Presentation on Business Research Methods

By : Abhishek B , Yogesh B , Abhishek S Chavan

Data Collection Methods
Data collection is a process of collecting information from all the
relevant sources to find answers to the research problem, test the
hypothesis and evaluate the outcomes. Data collection methods can be
divided into two categories: secondary methods of data collection and
primary methods of data collection.
Types of Collection Data
1) Primary Data Collection Methods
2) Secondary Data Collection Methods
1) Primary Data Collection Methods

Primary data is the type of data that has not been around before. Primary data
is unique findings of your research. Primary data collection and analysis
typically requires more time and effort to conduct compared to the secondary
data research. Primary data collection methods can be divided into two
groups: quantitative and qualitative.
Quantitative data collection methods: are based on mathematical calculations
in various formats. Methods of quantitative data collection and analysis
include questionnaires with closed-ended questions, methods of correlation
and regression, mean, mode and median and others.
Qualitative research methods: on the contrary, do not involve numbers or
mathematical calculations. Qualitative research is closely associated with
words, sounds, feeling, emotions, colours and other elements that are non-
quantifiable.
2) Secondary Data Collection Methods
 Secondary data is a type of data that has already been published in books, newspapers, magazines,
journals, online portals etc.  There is an abundance of data available in these sources about your
research area business studies, almost regardless of the nature of the research area.
The researcher can obtain data from the data sources both internal and external, to the organization. 
 Internal sources of secondary data:
• Organization’s health and safety records
• Mission and vision statements
• Financial Statements
• Magazines
• Sales Report
• CRM Software
• Executive summaries
 External sources of secondary data:
• Government reports
• Press releases
• Business journals
• Libraries
Classification of Survey Methods

 The essence of survey method can be explained as “questioning individuals on a

topic or topics and then describing their responses”. In business studies survey
method of primary data collection is used in order to test concepts, reflect attitude
of people, establish the level of customer satisfaction, conduct segmentation
research and a set of other purposes. Survey method can be used in both, 
quantitative, as well as, qualitative studies.
 Survey method pursues two main purposes:
1. Describing certain aspects or characteristics of population and/or
2. Testing hypotheses about nature of relationships within a population.
Classification secondary Data sources

 Secondary sources allow you to broaden your research by providing

background information, analyses, and unique perspectives on various
elements for a specific campaign. Bibliographies of these sources can lead
to the discovery of further resources to enhance research for organizations.

 There are two common types of secondary data: Internal data and External
data. Internal data is the information that has been stored or organized by
the organization itself. External data is the data organized or collected by
someone else.
Internal Secondary Sources

Internal secondary sources include databases containing reports from

individuals or prior research. This is often an overlooked resource—it’s
amazing how much useful information collects dust on an organization’s
shelves! Other individuals may have conducted research of their own or
bought secondary research that could be useful to the task at hand. This prior
research would still be considered secondary even if it were performed
internally because it was conducted for a different purpose.
External Secondary Sources

 A wide range of information can be obtained from secondary research.

Reliable databases for secondary sources include Government Sources,
Business Source Complete, ABI, IBISWorld, Statista, and CBCA
Complete. This data is generated by others but can be considered useful
when conducting research into a new scope of the study. It also means less
work for a non-for-profit organization as they would not have to create
their own data and instead can piggyback off the data of others.
Examples of Secondary Sources

 GOVERNMENT SOURCES
 SYNDICATED SOURCES
 PUBLISHED SOURCES
 UNPUBLISHED PERSONAL SOURCES
 JOURNAL
 NEWSPAPERS
 WEBSITES
 BLOGS
Thank you

Presentation from

 Abhishek B
 Yogesh B
 Abhishek S Chavan

CBSMS, 2nd Sem MBA

Subject : Business Research Methods