Business Research Methods

Assignment 2 (Chapter 6, 7, 8)
Dated: 25/02/2010

1. What is research problem? Explain the points to be considered in selecting a

research problem. (Ch 6)

2. What is the iceberg principle? (Ch 6)

3. Syed Ali, the owner of several Syed Restaurants, is concerned about the wide
differences in the profit margins of the various restaurants. We would like to try some
incentive plans for increasing the efficiency levels of those restaurants that are lagging
behind. But, before he introduces this, he would like to be sure that the idea would
work. He asks a researcher to help him on this issue. Define the business research
problem. (Ch 6)

4. What do you understand by exploratory research studies? How can these be

carried out? Give the suitable examples where each study is to be carried out. (Ch 7)

5. Explain the projective techniques in detail with its relative merits. (Ch 7)

6. What is secondary data? Explain the various sources of obtaining the secondary
data with suitable example of each. (Ch 8)

Date of submission: 2nd March 2010.

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Business Research Methods

Assignment 3 (Chapter 9, 10, 11, 12)
Dated: 26/02/2010

1. Explain in brief the errors in survey research. How can it be reduced? (Ch 9)

2. What is internet survey? What are the relative merits and demerits of conducting
internet surveys as compared to any other form of survey? (Ch 10)

3. Under what conditions are observation studies most appropriate? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of observations studies compared to surveys? (Ch 11)

4. Explain the following in context of experimental research design.

a) Pretest-Posttest Control-group design
b) Completely Randomized Design.
c) Randomized Block Design.
d) Factorial Design.

Date of submission: 3rd March 2010.