Chapter 1

Define research? What are the characteristics of research?

Research means a systematic investigative process employed to increase or
revise current knowledge by discovering new facts. It is divided into two general categories:
(1) Basic research is inquiry aimed at increasing scientific knowledge, and
(2) Applied research is effort aimed at using basic research for
solving problems or developing new processes, products, or techniques.
The Websters Dictionary states, Research is a careful critical inquiry or examination in seeking
facts or principles; diligent investigation in order to ascertain something.
William C. Emory in the book Business Research Methods defines Research is any organized
inquiry designed and carried out to provide information for solving a problem.
Research simply means a search for facts answers to questions and Solutions to Problems. It is
a Purposive investigation. It is an Organized inquiry (It seeks to find explanations to
unexplained phenomenon, to classify the doubtful propositions and to correct the misconceived
facts).
Characteristics of Research

Scientific Method:

Research uses scientific method to find facts or to provide solutions to specific problems. The
researcher needs to follow a systematic procedure to conduct research. There is a set of
procedures that have been tested over a period of time and are thus suitable to use in research.
This means each step in the research procedure must follow the other.
Scientific research in any field of knowledge cannot be conducted in a haphazard manner.
Scientific research cannot be merely based on ones beliefs and imagination. To get the best
possible research results, the researchers needs to adopt the scientific method of inquiry or
investigation.

Objective and Logical:

The scientific research is objective and logical in nature. Research is based on valid procedures
and principles.
There is a need to collect relevant, accurate and objective data to investigate into the research
problem. Researchers need to make every possible effort to avoid bias in data collection. After
collection of objective data, the researcher needs to systematically process the data, analyze and
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interpret it, and arrive to a logical conclusion. Wherever required, the researcher needs to
systematically verify the findings and conclusions.

Applied and Basic Research:

The research can be broadly classified into two broad groups:

Applied Research
Basic Research
Applied Research is designed to solve practical problems of the modern world rather than to
acquire knowledge for knowledge sake. The goal of applied research is to improve the human
condition. It is generally used to solve a particular problem. For instance, a social research can be
conducted to study the problem of unemployment in rural areas, and based on the research
findings; appropriate measures can be taken by Government authorities to reduce the problem of
unemployment.
Basic or fundamental research is driven by scientists curiosity or interest in scientific question.
The main goal of basic research is to expand mans knowledge. There is no obvious commercial
value to the discoveries that result from basic research. For instance, basic research can be
undertaken to study the origin of the universe. Basic research lays down the foundation of the
applied science that follows.

Empirical Nature of Research:

Research can be based on direct experience or observation by the research. Empirical research is
undertaken to study certain situations or events based on experiments, observation and surveys.
In empirical research, the researcher develops a hypothesis and then collects data to prove it or to
disprove it.

Generalisation:

Research findings can be applied to larger population. A researcher can conduct research on a
sample of respondents that represent the universe. The sample selection must be done
systematically so that it properly represents the whole population or the universe. The research
findings based sample population can then be generalized and applied to the whole universe.
Therefore, generalization takes place when research findings based on sample responses are
applied to whole population.

Controlled Nature of Basic Research:

In real life experience there are many factors that affect an outcome. A single event is often the
result of several factors. When similar event is tested in research, due to the broader nature of
factors, some factors are taken as controlled factors while others are tested for possible effects.
In pure sciences it is very easy to control certain factors because lab experiments are conducted.
However, it is difficult to perform controlled laboratory experiments in the case of social science
research, although to a limited extent laboratory experiments are possible in social sciences as
well.

Development of Principles and Theories:

A systematic research helps to develop new principles and theories. Such principles and theories
can be useful to several organizations to manage and deal with people and things in a better way.
The general laws or theories developed through research may enable us to make reliable
predictions of events, which have not yet occurred.

Multipurpose Activity:

Research is a multipurpose activity. It helps to develop new facts or verify old facts. It helps not
only to predict future events, but also may help to control such events. It establishes casual
relationships between variables. It also helps to develop new scientific tools, concept and
theories, which would facilitate reliable and valid study of human behavior and other aspects.

Manipulation of Concepts:

The researcher tries to manipulate things, or concepts. The manipulation or purposeful control of
things, or concepts is done with a definite purpose so as to arrive at statements of generality.
For instance, a researcher may manipulate the environment in a workplace such as lighting, or
layout or seating arrangement to find out its impact on the productivity of the employees.

