Master of Business Administration - Semester 3 MB 0050: Research Methodology

Note: Each Question carries 10 marks. Answer all the questions.

ASSIGNMENT- Set 1

1.How is a research problem formulated? Ans:How To Formulate Research Problem? Posted in Research Methodology | Email This Post Email This Post Formulating the research problem and hypothesis acts as a major step or phase in the research methodology. In research, the foremost step that comes into play is that of defining the research problem and it becomes almost a necessity to have the basic knowledge and understanding of most of its elements as this would help a lot in making a correct decision. The research problem can be said to be complete only if it is able to specify about the unit of analysis, time and space boundaries, features that are under study, specific environmental conditions that are present in addition to prerequisite of the research process. Research Process Research process is very commonly referred to as the planning process. One important point to be kept in mind here is to understand that the main aim of the research process is that of improving the knowledge of the human beings. The research process consists of the following stages 1. The Primary stage : This stage includes a. Observation The first step in the research process is that of the observation, research work starts with the observation which can be either unaided visual observation or guided and controlled observation.It can be said that an observation leads to research, the results obtained from research result in final observations which can play a crucial part in carrying out further research. Deliberate and guided observations also play an important part in this primary stage. This method is very simple and helps a great deal in framing of the hypothesis as it is very accurate in nature but it also has some major limitations like some of the occurrences may not be open to the observation and the occurrences which may be open for observation may not be studied conveniently. b. Interest As studied in the above paragraph, research starts with the observation and it leads to a curiosity to learn and gain more and more about what has been observed. Hence it can be said that observation results in the creation of an interest in the mind of the researcher.The interest can be either academic in nature or it may be a

policy making interest. It may be a self interest or a group interest. Group interest is also referred to as the social interest. c. Crystallization It can be defined as the process involving the designing of the definite form of research to be used in the study of the subject matter that has been observed. During this stage, the research project gets a concrete shape and structure. d. Formulating a research problem A research problem can belong to one of the following two categories it can belong to the category in which there can be relationships between various variables or it may belong to the other category, which is based on nature. In the beginning, it is important for a researcher to find out the general interest or the subject matter, which he wants to study. By this the researcher will be able to state a problem more broadly and also in a much generalized form then the ambiguities linked to the problem can be referred and understood. This really supports in the formulation of a problem of a research. Although this process is not that simple and requires many fruitful discussions in order to achieve a proper conclusion or a decision. e. Primary Synopsis Before starting with the actual study work, it is very necessary for a researcher to prepare a summary or a plan about the activities he has to perform in connection with research operation. This will help him a lot to get a definite idea or an understanding of what would be written in the final report. f. Conceptual Clarity It is very much important for a researcher to have in depth knowledge and understanding of the subject or the topic he has to study as it helps a lot in achieving ones goal and objectives in a much easier and also a comparatively much simpler way. g. Documentation The documents help in providing important information to a researcher, document is something in writing it can be a record, files or diaries etc. may be published or unpublished in nature. Documents can be extracted and can be used in the research work. Various documents can be classified as a. Personal documents Written by or on behalf of individuals. May include autobiographies, biographies, diaries, memories, letters, observations and inscriptions. Can be used in research activities. b. Company documents Most important type of documents compared to other document types. Play an essential role in management research. May include balance sheets, files, records, policy statements, resolutions, performance records etc. c. Consultants reports and published materials

