Research Methodology

1. Introduction to Research
1.1 Meaning, objectives, and significance of research in business
1.2 Types of research: Basic, applied, descriptive, analytical, qualitative, and quantitative
1.3 Research process and its steps
1.4 Criteria of good research
1.5 Ethics in research

2. Research Design and Data Collection
2.1 Meaning and importance of research design
2.2 Types of research design: Exploratory, descriptive, and experimental
2.3 Sampling: Concepts, methods (probability and non-probability), sampling errors
2.4 Sources of data: Primary and secondary
2.5 Methods of data collection: Observation, interview, questionnaire, and schedule 20
2.6 Design of a good questionnaire

3. Data Processing and Analysis
3.1 Data editing, coding, classification, and tabulation
3.2 Use of tables, charts, and graphs in data presentation
3.3 Measures of central tendency and dispersion (basic overview)
3.4 Hypothesis: Meaning, types, and formulation
3.5 Use of software tools (e.g., Excel/SPSS) – basic introduction & overview

4. Research Report Writing and Presentation
4.1 Structure and components of a research report
4.2 Guidelines for writing a good research report
4.3 Citation and bibliography
4.4 Plagiarism and how to avoid it
4.5 Presentation of research findings: Oral and written