Quantitative and Qualitative Research:

Research undertaken to measure quantity or amount is called a quantitative research. For

instance, research undertaken to find out the number of unemployed graduates or the number of
unemployed in general. On the other hand, research, which is undertaken to find out the quality
of a particular situation or phenomenon, is called as qualitative research. 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 behavioral sciences where the main aim is to
find out the underlying motives of human behavior.

Research- a process:

Research is a systematic process. It involves a number of steps. The main steps include:
Formulating the research problem or situation.

Explain the need and importance of research in business.

A business research program is surely a preferred way for businesses to train and educate their
managers and other staff members in a vast array of different fields. Business research can relate
to economics, business strategy and ethics, in fact, anything associated with modern business and
Trade. Undertaking research in business management is important since it aids a business plan
for the future, based on what may have occurred in earlier times. If performed effectively it can
help an organization to make plans on how to become more viable in its field.

Testing of new products:

Business research tests the possible success of fresh products. Businesses need to know what
kinds of services and products consumers want before they produce them. Research will reduce
risk Research can help design a new product or service, figuring out what is needed and ensure
that the development of a product is highly targeted towards demand.

Guaranteeing adequate distribution:

Businesses can also use research to guarantee sufficient distribution of their products. For
instance, a consumer products company might want to speak with merchants about the various
brands they offer. The outcomes of the business research can help managers decide where they
need to increase their product distribution. In-house research is required for professional and
self-development of the workers through training and mentoring. Organizational research and
analysis would also be needed for assessment of performance management, process
reengineering, departmental assessment and well-being of staff members.
Undertaking research can help a company avoid future failure. Carrying out research can also
help a business determine whether now is the right time to expand into another town or whether
it needs to apply for a new loan. It may also help a small business decide if a process should be
altered or if more needs to be done to meet the requirements of the customer base.

Studying the competition:

Businesses frequently make use of research to study key rivals in their Markets. Businesses will
often begin with secondary research information or information which is currently accessible.
Research is important for any organization to remain competitive in the market. The top function
of research is to supply a business with an outlet to correctly determine its customers. With the
help of surveys, an organization can analyze the preferences of its target consumers.

Furthermore, these studies could also provide a business the chance to examine its competitors in
the industry and analyze and emulate key strategies which could help in its operations.

Reduction in costs:

Research in business helps a firm to reduce costs. The research may indicate the areas where
high costs are involved. It may be possible for the firm to cut down the costs in certain areas.
Therefore, cost-reduction will improve the overall efficiency of the organization, i.e., the
organization will be in a position to achieve higher returns at a lower cost.

Customer Relationships:

Marketing research may help the firm to develop good relations with its customers, especially,
the priority customers. Research can help the firm to collect valuable inputs about the priority
customers. Based on the inputs, the firm can adopt various customers relationship techniques
such as package of loyalty incentives, one-to-one marketing, effective after-sale-service,
incentives for customer suggestions, etc.

Corporate Image:

Nowadays, firms need to build, maintain, and enhance corporate image in the minds of
stakeholders customers, dealers, employees, and others. For instance, consumer research may
enable the firm to obtain feedback on customers requirements and expectations, and accordingly
the company would make the right efforts to satisfy customer and develop good image in the
minds of customers.Also dealer research enables the company to obtain feedback on dealer
requirements and expectations, and thus the company would make efforts to enhance dealer
satisfaction, which in turn would develop good image of the firm in the minds of dealers.

Competitive Advantage:

Through research, a company can take proactive decisions, such as introduction of new models,
introduce price changes, undertake innovative promotional schemes, and so on. The proactive
decisions can confer competitive advantage to the firm.
Also, through research, the firm can find out the strengths of the competitors, which make certain
buyers to prefer competitors brands. Based on competitors research, the firm can improve its
market offering vis--vis that of the competitors, and thereby, enhance its competitive advantage.

Human Resource Plans and Policies:

Research may be undertaken to frame effective HR plans and policies in respect of:
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Recruitment and Selection

Training to Employees
Performance Appraisal
Promotion and Transfers
Compensation plans, etc
Financial Management:
Research may be undertaken for efficient management of finance. Financial management covers
two broad areas:
Sources of Funds
Application of Funds
Proper research may enable a company to determine the best sources of funds, and to ensure
proper application of funds for working capital and fixed capital.

