INDUS BUSINESS SCHOOL

RESEARCH SEMINAR

Following are the general guidelines for research paper preparation.

INTRODUCTION (Background of Research)

The introduction should give an overview of the subject. It should focus the broader aspect of the
research project before coming to the specific topic. This should start with an opening statement.

For Example: If your research project is “Acceptance Level of Healthy Food Segment in Pune region”
…Introduction will start with The recent trends seen in the demand of easy to eat snacks segment says
that there is crucial transformation focusing on the health and wellness of the customers. Why this
change is visible

Research Problem (statement of research problem)

A research problem is a specific issue or gap in knowledge that you will aim to address in your
research project. The research problem must be reflected in your research project title. Even by reading
the title of the project one should be in position to make out the theme of the project. The Research
Project Title has to be a statement and not a Topic name

For Example: (Research Problem) When world is becoming Health conscious, then why we have to
study the Acceptance level of Healthy Food segment……so the problem here will be like Awareness,
taste, affordability, availability etc.

Importance and significance of the Study

Researcher has to explain the importance of the research subject here. Also why he feels that this
research needs the detailed study.

For Example: If researcher wants to deal with the Healthy Food Segment, then he has to explain in
detail how the subject is significant in current situation. People are having sedentary life style due to
which health risks are at higher side….and how the odd hour eating/munching habit with Healthy Food
Segment will be helpful
 Theoretical Contribution
A theoretical contribution transforms the way we look at things and the way we talk about them. Your
research can have theoretical contribution only when you have facts and figures which supports the
real world situations.
For Example: How many companies are contributing towards the Healthy food segment? What is the
demand for Healthy food over Junk food? How many people are facing health issues due to
sedentary lifestyles? etc.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Literature Review- Brief
A literature search is a systematic discovery of text to inform and propel further research for
knowledge creation. It searches for answers and gives rise to questions. A literature search must result
in becoming familiar with a body of knowledge.
 Know the terminology of research topic.
 Know foundational articles of research topic.
 Know the researchers of research topic.
 Know the important journals of research topic.
 Know some of the unanswered questions of your research topic.
A literature research looks at different types of information sources: books, articles, chapters, thesis
and dissertations. It must uncover the relationships between various documents Knowledge, and
people. It becomes the basis for future searching. A one-shot search is inadequate for comprehensive
literature review.

Content of a literature review

 The historical background of your research
 Description of the current debates, issues and questions in the field
 Elaboration of the current context of research and how it relates to the field
 Discussion of the relevant theories and concepts which underpin methodology and research
 Introduction of the relevant terminology and provides definitions to clarify how those terms are
used in the research
Some example questions to analyze the research are as follows:
 What was the research question of the study you are reviewing? What were the authors trying
to discover?
 What were the research methodologies? Analyze its literature review, the samples and
variables used the results, and the conclusions. Does the research seem to be complete? Could it
have been conducted more soundly? What further questions does it raise?
  If there are conflicting studies, why do you think that is?
 How are the authors viewed in the field? Has this study been cited? if so, how has it been
analyzed?

Literature Review Format

Introduction: The introduction should clearly establish the focus and purpose of the literature
review.
Body: Depending on the length of your literature review, you might want to divide the body into
subsections. You can use a subheading for each theme, time period, or methodological approach.
Summarize and synthesize: give an overview of the main points of each source and combine
them into a coherent whole

Analyze and interpret: don’t just paraphrase other researchers—add your own interpretations
where possible, discussing the significance of findings in relation to the literature as a whole

Critically evaluate: mention the strengths and weaknesses of your sources

Write in well-structured paragraphs: use transitions and topic sentences to draw connections,
comparisons and contrasts.

Conclusion
In the conclusion, one should summarize the key findings taken from the literature and emphasize their
significance. This can be concluded with framing hypothesis if the study demands.

Note:
 Institute has the subscription of DELNET & J-Gate Social Science and Management Science
database. Information about accessing the data is already shared.
 Students are expected to identify minimum 30 research articles.
 Direct and indirect relevance of the literature shall be emphasized.
 Information from Wikipedia/Blogs/Newspaper any other unauthenticated source will not be
accepted.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
After analyzing the research problem and going through various literatures the objectives are
formulated. Objective includes obtaining answers to research questions or testing of hypothesis. The
research objectives are the specific accomplishment the researchers hope to achieve by the study. A
well-worded objective is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, relevant, feasible, logical,
observable, and time-bound.
For Example: Project title: A Study of Occupational Stress Levels among Marketing Professionals in
the corporate life
Framed Objectives:
1. To study the gender difference for stress levels
2. To study the stress levels in male doctors
3. To study the stress levels in female doctors
4. To study how they cope up with this stress.

