Student Name: TEJAS SINGH JADOUN

Roll Number: 2314505917

Program: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Semester: III

Course Name: DBB2103 – Research Methodology

Session: July-August 2024

 ASSIGNMENT SET-I

Q1. What do you mean by research? Explain the research process with the help
of taking a market research problem into consideration.

Meaning of Research

Research is a systematic process of investigating a specific subject to discover facts, establish

new theories, or validate existing knowledge. It involves careful study, data collection, and
analysis to reach meaningful conclusions. In the context of business, research plays a crucial role
in understanding market trends, consumer behavior, and improving decision-making.

A well-conducted research process helps businesses minimize risks, explore opportunities, and
gain a competitive advantage. It is used in various fields such as marketing, finance, operations,
and human resource management to drive strategic growth.

Research Process Explained (With Example)

The research process consists of several structured steps that ensure the study is well-organized
and provides valuable insights. These steps are:

1. Identifying the Problem:

Every research begins with identifying a problem or an opportunity that requires
investigation. The problem should be specific, measurable, and relevant.
o Example: A smartphone brand notices a decline in its market share and wants to
understand the reasons behind it.
2. Review of Literature:
Before conducting new research, reviewing existing studies, reports, and market insights
helps understand past trends and gaps.
o Example: The company reviews previous reports on customer preferences,
competitor analysis, and industry trends.
3. Defining Research Objectives:
The research must have clear objectives that outline what needs to be achieved.
o Example: The objectives could be to identify customer dissatisfaction areas,
analyze competitor strategies, and recommend improvements.
4. Research Design Selection:
The research design depends on the nature of the study. It could be qualitative (opinions,
behaviors) or quantitative (numbers, statistics).
o Example: The smartphone company decides to conduct surveys and focus group
discussions.
5. Data Collection:
Data can be collected through primary sources (interviews, surveys) or secondary
sources (industry reports, online databases).
 o Example: The company distributes online surveys to customers and conducts in-
store interviews.
6. Data Analysis & Interpretation:
After data collection, it is analyzed to derive meaningful conclusions. Statistical tools
such as SPSS or Excel can be used.
o Example: The analysis shows that customers are dissatisfied with battery life and
pricing compared to competitors.
7. Report Preparation & Presentation:
The final step involves preparing a structured report that presents the findings and
recommendations.
o Example: The company presents the report to management, recommending better
battery performance and competitive pricing strategies.
8. Implementation & Follow-up:
After the research, businesses take action based on findings and monitor progress.
o Example: The smartphone company improves battery technology and adjusts
pricing, then tracks sales improvement.

Q2. What do you understand by a research design? Briefly explain the different
types of research designs with the help of two examples under each.

Meaning of Research Design

A research design is the overall framework or plan that guides a research study. It defines how
data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted to achieve research objectives. A well-structured
research design ensures reliability, accuracy, and validity of results. It helps researchers select
appropriate methods and tools to minimize errors and biases in their study.

Types of Research Designs

Research designs are broadly categorized into Exploratory, Descriptive, and Experimental
research designs.

1. Exploratory Research Design

Exploratory research is conducted when little information is available on a subject, and the
researcher wants to explore ideas or gain insights. It is usually qualitative in nature.

 Example 1: A company launching a new product conducts focus group discussions to

understand customer expectations.
 Example 2: A business analyzing market trends through expert interviews to identify
potential opportunities.

2. Descriptive Research Design

Descriptive research focuses on describing characteristics, behaviors, or trends of a population. It
answers the “what, when, where, and how” questions without explaining cause-and-effect
relationships.

 Example 1: A survey conducted by a smartphone brand to determine customer

satisfaction levels.
 Example 2: A retail company analyzing sales data to understand seasonal purchasing
patterns.

3. Experimental Research Design

Experimental research establishes cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables and

observing outcomes. It is commonly used in scientific and business research.

 Example 1: A beverage company changing its product packaging in one city to test
whether it increases sales before implementing it nationwide.
 Example 2: A marketing team testing two different ad campaigns on social media to
measure which one drives higher engagement.

Q3. Explain the role of the sampling method in business research. Differentiate
between probability and non-probability sampling techniques along with suitable
examples under each method.