Market Expansion:

With the help of marketing research inputs, the company can identify the markets which have
good potential. Accordingly, the marketer can enter new markets. Entry in new markets can be
undertaken with the help of appropriate marketing activities, such as promotional activities
publicity, advertising, salesmanship, sales-promotion, etc.
It can also help in the recruitment of employees. Its through proper research that human resource
managers are able to determine and recruit qualified manpower. Recruitment of workers with the
right skills and attitudes aids the company to improve its productivity levels. Research for the
right staff members can be done via the internet, consultancy firms and institutions of higher
learning. A proper knowledge of the employees and healthy conversation would be important
factors for a manager to boost performance of the individuals in the team. A good approach,
winning attitude and behaviour of the manager with proper systems set up would certainly call
for sound research to understand and improve the system.

Discuss the need and importance of research in social sciences.

Social science research is widely regarded as providing substantial benefits to individuals and to
local, regional, national, and international communities. Some social scientists have identified a
broad array of categories of such benefits. But they have not often done this in a systematic
fashion. On occasion they have asserted that, if estimated using a monetary measure, these
benefits would be large.
Social science includes many disciplines and subdisciplinesanthropology, economics, history,
geography, psychology, and sociology. This paper focuses largely on economics and agricultural
economics and, in particular, on the benefits associated with policy-oriented rather than pure
social science research.
As with any typology, the clarity of the demarcation lines and how they have been drawn and
used is subject to question and criticism. However, the emphasis on three types of organization
or sectorsfirms, households, and governmenthas the virtue of being in accord with widely
used constructs in national income accounting and models of economic systems.
The following points bring out the significance of research in social sciences.

Modifies Social Behavior:

Social research studies social behavior. Almost all our social problems could be attributed to
certain social behavior of the members of the society. Social research collects relevant data on
social behavior, analyses it and recommendations are listed. Based on the recommendations of
social researchers, steps can be taken by the concerned authorities to modify the societal
behavior.
For instance, the social researchers can study the causes and effects of corruption in the society.
One of the reasons for corruption could be the greed for money and power, and secondly certain
member of society continue to be corrupt on account of lack of strict laws to curtail corruption.
The researchers may suggest the modalities of strict punishment to corrupt persons including life
imprisonment.

Development of Methodology:

Development of methodology to deal with social issues is one of the contributions of social
research. For instance, organisations face the problem of executive stress, lack of concern of
ethics, poor leadership styles, employee absenteeism and turnover etc. To overcome such
problems, certain methodology needs to be developed. Social research enables the organisations
to develop appropriate methodology to study, analyse, and to take suitable action to overcome
the problem.
With reference to the above context, the methodology would involve the following steps:
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Identification of the problem

Preparation of research design
Designing a questionnaire
Collection of data
Analysis and interpretation of data
Recommendations
Reporting to higher authorities for suitable actions.

Social development:

Social research contributes to social development. Social development can be measured in terms
of literacy, life expectancy and other social development indicators. Research can be undertaken
to improve social development standards of the society. For instance, social research can be
conducted to improve literacy in a particular state. The researchers may study the measures
adopted by highly literate state, and accordingly make recommendations to use such measure.
Also, the researchers can be undertaken to enhance life expectancy in certain states and cities.

Social Welfare:

Government organisations can undertake social research to enhance ocial welfare of the society.
Research can help to design suitable package of measures to reduce income inequalities, to
reduce poverty and unemployment, to overcome the problems of social evils such as drug
addictions, abuse of alcohol, gambling and so on.

Formulation of New Theories:

Social research helps to formulate new theories. The existing theories can be reevaluated and
modified with the help of social research. For instance, social has enabled to develop several
theories on leadership, motivation, job satisfaction, group dynamics, and so on. These theories
enable business and non business organisations to design suitable packages for uplifting the
social behavior of their members.

Social Planning and Control:

Social research is a tool for social planning and control. Any constructive action needs to be
planned for effective implementation so as to achieve the desired outcome. Also, the research
may indicate suitable control measures to correct deviations as and when the deviations occur.

Timely corrective measures would enable to organizations to save a lot of time, effort and money
and at the same time, the organization would be in a position to achieve its predetermined goals.

