Index

SR.NO TOPIC

1. Module 1

2. Module 2

3. Module 3

4. Module 4

5. Introduction

6. Pilot study

7. QUESTIONNARE
 MODULE 1

MEANING & TYPES OF RESEARCH

Research is a systematic investigation to search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.
Research helps to arrive at new conclusions. It enables to find solutions to certain problems.

Research is often referred to as 'scientific inquiry' into a specific problem or situation. This
is because; the search for facts needs to be undertaken systematically and not arbitrarily. The
systematic approach to research enables the research to search for facts in a rational manner
and to arrive at logical conclusions, whereas, the arbitrary approach attempts to find solutions
to problems based on one's belief and imagination.

William C. Emory in the book 'Business Research Methods' defines "research is any
organised inquiry designed and carried out to provide information for solving a
problem."

The Webster's Dictionary states "research is a careful critical inquiry or examination in

seeking facts or principles; diligent investigation in order to ascertain something.

TYPES OF RESEARCH

1. Basic Research: Basic research is also called as pure or fundamental research. It is

undertaken to develop a theory or a body of knowledge. The main goal of basic
research is to expand man's knowledge. In basic research, there is no commercial
angle. For instance, basic research can be undertaken to study the origin of the
universe. Basic research lays down the foundation for the applied science that
follows.
In basic research, there is no commercial angle. There is no obvious commercial
value to the discoveries that result from basic research. In almost all countries, pure
research is mainly carried out by universities and institutes financed by the
government.

2. Applied Research: Applied research is a scientific study designed to solve practical

problems, rather than merely acquiring knowledge. Applied research is used to find
solutions to everyday problems, and develop innovative technologies.
 Psychologists working in human factors or organisations undertake applied research.
The goal of applied research is to improve the human condition. It is generally used to
handle a particular situation or to solve a particular problem.
3. Descriptive Research: Descriptive research or statistical research provides data about
the population or universe being studied. But it can only describe the "who, what,
when, where and how" of a situation. It does not describe what caused a particular
situation. Therefore, descriptive research is used when the objective is to provide a
systematic description that is as factual and accurate as possible. It provides the
number of times something occurs, or frequency of occurrence. It lends itself to
statistical calculations such as determining the average number of occurrences or
central tendencies. The two most commonly types of descriptive research methods
include observation method and the survey method.

4. Analytical Research: Analytical research is undertaken to collect facts or data, or the

facts or data may be readily available. The researcher attempts to critically evaluate
such facts and data so as to arrive at conclusions. This type of research may establish
the cause and effect relationship. The researcher may provide necessary
recommendations to improve or solve the problem or to handle certain situation or
event.
The analytical research helps to understand the cause-effect relationship between
variables. It also helps to focus on those variables that have positive effect, and to
eliminate certain variables that have negative effect on the situation

5. Empirical Research: Empirical Research can be defined as "research based on

experimentation or observation". Empirical research is away of gaining knowledge
by means of direct and indirect observation or experience or experiment. Such
research is conducted to test a hypothesis.
The word empirical means information gained by experience, observation, or
experiment. The central theme in scientific method is that all evidence must be
empirical which means it is based on evidence. In scientific method the word
"empirical" refers to the use of working hypothesis that can be tested using
observation and experiment.

6. Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is a method of inquiry employed in many

disciplines, especially in the social sciences. Qualitative researchers aim to gather an
in-depth understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior.
The qualitative method investigates the why and how of decision making, not just
 what, where, and when. Hence, smaller but focused samples are more often used than
large samples.
For instance, a research undertaken to find out the reasons as to why employees
remain absent from work or why people behave in certain manner. The motivational
research is an important type of qualitative research. Qualitative research is especially
important in the behavioural sciences where the main aim is to find out the underlying
motives of human behavior.
7. Quantitative Research: Quantitative research is 'Explaining phenomena by
collecting numerical data that are analysed using mathematically based methods. The
objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models,
theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. The process of measurement is
central to quantitative research because it provides the fundamental connection
between empirical observation and mathematical expression of quantitative
relationships.
8. Other Types of Research: Research can be classified into various other types such
as:
Field research or laboratory research.
One-time research or multi-period research
Conclusion-oriented research or decision-oriented research.
Historical research or current-situation research.

MODULE 2

MEANING OF RESEACRH METHODOLOGY

Methodology is the systematic analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. It

comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a
branch of knowledge.

A methodology does not set out to provide solutions. Therefore, it is not the same thing
method. Instead, it offers the theoretical base for understanding which method, set of methods
or so called "best practices" can be applied to specific case. For example, it may indicate the
method that can be used to collect data to solve the problem of declining sales.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary provides two definitions on research methodology as follows:

 1. "The analysis of the principles of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a
discipline".
2. "The systematic study of methods that are, can be, or have been applied within a
discipline."