 Include professional consultants reports, commodity boards records, chambers of commerce, trade union documents etc. d. Public documents Can be published or unpublished in nature. Consist of government records, finance commission records, especial enquiry commission records, company law board reports, population census reports etc. Can be useful only if they are reliable. h. Literature Survey Having complete knowledge about the literature is almost a necessity for a researcher to be successful in his research operation. With the help of literature survey, one is helped in having correct concepts and also the right theories. 2. Secondary stage: This stage of the research consists of all the features that are actually required to run a research project. This stage includes the following a. Research project planning: Involves selection of the future courses of action for conducting and directing a research project. A research project plan gives a rational approach to research by which one is able to decide in advance about what to do, how to do, when to do, where to do and who is to do a particular task in a specific activity. b. Research Project formulation: After the planning of the project has been done the researcher follows this with a practical approach in order to carry out the project. This step of the secondary stage involves the systematic setting forth of the total research project, with an aim of conducting a systematic study. c. Data collection: This step involves the in depth meaning for the concepts that are to be investigated and looks forward to data analysis, data requirement etc Sources of understatement or overstatement should be avoided and the data should be free from any type of error. The data collection planning should be done or implemented in a very careful manner, with the help of specialist researchers. The data should be good and meaningful in nature should not only be a collection of words but should provide meaningful information. d. Classification and tabulation Classification can be defined as the arrangement of the data into groups and classes depending on the resemblance and the similarities. By classification, the data can be condensed in a very elegant way by which the various important features can be easily noticed i.e. one can easily highlight the various salient features of the data at a glance. Tabulation of the data can be defined as the orderly arrangement of the data in columns and the rows this step also helps a great deal in the condensation of the data and also in the analysation of the relations, trends etc. e. Data Analysis In this step, the collected data is arranged according to some pattern or a particular format and this analysation of the data is done mainly to provide the data with a meaning. It is actually the computing of the some of the measures supported by the search for the relationship patterns, existing among the group of the data.

f. Testing of a hypothesis: This step of testing acts as the back bone of the data analysis. Various tests like t test, z test. Chi square test are used by the statisticians for the testing of the hypothesis. g. Interpretation of results: It is very important that the results are interpreted into action recommendations and the results should be able to refer to a decision i.e. should help in drawing a conclusion. 3. Final Stage :- This stage involves a. Conclusions and recommendations This act as the crux of the research project work. Recommendations are based on the conclusions obtained and further these conclusions are based on the interpretation of the results of data analysis. But a major point to be kept in mind here is that all these conclusions and the recommendations should be linked to the research hypothesis stated. b. Report Writing - For the researcher as well as the reader, report writing is very crucial as it acts as the best way for communication between the two. Report written must be very simple in nature with easy language, high clarity. Report writing cannot be done by everyone and requires an especial skilled person for this purpose. 2. What are the characteristics of good research design? Ans:Research design: Research Design is purely and simply the framework (or) plan for a study that guides the collection and analysis of data. The function of researcher is to ensure that the required data is collected accurately and economically. Analytical research technique was adopted in the project. Generally analytical studies are designed to analysis something and it collects data for a definite purpose. In a research problem, the formidable task is that of framing the Research Design. Research Design is defined as the arrangement of conditions for the collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure. To determine an appropriate method for a research problem, two points must be taken into consideration. First the nature of the problem and second the extent or level of existing information. 3.3.1. A good research design has the following characteristics namely: Problem definition Specific methods of data collections and analysis Time required for research project Estimate of expenses to be incurred.

3.3.2. Exploratory research: Research design followed in this study is exploratory study. Exploratory Research is a preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem, about which the researcher has little or no knowledge. It is ill structured and much less focused on predetermined objectives. 3.4. Data collection method: There are two types of collecting data (i.e.) Primary data and secondary data. This research study includes collection of secondary data. 3.4.1. Primary data: As part of strengthening the study, personal contacts are made with the officials and staff members of the finance department in the form of discussions and collection of reports. 3.4.2. Secondary data: The data are collected from the annual reports, mainly balance sheet, income and expenditure and other brochures of the company. The data for the analysis are collected and gathered from the printed reports like annual reports, official files, records and other available related materials of the companies chosen for this study

3. How case study method is useful to Business Research? Ans:Introduction Case study research excels at bringing us to an understanding of a complex issue or object and can extend experience or add strength to what is already known through previous research. Case studies emphasize detailed contextual analysis of a limited number of events or conditions and their relationships. Researchers have used the case study research method for many years across a variety of disciplines. Social scientists, in particular, have made wide use of this qualitative research method to examine contemporary real-life situations and provide the basis for the application of ideas and extension of methods. Researcher Robert K. Yin defines the case study research method as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context; when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly

