RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research Design This study will use of the descriptive survey approach with a help of a questionnaire

as a tool in conducting the study. The research is directed towards finding the competitive edge of small and medium enterprises over mall operators along Tagbilaran City as well as its financial consequences. This method of research will be used to determine the relationship of variables and developing generalizations. Research Environment This study will be conducted in selected registered small and medium enterprises and mall operators in the City of Tagbilaran. Tagbilaran City is a second class component city of Bohol and also serves as its capital. It is the principal gateway to the province and is known as the City of Friendship. Tagbilaran is considered by the institute for solidarity in Asia as one of the eight Philippine Dream Cities. The City of Tagbilaran has the relative advantage as Bohols main business capital and center of governance, education and transportation. It is on this climate that commerce and trade is very promising. Research Participants Based on the list of registered small and medium enterprises from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), there are two hundred forty five (245) in Tagbilaran City , of this thirty percent (30%) or 74 establishments using the systematic random sampling respondents of the study. Research Instrument There are four self-made survey questionnaires that will be employed in the realization of this study. The first two deals with the employees of the SMEs and Malls regarding the benefits are the

received. The last two is for the management of the SMEs and Malls. Questions are bound to answer the competitive edges and financial consequences. The questions will be formulated for the convenience of the respondents. They will first supply or put a check mark on the space provided before each statement. Research Procedure Gathering of Data To obtain the data needed, the researchers will request a list of the registered Small and Medium Enterprises engaging in wholesale trade industry, clothing, accessory and general merchandise industry and grocery store industry and the list of malls in Tagbilaran City with their respective addresses from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Prior to the distribution of questionnaires, the researchers will send a formal letter to owner(s) or manager(s) of SMEs and Malls asking their permission to allow the researchers to conduct a study to their institutions. After such approval, the respondents will be given a brief orientation on what the study is all about before they will make to answer the questionnaire. The data will be personally gathered by the researchers through probing questions propounded upon the respondents especially in the validation of their response. The data that will be obtained will be analyzed and treated statistically. Statistical Treatment To quantitatively organize the data collected, descriptive statistics will be employed. The results of the research will be tabulated to generate findings, conclusion, and recommendation for the improvement of these businesses.