet research objectives determine the sources of secondary data. Some of the common and important sources are: Government Agencies and Official Publications: Marketing researches rely heavily on this source of data for estimating market potential and sales forecasts, determining distribution penetration and location of intermediate and final outlets, as well as for defining sales territories and routing schedules. National Sample Survey: This was started in 1950 and collects data about demographic, social and economic aspects of a household. Population Statistics: It provides factual bases for estimation of consumer demand for various goods and services, by furnishing data on size of population and its distribution by age, sex, occupation and income levels. Statistical Abstract of India: Brought out annually by the Central Statistical Organisation, this publication contains the statistics of various section of the Indian economy for the preceding five years. Estimation of National Product, Savings and Capital Formation: This is also an annual publication of the Central Statistical Organisation. Monthly Statistics on the Production of Selected Industries: To bridge the gap between the census taken and data published, the C.S.O. publishes monthly statistics relating to production, installed capacity and stock positions in selected industries. Basic Statistics Relating to Indian Economy: Published annually by the statistics and survey division of Planning Commission this publication contains basic indicators on various aspects of economy for the past few years based on time series. India, Pocketbook of Economic Information: It is an annual publication of the Ministry of Finance. Trade Statistics: The Department of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics compiles monthly statistics of commercial intelligence and statistics, publishes data on import and export of goods in terms of their quantity and value, classified as received from or sent to centres of consignment. Other sources of secondary data -Library -Research Agencies and Data Services. -Internet. Sources of Primary Data - The major sources of primary data include respondents, analogous case situations and research experiments. 1. Respondents: Respondents represent by far the most important source of primary marketing data. Marketing decisions are characterised by the fact that they always involve in one way or the other,

prediction of the behaviour of the market participants- be it consumer, industrial users, marketing intermediaries or competitors. 2. Socio-economic characteristics: Whenever in a consumer research situation there is a basis for the belief that some socio-economic characteristics like income, education occupational status etc. are associated with the purchase of a product or service, information is sought on these characteristics. Life styles are increasingly being used to segment markets reposition products and targeting positioning strategies wore closely to the consumer profile. Q 6. a. Explain the role of Graphs and Diagrams? [5 Marks] Ans.6.a. Graphs, Charts & Diagrams - In presenting the data of frequency distributions and statistical computations, it is often desirable to use appropriate forms of graphic presentations. In additions 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 non-technical 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 presentation must be planned with utmost care and diligence. Graphic forms used should be simple, clear and accurate and also be appropriate to the data. In planning this work, the following questions must be considered. Line Graphs - The line graph is useful for showing changes in data relationship over a period of time. The horizontal line is called the abscissa or X-axis and the vertical, the ordinal or Y-axis. The point at which the two axes intersect is zero for both X and Y axis. The time dimension or independent variable is represented by the X-axis and the other variable by Y-axis. Q6.b. What are the Types and General rules for graphical representation of data? Ans.6.b. Types of Graphs and General Rules - The most commonly used graphic forms may be grouped into the following categories:

a) Line Graphs or Charts 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 a 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 labelled. 7. If there are more than one curves 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.

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