| st. joseph’S college of commerce (autonomous) end semester examination – march/april 2015 |
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| m.com– ii semester | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| P114205: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR BUSINESS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duration: 3 Hours Max. Marks: 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SECTION – A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I) | Answer any SEVEN questions. Each carries 5 marks. (7×5=35) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1. | What is Research? What are the characteristics of Business Research? Discuss. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. | Explain the terms ‘deduction’ and ‘Induction’ with suitable examples. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. | What are the areas that should be focused on while preparing a review of literature? Discuss briefly the significance of literature review. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. | What is a Research Problem? What are the techniques of formulating a Research Problem? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. | Explain briefly the various types of errors that can result from a hypothesis test. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6. | What is meant by Observation Method? What are the different methods of Observation? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7. | Discuss different types of non-probability sampling. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8. | What precautions are to be taken before writing research reports? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9. | The mean life time of a sample of 400 fluorescent light bulbs produced by a company is found to be 1570 hours with a standard deviation of 150 hours. Test the claim of the company that the mean life time of bulbs produced by the company is greater than 1600 hours at 1% level of significance. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10. | Prices of shares of a company on different days in a month were found to be:
66, 65, 69, 70, 69, 71, 70, 63, 64, 68. Discuss whether the mean price of the shares is 65, using students t-test. |
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| SECTION – B | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| II) | Answer any THREE questions. Each carries 15 marks. (3×15=45) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11. | Discuss the different steps in research process. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12. | Can a questionnaire be used in all situations? Why/why not? What are the important factors that are to be considered while framing a questionnaire? Distinguish between a questionnaire and a schedule. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13. | Discuss in detail the steps that a researcher needs to follow to formulate a good research report. Do the criteria become different for different kinds of report? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14. | The following table gives the number of refrigerators sold by 4 salesmen in three months May, June and July 2014:
Is there a significant difference in the sales made by the four salesmen? Is there a significant difference in the sales made during different months? |
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| 15. | A movie producer is bringing out a movie. In order to map out his advertisement campaign, he wants to determine whether the movie will appeal most to a particular age group or whether it will appeal equally to all age groups. The producer takes a random sample from persons attending a preview of the new movie and obtains the following results
What inference will you draw from this data by using Chi square test?
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| SECTION – C | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| III) | Case Study (1×20=20) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16. |
Mr. Gowda has a chain of automobile servicing industry in many parts of the State of Karnanataka and was interested in diversifying his business. His son, Arun never wanted to be in the automobile line. To settle Arun into a line which would interest him, Mr. Gowda decided to venture into garment manufacturing. He suggested this idea to his son, who liked it very much. Arun has already done a course in fashion designing and wanted to do something different for the customers of this industry. An idea struck him that he should design garments for people who wanted smart and slim look after wearing readymade garments. The first thing that came to his mind was to have an idea about people who were buying readymade men’s wear. A meeting was called of experts from the garment industry and a number of fashion designers to discuss on how they should proceed. A common concern for many of them was to know the size of such a market. Another issue that was bothering them was how to approach the respondents. It was believed that asking about the size of their shirt or trouser may put them off and there may not be any worthwhile response. A suggestion that came up was that they should employ some observers at the entrance of various malls and their job would be to look at people who walked into the mall and see whether the concerned person was wearing a big sized shirt or trouser. This would be a better way of approaching the respondents. This procedure would help them to estimate in a very simple way the proportion of people who wore big sized garments.
Questions: (a) Name the sampling design that is being used in the study. Do you think it is a suitable method? (b) What are the limitations of the design so chosen? (c) Can you suggest a better design? (d) What method of data collection is being employed? What other methods can be selected?
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- JOSEPH’S COLLEGE OF COMMERCE (AUTONOMOUS)
___________________________________________________________________
End Semester Examinations – APRIL 2015
M.Com. 11 Semester
Business Research Methodology
Duration: 3 Hrs Max. Marks: 100
Section – A
- Answer Seven questions out of Ten 5 x 7 = 35 Mks
Ans 1: Research is an endeavour to discover facts by scientific method and is a course of critical investigation. It is a systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical proposition about presumed relations among natural phenomenon. It is concerned with seeking solutions to problems or answers to meaningful questions. Characteristics: 1. Systematic and critical investigation into a phenomenon, 2. Aims at describing, interpreting and explaining a phenomenon, 3. Adopts scientific method, 4. Objective and logical, 5. Based on empirical evidence, 6. Development of generalizations, principles or theories, 7. Open for criticism.
Ans 2: Deduction: a logic which includes drawing conclusion from a given list of certain facts. General to Particular. E.g., All managers take decisions-Premises—1(true), —i. Ram is a manager- Premises—2(true). — ii. Therefore ↓ (Argument) Valid. —– iii. Ram takes decisions True.
Induction: Does not involve any cause and effect relationship. Empirical evidence is the starting point. Particular to General. The workers union in the area is very strong. The union has made a “go-slow” call. It will have an impact on the execution of work on time.
