Tata
London School of Commerce
RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
GUIDANCE NOTES
CONTENTS
Page g
1. 2. 2 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Introduction Research T i P R h Topic, Purpose, Philosophy & Ethics Phil h Ethi Understanding The Research Question(s) A Review of the Literature Selecting The Design Information Needs Research Methods for Data Collection The Need for Measurement The Sampling Plan
3 4 16 29 34 46 55 78 92
Page 1
CONTENTS
Page
10. 11. 11 12. 13. 14.
Sample Size Determination Questionnaires Q ti i The Research Report Planning the Research Project Writing The Research Proposal
104 112 126 133 145
ANNEX 1. 2. Assessment Recommended Reading g 158 169
Page 2
1. 1 INTRODUCTION
The research methods module arrives towards the end of the MBA programme and is not only intended to integrate knowledge acquired on the programme but also to provide an understanding of how to plan programme, research and to write a research proposal. These are skill sets considered important for MBA students to have acquired. These guidance notes are intended to introduce to you the core subject areas needed to develop skills in conceptualising research, making use of available literature, designing a research strategy and to collect data & information in order to communicate answers to a series of well-conceived research questions questions. This in turn will prepare students for the final stage of the course in writing a thesis, a business development proposal or to attempt an i d l l integrated case study. d d These guidance notes are written to enable the students to prepare for the assessment of this module, which normally would be in the form of a written research proposal.
Page
3
2. 2 RESEARCH TOPIC PURPOSE PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS TOPIC, PURPOSE,
The purpose of research is to achieve new discoveries about an identified subject or phenomenon so that new knowledge, information and data can be obtained. The essence of research is to have a clear sense
RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
GUIDANCE NOTES
CONTENTS
Page g
1. 2. 2 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Introduction Research T i P R h Topic, Purpose, Philosophy & Ethics Phil h Ethi Understanding The Research Question(s) A Review of the Literature Selecting The Design Information Needs Research Methods for Data Collection The Need for Measurement The Sampling Plan
3 4 16 29 34 46 55 78 92
Page 1
CONTENTS
Page
10. 11. 11 12. 13. 14.
Sample Size Determination Questionnaires Q ti i The Research Report Planning the Research Project Writing The Research Proposal
104 112 126 133 145
ANNEX 1. 2. Assessment Recommended Reading g 158 169
Page 2
1. 1 INTRODUCTION
The research methods module arrives towards the end of the MBA programme and is not only intended to integrate knowledge acquired on the programme but also to provide an understanding of how to plan programme, research and to write a research proposal. These are skill sets considered important for MBA students to have acquired. These guidance notes are intended to introduce to you the core subject areas needed to develop skills in conceptualising research, making use of available literature, designing a research strategy and to collect data & information in order to communicate answers to a series of well-conceived research questions questions. This in turn will prepare students for the final stage of the course in writing a thesis, a business development proposal or to attempt an i d l l integrated case study. d d These guidance notes are written to enable the students to prepare for the assessment of this module, which normally would be in the form of a written research proposal.
Page
3
2. 2 RESEARCH TOPIC PURPOSE PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS TOPIC, PURPOSE,
The purpose of research is to achieve new discoveries about an identified subject or phenomenon so that new knowledge, information and data can be obtained. The essence of research is to have a clear sense