evident; and in which multiple sources of evidence are used (Yin, 1984, p. 23). Critics of the case study method believe that the study of a small number of cases can offer no grounds for establishing reliability or generality of findings. Others feel that the intense exposure to study of the case biases the findings. Some dismiss case study research as useful only as an exploratory tool. Yet researchers continue to use the case study research method with success in carefully planned and crafted studies of real-life situations, issues, and problems. Reports on case studies from many disciplines are widely available in the literature. This paper explains how to use the case study method and then applies the method to an example case study project designed to examine how one set of users, non-profit organizations, make use of an electronic community network. The study examines the issue of whether or not the electronic community network is beneficial in some way to non-profit organizations and what those benefits might be. Many well-known case study researchers such as Robert E. Stake, Helen Simons, and Robert K. Yin have written about case study research and suggested techniques for organizing and conducting the research successfully. This introduction to case study research draws upon their work and proposes six steps that should be used: Determine and define the research questions Select the cases and determine data gathering and analysis techniques Prepare to collect the data Collect data in the field Evaluate and analyze the data Prepare the report Step 1. Determine and Define the Research Questions The first step in case study research is to establish a firm research focus to which the researcher can refer over the course of study of a complex phenomenon or object. The researcher establishes the focus of the study by forming questions about the situation or problem to be studied and determining a purpose for the study. The research object in a case study is often a program, an entity, a person, or a group of people. Each object is likely to be intricately connected to political, social, historical, and personal issues, providing wide ranging possibilities for questions and adding complexity to the case study. The researcher investigates the object of the case study in depth using a variety of data gathering methods to produce evidence that leads to understanding of the case and answers the research questions. Case study research generally answers one or more questions which begin with "how" or "why." The questions are targeted to a limited number of events or conditions and their inter-relationships. To assist in targeting and formulating the questions, researchers conduct a literature review. This review establishes what research has been previously conducted and leads to refined, insightful questions about the problem.

Careful definition of the questions at the start pinpoints where to look for evidence and helps determine the methods of analysis to be used in the study. The literature review, definition of the purpose of the case study, and early determination of the potential audience for the final report guide how the study will be designed, conducted, and publicly reported. Step 2. Select the Cases and Determine Data Gathering and Analysis Techniques During the design phase of case study research, the researcher determines what approaches to use in selecting single or multiple real-life cases to examine in depth and which instruments and data gathering approaches to use. When using multiple cases, each case is treated as a single case. Each cases conclusions can then be used as information contributing to the whole study, but each case remains a single case. Exemplary case studies carefully select cases and carefully examine the choices available from among many research tools available in order to increase the validity of the study. Careful discrimination at the point of selection also helps erect boundaries around the case. The researcher must determine whether to study cases which are unique in some way or cases which are considered typical and may also select cases to represent a variety of geographic regions, a variety of size parameters, or other parameters. A useful step in the selection process is to repeatedly refer back to the purpose of the study in order to focus attention on where to look for cases and evidence that will satisfy the purpose of the study and answer the research questions posed. Selecting multiple or single cases is a key element, but a case study can include more than one unit of embedded analysis. For example, a case study may involve study of a single industry and a firm participating in that industry. This type of case study involves two levels of analysis and increases the complexity and amount of data to be gathered and analyzed. A key strength of the case study method involves using multiple sources and techniques in the data gathering process. The researcher determines in advance what evidence to gather and what analysis techniques to use with the data to answer the research questions. Data gathered is normally largely qualitative, but it may also be quantitative. Tools to collect data can include surveys, interviews, documentation review, observation, and even the collection of physical artifacts. The researcher must use the designated data gathering tools systematically and properly in collecting the evidence. Throughout the design phase, researchers must ensure that the study is well constructed to ensure construct validity, internal validity, external validity, and reliability. Construct validity requires the researcher to use the correct measures for the concepts being studied. Internal validity (especially important with explanatory or causal studies) demonstrates that certain conditions lead to other conditions and requires the use of multiple pieces of evidence from multiple sources to uncover convergent lines of inquiry. The researcher strives to establish a chain of evidence forward and backward. External validity reflects whether or not findings are generalizable beyond the immediate case or cases; the more variations in places,