Ans 3: A literature review should relate to the Problem area, hypothesis, theory area and operationalization of variables, methodology and data analysis. It should summarize the results of previous studies that have reported relationships among the variables included.
Eye opener- 1. Helps to Identify the gap,Helps to study the past, 2. Basic knowledge of information, 3. Identify proper sources of social results, 4. Helps to reach reliable conclusions. 5. Provides guidelines for analysis.
Ans 4: Research problem refers to a difficulty a researcher experiences in the context of a theoretical or practical situation and wants to a solution for the same. Techniques: 1. Statement of a problem in a general way, 2. Understanding the nature f the problem, 3. Surveying available research, 4 developing ideas through discussions, 5. Rephrasing research problem.
Ans 5: Type 1 error: occurs when researcher rejects Null hypothesis when it is true. The probability of committing Type 1 error is called significance level. (Called alpha ) Type 11 error: occurs when researcher fails to reject a null hypothesis when it is false. The probability of committing Type 11 error is called Beta. The probability of not committing Type 11 error is called Power of the test.
Ans 6: The investigator obtains data by watching and noting the phenomena as they occur with regard to their cause and effect or mutual relations. Methods: 1. Simple or uncontrolled observation: do not make use of any standardized observational techniques, such as questionnaires, schedules, tests etc. –no check on observers bias. Types: A. Participant observation: observer generally lives in the group which he is studying, without revealing his identity. B. Nonparticipant observation: Investigator collects information without attempting to disguise. C. Quasi-participant observation: Observer assumes several roles. Sometimes he takes part in activities, sometimes assumes the role of interviewer. 2. Systematic or controlled observation: removes the limitation of observers bias by using various control techniques. 3. Structured and unstructured observation.
Ans 7: Types of non-probability sampling: i. Purposive Sampling: (with a purpose in mind), ii. Judgment sampling, (expert uses judgment to identify representative sampling), iii. Convenience sampling (to obtain information quickly and inexpensively), iv, Quota sampling, (contact the responding units non-randomly according to some fixed quota), v. Expert sampling, (involves the assembling of a sample of persons with expertise in some area), vi. Snowball sampling, (Generally used when it is difficult to identify members of the desired population )
Ans 8: Researcher has to ensure that: 1. data are appropriate, trustworthy and adequate, 2. Cautious about errors that can possibly arise, 3. Interpretation of data: take precautions concerning reliability of data, computational check, validation and comparison of results. 4. Identify factors that are hidden to eye 5. Remember that interaction between initial hypothesis, empirical observation theoretical conceptions are well-knit.
Ans 9: Null Hypothesis: H0 µ = 1560 hours; Ha = µ ≥ 1600 hours.
X = 1570 hours, σp = 150 hours, n = 400 and LOS is, = 1%.
S.E. = σp / √n = 150/√400 = 150/20 =7.5
Z = X- µ / σp / √n = ( 1570 -1600) / 7.5 = 4
Decision Rule: Calculated value (4) is more than Table Value (2.58) at 1% level of significance. Hence null hypothesis is rejected. Alternate hypothesis is accepted. There is significant difference between sample mean and hypothetical population mean.
- Prices of shares of a company on different days in a month were found to be:
66, 65, 69, 70, 69, 71, 70, 63, 64, 68. Discuss whether the mean price of the shares is 65.
Ans 10: Hypothesis: there is no difference between the mean price of shares and the hypothetical population mean.
Calculation of Mean and Standard deviation
| X | (X-67) d | d2 |
| 66 | -1 | 1 |
| 65 | -2 | 4 |
| 69 | 2 | 4 |
| 70 | 3 | 9 |
| 69 | 2 | 4 |
| 71 | 4 | 16 |
| 70 | 3 | 9 |
| 63 | -4 | 16 |
| 64 | -3 | 9 |
| 68 | 1 | 1 |
| ∑ X=675 | ∑d=5 | ∑ d2 = 73 |
t = X – µ x √n / S = 675/10 67.5; d = 5/10 = 0.5
S = √∑ x2/n-1 = √73 /9 = √8.111 = 2.8479,
T = 67.5 – 65 x √10/ 2.8479 = 2.5 x 3.162/2.8479 = 2.774.
The Calculated Value of t is greater than the Table Value. Hence reject Null Hypothesis. Hence the mean price of the shares could not be Rs. 65.
Section – B
Answer Three questions out of Five 3 x 15 = 45 Mks
Ans 11: i. Formulating the research problems, aims and objectives. ii. Extensive literature survey. iii. Development of working hypothesis. iv. preparing research design. v. Determining sample design. vi. Collecting the data. vii. Analyzing the data. viii. Hypothesis testing. ix. Generalizations and interpretation. xi. Preparation of report.