Role of Sampling in Business Research

Sampling is a process in which a subset of individuals or items is selected from a larger

population for research. It helps businesses conduct research efficiently without surveying an
entire population, saving time and resources while maintaining accuracy. Sampling allows
companies to analyze consumer behavior, market trends, and preferences without collecting data
from every customer. A well-chosen sample ensures reliable and generalizable research findings.

Types of Sampling Techniques

Sampling techniques are broadly classified into Probability Sampling and Non-Probability
Sampling methods.

1. Probability Sampling

Probability sampling ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being
selected. It is based on random selection and produces unbiased results.

 Example 1: Simple Random Sampling

 oA company randomly selects 500 customers from its database to study their
buying behavior.
 Example 2: Stratified Sampling
o A bank divides its customers into different income groups and selects a sample
from each category to understand banking preferences.

2. Non-Probability Sampling

Non-probability sampling does not provide every individual an equal chance of selection. It is
used when random sampling is not possible or practical.

 Example 1: Convenience Sampling

o A mall survey where researchers interview customers who are easily accessible.
 Example 2: Judgmental Sampling
o A luxury car brand selects high-net-worth individuals to test-drive a new model
based on expert judgment.

Key Differences Between Probability and Non-Probability Sampling

1. Selection Method: Probability sampling uses a random selection process where every
individual has an equal chance of being chosen, whereas non-probability sampling
follows a non-random approach where participants are selected based on convenience or
judgment.
2. Bias Level: Probability sampling reduces bias since selection is random, ensuring fair
representation. In contrast, non-probability sampling is more prone to bias as specific
groups may be intentionally included or excluded.
3. Representativeness: Probability sampling provides a more representative sample,
making it easier to generalize findings to a larger population. Non-probability sampling,
however, may not always provide a fully representative view, as it focuses on specific
individuals or groups.
4. Use Cases: Probability sampling is used for large-scale studies, such as nationwide
surveys or market research, where accuracy and generalization are important. On the
other hand, non-probability sampling is more suitable for exploratory research, pilot
studies, or situations where a quick and cost-effective approach is needed.
 ASSIGNMENT SET-II

Q4. Discuss the different situations in which primary and secondary methods of
data collection will be used. Explain the different methods of collecting primary
data with suitable examples.

Situations for Using Primary and Secondary Data Collection

Data collection is a crucial step in research, and the choice between primary and secondary
data depends on the research objective, budget, time constraints, and data availability.

1. Situations for Using Primary Data Collection:

Primary data is collected directly from original sources and is useful when fresh, specific,
and firsthand information is required. It is commonly used in the following situations:
o Market Research for a New Product: A company launching a new smartphone
conducts surveys to understand customer expectations.
o Customer Satisfaction Studies: Businesses collect direct feedback through
interviews to assess product performance.
o Employee Feedback & Performance Analysis: HR teams conduct internal
surveys to evaluate employee satisfaction and work conditions.
2. Situations for Using Secondary Data Collection:
Secondary data is collected from existing sources like research papers, reports, or
government records. It is useful when historical data or broad industry insights are
needed. Common situations include:
o Competitor Analysis: Companies review annual reports and market studies to
understand competitor strategies.
o Economic & Industry Trends Research: Businesses refer to government reports
and trade publications for macroeconomic analysis.
o Academic Research & Literature Reviews: Students and researchers rely on
published studies to support their findings.

Methods of Collecting Primary Data (With Examples)

There are several techniques for primary data collection, each suited to different research needs:

1. Surveys & Questionnaires:

o A structured set of questions is distributed to a large audience.
o Example: A food delivery service conducts an online survey to assess customer
satisfaction.
2. Interviews:
o Direct conversations, either face-to-face, over the phone, or online.
o Example: A hiring manager interviews job applicants to evaluate their skills and
suitability.
3. Observations:
 oResearchers monitor and record behaviors without direct interaction.
oExample: A retail store observes customer movement patterns to optimize shelf
placements.
4. Focus Groups:
o A small group discusses a product or topic under a moderator’s guidance.
o Example: A cosmetics brand holds focus groups to gather opinions on a new
skincare line.
5. Experiments & Field Trials:
o Testing a concept in real-world conditions to measure results.
o Example: A soft drink company introduces a new flavor in a test market before
full-scale production.

Q5. What do you mean by a Questionnaire? Discuss the detailed process of

designing a questionnaire for assessing customer satisfaction of any product.