STAGES IN SCIENTIFIC RESEACRH PROCESS

1. Identifying and Selection of Research Problem: Identification or formulation of

research problem is the first and most important step of research process. The problem
formulation is like an identification of a destination before undertaking a journey. It is
often said that a well defined problem is half solved.
Before formulating the research problem, the research must always think-what the
problem is, why it is a problem, and for whom the problem is.
The following are some of the essentials of a good problem formulation:
a) Researchable- the problem can be investigated through the collection and
analysis of data.
b) Interesting - the problem keeps the researcher involved in it throughout the
research process.
c) Purposeful - the findings of which must be useful to solve the problem or
situation.
d) Understandable - well formulated and logically structured with main
questions and sub-questions.
e) Manageable- fits the researcher's skills, resources, and time restrictions.
f) Ethical - does not embarrass or harm the researcher, respondents and the
society.
2. Review of Literature: The researcher should undertake extensive literature survey
relating to the problem. He may consider various publications, such as journals,
books, research reports, and other published matter. Particularly, the researcher should
go through the similar research studies that were conducted previously. Such review
of literature would provide a good insight into the problem.

3. Formulation of Hypothesis: The researcher should formulate the hypothesis. The

hypothesis is a tentative assumption made to test its logical or empirical
consequences. The hypothesis should be formulated on the basis of insight and
knowledge about the problem. The hypothesis may prove to be either wrong or right.
For instance, the researcher studying the declining sales trend may hypothesize that
"sales are declining because:
Product price is too high, and/or
Middlemen are not getting adequate margin, and/or
 The product is becoming obsolete.
If the test of the first hypothesis leads to its acceptance, one conclusion is that
product's price is too high. If it is rejected, the researcher concludes that the price is
not too high and proceeds to test the other hypothesis. Thus, the hypothesis guides the
research effort and suggests what data are required.

4. Research Design: The researcher must prepare a research design. It is a logical and
systematic plan prepared for conducting a research study. It can be called as a blue
print for collection, measurement and analysis of data. The research design provides
guidelines to researcher regarding the time period within which research is to be
conducted, the type of data to be collected, the area and the respondents from which
the data is to be collected, the techniques of data collection and data analysis, and so
on.
The research design must include the following, aspects:
A clear statement of the research problem.
The sources of data collection.
The time period of research study.
The area or place where research is to be conducted.
The resources required to conduct the research.
The techniques of data collection.
The techniques of data analysis.
The universe of research.
The sample size of respondents, if any.
The aims or objectives of the research.
5. Designing the Questionnaire: If the researcher cannot solve the problem with the
help of secondary data, observation and experimentation, then he should make efforts
to collect the primary data from the field for which he requires a questionnaire. While
designing a questionnaire, the following points must be kept in mind:
What types of information is required?
What type of technique will be used for conducting the research, i.e., whether
telephone interview, personal interview or mail?
There should be proper wording and proper sequence of questions.

6. Sampling Design: Generally, it is not possible to collect data from each member of
the universe or population under study due to limitations of time, effort, and money.
Therefore, the researcher needs to select a sample of respondents that represent the
universe.
Sampling design is a plan to select the appropriate sample to collect the right data so
as to achieve the research objectives. A sample represents those individuals chosen
 from the population of interest as subjects in an experiment or to be respondents
to a survey.
There are certain essentials of a good sampling design:
The sample must be representative of the universe.
The sample must be decided depending on the research objectives.
The researcher must use proper method of sampling to select a sample.
The sample size must be economical or cost-effective.
There must be proper sampling plan.
The sample size should be suitable to collect relevant data.
The sample unit must be selected properly.
The sampling frame must be up-to-date to collect information of members of
the universe.
The sample size must be flexible and not rigid.

7. Collection of Data: Problem solving is essentially a process of collecting

information. The data can be collected from various sources - primary and secondary.
While collecting data care should be taken of:
Information is up-to date and free from bias.
It is objective and relevant to the needs of problem.
It is complete in all respects.

8. Processing of Data: The collected data is mostly available in a raw form and
therefore, it needs to be processed. Processing of data involves:
a) Editing- it helps to weed out unwanted and irrelevant data. It also helps to
check errors and omissions in data collection.
b) Coding- it involves assigning codes (numerical, alphabetical, alpha-
numerical) to the categories or responses. It is required especially when the
sample size is large and when there is large number of responses.
c) Classification- It refers to grouping of data under different categories or
classes such as age, gender, education, area, etc. It facilitates tabulation of
data.
d) Tabulation- It involves transferring of classified data in a tabular form.
Tabulation of data facilitates analysis and interpretation of data.

9. Data Analysis: Organisation of data is generally followed by its analysis and

interpretation. The purpose of analyzing data is to establish a relation between the
information and problem. Analysis reviews the data in the light of hypothesis or
research problem. It is difficult to demarcate a line between analysis and
interpretation. They quite often overlap and so it is difficult to find out the end of
analysis and the beginning of interpretation.
 Interpretation refers to analysis and generalization of results. It enables to clear the
meaning and implication of study. It enables to link findings with research problem
and arrive at logical conclusions.