Economic Planning:

Social science research can be of immense use in economic planning in a given society.
Economic planning requires basic data on the various aspects of our society and economy,
resource endowment and the needs, hopes and problems of the people, etc. economic planning is
undertaken to achieve certain objectives such as:
To bring about regional development
To make optimum use of available resources
To bring out self-reliance
To generate employment, etc.
A systematic research provides the required data for planning and developing various schemes or
programmes such as employment generation programmes, rural development programmes etc.

State and explain the objectives of research.

Researchers undertake research with definite objectives. Some of the important objectives of
research are briefly stated as follows:

To find solutions to problems:

Research can be undertaken to find solutions to solve specific problems. For instance, an
organization may initiate research to find solution to the problem of declining sales of their
product in the market. An educational institution can undertake research to find out the cause of
low attendance or poor results.

To verify and test existing laws or theories:

Research may be undertaken to verify and test existing laws or theories. Such verification and
testing of existing theories helps to improve the knowledge and ability to handle situations and
events. This is true when the existing theories may not be sufficient or relevant to handle certain
situations and events, and therefore, through research, improvements or modifications can be
made in the existing laws and theories.

To obtain information:

Research is undertaken to obtain information, which may not be easily obtained during the
ordinary course of functioning of an institution or an organization.
For instance, marketing research may be undertaken to understand the changes in consumer
behavior. A firm may undertake product research to bring about improvement or modification in
the existing product on the basis of feedback obtained from consumers, dealers and others.

To extend knowledge:

Researchers undertake research to extent the existing knowledge in physical sciences as well as
social sciences. The knowledge can be enhanced by undertaking research in general and by
fundamental research in particular.

To establish generalization and general laws:

Research can be undertaken to establish generalization and general laws in a particular society. In
other words, statements of generality can be stated through research. For instance, various laws,
principles and models have been developed through research. The AIDA (attention, interest,
desire and action) model, the law of demand and supply, the law of gravitation, etc., have been
developed through observation, experimentation, and other methods of research.

To predict events:
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Research may be undertaken to predict future course of events. For instance, research may be
undertaken to find out the impact of growing unemployment of educated youth on the social life
of the society in future. The findings of such research would not only indicate the possible
impact, but also would make the concerned authorities to take appropriate measures to reduce
unemployment, to reduce the growth of population, and to overcome the negative consequences,
as and when they take place.

To analyse inter-relationship:

Research may be undertaken to analyse inter-relationships between variables, so as to derive

casual explanations, which in turn would enable to have a better understanding of our society and
the universe in which we live. Researcher often develop hypothesis and test them to analyse the
casual relationship between variables.

To develop new tools and concepts:

Research helps to develop to new tools and concept for a better study of an unknown
phenomenon. For this purpose, exploratory research is undertaken to achieve new insights into
such phenomenon.

To develop new principles and theories:

A systematic research helps to develop new principles and theories. Such principles and theories
can be useful to several organisations to manage and deal with people and things in a better way.
The general laws or theories developed through research may enable us to make reliable
predictions of events, which have not yet occurred.

To develop innovative ideas:

Research may be undertaken to generate innovative ideas for the welfare of mankind. For
instance, research may enable an organisation to develop innovative ideas in respect of:
New and improved products.
Improved organisation structure.
Better technology.
New sources of raw materials etc.

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Discuss the types of research.

Different types of research are as follows:

Quantitative research:

Quantitative research is inquiry into an identified problem, based on testing a theory, measured
with numbers, and analyzed using statistical techniques. The goal of quantitative methods is to
determine whether the predictive generalizations of a theory hold true. We will explore some of
the issues and challenges associated with quantitative research in this section. Seek the advice of
faculty members who have conducted quantitative studies for advice, support and
encouragement.

Qualitative research:

A study based upon a qualitative process of inquiry has the goal of understanding a social or
human problem from multiple perspectives. Qualitative research is conducted in a natural setting
and involves a process of building a complex and holistic picture of the phenomenon of interest.
We will explore some of the issues and challenges associated with qualitative research in this
section. Look for colleagues who engage in qualitative research to serve as a sounding board for
procedures and processes you may use as a new faculty member.

