Business Research Methods

This is the question set of Business Research Methods Fall 2016, which was taken by Pokhara University.

Pokhara University –Business Research Methods Fall 2016

Level:  Bachelor	Semester –sixth	Year: 2016-Fall
Program: BCIS/BBA/BBA-BI/BHCM		Full Marks: 100
Course: Business Research Methods		Pass Marks: 45
		Time:  3hrs.

Section “A”
Very Short Answer Questions

Attempt all the questions.

1. What is scientific research? What are the different processes of research?
2. Why is the theoretical framework essential to conduct research? Give two reasons.
3. What is the research problem and hypothesis? Distinguish between null and alternative hypothesis.
4. How do you distinguish between correlation and causation? Give examples.
5. What are the essential differences among nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio scales? Illustrate with suitable examples.
6. What is primary data? Discuss briefly the various types of research interviews.
7. Critically distinguish between the interview and observation method for primary data generation.
8. State the procedures of writing a report.
9. What is a paradigm? Justify the importance of positivist and interpretive approaches in the research process?
10. What is a focused group interview?

Section “B”
Descriptive Answer Questions

Attempt any six questions

11. Define research. Discuss the significance of applied research in the field of business management.
12. Why literature review is important in the research process? Describe the basic procedure that the researcher should consider during the literature review process.
13. Describe the deductive and inductive approaches to research.
14. What is qualitative research design? Describe the basic assumptions and features of a qualitative research design.
15. What is validity in research? Explain different forms of validity.
16. What are the different methods of data collection? Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the questionnaire method of data collection in survey research.
17. What is a research proposal? How can you justify the importance of research proposal and report writing in every research process

18.                                                                             Section “C”
                                                                                Case Analysis

Read the case carefully and answer the questions stated below:
MCG division of Shanker Group of Industries faces problems from the human resource sector. It had encountered low morale, motivation satisfaction, and finally the low production and productivity. Mr.Ramkrishna, CEO of Shanker Group, suggested to MsHira, head of the HR Department to form a team and assign responsibility to the team, not to the individual. Mr.Ramkrishna also suggested reviewing the existing remuneration and perks system. Ms. Hira reviewed the system and got approval from the board and implemented the new remuneration and perk system. But the team spirit was not improving and simultaneously not improved in any performance indicators like satisfaction, commitment, production, and productivity.
Mr.Ramkrishna decided to hire a research expert and decided to undertake research so as to find out the real problem, find out the causes of the problem, and suggest remedial measures of such problems. In the consultation with MsHira, he decided to hire you as a researcher. Ms. Hira explained to you that the team was not effective and is apathetic and there could be multiple reasons for this. Thus, it was essential that the team be studied to identify what was the group’s reaction to the working condition in the division. Also, it was important to identify what was perceived in the major problem area. There might be a difference between old and new employees. This angle was to be given due recognition while conducting the survey. Ms. Hira said, ‘ it seems to be a logical approach to the problem, but don’t you think that before you go to the team members you must at least identify what could be the reasons for the low performance by looking at the other organizations.

As an expert, you said, ‘I think there is a lot of merit in what you said, so this is what I will do.’
a) Which research design do you think appropriate for the study of this issue? Why?
b) Identify the major variables that are to be considered while undertaking research. Construct your conceptual framework.
c) Formulate a hypothesis for the study.
d) Write a statement of the problem and objectives of the study.