1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR ED, BABM AND MBA STUDENTS PREPARED BY: MUKUNDA KUMAR

2 DEFINITIONS   Research:   Careful, diligent, exhaustive search or   Investigation of Research Issues or   Problems aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts,   Revision of acceptable theories or laws in the light of new facts, or   practical application of such new or revised theories or laws and the collection of information about a particular subject.

3 PURPOSE OF RESEARCH   People undertake research in order to find things out in a systematic way, thereby increasing their knowledge (Jankowicz, 1995, as in Saunders et al,, 1997)

4 Business and Management Research  Involves undertaking systematic research to find out things about business and management  ‘Systematic research' based on logical relationships and not just beliefs and which involves methods used to collect data, results obtained and limitations -.

5 Business and Management Research  ‘to find out’ suggests a multiplicity of possible purposes for the research which includes describing, explaining, understanding, criticizing and analyzing (Ghauri et al., 1995, as in Saunders et al., 1997)

6 Market Research  Research into the size, location, and makeup of a product market

7 What is Research?  Research is a vital activity which is carried out to advance-knowledge in many different contexts.  It is a Systematic and Organized Process of Inquiry, Investigation, Examination, or Experimentation, which is carried- out systematically, diligently, critically, objectively, and logically.  It is also planned, cautious and reliable.

8 CONTENTS OF A THESIS  CHAPTER 1 : Introduction  CHAPTER 2 : The Review of Literature  CHAPTER 3 : Theoretical Framework and Research Methodology Research Methodology  CHAPTER 4 : Presentations and Analysis of Findings. Findings.  CHAPTER 5 : Conclusions and Recommendations Recommendations  References  Appendix

9 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION  Introduce the subject or problem to be studied.  This might require the identification of key managerial concerns, theories, laws and governmental rulings, critical incidents or social changes, and current environmental issues, that make-the subject critical, relevant and worthy of managerial or research attention,.

10 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION  To inform the Reader (stylistically- forthright, direct, and brief 5 to 10 pages)  The first sentence should begin with 'This Study was intended to ……’ and immediately tell the Reader the nature of the study for the reader's interest and desire to read on.

11 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION  Questions to be answered:  What is the subject area of study?  What is the background of the subject studied?  Why is it important and worthy of study?  THINK OF: The Nature of the Study: the problem to be investigated.

12 The Research Problem  What is the statement of the problem?  The statement of the problem, or problem statement should follow logically from what has been set forth in the background of the problem by defining the specific research need providing impetus for the study, a need not met through previous research   Present a clear and precise statement of central question of research, formulated to address the need

13 The Rationale of the Study  Why in a general sense?  One or two brief references to previous research or theories critical in structuring this study to support / understand the rationale

14 The Rationale of the Study The importance of the study for the reader to know, to fully appreciate the need for the study and The importance of the study for the reader to know, to fully appreciate the need for the study and Its educational significance Its educational significance Own professional experience that stimulated the study or aroused interest in the problem Own professional experience that stimulated the study or aroused interest in the problem

15 The Purpose of the study  What are the specific objective/s of the study?  What are the Research Question/s of the study  Define the specific research objective/s that would answer the research Question/s of the study.

16 Significance of the Study (1) The Significance of the Study (1)  Clearly describe the significance of-the study.  Justify why the subject requires attention.

17 The Significance of the Study (2)  Identify key contributions of the research that can be achieved.  Highlight the contributions that the study seeks to achieve towards - management practices; theoretical and methodological applications; governmental procedures, policies and laws, nation building.

18 The Scope of the The Scope of the Study   Discussion on issues such as types of data the subjects or sources of information utilized, the time period involved and the geographic locations covered in the research may be discussed in this section.   What aspects of the subject do you intend to study?   What are the key questions to be investigated?

19 DEFINITION OF TERMS Define the terms used in the study that are not usually encountered by readers, generally. Define the terms used in the study that are not usually encountered by readers, generally.

20 SUMMARY A synopsis of the contents of the chapter that leads on to the introduction of the following chapter and the organization of subsequent chapters. A synopsis of the contents of the chapter that leads on to the introduction of the following chapter and the organization of subsequent chapters.