Scope of study:
It explains the stipulations or limitations imposed upon the writer by the person asking for the report.
It may include the following: -
 Periodical – This scope includes the period in months/ year in which data is been collected.
 Geographical - This scope includes the geographical vicinity for the conduct of research.
 Analytical – This scope includes various analytical tools and techniques used for data analysis.
 Conceptual – This scope includes the concepts involved for conducting the research.

Formation of hypothesis (If the study demands)

A hypothesis is a possible answer to a research question. It is a presumption on the basis of which a

study has to be conducted. This hypothesis is tested for possible rejection or approval.
Hypotheses: Hypothesis is a principle instrument of research. It is the main assumption made to study
the subject. It can be defined as, “assumption or some supposition to be proved or disproved”.
Hypothesis must encompass all the objectives of the study. The researcher through his project work
attempts to verify or test the hypothesis. Thus, it serves as a compass for the researcher. It can be called
as a probability statement pertaining to some issue. The verification and testing of which is the purpose
of the project. The researcher must formulate one or two sentences of assumptions as hypothesis which
covers all the objectives of the study. The hypothesis can be represented as Null (H0) and Alternate
(H1)

Few examples of Hypothesis:

H0: Absenteeism in ABC Company limited is the not the indication of low morale and poor
management initiative.
H1: Absenteeism in ABC Company limited is the indication of low morale and poor management
initiative.
 Type of Research:
 Descriptive Vs. Analytical
Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds. The major purpose
of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it exists at present. In analytical research,
on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts or information already available, and analyze these to
make a critical evaluation of the material

 Conceptual Vs. Empirical

Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by
philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. On the other hand,
empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for system and
theory. It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by
observation or experiment.

 Applied Vs. Fundamental:

Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an
industrial/business organization, whereas fundamental research is mainly concerned with
generalizations and with the formulation of a theory. Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is
termed ‘pure’ or ‘basic’ research.

 Quantitative Vs. Qualitative:

Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to
phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. Qualitative research, on the other hand, is
concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind.

Types of Research Design

Quantitative methods (e.g. surveys) are best for measuring, ranking, categorizing, identifying
patterns and making generalizations
Qualitative methods (e.g. interviews) are best for describing, interpreting, contextualizing, and
gaining in-depth insight into specific concepts or phenomena
Mixed methods allow for a combination of numerical measurement and in-depth exploration
Types of Data
Data (primary and secondary) wherein primary data is mandatory for all accept the case of financial or
marketing research (if the data is readily available). In such cases supervisor/subject experts’ opinion
should be considered for final decision.

Data Sources: Primary data source and secondary data source Primary
Data Source: Observation, Interview, Questionnaire, Schedule etc
Secondary Data source: Publications of central and state Government, Foreign Governments,
International bodies, Research Journals, Books and Magazines, Reports and publications of various
associations of business and industry.

Preparing Questionnaire/ Schedule

Minimum number of Questions: 20
Demographic questions should not be more than 5 (more questions can be included if the study
demand)

Putting questions into a meaningful order and format

Opening questions: Opening questions should be easy to answer and not in any way threatening to
THE respondents. The first question is crucial because it is the respondent's first exposure to the
interview and sets the tone for the nature of the task to be performed.
Question flow: Questions should flow in some kind of psychological order, so that one leads easily
and naturally to the next. Questions on one subject, or one particular aspect of a subject, should be
grouped together.
Question variety: Respondents become bored quickly and restless when asked similar questions for
half an hour or so. An open-ended question here and there (even if it is not analysed) may provide
much-needed relief from a long series of questions in which respondents have been forced to limit their
replies to pre-coded categories.
Following Points should be considered while developing the questionnaire
1. Use simple, familiar words (avoid technical terms, jargon, and slang);
2. Use simple syntax;
3. Avoid words with ambiguous meanings, i.e., aim for wording that all respondents will interpret in
the same way;
4. Strive for wording that is specific and concrete (as opposed to general and abstract);
5. Make response options exhaustive and mutually exclusive;
6. Avoid leading or loaded questions that push respondents toward an answer;
7. Ask about one thing at a time (avoid double-barreled questions)
8. Avoid questions with single or double negations.
9. Using scales (5 or 7 point) will helps to reduce the length of questionnaire. But supervisor should
ensure that it is used appropriately.
Please Note that above mentioned information’s are just for giving a broader idea for doing the
research. It can be modified if the respective faculty guide or subject demands.

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

The data, after collection, has to be processed and analyzed in accordance with the outline laid down
for the purpose at the time of developing the research plan. This is essential for a scientific study and
for ensuring that the data is relevant for making contemplated comparisons and analysis. Processing
implies editing, coding, classification and tabulation of collected data.