10. Hypothesis Testing: After analysis and interpretation of data, the researcher must be
in a position to test the hypothesis (if framed earlier). The researcher should find out
whether or not the research findings support the hypothesis or prove to be contrary.
Various tests, such as Chi-square test, F-test, etc., have been developed for such
testing. The testing of hypothesis will result in either accepting it or rejecting it.
11. Preparation of Research Report: The research findings and conclusions are
presented with the help of research report. The research report is divided into three
parts:
a) Preliminary Contents- which includes title of the report, letter of
authorization, letter of transmittal, and table of contents (index).
b) Main Body- which includes introduction, methodology, findings, limitations if
any, conclusions and recommendations.
c) Concluding Part- which includes appendix and bibliography.

12. Follow-up of Report: The researcher should submit the report to concerned
authorities. For instance, a doctorate thesis is to be submitted to guide for approval
and then to the concerned university. A business research report is to be submitted to
the concerned management of business organisation. The researcher should find out
whether his report is accepted. If accepted, whether his recommendations are accepted
and implemented. If implemented,whether the recommendations are successful in
solving the problem.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE & ITS PURPOSES

Review of literature is an important stage in research activity. Review of literature refers to

extensive review of literature relating to research problem which the researcher intends to
undertake. The researcher reviews previous research studies, relevant reference books,
articles in specific journals and other published sources. Such review of literature provides a
good insight into the research problem.

Specifically, the researcher gets familiar with all the previous research studies undertaken by
other researchers which are relevant to the research project. The research scholar reviews the
findings of the previous research studies. He evaluates the conclusions drawn from the
research findings. He also analysis the impact of the recommendations made by the other
researchers.

Purposes

1. To get background knowledge of the research topic.

2. To formulate research hypotheses.
3. To get familiar with the methodology adopted by other researchers in a particular
field.
4. To prepare research design to undertake the research problem.
5. To prepare sample design including decision on sample size to collect research data.
6. To get familiar with data collection sources and techniques used by other researchers.
7. To understand the findings of other researchers, which are relevant to the research
problem.
8. To get familiar with data analysis techniques, which are adopted by other researchers.
9. To evaluate the conclusions drawn by other researchers,which may help the resear. To
get familiar with data analysis techniques adopted by the other researchers.
10. To compile bibliography.
11. To understand the latest developments in the area of research problem.
12. To understand the structure of research report.

MEANING OF HYPOTHESIS

The formulation of hypothesis or hypotheses is an important step in the formulation of

research problem. The hypothesis is a tentative proposition formulated to determine its
validity. The hypothesis may prove to be correct or incorrect. In any event, it leads to an
empirical test. Whatever the outcome, the hypothesis is a question put in such a way that an
answer of some kind can be forthcoming. It is an example of the organized skepticism of
science, the refusal to accept any statement without empirical verification.

Webster's Dictionary defines hypothesis as "an unproved theory, proposition, supposition,

etc., tentatively accepted to explain certain facts or to provide a basis for further
investigation, argument, etc. "'

William Goode and Paul Hatt define hypothesis as "a proposition, which can be put to a
test to determine its validity."
 MODULE 3

MEANING OF RESEARCH DESIGN

A research design is defined as "a logical and systematic plan prepared for directing a
research study. It specifies the objectives of the study; the methodologies and techniques
to be adopted for achieving the objectives." - Philips Bernad

"Research design actually constitutes the blue print for the collection, measurement and
analysis of the data."-David & Nachmias

Thus it is obligatory for a researcher to undertake research design. The research design is the
ground plan for conducting the research investigation. It provides guidelines to researcher to
help him to keep a track of his actions and to know that he is moving in the right direction in
collecting the data

MEANING OF SAMPLING DESIGN

Sampling design is a plan designed to select the appropriate sample in order to collect the
right data so as to achieve research objectives.

A sample is a part of the universe that can be used as respondents to a survey or for the
purpose of experimentation, in order to collect relevant information to solve a particular
problem.

Donald Tull and Dell Hawkins define sample as "those individuals chosen from the
population of interest as subjects in an experiment or to be the respondents to a
survey."

SAMPLING METHODS/TECHNIQUES

The methods of sampling can be broadly divided into two groups:

METHODS OF SAMPLING

PROBABILITY METHODS NON PROBABILITY METHODS

 I. PROBABILITY METHODS: Probability sampling is also known random sampling.
Probability means possible chance. Therefore, each element of the population has
known chance or opportunity of being selected or included in the sample. For
example, if a sample of 100 students is to be selected from a population of 1000
students, then each student has a 10% chance of being selected

Types/Methods:

