1. Research Methodology
Q1) Define Null hypothesis with an example
Null Hypothesis is a statement that no difference exists between the parameter (a measure
taken by a census of the population or a prior measurement of a sample of the population)
and the statistic being compared to it (a measure from a recently drawn sample of the
population).
Analysts usually test to determine whether there has been no change in the population of
interest or whether a real difference exists. Why not state the hypothesis in a positive form?
Why not state that any difference between the sample statistic and the population parameter is
due to some reason?
Evidence that is consistent with a hypothesis stated in a positive form can almost never be
taken as conclusive grounds for accepting an hypothesis. A finding that is consistent with this
type of hypothesis might be consistent with other hypotheses too, and thus it does not
demonstrate the truth of the given hypothesis. Unfortunately, this type of hypothesis cannot
be tested definitively.
For example, suppose a coin is suspected of being biased in favor of heads. The coin is
flipped 100 times and the outcome is 52 heads. It would not be correct to jump onto
conclusion that the coin is biased simply because more than the expected number of 50 head
resulted. The reason is that 52 heads is consistent with the hypothesis that the coin is fair. On
the other hand, flipping 85 in 100 flips would seem to contradict the hypothesis of a fair coin,
instead form a strong base for biased coin.
Q2) A Problem well defined is half solved. Justify
A good research generates dependable data that are derived by professionally conducted
practices and that can be used reliably for decision making. In contrast, poor research is
carelessly planned and conducted resulting in data that a manager can’t use to reduce his or
her decision making risks. A good research follows the standards of scientific method, which
are being systematic, empirically base procedures for generating replicable research.
Generally a good research has to be purposeful, with a clearly defined focus and plausible
goals, with defensible, ethical and repeatable procedures, and with evidence of objectivity.
The reporting of procedures, their strengths and weaknesses should be complete and honest.
Appropriate analytical techniques should be used in order to draw appropriate conclusions
limited to those clearly justified by the findings and to present the reports of findings and
conclusions clearly in a professional tone, language and appearance.
Research is any organized inquiry carried out to provide information for solving problems.
Business research is a systematic inquiry that provided information to guide decision. More
specifically it is a process of determining, acquiring, analyzing and synthesizing, and
disseminating relevant data, information and insights to decision makers in ways that
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2. mobilize the organization to take appropriate actions that in turn maximize business
performance.
Keeping in mind the fact that a research helps in providing information for solving problems,
it is essential for the research to have the following qualities with respect to the problem in
discussion
 Define the purpose clearly
 Detail the research process
 A thoroughly planned research design
 High ethical standards applied
 Frank revealing of limitations
 Adequate analysis for decision maker needs
 Unambiguous presentation of the findings
 Justified conclusions
Only when the problem is well defined, the business research has an inherent value only to
the extent that it helps management make better decisions that help achieve organizational
goals by addressing the problems.
Q3) Describe the step by step process involved in conducting a business Research
Research originates in the decision process. A manager needs specific information for setting
objectives, defining tasks, finding the best strategy by which to carry out the tasks or judging
how well the strategy is being implemented.A dilemma centered emphasis, the problems
origins, selection, statement, exploration and refinement dominates the sequence of the
research process. A management dilemma can originate in any aspect of an organization. A
decision to do research can be inappropriately driven by the availability of coveted tools and
databases. To be researchable, a problem must be subject to observation or other forms of
empirical data collection.
How one structure the research question sets the direction for the project. A management
problem or opportunity can be formulated as a hierarchical sequence of questions. At the
most general level is the management dilemma. This is translated into a management
question and then into a research question, which forms the major objective of the study.
In turn the research question is further expanded into investigative questions. These questions
represent the various facets of the problem to be solved and they influence research design
including design strategy, data collection planning and sampling. At the most specific levels
are measurement questions that are answered by respondents in a survey or answered about
each subject in an observational study.
Exploration of the problem is accomplished through familiarization with the available
literature, interviews with experts, focus groups or an alternate effective combination.
Revision of the management or research questions is a desirable outcome of exploration and
enhances the researchers understanding of the options available for developing a successful
design.
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3. Decisions concerning the type of study, the means of data collections, measurement and
sampling plans must be made when planning the design. Most researchers undertake
sampling studies because of an interest in estimating population values or testing a statistical
hypothesis.Carefully constructed delimitations are essential for specifying an appropriate
probability sample. While at the same time non probability samples can also be used.
Budgets and value assessments determine whether most projects receive necessary funding.
Their thorough documentation is an integral part of the research proposal.Proposals are
required for many research projects and should at a minimum describe the research questions
and the specific task the research will undertake
Pilot tests are conducted to detect weakness in the study design, data collection instruments
and procedures. Once the researcher is satisfied that the plans is sound, data collection
begins. Data are collected, edited, coded and prepared for analysis
Data analysis involves reduction, summarization, pattern examination and the statistical
evaluation of hypotheses.
A written report describing the study’s findings is used to transmit the results and
recommendations to the intended decision maker.By cycling the conclusions back into the
original problem, new research iteration may begin and the findings may be applied.
Q4) Enumerate various methods of research available for a business researcher
Managers basically do business research to understand how and why things happen. A
quantitative research method helps the manager to understand what happened or how often
things happen and a qualitative research method helps the manger to understand the different
meanings that people place on their experiences, it’s a technique that helps to delve more
deeply into peoples hidden interpretations, understandings and motivations
Qualitative research includes an array of interpretive techniques which seek to describe,
decode, translate and otherwise come to terms with the meaning, not the frequency, of certain
more or less naturally occurring phenomena in the social world. Qualitative techniques are
used at both the data collection and data analysis stages of the research project. At the data
collection stage, the array of techniques includes focus groups, individual depth interviews,
case studies, ethnography, grounded theory, action research and observation. During
qualitative research the researcher uses content analysis of written or recorded materials
drawn from personal expressions by participants, behavioral observations and debriefing of
observers as well as the study of artifacts and trace evidence from the physical environment.