Meaning of a Questionnaire

A questionnaire is a structured set of questions designed to collect specific information from

respondents. It is a widely used tool in research, especially for gathering insights in business,
social sciences, and market research. Questionnaires can be administered through surveys (online
or offline), interviews, or telephone calls.

In business, questionnaires help in understanding consumer preferences, employee satisfaction,

and market trends. A well-structured questionnaire ensures accuracy, reduces biases, and
improves the quality of data collected.

Process of Designing a Questionnaire for Assessing Customer Satisfaction

To design an effective questionnaire for measuring customer satisfaction, researchers follow a

step-by-step approach to ensure clarity, relevance, and reliability of responses.

1. Define the Objective of the Questionnaire

o The first step is to determine what information is needed. In this case, the goal is
to assess customer satisfaction regarding a specific product.
o Example: A smartphone brand wants to measure user satisfaction with battery
life, performance, and after-sales service.
2. Identify the Target Audience
o Understanding the demographic and behavioral characteristics of respondents
ensures that the questionnaire is relevant.
o Example: If a company is surveying smartphone users, it should focus on
existing customers rather than random individuals.
3. Choose the Right Type of Questions
o A mix of closed-ended and open-ended questions is essential for a balanced
response.
 o Closed-ended questions (e.g., multiple-choice, rating scale) provide quantitative
data.
o Open-ended questions allow customers to express opinions in their own words.
o Example:
 Closed-ended: “How would you rate the battery life of our smartphone?”
(1 to 5 scale)
 Open-ended: “What improvements would you suggest for better user
experience?”
4. Use Simple and Clear Language
o Questions should be easy to understand, avoiding technical jargon or complex
phrasing.
o Example: Instead of “What is your perception of our post-purchase
engagement?”, use “How satisfied are you with our customer service?”
5. Ensure Logical Flow and Length
o The order of questions should be logical, starting with general questions and
gradually moving to specific details.
o The questionnaire should not be too long, as lengthy surveys may discourage
participation.
6. Pilot Testing the Questionnaire
o Before launching the survey, a small group of customers should test the
questionnaire to identify errors, unclear questions, or potential biases.
7. Distribute and Collect Responses
o The questionnaire can be shared via email, social media, websites, or in-store
interactions to reach a broader audience.
o Example: An e-commerce company sends a post-purchase survey to customers
via email.
8. Analyze the Data and Draw Conclusions
o Once responses are collected, businesses analyze the data using statistical tools to
identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement.
o Example: If most respondents rate after-sales service poorly, the company can
work on improving support channels.

Q6. (a) Hypothesis and its Types (b) Structure of a Research Report Writing

(a) Hypothesis and its Types

A hypothesis is a predictive statement about the relationship between two or more variables. It
provides a direction for research and helps in formulating conclusions based on data analysis. A
hypothesis is usually tested through experiments, surveys, or statistical methods.

Types of Hypothesis

1. Null Hypothesis (H₀):

 o It states that there is no significant relationship between variables. Researchers try to
disprove this hypothesis.
o Example: “There is no difference in sales between two marketing strategies.”
2. Alternative Hypothesis (H₁):
o It suggests that there is a significant relationship or effect between variables.
o Example: “A discount-based marketing strategy increases customer purchases.”
3. Directional Hypothesis:
o It predicts the specific direction of an effect or relationship.
o Example: “Higher social media engagement leads to increased sales.”
4. Non-Directional Hypothesis:
o It states that a relationship exists but does not predict the direction.
o Example: “There is a difference in customer satisfaction between online and offline
shopping.”

(b) Structure of a Research Report Writing

A research report presents findings in a structured and logical manner. The key components
include:

1. Title Page:
o Contains the research title, researcher’s name, and institution details.
2. Abstract:
o A brief summary (150-250 words) highlighting objectives, methodology, and key
findings.
3. Introduction:
o Provides background information, research objectives, and the significance of the study.
4. Literature Review:
o Summarizes previous research and theoretical frameworks related to the topic.
5. Research Methodology:
o Explains data collection methods, sampling techniques, and analysis procedures.
6. Findings and Analysis:
o Presents research results using graphs, tables, and discussions.
7. Conclusion and Recommendations:
o Summarizes key findings and suggests future actions or improvements.
8. References and Appendix:
o Includes citations and additional supporting data.