1. Simple Random Sampling: This is the most popular method which is normally
followed to collect research data. This technique provides every element or unit (such
as household) an equal chance of being selected in the sample. It is suitable for
selecting a sample from a small homogeneous group like M.Com students in the
University of Mumbai or Upper Income Households in the city of Mumbai.
There are two sub-methods:
a) Lottery Method: Where each element is give a number and then the numbers
are mixed or placed in a box or urn. By draw of lots, the sample is selected.
b) Random Tables: The elements or units are given numbers, and the numbers
are placed in rows. The sample is selected from the rows at random. For
example, the researcher may decide that all elements in 2nd and 8th row to
be the sample.
2. Systematic Sampling: It is a variation of simple random method. This technique is
superior to simple random method. In this case, a sampling fraction is calculated
based on the total population under study. After the sampling fraction is calculated, a
certain number is selected at random and the process continues to select the sample
size.
Formula: Skip Interval = Population Size
Sample Size
Example: If the total population or universe is 500 and the sample size is 50 then the
interval will be 10. The population will be grouped into 10 groups of 50; then the skip
interval will be 10. Therefore, the population will be grouped into 10 groups of 50,
i.e.,1 to 50, 51 to 100, 101 to 150 and so on.
A certain number is selected say ending with No. 5. So the sample will consist of 5,
15, 25, 35, 45 from the first group, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95 from the second group, 105, 115,
125, 135, 145 from the third group, and so on.
3. Cluster Sampling: Cluster sampling is also called as 'Area Sampling'. Under this
method, instead of selecting individual units, the researcher divides the population
into clusters or groups and accordingly sample is selected.
 Example: If there are 500 people out of which 50 members to be selected, then the
500 people will be first divided into certain groups based on certain characteristics or
on the basis of area. If the researcher wants to study the reading habits of the students
of the University of Mumbai, then the students may be divided into various groups on
the basis of area, say Western Mumbai, Eastern Mumbai, South Mumbai, and North
Mumbai. If the total sample is 200 students - boys and girls, then 50 students can be
selected from each zone.

4. Stratified Sampling: The population is divided into various strata or segments based
on income, occupation, age, religion, gender, etc. After dividing the population into
different segments, certain number of sample members is selected from each stratum
or segment. There are two types of stratified sampling:
Proportionate Stratified Sampling
Disproportionate Stratified Sampling
In the case of proportionate sampling, certain fixed Percentage is taken of each
stratum to represent the sample. In case of disproportionate, there is no such
percentage considered to represent the sample.

II. NON-PROBABILITY METHODS

1. Convenience Sampling: The sample is selected as per the convenience of the
researcher. Under this method, every element of the population does not get a chance
of being selected. For instance, the researcher researching into the reading habits of
M.Com students of Mumbai University may select the sample respondents by visiting
certain colleges as per his convenience. The researcher may consider factors to select
the sample of respondents, such as his contacts with the college authorities,
convenient location of the colleges and so on. He may select the students from those
colleges with whom he has good contacts, or which are located at a convenient place.
2. Accidental Sampling: The researcher may select the sample by chance without
follwing a systematic procedure. Every element of the universe does not get a chance
of being selected. For instance, the researcher studying the satisfaction level of
college students with respect to college teaching may accidentally meet certain
number of students (sample respondents) at the railway station, bus stop, outside the
coaching classes, or fast food restaurants, etc. Accordingly, he may collect the
information from those students willing to cooperate. Accidental sampling method is
normally followed when the sample size is very small.
 3. Judgement Sampling: The sample is selected based on the judgement of the
researcher or some other person assisting or advising the researcher. For example, if
the researcher studying the newspaper reading habits of college students, then he has
to use his judgement to select a proper sample of respondents. The researcher may get
assistance from teachers of the college to locate those students who actually read
newspapers. This is because; the teachers may have a better knowledge of certain
students who actually read the newspapers.

4. Quota Sampling: Under this method, the researcher allocates certain quota (relating
to respondents) to certain groups under study. The quotas may differ from each area
depending upon certain factors like age, occupation, income, etc. For example, a
researcher studying the newspaper reading habits of college students may select 10
colleges for data collection. He may fix quota for each college based on certain
criteria. He may select 100 students from one college, may be because the number of
students is more in that college; and he may select only 20 students from another
college because of less number of students in that college.

Other Non-Probability Methods

Sequential Sampling Method: Sequential sampling is a non-probability sampling technique

wherein the researcher picks a single or a group of subjects in a given time interval, conducts
his study, analyzes the results then picks another group of subjects if needed and so on.

This sampling technique gives the researcher limitless chances of fine tuning his research
methods and gaining a vital insight into the study that he is currently pursuing.

The main advantage is that the researcher has a limitless option when it comes to sample size
and sampling schedule. The sample size can be relatively small of excessively large
depending on the decision making of the researcher. Sampling schedule is also completely
dependent to the researcher since a second group of samples can only be obtained after
conducting the experiment to the initial group of samples.
Snowball Sampling/Chain Referral Sampling: Snowball sampling is a non-probability
sampling technique that is used by researchers to potential subjects in studies where subjects
are hard to locate.

Researchers use this sampling method when the sample for the study is very rare or is limited
to a very small subgroup of the population. This type of sampling technique works like chain
referral. After observing the initial subject, the researcher asks for assistance from the subject
to help identify people with a similar trait of interest.

The process of snowball sampling is much like asking your subjects to nominate another
person with the same trait as your next subject. The researcher then observes the nominated
subjects and continues in the same way until the sufficient number of subjects is obtained.

For example, if a researcher is studying a rare disease; the researcher may opt to use snowball
sampling since it will be difficult to obtain subjects. It is also possible that the patients with
the same disease have a support group; and therefore, one sample respondent may lead to
another having the same problem.