Collaborative research:

There are many ways to collaborate and thereby enrich your work as a faculty member. Multiple
perspectives offer a more complete view of an issue under study. Whether presenting or
publishing, having several iterations of a study in different settings offers a means of validating
findings. Collaboration may take many forms, including crossing disciplines, types of
institutions, or engaging the community outside the campus environment. Explore the ways that
collaboration may enrich your research. Some of the issues and challenges associated with
collaborative research are explored in this section.

Practitioner research:

Simple definitions of practitioner research address the investigator, the setting and the purpose.
The investigator is the practitioner, in workplace settings ranging from hospitals, to schools and
communities. The general purpose is to better align the practitioners purpose with their actions.
There are those who argue that practitioner research stems from a larger social justice movement
within qualitative research. Even when social justice is not the sole motivating principle, an
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underlying commonality of purpose is the desire to improve upon and develop deeper insights
into ones practice. Practitioner research by its nature offers practitioners a voice in the research
conversation. Some consider it a bridge of sorts between theory and practice, although
practitioners claim a rightful place in the research continuum. Some of the issues and challenges
associated with practitioner research are explored in this section.

Basic research:

The term basic research refers to study and research that is meant to increase our scientific
knowledge base. This type of research is often purely theoretical with the intent of increasing our
understanding of certain phenomena or behavior but does not seek to solve or treat these
problems. Basic research generates new ideas, principles, and theories, which may not be
immediately utilized but nonetheless form the basis of progress and development in different
fields. Today's computers, for example, could not exist without research in pure mathematics
conducted over a century ago, for which there was no known practical application at the time.
Basic research rarely helps practitioners directly with their everyday concerns; nevertheless, it
stimulates new ways of thinking that have the potential to revolutionize and dramatically
improve how practitioners deal with a problem in the future.

Applied Research:

Applied research is a form of systematic inquiry involving the practical application of science. It
accesses and uses some part of the researchcommunities' (the academia's) accumulated theories,
knowledge, methods, and techniques, for a specific, often state-, business-, or client-driven
purpose.

Descriptive Research:

Descriptive research is used to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon being

studied. It does not answer questions about how/when/why the characteristics occurred.

Exporatory Research:

Exploratory research is research conducted for a problem that has not been clearly defined. It
often occurs before we know enough to make conceptual distinctions or posit
an explanatory relationship.Exploratory research helps determine the best research design, data
collection method and selection of subjects.

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Describe the issues and problems in research.

There are certain issues that affect the effectiveness of research. The issues are relating to
objectivity of data collection, ethical issues, and so on. The issues create problem for researchers
to collect correct, accurate and reliable data.
The main limitations are as follows:

Problem of Accuracy:

Social science deal with human beings their behavior, and social life. The human behavior
cannot be predicted with accuracy. This is because, human behavior is subject to change
depending upon the situation, the nature of the person, and other factors. Therefore, scientific
method in social sciences cannot predict with accuracy the behavior of human beings.

Problem of Uniformity:

Human behavior is not uniform. Different persons behave differently under certain situations. In
other words, all people do not behave in the same manner in similar situations. Also, one may
behave differently in similar situations at different times. Therefore, scientific method in social
sciences has the problem of generating uniformity in the behavior of different human beings
under similar situations.

Problem of Bias:

The scientific method in social sciences is affected by the problem of bias on the part of the
researchers. Some researchers may be biased in using the scientific method. They may draw
conclusions subjectively depending upon the likes, dislikes, feelings and emotions. In other
words, there is a problem of objectivity in using the scientific method in social sciences as
compared to physical sciences.

Problem of Sampling:

In social sciences, the researchers use a particular sample of respondents to understand the
behavior of human being in a given situation. However, there are problems in sampling. In other
words, the selected sample of respondents may not represent the universe, and as such, even if
the study conducted with the use of scientific method, may not bring objective results.

Problem of Respondents:

In social science, scientific method may not provide objective response from the respondents.
Some respondents may deliberately give wrong responses so as to please the researchers or to get
away with the interview as quickly as possible. Even in the case of observation, the respondents
may behave differently than otherwise.
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Problem of Verification:

The physical phenomenon may be known directly through senses, but the social phenomenon are
known only symbolically through words representing such social phenomenon, i.e., culture,
customs, tradition, values, and other subjective aspects of social life. Therefore, it is difficult to
verify the conclusions drawn from social science research.

