This book is written to cater to the academic needs of the MBA students. The book will also be useful for all post graduates and research scholars as well to carry out their research projects. Split across 11 chapters, every aspect of Research Methodology has been given adequate coverage.
Cover
About the Authors
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Preface
Chapter 1 Research – An Overview
1.1 What is Research?
1.2 Why Study Research Methodology?
1.3 Objectives or Purposes of Research
1.4 Motives for Research
1.5 Characteristics of a Good Research or Researcher
1.5.1 Planning, Conducting and Reporting in Good Research
1.5.2 Characteristics of a Good Researcher
1.6 Objectivity in Research
1.6.1 Factors Affecting Objectivity
1.7 Business Research
1.8 Why to Study Research in Business?
1.9 Need for Business Research (Zikmund, 2009)
1.10 Scope of Business Research
1.11 Criteria in Business Research
1.12 Limitations of Scientific Research in Business
1.13 Research Methods vs Research Methodology
1.14 Types of Research
1.15 Research and Scientific Method
1.16 Research Process
1.17 Pilot Study
1.18 Validity in Research
1.19 Basic Questions in Research
1.20 Research Process Issues
1.21 Ethics in Business Research
1.22 Plagiarism
1.23 Terms in Business Research
Summary
Review Questions
Chapter 2 Defining Research Problem (Research Question)
2.1 Conditions for the Existence of a Problem
2.2 Problem Identification and Selection
2.2.1 Sources for Identification of Problems
2.2.2 Justification for Selecting a Problem
2.2.3 Criteria for Selecting a Problem
2.2.4 Defining the Problem
2.2.5 Statement of Problem
2.3 Steps in Defining a Problem
2.4 Research Objectives
2.5 Types of Research Question (Problem)
2.6 Major Topics in Business Research
Summary
Review Questions
Chapter 3 Review of Literature
3.1 Usefulness of Review of Literature
3.2 Sources of Review of Literature
3.3 Need and Purpose of Review of Literature
3.4 How Review is Carried Out?
3.5 How a Review of Literature is Presented?
3.6 The Role of References
3.7 Getting the Most from Review of Literature
Summary
Review Questions
Chapter 4 Formulation and Testing of Hypothesis
4.1 What is Hypothesis?
4.2 Sources of Hypotheses
4.3 Characteristics of a Good Hypothesis
4.4 Functions or Roles of Hypotheses
4.5 Types of Hypothesis
4.6 Basic Concepts of Hypothesis Testing
4.7 Types of Error
4.8 Steps in Hypothesis Testing
Summary
Review Questions
Chapter 5 Research Designs
5.1 What is Research Design?
5.2 Components of Research Design
5.3 Need for Research Design
5.4 Types of Research Design
5.4.1 Exploratory Design
5.4.2 Descriptive Design
5.4.3 Diagnostic Design
5.4.4 Analytical Design
5.4.5 Causal Research Method
5.4.6 Experimental Design
5.5 Case Study Method
5.6 Longitudinal vs Cross-Sectional Study
Summary
Review Questions
Chapter 6 Sampling Techniques
6.1 Census vs Sampling
6.2 Principles of Sampling
6.3 Terms Used in Sampling
6.4 Need for Sample or Sampling
6.5 Limitations of Sample or Sampling
6.6 Characteristics of a Good Sampling Design
6.7 Sampling and Non-Sampling Errors
6.8 Sampling Designs (Sampling Techniques or Sampling Methods)
6.8.1 Probability Sampling
6.8.2 Non-Probability Sampling
6.9 Criteria for Selecting Sampling Technique
6.10 Steps in Sampling Process
6.11 Sample Size
6.12 Precision and Confidence in Determining Sample Size
Summary
Review Questions
Chapter 7 Measurement and Scaling
7.1 Measurement
7.1.1 Measurement vs Indicator (Bryman and Bell, 2010)
7.1.2 Need for Measurement
7.1.3 Postulates of Measurement
7.1.4 Levels of Measurement
7.1.5 Characteristics of Sound Measurement
7.1.6 Sources of Measurement Error
7.1.7 Criticisms of Measurement in Quantitative Research
7.2 Scaling (Attitude Scaling)
7.2.1 Scale vs Response Scale
7.2.2 Selection of an Appropriate Scale
7.2.3 Response Methods in Scaling
7.2.4 Scale Construction Techniques
7.3 Uni-Dimensional and Multi-Dimensional Scales
Summary
Review Questions
Chapter 8 Collection and Processing of Data
8.1 Secondary Data
8.1.1 Classification of Secondary Data
8.1.2 Objectives of Collecting Secondary Data
8.1.3 Advantages of Secondary Source of Data
8.1.4 Limitations of Secondary Data
8.1.5 Suitability of Secondary Data
8.2 Primary Data
8.3 Methods of Primary Data Collection
8.3.1 Observation
8.3.2 Experimentation
8.3.3 Simulation
8.3.4 Surveys
8.3.5 Interviewing
8.3.6 Self-Administered Questionnaire
8.3.7 Mail Survey (Postal or E-Mail)
8.4 Tools for Data Collection
8.5 Construction of Self-Completion or Mail or Postal Questionnaire or Schedule
8.5.1 Designing a Self-Completion Questionnaire
8.6 Characteristics of a Good Questionnaire
8.7 Piloting and Pre-Testing of Questionnaire
8.8 Errors in Survey Research
8.9 Issues in Survey Method
8.10 Processing of Data
8.11 Tabulation
8.12 Pictorial Presentation
Summary
Review Questions
Chapter 9 Data Analysis and Interpretation (Tests of Significance)
9.1 Test of Statistical Significance
9.2 Level of Statistical Significance
9.3 Types of Analysis
9.4 Parametric vs Non-Parametric Tests
9.5 Summary of Commonly Parametric Tests and their Applications
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