MODULE 4

MEANING OF PRIMARY & SECONDARY DATA

Primary Data: Primary data refers to the information obtained first hand by the researcher
on the variables of interest for the specific purpose of the study. The primary data are those,
which are collected afresh and for the first time, and therefore it happens to be original in
character.

Secondary Data: Secondary data refers to second-hand information gathered from the
existing sources. The secondary data are those which have already been collected by someone
else and which have already been passed through the statistical process. The secondary data is
readily available data from published or printed sources. The secondary data is generally used
in the case of academic research and to a certain extent in the case of social research.

PRIMARY & SECONDARY DATA COLLECTION METHODS

The primary data collection methods include:

1. Survey/ Interview Method

2. Observation Method
3. Experimentation Method

I. SURVEY/INTERVIEW METHOD: The survey can be census survey or sample

survey. In case of census survey, the entire universe is contacted to collect the data.
For example, a survey on job satisfaction of doctors in Government hospitals in the
city of Mumbai, then each and every doctor in Govt. hospitals in Mumbai needs to be
contacted to collect the data. But because of limitations of time, and money, it may
not be possible to contact each and every doctor, and therefore, the researcher may
adopt sample survey method. In sample survey method, only a part of the universe is
selected to collect the data. But the sample should be so selected that it represents the
universe.
Under the survey method, the data is collected through interviews. The interviews can
be: - personal interview, - telephone interview or - mail survey.

Personal Interview: It is a face to face interaction between the interviewer and the
respondent. The interviewer may ask the questions, and the respondent accordingly
responds. There are various types of personal interviews:
Formal and Informal - In formal interview certain formalities are followed
such as prior appointment of the interviewee. In informal interview, the
interviewer may not follow formalities in data collection.
Structured and Unstructured - In structured interview, the interviewer asks
certain questions designed well in advance. In unstructured interview, no
specific questionnaire is followed. The interviewer is given freedom to ask
certain questions depending on the situation. Structured questionnaire is
normally not followed.
Individual and Group - In individual interview, only one person is
interviewed at a time, and in a group interview, a group of respondents may be
asked questions at the same time and at the same place.
General or Specific Interview - In general interview, the questions asked
may be general in nature. For example, general comments on advertising
media. However, in the case of specific interview, specific questions may be
asked such as specific comments on T.V. advertising.
Directive and non-directive interview - In directive interview, the
interviewer gives directions to the interviewee to respond to certain questions.
 In non-directive interview, the respondents are given freedom to respond to
certain topic without much questioning on the part of the interviewer.
Telephone Interview: It is a method of conducting interview by telephoning the
respondents. A series of questions are asked on phone and the answers are recorded. It
is a very popular method extensively used in western countries.
Mail Survey: It is another method of data collection. A questionnaire is prepared
containing a list of questions to solicit information from selected respondents. This
questionnaire is sent through post or advertised in a newspaper or magazine,
explaining the purpose of the questionnaire and a request to complete and return it to
the researcher. A reply-paid envelope may also be given to the respondent wherever
possible to encourage the respondents to promptly send the answers.

The sources of secondary data collection can be internal sources or external sources.

I. INTERNAL SOURCES:

An organisation may use certain data from its own records to take certain decisions. For
example, promotion of employees can be based on the performance appraisal reports. Also,
the past performance of the organisation can be used for planning the operations.

The internal secondary data is collected from internal records such as:

Purchases and sales records.

Debtors and creditors records.
Division/Unit wise production or operations records.
Financial statements including balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and
fund/cash flow statements.
Employees' records including performance, compensation, claims, service
records, etc.

USES OF INTERNAL SOURCES:

The data available from the company's internal source can be effectively used for the
following purposes.

1. Product Analysis: An analysis of sales record according to size, varieties, or specific,

individual products or groups can indicate:
i. The percentage of sales which each product contributes to the company's total
sales and profit.
ii. Increase or decrease in sale of each product.
 2. Customer Analysis: It includes list of wholesalers, retailers, distributors and dealers.
Such analysis is useful to
a. disclose the volume of sale of each product,
b. measure the profitability,
c. measure the changes in the trend which may occur in retail trade.
3. Analysis of Sales Territories: A study of sales according to sales area can furnish the
changes in the volume of sales according to each product and between two or more
territories. This helps to evaluate salesmen's performance, profitability in each area,
identify strong and weak areas for marketing purpose.
4. Sales Frequency Analysis: It is useful to establish seasonal and cyclical fluctuations
in sales (For example, sale of ice cream and soft drinks is seasonal).
5. Financial Analysis: Analysing the balance-sheet and other financial statements can
provide information about profitability or identify areas of wasteful expenditure.
6. Stock Turnover Analysis: Maintaining a minimum stock level is directly related to
both sales and production. An analysis of stock level helps to find out capital
requirements, minimum order quantity to be purchased at one time.

II. EXTERNAL SOURCES:

The organisation can collect data from external secondary sources. The external secondary
data can be collected from various published sources such as books, magazines, newspapers,
internet and other reports and records. The external data can be used to take various decisions
such as product designing, pricing, promotion, distribution, etc.

