The Research Process and Designing Research Proposal The

The Research Process and Designing Research Proposal

The Research Process 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Formulating Research Problem and Objectives Developing an Approach to the problem and Objectives Preparing Research Design Fieldwork and Data Collection Data Preparation and Analysis Report Preparation and Presentation

1. Formulating Research Problem • • • There are two types of research problems, i. e. , those which relate with states of nature and those which relate to relationships between variables. It includes defining general area of interest of a subjectmatter and convert it into a specific research problem. Problem definition involves discussion with the decision makers, interviews with industry experts, analysis of secondary data and some qualitative research.

2. Developing an Approach to the Problem • • It includes formulating an objective or theoretical framework, analytical models, research questions and hypothesis and identifying the information needed. The research objectives can be defined in terms of information needed. Objectives can be broad or narrow. To develop theoretical framework and analytical models, it requires extensive literature survey from journals and bibliographies, proceedings, government reports, books, etc. Hypothesis is tentative assumptions made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences. The data analysis depends upon the types of hypothesis developed

2. Developing an Approach to the Problem • • A research question is the hypothesis of choice that best states the objective of the research study. Management – Research Question Hierarchy – a) management dilemma, b) management question, c) research question – fine tuning, d) investigative question, e) measurement questions and f) management decision

3. Preparing Research Method Preparing Research Design • • Research Design defines the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted in terms of collecting and analyzing data. Research design can be classified into three categories: (1) Exploratory, (2) Descriptive and (3) Causal.

Cont… Formulating Sampling Plan • • • The way in which a sample is selected from population is known as sample design. It defines the sample composition in terms of its characteristics and size. Basically there are two methods of selecting sampling plan: (1) Probability Sampling Method and (2) Non. Probability Sampling Method

Cont… Questionnaire Design • • • It contains the series of questions, written or verbal that respondent answers. It translates the information needed into a set of specific questions that respondents can answer Questionnaire design requires specifying the information and content required to get correct responses.

4. Fieldwork or Data Collection • • It involves a field force that operates in the field to collect data. Data Collection involves two methods: primary or secondary Primary data collection includes collecting data at the first hand from respondents. It includes many methods like personal interview, observation, telephone interview, mail questionnaires, etc. Secondary data collection involves collecting data form other source, who have already collected data for some other purposes.

5. Data • • Preparation and Analysis Data Preparation includes the editing, coding, and tabulating. Editing is the procedure that improves the quality of the data for coding. Coding operation includes transforming categories of data into symbols. Tabulation includes classifying the data into some meaningful format. Analysis of data includes applying various statistical techniques to classify the information or prove hypothesis. The selection of appropriate tests to be conducted depends upon objectives, hypothesis and questionnaire. First, it includes proving reliability and validity of data collected, then the appropriate test will be used.

6. Report • • Preparation and Presentation At last, the entire report should be documented that addresses the specific research problems identified. It includes explaining research problem and objectives, the research approach, research design, data collection and analysis, major findings, conclusion and implication

Request For Proposal (RFP) • • • RFP is a formal document issued by a corporate research department, a decision maker or some other sponsor to solicit services from research suppliers. RFP must be submitted in specified format RFP must be announced in specific manner.

Creating RFPs • • • Proposal Administration Information Summary statement of the problem Technical Section Management Section Contracts and License Section Pricing Section

Research Proposal • A proposal is an individual’s or company’s offer to produce a product or render a service to a potential buyer or sponsor. The purpose of research proposal is: • • • To present the management question to be researched and relate its importance To discuss the research efforts of others who have worked on related management questions To suggest the data necessary for solving he management question and how the data will be gathers, treated and interpreted Internal Proposal External Proposal – solicited and unsolicited

Format of Research Proposal 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Executive Summary Problem Definition Objectives of the Research Literature Review / Background Importance / Benefits of the study Research Design and data collection Data Analysis Nature and Form of results Qualification of Researchers Budget Schedule Facilities and Special Resources Project Management Bibliography Appendices