Research/Project Design Selection of a Topic Pilot Survey, if needed Review of Literature Conceptual Framework Theoretical framework (not compulsory)

Formulation of Research Questions /Issues Research objectives Hypotheses, if any Coverage (Universe/ Sample & period of study) Data source (Primary/Secondary) Analytical Framework (Tools of analysis) Social and Business Relevance of the study Limitations of the study Chapter outline Introductory chapter Result Chapter(s) Conclusion Chapter Structure of the Report 1.1 Title page a. Title of the project b. Name of the candidate c. Name and designation of the supervisor. d. Degree for which project is submitted. e. Name of the university/ Institute. f. Month and year the project is presented g. Declaration of the student &supervisor i. Certificate from the sponsor/employer 1.2 Preface 1.3 Table of contents List of Tables List of Figures 1.4 Abstract/ Executive Summary 1.4.1 The main text Introductory Chapter: Introduction & survey of literature to limitations of the studyResult Chapter(s) Analysis, Results Interpretation Conclusion Chapter: Conclusions, Recommendations & Summary

1.5 End Notes or Foot Notes 1.6 Bibliography or References 1.7 Appendices

Institutional requirement Length of the Project Preferably 50 to 75 pages ( double spaced ,single side) Supervisor- Student Meeting Log

Date/Time

Discussion Areas Topic selection Clarify Objectives Literature Review Research Design Collect Data Analyze Data Write up Sponsor/Employer Comments Final Draft

Summary of Discussions

Signature

Appendix I: Business research Topics: Illustration

Business Aspect Consumer Behaviour Human Resources Research Issues Buying habits, brand preference, consumer attitude, Employee attitude, staff retention, material incentive,TQM, leadership style, attrition, absenteeism Media research, public relations studies, product recall through advertising, market share, Test markets, concept studies, performance studies Forecasting, budgeting, efficiency of accounting software, credit risk, impact of taxes, cost analysis Knowledge &Information needs, data mining, technical support satisfaction, database analysis Ecological impact, social values and ethics, worker equity, sex, age, racial discrimination

Promotion Product Finance Information systems CSR

Source: Essentials of Business Research by Jonathan Wilson- Sage Publication Business Research Methods by William G.Zikmund

Appendix II: Research Process: Illustration Selection of a Topic The logic of a selection of a topic/issue for project rests on the following criteria. (1) When something is unsatisfactory (2) When facts necessary to solve a problem are unknown. (3) When traditional beliefs are inadequate is explaining a problem or issue. Select a relevant topic which suits to a career prospects and identity an area (fits with in the course of study) in consultation with your research supervisor. Pilot Survey The selection must be preceded by a pilot study which helps to ensure the practicability of the study. Survey of Literature A through and analytical review of previous studies related to the problem may be done. This will help to frame research objectives. Conceptual Framework

It is the process of giving clear and precise meaning and accepted definition to various concepts and variables used in the area of study. Formulation of Research Questions /Issues Each objective of the study must be preceded by a research questions. The research questions raised by the student must be totally related to the problem under study. Transformation of Research Questions into specific Research Objectives Research objective(s) are these specific propositions that are the subject of investigations. For each research issue a corresponding objective may be framed. Transformation of Research Objectives into Hypotheses. Frame suitable hypotheses for your research study. In the absence of hypotheses, proceed on the basis of well defined objectives, and examine your findings with that of well established studies in the field. Coverage: It includes area of the study, the period of the study, the number of observations etc. The following information should be given (i) Universe of the study (ii) Sampling frame (iii) Units of observation and sampling size. Sample framework A set of respondents selected from a larger population for the purpose of survey. Sample size: Depends on the nature of analysis and the desired precision, the kind and number of comparisons of number variables to be examined, and heterogeneity of the population Data source and techniques (i) Primary data (ii) Secondary data Techniques (i) Questionnaire or schedule (ii) Interviews (iii) Observation Analytical Framework (i) Statistical tools and its appropriateness (ii) Models used if any (iii) Testing of hypotheses if any. Social and Business Relevance of the study

The social and business of the study to be highlighted so that it will be useful to policy makers Limitations of the study State the limitations of each study End Notes or Foot Notes To provide additional information on a particular concept of issue or to direct the reader to related areas and to lead to the source or early study. End notes are given at the end of the chapter and footnotes at the bottom of each page Bibliography or References Bibliographies are list of books (and other materials) on a particular subject including all the sources cited in the study. References include only those sources cited and should not include books and other sources but not used Appendix III Topic and Hypothesis formulation: Illustration Topic: Advertising and growth: Mapping the relationship between advertising & sales growth with reference to product X Research Issue 1. What is the relationship between advertisement expenditure and sales revenue? Research Objective 1. To study the relationship between ad-expenditure and sales growth. Conceptual frame work (Definitions/ Meaning / Operational definition of all issues, concepts and variables used in the objective(s) \ viz. Ad-expenditure Sales growth Advertising Hypothesis. Step I Informal Hypothesis: For the last two years sales have been increasing but not consistently in spite of advertisement. Step II Formal Hypothesis: Sales growth is a positive function of ad-expenditure

Step III Specific the relationship between the dependent and independent variables Step IV Scientific Hypothesis The assumed relationship between advertisement and sales are often termed as alternative hypothesis;( H1) H1 There is an impact of Advertisement spending on sales growth. The opposite of alternative hypothesis is the null hypothesis ( H0 ) H0 There is no impact of Advertisement spending on sales growth. Step V: Translate the hypothesis into an estimable function- in the form of an equation Step VI: Estimate the values Step VII: How reliable is the result? Step VIII: Test the reliability i.e. Test of statistical significance Step IX: Accept HO or Reject HO and explain accordingly