The following are the various external sources of secondary data:

1. Government Publications: Central, State and Local government bodies produce and
publish a vast amount of data that can be used for marketing research purpose. Some
of the important government publications are:
i. Census Report: The Census of India's population is conducted every 10 years
at national level by the Registrar General of India. The data provides basic
demographic information about the population by sex, age, education, etc,
ii. Statistics of National Income: Published every year by The Central
Statistical Organisation. It supplies vital statistics on agriculture, industry,
trade, saving, consumption capital formation and so on.
iii. Industrial Statistics: Published by The Central Statistical organisation -
provides industry wise information like workers employed, total production of
selected industries, etc.
 iv. Statistics on Foreign Trade - Brought out by The Director General of
Commercial Intelligence - gives monthly statistical data on imports and
exports.
v. Price Statistics - The wholesale price index for commodities like food grains,
fuel, power etc., published by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
Government of India.
vi. (a) Other Publications: It includes official publications of Planning
Commission, Reserve Bank of India, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Food
and Agriculture, Indian Labour Bureau etc.
(b) The publications of National Sample Survey (NSS) on issues relating to
social, economic, industrial and other statistics.
(c) Publications of Commodity Boards, Export Promotion councils, etc.

2. Syndicated Sources: Some private organisations like advertising agencies, research

firms, etc. as a part of their business regularly collect data useful to marketing
researchers. Such collected, analysed and tabulated data are sent periodically to the
subscribers. Sometimes the data are made available against payment of fees to non-
members. Further, such organisations do undertake data collection projects on
contract basis. Syndicated services usually collect data:- on consumer goods market,
TV viewing, magazine readership, media advertising, etc. In India, organisations like
- The Operation Research Group (ORG), The India Market Research Bureau
(IMRB), Pathfinders etc., provide information on retail audit, crop surveys, media
and readership research, television viewership, Rural and Urban Market Index, etc.

3. General Publications: It publications like newspapers; magazines, trade and

professional journals of Trade Associations and of Commerce. Likewise, professional
directories published by professional bodies e.g., The Industrial Directory of India,
Directory of World Chamber of Commerce and Trade Associations, publications of
United Nations, specialised libraries, research projects, reference libraries etc. can be
tapped for data collection purpose.

MEANING OF QUESTIONNAIRE

A questionnaire is a set of questions, which act as an instrument to collect data from the
respondents to a survey or interview.
A questionnaire is an indirect and impersonal method of conducting survey. It is a set of
questions arranged in an orderly form and sent to the respondents for obtaining information
on a particular matter. Questionnaires are used as a direct method in conducting interview for
data collection.

PILOT STUDY

It is an essential and useful step in preparing and finalising the questionnaire. Pre testing
involves rewriting questions, changing their order, replacing open ended questions to close
ended questions, adding or replacing certain questions etc. Pilot study involves administering
the rough draft of the questionnaires on a small group of respondents who would be
interviewed subsequently in sample survey. The purpose of pilot study is to find out the
clerical and technical errors from the questionnaire before its final selection. The defects are
removed before approval of the questionnaire so that future lapses in the data collection
process can be avoided.

Introduction
Music piracy is the copying and distributing of copies of a piece of music for
which the composer, recording artist, or copyright-holding record company did
not give consent. It has a long history, as Beethoven was afflicted with pirated
copies of his music, which reduced the income he could make from
publishing. In the contemporary legal environment, it is a form of copyright
infringement, which is a civil wrong and, under certain circumstances, even a
crime in many countries. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw much
controversy about copyright piracy, regarding the ethics of redistributing media
content, how much production and distribution companies in the media were
losing, and the very scope of what ought to be considered "piracy"and cases
involving the piracy of music were among the most frequently discussed in the
debate.
As a result of the recent growth in the use of the Internet and the continued progress of digital
technology, these have made the exchange of digital contents between users much easier.
However, this has lead to current problems in that many cultural industries such as software,
music, and film, face the serious problem of piracy through illegal copying on a global scale.
The issue of piracy has received a lot of attention from researchers with many studies that
have examined software piracy focusing on the associated morality, attitudes, and its
causes(e.g. Christensen and Eining 1991 and Husted 2000). This research has been motivated
by the fact that piracy has had both a social and financial impact particularly in the software
industry and especially in the U.S. Nowadays, with the widespread availability of piracy
software, there are now other forms of piracy, such as audio and music piracy, which have
also become common global phenomena. Many previous studies that have considered music
piracy have focused on the impact of file sharing on market and music consumption, and
these have shown that music piracy has become a major concern and threat to the recording
industry. It has been considered that young university students are always the pioneers when
it comes to adapting to new technology, and this has been the case with peer to peer (P2P)
technology, and nowadays P2P music file sharing has become indispensable in the lives of
many university students. As a Chinese student, the author noticed that many fellow Chinese
students, in the Netherlands, download music from the Internet and copy music from each
other. It is therefore interesting to consider why music file sharing has become so prevalent,
and why millions of people undertake this illegal practice, in spite of the legal 4
consequences. It has been speculated that, they simply do not want to pay or possibly other
factors may have a role. The aim of this research is be to investigate the factors that influence
Chinese students to engage in music piracy. Most previous studies that have considered music
piracy have only been conducted among western people, however, this research is novel in
that only Chinese students in the Netherlands will be considered here, and this will provide an
insight into the attitudes and behaviour of this particular group. It will be of value to
investigate whether cost, attitudes, legal awareness, morality, the length of time the students
are in the Netherlands and other related factors play a role in their music piracy behaviour.