Problem of Laboratory Experiments:

In most physical sciences, it is possible to undertake controlled laboratory experiments.

However, it is difficult to perform controlled laboratory experiments in the case of social science
research, although to a limited extent laboratory experiments are possible in social sciences as
well. As social sciences develop, a number of human problems may be hopefully be brought
within the reach of laboratory experiments.

Issues relating to Practical Significance:

At times, the research may be undertaken for name sake or just for the purpose of recognition.
For instance, academic research may be undertaken to get M.Phil or PhD degrees. A number of
research programmes undertaken by academicians in India and hardly serves any practical
significance.

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Chapter 2
Research Methodology
What is research methodology? Explain its nature and
characteristics.
Is there any difference between research methods and research methodology?
Research methods are the various procedures, schemes and algorithms used in research. All
the methods used by a researcher during a research study are termed as research methods.
They are essentially planned, scientific and value-neutral. They include theoretical
procedures, experimental studies, numerical schemes, statistical approaches, etc. Research
methods help us collect samples, data and find a solution to a problem. Particularly, scientific
research methods call for explanations based on collected facts, measurements and
observations and not on reasoning alone. They accept only those explanations which can be
verified by experiments.
Research methodology is a systematic way to solve a problem. It is a science of studying
how research is to be carried out. Essentially, the procedures by which researchers go about
their work of describing, explaining and predicting phenomena are called research
methodology. It is also defined as the study of methods by which knowledge is gained. Its
aim is to give the work plan of research.
Nature and Characteristics of Research Methodology
It is necessary for a researcher to design a methodology for the problem chosen. One should
note that even if the method considered in two problems are same the methodology may be
different. It is important for the researcher to know not only the research methods necessary
for the research under taken but also the methodology. For example, a researcher not only
needs to know how to calculate mean, variance and distribution function for a set of data,
how to find a solution of a physical system described by mathematical model, how to
determine the roots of algebraic equations and how to apply a particular method but also
need to know (i) which is a suitable method for the chosen problem?, (ii) what is the order of
accuracy of the result of a method?, (iii) what is the efficiency of the method? and so on.
Consideration of these aspects constitute a research methodology.
To understand the difference between research methods and methodology let us consider the
problem of finding the roots of the quadratic equation ax2 + bx + c = 0.
The formulas often used for calculating the roots of eq.(1) are x+ = b + b 2 4ac 2a , (2)
x = b b 2 4ac 2a (3) These formulas are, however, inaccurate when |b| b 2
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4ac. The equivalent formulas are x+ = 2c b + b 2 4ac , (4) x = 2c b b 2 4ac . (5)

When |b| b 2 4ac one must proceed with caution to avoid loss of precision. If b > 0,
then x+ should be computed with the formula given by eq.(2) and x should be computed
with the formula given by eq.(3). If b < 0 then x+ should be evaluated using eq.(4) and x
should be evaluated using eq.(5). Here the two formulas constitute the method of finding
roots of the equation of the form given by eq.(1). If you use the formulas given by eqs.(45)
instead of the formulas given by eqs.(23) (often used and familiar to us) to compute the
roots then you should clearly explain why the formulas given by eqs.(45) were chosen and
why the other formulas given by eqs.(23) were not considered. This is what we mean by a
research methodology. That is, research methodology tells you which method or formula or
algorithm has to be used out of the various existing methods or formulas or algorithms. More
precisely, research methods help us get a solution to a problem. On the other hand, research
methodology is concerned with the explanation of the following: (1) Why is a particular
research study undertaken? (2) How did one formulate a research problem? (3) What types of
data were collected? (4) What particular method has been used? (5) Why was a particular
technique of analysis of data used? The study of research methods gives training to apply
them to a problem. The study of research methodology provides us the necessary training in
choosing methods, materials, scientific tools and training in techniques relevant for the
problem chosen.

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Describe the steps in scientific research process.

Before embarking on the details of research methodology and techniques, it seems
appropriate to present a brief overview of the research process. Research process consists of
series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry out research and the desired
sequencing of these steps. The chart shown in Figure 1.1 well illustrates a research process.

A brief description of the above stated steps will be helpful.