people, and procedures a case study can withstand and still yield the same findings, the more external validity. Techniques such as cross-case examination and within-case examination along with literature review helps ensure external validity. Reliability refers to the stability, accuracy, and precision of measurement. Exemplary case study design ensures that the procedures used are well documented and can be repeated with the same results over and over again. Step 3. Prepare to Collect the Data Because case study research generates a large amount of data from multiple sources, systematic organization of the data is important to prevent the researcher from becoming overwhelmed by the amount of data and to prevent the researcher from losing sight of the original research purpose and questions. Advance preparation assists in handling large amounts of data in a documented and systematic fashion. Researchers prepare databases to assist with categorizing, sorting, storing, and retrieving data for analysis. Exemplary case studies prepare good training programs for investigators, establish clear protocols and procedures in advance of investigator field work, and conduct a pilot study in advance of moving into the field in order to remove obvious barriers and problems. The investigator training program covers the basic concepts of the study, terminology, processes, and methods, and teaches investigators how to properly apply the techniques being used in the study. The program also trains investigators to understand how the gathering of data using multiple techniques strengthens the study by providing opportunities for triangulation during the analysis phase of the study. The program covers protocols for case study research, including time deadlines, formats for narrative reporting and field notes, guidelines for collection of documents, and guidelines for field procedures to be used. Investigators need to be good listeners who can hear exactly the words being used by those interviewed. Qualifications for investigators also include being able to ask good questions and interpret answers. Good investigators review documents looking for facts, but also read between the lines and pursue collaborative evidence elsewhere when that seems appropriate. Investigators need to be flexible in real-life situations and not feel threatened by unexpected change, missed appointments, or lack of office space. Investigators need to understand the purpose of the study and grasp the issues and must be open to contrary findings. Investigators must also be aware that they are going into the world of real human beings who may be threatened or unsure of what the case study will bring. After investigators are trained, the final advance preparation step is to select a pilot site and conduct a pilot test using each data gathering method so that problematic areas can be uncovered and corrected. Researchers need to anticipate key problems and events, identify key people, prepare letters of introduction, establish rules for confidentiality, and actively seek opportunities to revisit and revise the research design in order to address and add to the original set of research questions. 4. Collect Data in the Field

The researcher must collect and store multiple sources of evidence comprehensively and systematically, in formats that can be referenced and sorted so that converging lines of inquiry and patterns can be uncovered. Researchers carefully observe the object of the case study and identify causal factors associated with the observed phenomenon. Renegotiation of arrangements with the objects of the study or addition of questions to interviews may be necessary as the study progresses. Case study research is flexible, but when changes are made, they are documented systematically. Exemplary case studies use field notes and databases to categorize and reference data so that it is readily available for subsequent reinterpretation. Field notes record feelings and intuitive hunches, pose questions, and document the work in progress. They record testimonies, stories, and illustrations which can be used in later reports. They may warn of impending bias because of the detailed exposure of the client to special attention, or give an early signal that a pattern is emerging. They assist in determining whether or not the inquiry needs to be reformulated or redefined based on what is being observed. Field notes should be kept separate from the data being collected and stored for analysis. Maintaining the relationship between the issue and the evidence is mandatory. The researcher may enter some data into a database and physically store other data, but the researcher documents, classifies, and cross-references all evidence so that it can be efficiently recalled for sorting and examination over the course of the study. Step 5. Evaluate and Analyze the Data The researcher examines raw data using many interpretations in order to find linkages between the research object and the outcomes with reference to the original research questions. Throughout the evaluation and analysis process, the researcher remains open to new opportunities and insights. The case study method, with its use of multiple data collection methods and analysis techniques, provides researchers with opportunities to triangulate data in order to strengthen the research findings and conclusions. The tactics used in analysis force researchers to move beyond initial impressions to improve the likelihood of accurate and reliable findings. Exemplary case studies will deliberately sort the data in many different ways to expose or create new insights and will deliberately look for conflicting data to disconfirm the analysis. Researchers categorize, tabulate, and recombine data to address the initial propositions or purpose of the study, and conduct cross-checks of facts and discrepancies in accounts. Focused, short, repeat interviews may be necessary to gather additional data to verify key observations or check a fact. Specific techniques include placing information into arrays, creating matrices of categories, creating flow charts or other displays, and tabulating frequency of events. Researchers use the quantitative data that has been collected to corroborate and