Ans 12: Various methods such as observation- interview- schedules – experiments – may be employed used for collecting required information. Factors that are to be considered: size of questionnaire- appearance-clarity- sequence of questions- interest catching capacity.
| Questionnaire | Schedule | ||
| 1 | Filled by informants | Filled by enumerators | |
| 2 | Simple questions | Complex questions can be asked | |
| 3 | More chances of non response | less chances of non response | |
| 4 | Relatively economical | Relatively expensive | |
| 5 | Identity of respondent not known | Identity of respondent known | |
| 6 | No personal contact | Direct personal contact | |
| 7 | Can be used only when respondents are literate | Can be used even when respondents are illiterate | |
Ans 13: Steps: Logical analysis of the subject matter- Preparation of the final outline – preparation of rough draft – rewriting and polishing – preparation of final bibliography – writing the final draft.
Criteria: presentation to be used depends on the circumstances under which the study arose and the nature of the results. A technical report is used whenever a full report of the study is required whether for record keeping or for public dissemination. A popular report is used if the research have policy implications. Technical report: summary of results- nature of the study- methods employed- data- analysis of data and presentation of findings- conclusions- bibliography- technical appendices- index. Popular report: the findings and their implications- recommendations for action- objective of the study-methods employed- results- technical appendices.
Ans 14: H0: Sales made by the four salesmen do not differ significantly
H1: Sales made by the four salesmen differ significantly
H0: Sales made during different months do not differ significantly
H1: Sales made during different months differ significantly
| Month | Salesmen | Total | |||
| A | B | C | D | ||
| May | 10 | 0 | 8 | -1 | 17 |
| June | 6 | 8 | 10 | 5 | 29 |
| July | -1 | 4 | 0 | -1 | 2 |
| Total | 15 | 12 | 18 | 3 | 48 |
Correction factor, i.e., CF= T2/N = (48)2 /12 = 192
Sum of Squares Between Salesmen (SSC)=
(∑X1)2/N) + (∑X2)2/N) + (∑X3)2/N) + (∑X3)2/N) –C.F.
[(15)2/3] + [(12)2/3]+ [(18)2/3] + [(3)2/3] – 192 = 75+48+108 +3 – 192 = 42
Sum of Squares Between (SSR)= [(17)2/4]+ [(29)2/4]+ [(2)2/4] – 192
= 72.25 + 210.25 + 1 – 192 = 91.5
Total sum of squares (SSE) = [(10)2 +(6)2 +(-1)2 +(0)2 +(8)2 +(4)2 +(8)2 +
(10)2 +(0)2 +(-1)2 +(5)2 +(-1)2 – 192 = 408 – 192 = 216
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE TABLE
| Source of Variation | Sum of Squares | v | Mean Sum of Squares | F |
| Between Columns (Salesmen) | 42 | 3 | 42/3 = 14 |
14 /13.75 = 1.108 |
| Between Rows (Months) | 91.5 | 2 | 91.5/2 = 45.75 |
45.75 /13.75 = 3.33 |
| Residual | 82.5 | 6 | 82.5/6 = 13.75 | |
| Total | 216 | 11 |
F (Salesmen) = 1.018
Table value of F @ 5% for v1 = 3 and v2 = 6 is 4.76. since the Calculated value is less than the table value, Accept null Hypothesis. Hence the sales made by the four salesmen do not differ significantly.
F (Months) = 3.33
Table value of F @ 5% for v1 = 2 and v2 = 6 is 5.14. Since the Calculated value is less than the table value, Accept null Hypothesis. Sales made during different months do not differ significantly
Ans 15:
| O | E | (O – E)2 | (O – E)2/ E |
| 146 | 132.0 | 196.00 | 1.485 |
| 54 | 61.6 | 57.76 | 0. 938 |
| 20 | 26.4 | 40.96 | 1.552 |
| 78 | 66.0 | 144.00 | 2.182 |
| 22 | 30.8 | 77.44 | 2.514 |
| 10 | 13.2 | 10.24 | 0.776 |
| 48 | 60.0 | 144.00 | 2.400 |
| 42 | 28.0 | 196.00 | 7.000 |
| 10 | 12.0 | 4.00 | 0.333 |
| 28 | 42.0 | 196.00 | 4.667 |
| 22 | 19.6 | 5.76 | 0.294 |
| 20 | 8.4 | 134.56 | 16.019 |
| ∑[(O – E)2/ E] = 40.16 |
H0: Age of the viewers and ability to enjoy the movie is independent of each other.
H1: Age of the viewers and ability to enjoy the movie is dependent of each other.
(H0: Movie appeal equally to all age groups
H1: movie does not appeal equally to all age groups)
X2 = ∑[(O – E)2/ E] = 40.16
V = (r-1)(c-1) = (3-1)(4-1) = 6, For v = 6, X20.05 = 12.59,
Calculated Value of X2 is much greater than Table Value. Reject Null Hypothesis. Therefore, conclude that the movie does not appeal equally to all age groups.
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