1. Formulating the research problem: There are two types of research problems, viz., those
which relate to states of nature and those which relate to relationships between variables. At
the very outset the researcher must single out the problem he wants to study, i.e., he must
decide the general area of interest or aspect of a subject-matter that he would like to inquire
into. Initially the problem may be stated in a broad general way and then the ambiguities, if
any, relating to the problem be resolved. Then, the feasibility of a particular solution has to be
considered before a working formulation of the problem can be set up. The formulation of a
general topic into a specific research problem, thus, constitutes the first step in a scientific
enquiry. Essentially two steps are involved in formulating the research problem, viz.,
understanding the problem thoroughly, and rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from
an analytical point of view. The best way of understanding the problem is to discuss it with
ones own colleagues or with those having some expertise in the matter. In an academic
institution the researcher can seek the help from a guide who is usually an experienced man
and has several research problems in mind.
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2. Extensive literature survey: Once the problem is formulated, a brief summary of it

should be written down. It is compulsory for a research worker writing a thesis for a Ph.D.
degree to write a synopsis of the topic and submit it to the necessary Committee or the
Research Board for approval. At this juncture the researcher should undertake extensive
literature survey connected with the problem. For this purpose, the abstracting and indexing
journals and published or unpublished bibliographies are the first place to go to. Academic
journals, conference proceedings, government reports, books etc., must be tapped depending
on the nature of the problem. In this process, it should be remembered that one source will
lead to another. The earlier studies, if any, which are similar to the study in hand should be
carefully studied. A good library will be a great help to the researcher at this stage. .
3. Development of working hypotheses: After extensive literature survey, researcher should
state in clear terms the working hypothesis or hypotheses. Working hypothesis is tentative
assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences. As such
the manner in which research hypotheses are developed is particularly important since they
provide the focal point for research. They also affect the manner in which tests must be
conducted in the analysis of data and indirectly the quality of data which is required for the
analysis. In most types of research, the development of working hypothesis plays an
important role. Hypothesis should be very specific and limited to the piece of research in
hand because it has to be tested. The role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher by
delimiting the area of research and to keep him on the right track.
4. Preparing the research design: The research problem having been formulated in clear cut
terms, the researcher will be required to prepare a research design, i.e., he will have to state
the conceptual structure within which research would be conducted. The preparation of such
a design facilitates research to be as efficient as possible yielding maximal information. In
other words, the function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant
evidence with minimal expenditure of effort, time and money. But how all these can be
achieved depends mainly on the research purpose. Research purposes may be grouped into
four categories, viz., (i) Exploration, (ii) Description, (iii) Diagnosis, and (iv)
Experimentation. A flexible research design which provides opportunity for considering
many different aspects of a problem is considered appropriate if the purpose of the research
study is that of exploration. But when the purpose happens to be an accurate description of a
situation or of an association between variables, the suitable design will be one that
minimises bias and maximises the reliability of the data collected and analysed. There are
several research designs, such as, experimental and non-experimental hypothesis testing.
5. Determining sample design: All the items under consideration in any field of inquiry
constitute a universe or population. A complete enumeration of all the items in the
population is known as a census inquiry. It can be presumed that in such an inquiry when all
the items are covered no element of chance is left and highest accuracy is obtained. But in
practice this may not be true. Even the slightest element of bias in such an inquiry will get
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larger and larger as the number of observations increases. Moreover, there is no way of
checking the element of bias or its extent except through a resurvey or use of sample checks.
Besides, this type of inquiry involves a great deal of time, money and energy.
6. Collecting the data: In dealing with any real life problem it is often found that data at
hand are inadequate, and hence, it becomes necessary to collect data that are appropriate.
There are several ways of collecting the appropriate data which differ considerably in context
of money costs, time and other resources at the disposal of the researcher. Primary data can
be collected either through experiment or through survey. If the researcher conducts an
experiment, he observes some quantitative measurements, or the data, with the help of which
he examines the truth contained in his hypothesis. But in the case of a survey, data can be
collected by any one or more of the following ways:
(i) By observation: This method implies the collection of information by way of
investigators own observation, without interviewing the respondents. The information
obtained relates to what is currently happening and is not complicated by either the past
behaviour or future intentions or attitudes of respondents.
(ii) Through personal interview: The investigator follows a rigid procedure and seeks