support the qualitative data which is most useful for understanding the rationale or theory underlying relationships. Another technique is to use multiple investigators to gain the advantage provided when a variety of perspectives and insights examine the data and the patterns. When the multiple observations converge, confidence in the findings increases. Conflicting perceptions, on the other hand, cause the researchers to pry more deeply. Another technique, the cross-case search for patterns, keeps investigators from reaching premature conclusions by requiring that investigators look at the data in many different ways. Cross-case analysis divides the data by type across all cases investigated. One researcher then examines the data of that type thoroughly. When a pattern from one data type is corroborated by the evidence from another, the finding is stronger. When evidence conflicts, deeper probing of the differences is necessary to identify the cause or source of conflict. In all cases, the researcher treats the evidence fairly to produce analytic conclusions answering the original "how" and "why" research questions. Step 6. Prepare the report Exemplary case studies report the data in a way that transforms a complex issue into one that can be understood, allowing the reader to question and examine the study and reach an understanding independent of the researcher. The goal of the written report is to portray a complex problem in a way that conveys a vicarious experience to the reader. Case studies present data in very publicly accessible ways and may lead the reader to apply the experience in his or her own real-life situation. Researchers pay particular attention to displaying sufficient evidence to gain the readers confidence that all avenues have been explored, clearly communicating the boundaries of the case, and giving special attention to conflicting propositions. Techniques for composing the report can include handling each case as a separate chapter or treating the case as a chronological recounting. Some researchers report the case study as a story. During the report preparation process, researchers critically examine the document looking for ways the report is incomplete. The researcher uses representative audience groups to review and comment on the draft document. Based on the comments, the researcher rewrites and makes revisions. Some case study researchers suggest that the document review audience include a journalist and some suggest that the documents should be reviewed by the participants in the study. 4. Distinguish between Schedules and questionnaires. Ans:DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QUESTIONNAIRES AND SCHEDULES Both questionnaire and schedule are popularly used methods of collecting data in research surveys. There is much resemblance in the nature of these two methods and this fact has made many people to remark that from a practical point of view, the two methods can be taken to be the same. But from the technical point of view there is difference between the two.

1.Questionnaire is generally sent through mail to informants to be answered. 2.Data collection is cheap. 3.Non response is usually high as many people do not respond. 4.It is not clear that who replies. 5.The questionnaire method is likely to be very slow since many respondents do not return the questionnaire. 6.No personal contact is possible in case of questionnaire. 1.Schedules is generally filled by the resarch worker or enumerator, who can interpret the questions when necessary. 2.Data collection is more expensive as money is spent on enumerators. 3.Non response is very low because this is filled by enumerators. 4.Identity of respondent is known. 5.Information is collected well in time. 6.Direct personal contact is established. SOME OTHER METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION Let us consider some other methods of data collection, particularly used by big business houses in modern times. 1. Warranty cards: Warranty cards are usually postal sized cards which are used by dealers of consumer durables to collect information regarding their products. The information sought is printed in the form of questions on the warranty cards which is placed inside the package along with the product with a request to the consumer to fill in the card and post it back to the dealer. 2. Distributor or store audits: Distributor or store audits are performed by distributors as well as manufactures through their salesmen at regular intervals. Distributors get the retail stores audited through salesmen and use such information to estimate market size, market share, seasonal purchasing pattern and so on. The data are obtained in such audits not by questioning but by observation. For instance, in case of a grocery store audit, a sample of stores is visited periodically and data are recorded on inventories on hand either by observation or copying from store records. Store audits are invariably panel operations, for the derivation of sales estimates and compilation of sales trends by stores are their principal raison detre. The principal advantage of this method is that it offers the most efficient way of evaluating the effect on sales of variations of different techniques of in-store promotion. 3. Pantry audits: Pantry audit technique is used to estimate consumption of the basket of goods at the consumer level. In this type of audit, the investigator collects an inventory of types, quantities and prices of commodities consumed. Thus in pantry audit data are recorded from the examination of consumers pantry. The usual objective in a pantry audit is to find out what types of consumers buy certain products and certain brands, the assumption being that the contents of the pantry accurately portray consumers preferences. Quite often, pantry audits are supplemented by direct questioning relating to reasons and circumstances under which particular products were purchased in an attempt to relate these factors to purchasing habits. A pantry audit may or may not be set up as a panel operation, since a single visit is often considered sufficient to yield an accurate picture of consumers preferences. An important limitation