Data Preparation:
1. Editing: Editing of data is a process of examining the collected raw data (specially in surveys) to
detect errors and omissions and to correct them. This involves a careful scrutiny of the completed
questionnaires and/or schedules. Editing is done to assure that the data are accurate, consistent with
other facts gathered, uniformly entered, as completed as possible and have been well arranged to
facilitate coding and tabulation.
2. Coding: Coding refers to the process of assigning numerals or other symbols to answers so that
responses can be put into a limited number of categories or classes. Such classes should be appropriate
to the research problem under consideration. They must also possess the characteristic of
exhaustiveness (i.e., there must be a class for every data item) and also that of mutual exclusively
which means that a specific answer can be placed in one and only one cell in a given category set.
3. Classification: As volume of collected raw data is large one must reduce it into homogeneous
groups for getting the meaningful relationships on the basis of common characteristics.
4. Tabulation: Tabulation is the process of summarizing raw data and displaying the same in compact
form (i.e., in the form of statistical tables) for further analysis.
For the presentation of data analysis various data visualization tools like pie chart, graphs etc. shall
be used.

Data Analysis:
The data analysis can be done by following ways.
1. Demographic Analysis:
The collected data of respondents is tested for their demographic spread (Age, Gender, Income,
Family Nest, Location, Salary, Designation etc.)
2. Descriptive Analysis:
In this analysis, various statistical measures like: measures of central tendency, measures of
dispersion, measures of asymmetry, measures of relationship etc.
3. Inferential Analysis:
Inferential analysis is concerned with the various tests of significance for testing hypotheses in
order to determine with what validity data can be said to indicate some conclusion or conclusions. It
is also concerned with the estimation of population values. It is mainly on the basis of inferential
analysis that the task of interpretation (i.e., the task of drawing inferences and conclusions) is
performed.

Interpretation:
After collecting and analyzing the data, the researcher has to accomplish the task of drawing
inferences. Interpretation refers to the task of drawing inferences from data analysis.
FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION
This chapter of the report describes the results of the project work related to the scope and objectives
of the study. Basis on the analysis, one is expected to list down the observations and findings of the
research project done.

Findings:
Findings are drawn based on the interpretations of data analysis. The findings should be textual
generalizations, that is, a summary of the important data consisting of text and numbers. Only the
important findings, the highlights of the data, should be included in the summary, especially those
upon which the conclusions should be based. Findings must be stated as concisely as possible. Always
use past tense to present the result of findings of the investigation.

Suggestions:
Based on findings appropriate suggestions are written.

Conclusion:
The Conclusion section sums up the key points of your report, the essential features of your research,
or the significant outcomes of your study. The conclusion should make statements on the extent
through which each of the objectives has been met.
Key Points to consider while writing Conclusion:
 Must be written to relate directly to the objectives of the project as stated in the Introduction
 Shall indicate the extent to which the objectives have been achieved
 Must summarize the key findings, outcomes or information in your report
 Shall acknowledge limitations and make recommendations for future work (where applicable)
 Shall highlight the significance or usefulness of your work.
Example:
Objective: - The objective of this project is to design a mobile phone tower for a suburban location.

Conclusion: -The mobile phone tower presented here can be erected safely in a suburban street. It
requires a total area of no more than 10000 Sq. Ft, and has the following safety features...

Example of Objective and Conclusion given can be more relevant to the kind of Research Topics we
are giving.
REFERENCES

Works or list of the works referred in a text or consulted by you for writing the report should be in
APA style. APA is the style of documentation of sources used by the American Psychological
Association.

STUDY RESOURCES FOR RESEARCH PROJECT STUDY

Sr. Title of Database Link

1 J-Gate https://jgateplus.com/search/login/
Delnet- E Books, E-Journals, Full
2 http://www.delnet.in/
Text Journals
Harvard Business Review (Digital)
3 https://www.hbr.org/

4 National Digital Library https://www.ndl.iikgp.ac.in/

Directory of Open Access Journal
5 https://doaj.org/
NISCAIR online periodical
6 http://nopr.niscair.res.in/
repository
7 OAPEN https://www.oapen.org/home

8 OALIB http://www.oalib.com/

9 Project Gutenberg https://www.gutenberg.org/

10 Journal TOCs http://www.tictocs.ac.uk/index.php?action=start

11 Directory of Open Access Book https://www.doabooks.org/

Directory of Open Access
12 https://v2.sherpa.ac.uk/opendoar/
Repository
e-PG Pathshala
13 http://epgp.inflibnet.ac.in/
Academia
14 https://www.academia.edu/
ResearchGate
15 https://www.researchgate.net/
SSRN
16 https://www.ssrn.com/index.cfm/en/
Google Scholar
17 https://scholar.google.co.in/
Internet Archive
18 https://archive.org/
Research papers in Economics
19 https://ideas.repec.org/
(RePEc)