Definition of problem with reason for selecting research problem

The perennial problem with music piracy has gotten worse with the proliferation of
downloadable music on the Internet. Why is it that people are tempted to download music
files form the Internet even if its illegal? The answer is like a wide-eyed monster you need
not look in the eye people do it because its FREE.

Why would a consumer acquire music from legitimate sources, which usually requires them
to shed off some precious dollars, when they can get it elsewhere on the web
for free? Some people argue that record labels are charging too much for the music piracy

music they sell, and thats why people prefer other illegal means of acquiring the music they
want. But most people dont realize that by patronizing illegal means of acquiring music, they
are actually promulgating music piracy and are therefore driving a huge stake against the
producers of the music they love so much.

By supporting music piracy, they are actually killing the industry. And if the industry dies,
they will be deprived of the kind of music they clamour for. According to the International
Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the international association of more than
1,400 recording companies, the actual loss in sales brought about by illegal music downloads
is approximately 10% of the recording companies total revenue. Some would say that its
not enough to bankrupt big music companies, but its actually a big loss for smaller
companies, especially those who are just starting up and are trying to make a niche in the
industry.

It is also a great loss for the artists and composers. Not only are they losing royalty fees for
their talent and hard work, its a lot harder for them to reach gold, platinum or triple platinum
status in terms of sales because less people are buying their albums. It doesnt mean that less
people are appreciating their music. Its just that more people are buying pirated versions of
their music, hence not contributing to the artists official record sales. This trend is also
disastrous to budding singers or starting songwriters who have yet to earn their first few
hundred dollars but already see the downfall of their career.

However, recording companies can still see this as a window of opportunity. They can
actually learn a lot from music pirates. Closing down sites that offer free music downloads
will never be a solution. We all know how easy it is to set up a website or a blog. They can go
on suing individuals who are caught downloading or offering free music online, but based on
whats happening now, that still doesnt stop either pirates or consumers.

What music companies can do to compete with pirates is to offer consumers the best value
for money that they can offer. Radio was once thought to bring about the demise of the
recording industry, but that did not happen. Radio and the music industry became partners in
providing and promoting music to the public. That should be the same with the
Internet. More people are embracing the idea of downloading music files online
for a minimal fee. Music companies can think of new ideas to make their music
cost, well, almost free. If they can do that, the public would prefer original
content over the pirates. And if that happens, music piracy would eventually die
a natural death.

Music exchanged over the Internet is a pure information product (Dolfsma, 2007:65), and as
such the consumption of these information goods by one does not prevent others from
consuming it at the same time. In economic terms, information goods are public goods, they
are non-excludable, compared with the physical goods (Dolfsma,2007:65-67), although many
people consider that information should be offered for free and rebuff any limitation to their
activity of copying and distributing files over the internet (Mawhood & Tysver:98). Gopal
and Sanders (2006) have supported the argument that music as an information good has the
characteristics of a quasi-public good, i.e. it is difficult to exclude other people from enjoying
the music while the music is listened by someone. When people consume music without
paying for it, this so-called free-riding, and is a problem which may undermine market
efficiencies. Digital music and the MP3 format used for compressing the size of digital music
files 5 has made file transformation easier and has helped music sharing activity and
encouraged file sharing programs(Hill 2003:102). Consequently, this has resulted in piracy
problems that are now having a greater impact on the music industry. Moreover, the rapid
development of the Internet has enabled the wider and easier distribution of music over the
network (Weckert 2000: 58). Subsequently, legal online music has appeared because of its
easy reproducibility and electronic distribution. Since the appearance of this online music, it
is now no longer necessary to buy CDs or records. People can now simply download the
music; store it on any device such as a portable MP3 player, and share with each other.
countries included in their study, the music piracy rate reached 95% with more than 40
billions unlicensed music files having being shared. 1.2.2. Why music downloading is a
copyright violation Music downloading is related to the issue of copyright violation. From the
moment a song or music track is first recorded on to a disc or cassette tape, it is under the
protection of the copyright, and as such the copying of any video or music track without
permission of the copyright owner is unlawful. The illegal download and file sharing of
music is one of the most common acts that infringe copyright law on the Internet. In the case
of the law of copyright, this gives protection against the unauthorized copying of documents,
images, and sounds on the Internet (Mawhood & Tysver 2000:98) however, the current
copyright law is lacking and ineffective for digital works. This law does not protect digital
works satisfactorily while additionally it is very difficult to enforce the legislation on copying
and distribution of any digital work over the Internet (Weckert 2000: 60), particularly given
how difficult it would be to catch and punish every single person who copies and shares
music files on the internet. However it should be remembered that it is legal to copy a CD
that has been purchased for personal use and this is protected by American copyright law
(Hill, 2003:23), but it becomes illegal when the copy is given to some else (Hill, 2003:230).
In legal terms, this means that any act of copying of authorized content not for personal use is
seen as illegal.