of pantry audit approach is that, at times, it may not be possible to identify consumers preferences from the audit data alone, particularly when promotion devices produce a marked rise in sales. 5. What are the contents of research reports? Ans:The information in the first part of this section, Journal Articles, Books, Chapters in Books, Peer Reviewed Published Conference Proceedings, Non-peer Reviewed Published Conference Proceedings is filtered and extracted to formulate the Preliminary Publication Count for the Department of Education. This is a crucial step in the subsidy calculation process and it is of the utmost importance that this information must be as comprehensive accurate as possible. All research publications, which appeared in 2004, must be included, even if they are "in press". There will be an opportunity early in February to submit volume and page numbers of papers, which have appeared in the interim. Publications should be listed using the Harvard referencing system, without using italics or bold. Journal names must appear in full. Abbreviations will be returned to departments for expansion. (Theses passed for higher degrees are subsidy earning but this information is not included in the Preliminary Publication Count.) The second part of this section, Published Conference Abstracts, Patents, Theses & Dissertations passed for Higher Degrees, University Publications & Publications of a Popular Nature - Unrefereed Journal Articles, Newspaper Articles, CD's, Online Works, Extension and Development Work, Creative Work, Consultancy and Other Activities based on Expertise Developed in Research (gives departments the opportunity to demonstrate the extent and nature of their extension and development work), Motivation for the addition of a South African Journal to the list of South African approved journals. The work included here is not subsidy earning but nevertheless is an important aspect of scholarly activity at UCT. JOURNAL ARTICLES This category covers all articles in journals. Articles fall into 2 categories - those for which the university earns subsidy and are published in 'approved' journals; and those for which the university does not get a subsidy. Please ensure that journal names appear in full and points below are clearly stated when submitting. 1. Surnames & initials of authors 3. Title of article 5. Volume number 7. Page numbers of article 2. Year 4. Journal name 6. Issue number BOOKS This section must include ALL books, scholarly peer-reviewed, textbooks, novels, coffee-table books, etc produced by UCT researchers. It should also include edited Conference Proceedings produced in a book format where a UCT staff member or researcher is the editor or part of the editorial panel. Details of year of publication, editor/s, publisher, place, total number of pages of books must be provided. 1. Surnames & initials of authors 4. Target group/audience of book (only for subsidyearning books 7. ISBN number (only for subsidy-earning books) 2. Year 5. If 2nd/3rd etc. edition, provide page numbers of new sections (only for subsidy-earning books) 8. Page numbers of book 3. Title of Chapter 6. Evidence of peer review (statement from

publisher on peer review policy) (only for subsidy- earning books) 9. Place of publication and publisher CHAPTERS IN BOOKS This section should include bona fide chapters in books only and not conference papers published in Proceedings. Details of year of publication. Editor/s, publisher, place, first to last page numbers of the chapter must be provided. 1. Surnames & initials of authors 4. Target group/audience of book (only for subsidyearning books 7. ISBN number (only for subsidy-earning books) 2. Year 5. If 2nd/3rd etc. edition, provide page numbers of new sections (only for subsidy-earning books 8. Page numbers of chapter 3. Title of Chapter 6. Evidence of peer review (statement from publisher on peer review policy) (only for subsidy- earning books) 9. Place of publication and publisher PEER REVIEWED PUBLISHED CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS This should include all papers published in Conference Proceedings, which are substantial refereed publications, which will be the final and only publications of that material. This does not include published abstracts. Peer-reviewed published conference proceedings count for subsidy purposes and there must be evidence of the peer-review procedure. Please note that unpublished conference proceedings are not included. 1. Surnames & initials of authors 4. Title of conference 6. Page numbers 2. Year 5. Evidence of peer review 7. ISBN number 3. Title of paper 6. Place of conference NON-PEER REVIEWED PUBLISHED CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS This section includes published proceedings that have not been submitted to a strict peer-review process, and as such, are not subsidy-earning but are included in the annual research report. PUBLISHED CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS This section should include abstracts of papers published in the formal scientific literature only. However, authoritative works such as plenary, honorific and invited keynote addresses/papers given at conferences may also be included. PATENTS These must be final registered patents, and not provisional patents. They do count for subsidy-earning purposes. THESES AND DISSERTATIONS PASSED FOR HIGHER DEGREES This section should include all master's dissertations and doctoral theses passed in 2004. Please note the technical distinction between them. A doctoral thesis is required to be a defense of original research, whereas a master's dissertation could be original research or a review of others' work. Please provide full-page numbers. UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS AND WORKS OF A POPULAR NATURE