Qualitative research aims to achieve an in-depth understanding of the situation, whether it
explains why a person entering a super market proceeds down each aisle in turn or heads for
the rear of the store and chooses only alternate aisles thereafter or explains why some
advertisements makes us laugh ad contribute to the commitment to a brand than others.
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4. Qualitative research draws data from variety of sources, including the following
 People (individual or groups)
 Organization or institutions
 Texts (published, including virtual ones)
 Settings and environments (visual, sensory and virtual material)
 Objects, artifacts, media products*
 Events and happenings*
* (those which are textual, visual, sensory, and virtual material)
Quantitative research on the other had attempts precise measurement of something. In
business research, quantitative methods usually measure consumer behavior, knowledge,
opinions and attitudes and answers questions related to how much, how often, how many,
when and who. It is often used to theory testing.
The purpose of quantitative research is based on researcher immersion in the phenomenon to
be studied, gathering data which provide a detailed description of events situations and
interactions between people and things, thus providing detail and depth.
Quantitative data often consist of participant responses that are coded, categorized and
reduced to numbers to that these data may be manipulated for statistical analysis. The one
objective is the quantitative tally of events or opinions called frequency of response.
Q5) Select a business research problem and submit a proposal for research
The Background
On a macro level the past decade had witnessed the growth of Internet as a medium. From a
brand promotion perspective; the digital medium has seen the growth trend in the past 5 years
(refer graph).
Following is the gist of the ad spend forecast for the year CY 2013 by the global leader in the
industry
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5. “Agency X has cut India’s ad growth forecast for 2012 from 12% to 6.6%, due to the
country’s weakening economy. However the forecast for digital spending has been revised up
and looks to be stronger than expected. Investment in digital advertising is predicted to
increase by 18% in 2013 to $99bn compared to the 16% previously forecast. Digital ad spend
will represent 20% of 2013’s measured ad spend, according to the company.”
Digital advertising is of 4 types i. Display, ii. Search ads iii. Mobile ads, iv. Social media.
Advertising using social media has a SOE of 12% and is expected to witness the highest
growth % during 2013. Social Media Advertising is increasingly becoming a common
strategy adopted by Indian marketers. While social media advertising usually is paid for,
Indian companies today are using social media to engage with their customers through
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn among a host of other avenues.
As a result, companies can have firsthand account of a product’s experience, features, likes or
even dislikes from their customers. Globally, FMCG companies have tapped into social
media, and engaged with consumers actively. The trend in India is seemingly yet to catch on;
however it seems imminent to happen in the near future. Companies therefore are investing a
greater amount of resources than ever before to facilitate such moves. The demand for social
media experts is therefore also on the rise
The Business Research Problem
The planned title for the proposed paper is
Understanding the Social Networks contribution in Providing Feedback to Mainstream
Media.
Background of the Study
Social networks are becoming more and more popular in the world of the Internet. As a
result, it had become target of many fields, particularly in the field of business, wherein it is
being used as vital aspect of their marketing and customer relationship. In addition, it also
affected how mainstream media are being reviewed, and how people establish and create
their feedback towardsmainstream media. Social network indeed is an innovationwhich
enables people from different parts of the globe to leave their messages regarding anything
under the sun. As a result, it enables people to share information regarding
their experiences as well as their perceptions and perspectives about different things.
Currently, more and more social networks are being established in order for the group of
people with the same interest to leave their messages, opinions and feelings about different
topics like issues regarding the differentadvertisements, products to be launched, movies, TV
series etc. One of the vital factors which enable social networks more effective is because it
enablesusers to hide their true selves; therefore, it gave them more freedom to say what they
want
Aims and Objectives
The main aim of the study is to understand the Social Network & is contribution to
mainstream media. In line with this, the following are the specific objectives of the study:
·
To analyze the popularity of social network;
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6. ·
·
·
To evaluate the current role of social network;
To assess how feedback to mainstream media are being done by the people; and
To review the importance of social network in reviewing mainstream media.
Methodology
Both qualitative and quantitative data will be gathered for this study. This is to ensure that
both non-statistical and statistical data will be used in order to support the findings and result
of the study.The research study intends to present facts about the nature and status of a
situation as it exists at the time of the study. In addition, it also concerns with the
relationships andpracticesthat exist, beliefs and processes that are ongoing, effects that are
being felt or trends that are developing.Therefore, it can be helpful in order to describe the
current conditions and situations based on the impressions and perceptions of the respondents
of the study.
Data Collection
Surveys will be implemented in the study. Surveys are the most common form of research
method for collection of primary data. One of its purpose is to describe, e.g., to count the
frequency of some event or to assess the distribution of some variables such as proportion of
the population of different age groups, sex, religion, castes and languages, knowledge,
attitude and adoption of practices about particular issues, and other information of similar
nature about the population.
Survey interview and questionnaire will be used in this study, which will be used in order to
gather primary data. On the other hand, secondary data will be gathered from different online
libraries and databases.
Sampling Population
The sampling population will be consists of 1000 online users and members of differentsocial
networking websites, such as Facebook, LinkedIn and other online forums. Questionnaires
will be sent via e-mail, or will be posted over the Internet, in order to gather more
information from more population online.
Data Analysis
The data results of the study will be analyzed by determining their corresponding frequency,
percentage and weighted mean.
Outcome
The outcome of the study will help to understand &assess the effectiveness and efficient of
social network in offer feedback to mainstream media
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