Review of literatre

The Cost is the major reason for students to illegally download music.. Most students will
buy less CDs after starting to illegally download. H3. The length of time that students spend
in Holland is negatively associated with their piracy behaviour and attitudes.. The length of
time that Chinese students spend in Holland is positively associated with their increased
knowledge of copyright law. students music piracy behaviour and attitudes are negatively
associated with their knowledge of copyright law. students are likely to have high tolerance
and acceptable attitudes towards music piracy. students music piracy behaviour is positively
associated with their attitudes towards music piracy.

Formulation of hypothesis
This thesis focuses on college students between the ages of 18 and 24 for a variety of reasons,
but primarily because this population is responsible for a huge proportion of digital music
sales. This is evidenced by the fact that persons aged 18-24 are digital natives. They have
grown up in an interconnected environment where personal computers, cell phones, and the
Internet have always been a part of their lives. Because of this, digital natives have an
unparalleled proficiency with new technology, which helps explain why this demographic
frequently chooses digital channels to purchase and store new music. A recent survey
conducted by Ipsos, a private research think tank [specializing] in the fields of media and
advertising, concluded that out of a sample size of 1,000 American college students, 69%
download music online and 92% admit they seldom or never pay for it (Ipsos). Another study
found that 96% of 18-24 year-olds undertake illegal copying in some form
(technology.timesonline.co.uk). Ever since the creation of file-sharing service Napster in
1999, campuses have been the cradle of fileswappingThey have free, fast network access
and an audience of passionate music consumers (usatoday.com). Accordingly, the record
industry says an average of 165 million song files are traded through university networks
(usatoday.com). Statistics posted by British Music Rights further found that 96.3% of persons
aged 18-24 regularly copy at least five CDs each month, and that at least 50% of their music
files were acquired illegally.

Questions
1)How much is the estimate the amount of money you have spent on show tickets,
merchandise (tshirts, posters, etc.), or other items that benefit music artists?

2? How many albums of music would you say you have purchased?

3) How many songs would you say you have purchased?

4) In general, to what degree do you think downloading music without paying for it
harms music artists?

5) to what degree do you think downloading music without paying for it harms record
labels/companies?

6) to what degree do you think downloading music without paying for it harms record
labels/companies?

7) On average, in a single session lasting less than or up to 24 hours in length, how

many songs would you say you download without paying for them
8) Do you believe there are any positive impacts from illegal music downloading? If
so, please explain.

9) Do you believe there are any negative impacts from illegal music downloading? If
so, please explain.

10) What do you think can be done to prevent online music piracy

11) If a man requires music therapy to cure his sickness but cannot afford to buy the
CDs, is it considered stealing if his friend "burns" the songs onto a CD for him?

12 Do you have any suggestions/opinions/ideas on online music piracy?

13) Do you know what 'Intellectual Property' is?

14) If media was priced at a lower cost would you return back to the paid providers?

15) Can you name any of the laws relating to piracy in India?

Pilot study

Pilot experiments are frequently carried out before large-scale quantitative

research, in an attempt to avoid time and money being wasted on an
inadequately designed project. A pilot study is usually carried out on members
of the relevant population, but not on those who will form part of the final
sample. This is because it may influence the later behaviour of research subjects
if they have already been involved in the research.[2]

A pilot experiment/study is often used to test the design of the full-scale

experiment which then can be adjusted. It is a potentially valuable insight and
should anything be missing in the pilot study it can be added to the full-scale
(and more expensive) experiment to improve the chances of a clear outcome.

A small study conducted in advance of a planned project, specifically to test aspects of

the research design (such as stimulus material) and to allow necessary adjustment
before final commitment to the design. Although not unknown in qualitative research,
these are more common in large quantitative studies, since adjustment after the
beginning of fieldwork is less possible than in qualitative work.
QUESTIONS

1)What is your gender?

2. Do you download music?

3. How do you download music?

4. Are you aware of the legal issues of downloading music from unlicensed sources?

5.Do you feel there is a solution to internet piracy and any possible solutions that may
stop it occurring as frequently?

6.Do you feel the benefits of piracy outweigh the risks?

7) What should happen to people who download music from unlicensed sources?

8)Who do you think is most significantly affected by internet piracy?

9.) Do you understand the consequences of being caught using the internet to pirate
media or having pirated media in your possession (physically or electronically)?
Please explain.

10) Would you be open to a service with unlimited downloads for a flat fee?

11) What is a reasonable price for one music album/CD?

12) What is a reasonable price for one music track?

13) What do you think it would take for a consumer to stop downloading music
illegally?

14) Can you name any services that you download media illegally from?

15) Can you name any services that you download media legally from?

16)What would you describe as the main factor/s that lead to you pirate media? If you
dont what would be the main reason/s that would lead you to?

17) After doing this questionnaire has your opinion on piracy changed? If so, why?