This section should include all non-peer-reviewed publications, UCT publications, educational CD ROMS, etc that have a scholarly nature and are associated with the research enterprise. Newspaper articles are included here. Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Contents_of_Research_Report#ixzz20ET0vMoZ 6. Write short notes on the following: a. Median Ans:The median is defined as the middle value in a set or distribution. There is no arithmetic involved in finding the median unless the set or distribution has an even number of values, in which case the the two middle values (sometimes defined as lower median and upper median) are averaged to find the median.

b. Standard Deviation Ans:-

In statistics and probability theory, standard deviation (represented by the symbol ) shows how much variation or "dispersion" exists from the average (mean, or expected value). A low standard deviation indicates that the data points tend to be very close to the mean, whereas high standard deviation indicates that the data points are spread out over a large range of values. The standard deviation of a random variable, statistical population, data set, or probability distribution is the square root of its variance. It is algebraically simpler though practically less robust than the average absolute deviation.[1][2] A useful property of standard deviation is that, unlike variance, it is expressed in the same units as the data. In addition to expressing the variability of a population, standard deviation is commonly used to measure confidence in statistical conclusions. For example, the margin of error in polling data is determined by calculating the expected standard deviation in the results if the same poll were to be conducted multiple times. The reported margin of error is typically about twice the standard deviation the radius of a 95 percent confidence interval. In science, researchers commonly report the standard deviation of experimental data, and only effects that fall far outside the range of standard deviation are considered statistically significant normal random error or variation in the measurements is in this way distinguished from causal variation. Standard deviation is also important in finance, where the standard deviation on the rate of return on an investment is a measure of the volatility of the investment. When only a sample of data from a population is available, the population standard

deviation can be estimated by a modified quantity called the sample standard deviation

Master of Business Administration - Semester 3 MB 0050: Research Methodology ASSIGNMENT- Set 2

1. What is the significance of research in social and business sciences? 2. What is the meaning of hypothesis? Discuss the types of hypothesis. 3. Explain the sampling process 4. Distinguish between Schedules and Questionnaires. 5. What are the problems encountered in the interview? 6. Write short notes on the following: a. Dispersion b. Mathematical averages

Master of Business Administration - Semester 3 MB 0051: Legal Aspects of Business ASSIGNMENT- Set 1
1. All agreements are not contracts, but all contracts are agreements. Comment. 2. What are the essentials of a contract of sale under the sale of Goods Act, 1930? 3. Describe the main features of Consumer Protection Act 1986. 4. What are the duties and powers of an authorised person under FEMA, 1999? 5. What do you mean by Memorandum of Association? What does it contain? 6. Write a note on the following: a. Copy Right Act b. Pledge

Master of Business Administration - Semester 3

MB 0051: Legal Aspects of Business ASSIGNMENT- Set 2

1) Freedom to contract is a myth or an illusion. Discuss 2)Distinguish between a contract of guarantee and a contract of indemnity . 3)What is Partnership? Briefly state special features of a partnership on the basis of which its existence can be determined under the Indian Partnership Act? 4)Distinguish between condition and warranty. State the circumstance under which a condition can be waived and treated as a warranty. 5)A cheque is a bill of exchange drawn on a banker. Comment. 6)Write short note on a. Digital signature b. Prospectus