MASINDE MULIRO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE

AND TECHNOLOGY (MMUST)

MAIN CAMPUS

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
2015/ 2016 ACADEMIC YEAR

FIRST YEAR SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATIONS

SPECIAL/ SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION

FOR THE DEGREES

OF
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION/
MASTER IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

COURSE CODES: MBA 809/ HRM 820

COURSE TITLE: RESEARCH METHODS/ RESEARCH

METHODOLOGY

DATE: TIME:

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
1. This paper contains FIVE Questions
2. Answer Question ONE and Any Other THREE Questions in the Answer
Booklets Provided
3. All Rough Work must be done in the Answer Booklet and Cancelled.

TIME: 3 HOURS
 MBA 809/ HRM 820

This paper consists of 3 printed pages. Please turn over ►

Answer Question ONE and Any Other THREE QUESTIONS

QUESTION ONE

a) Critically discuss the following statement by considering the importance of research,

essential feature of theory or data and purpose of the literature review. (15 marks)

According to Nobel Prize winner Milton Friedman ‘‘a theory or model should be accepted if it
predicts accurately, even if it is based on unrealistic assumptions. That is a theory or model can be
tested only its predictive ability and not in terms of the realism or lack of realism of the assumptions
on which it is based.’’

b) Using suitable illustrations to emphasize your points, discuss the basis of applying
stratification random technique in sampling public opinion on level of inflation in the
country (15 marks)

c) Describe the steps involved in analysis and presentation of data (10 marks)

QUESTION TWO

a) A research scholar has to work as a judge and derive the truth and not a pleader who is
only eager to prove her case in favour of her plaintiff. Discuss the statement pointing out
the objectives of the research. (10 marks)

b) Describe the different types of research, clearly pointing out the basis for their application
in social sciences (10 marks)

QUESTION THREE

“Creative management whether in public entity or private entity depends on the methods of
inquiry that maintain objectivity, clarity, accuracy and consistency”. On the basis of this
assertion, describe the steps that are involved in carrying out any research inquiry
(20 marks)

QUESTION FOUR

a) It has been argued by many scholars, “Empirical research in social sciences in developing
countries in particular creates so many problems for the researchers”. Discuss the
problems that are usually faced by such researchers (10 marks)

b) i. What is research problem (2 marks)

ii. With the aid of clear examples to elucidate your points, define the main issues, which
should receive the attention of the researcher in formulating the research problem
(8 marks)

MBA 809 RESEARCH METHODS/ HRM 820 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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 MBA 809/ HRM 820

QUESTION FIVE

a) Discuss with clear examples the relevance of conducting reliability and validity of research
instruments (10 marks)

b) Write short notes on;

i. Research design (2 marks)
ii. Ex post facto research (2 marks)
iii. Hypothesis of research (2 marks)
v. Criteria of good research (2 marks)
vi. Motivation of research (2 marks)

MBA 809 RESEARCH METHODS/ HRM 820 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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 MBA 809/ HRM 820

MBA 809 RESEARCH METHODS/ HRM 820 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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