answers to a set of pre-conceived questions through personal interviews.
(iii) Through telephone interviews: This method of collecting information involves
contacting the respondents on telephone itself. This is not a very widely used method but it
plays an important role in industrial surveys in developed regions, particularly, when the
survey has to be accomplished in a very limited time.
(iv) By mailing of questionnaires: The researcher and the respondents do come in contact
with each other if this method of survey is adopted. Questionnaires are mailed to the
respondents with a request to return after completing the same.
(v) Through schedules: Under this method the enumerators are appointed and given training.
They are provided with schedules containing relevant questions. These enumerators go to
respondents with these schedules.
7. Execution of the project: Execution of the project is a very important step in the research
process. If the execution of the project proceeds on correct lines, the data to be collected
would be adequate and dependable. The researcher should see that the project is executed in
a systematic manner and in time. If the survey is to be conducted by means of structured
questionnaires, data can be readily machine-processed.
8. Analysis of data: After the data have been collected, the researcher turns to the task of
analysing them. The analysis of data requires a number of closely related operations such as
establishment of categories, the application of these categories to raw data through coding,
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tabulation and then drawing statistical inferences. The unwieldy data should necessarily be
condensed into a few manageable groups and tables for further analysis. Thus, researcher
should classify the raw data into some purposeful and usable categories. Coding operation is
usually done at this stage through which the categories of data are transformed into symbols
that may be tabulated and counted. Editing is the procedure that improves the quality of the
data for coding. With coding the stage is ready for tabulation. Tabulation is a part of the
technical procedure wherein the classified data are put in the form of tables. The mechanical
devices can be made use of at this juncture. A great deal of data, specially in large inquiries,
is tabulated by computers. Computers not only save time but also make it possible to study
large number of variables affecting a problem simultaneously.
9. Hypothesis-testing: After analysing the data as stated above, the researcher is in a position
to test the hypotheses, if any, he had formulated earlier. Do the facts support the hypotheses
or they happen to be contrary? This is the usual question which should be answered while
testing hypotheses. Various tests, such as Chi square test, t-test, F-test, have been developed
by statisticians for the purpose. The hypotheses may be tested through the use of one or more
of such tests, depending upon the nature and object of research inquiry. Hypothesis-testing
will result in either accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it. If the researcher had no
hypotheses to start with, generalisations established on the basis of data may be stated as
hypotheses to be tested by subsequent researches in times to come.
10. Generalisations and interpretation: If a hypothesis is tested and upheld several times, it
may be possible for the researcher to arrive at generalisation, i.e., to build a theory. As a
matter of fact, the real value of research lies in its ability to arrive at certain generalisations.
If the researcher had no hypothesis to start with, he might seek to explain his findings on the
basis of some theory. It is known as interpretation. The process of interpretation may quite
often trigger off new questions which in turn may lead to further researches.
11. Preparation of the report or the thesis: Finally, the researcher has to prepare the report
of what has been done by him. Writing of report must be done with great care keeping in
view the following: 1. The layout of the report should be as follows: (i) the preliminary
pages; (ii) the main text, and (iii) the end matter. In its preliminary pages the report should
carry title and date followed by acknowledgements and foreword. Then there should be a
table of contents followed by a list of tables and list of graphs and charts, if any, given in the
report.
In its preliminary pages the report should carry title and date followed by acknowledgements
and foreword. Then there should be a table of contents followed by a list of tables and list of
graphs and charts, if any, given in the report. The main text of the report should have the
following parts:

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(a) Introduction: It should contain a clear statement of the objective of the research and an
explanation of the methodology adopted in accomplishing the research. The scope of the
study along with various limitations should as well be stated in this part.
(b) Summary of findings: After introduction there would appear a statement of findings and
recommendations in non-technical language. If the findings are extensive, they should be
summarised.
(c) Main report: The main body of the report should be presented in logical sequence and
broken-down into readily identifiable sections.
(d) Conclusion: Towards the end of the main text, researcher should again put down the
results of his research clearly and precisely. In fact, it is the final summing up. At the end of
the report, appendices should be enlisted in respect of all technical data. Bibliography, i.e.,
list of books, journals, reports, etc., consulted, should also be given in the end. Index should
also be given specially in a published research report.

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Discuss the steps in formulating the research problem.

Defining a research problem properly and clearly is a crucial part of a research study and
must in no case be accomplished hurriedly. However, in practice this a frequently overlooked
which causes a lot of problems later on. Hence, the research problem should be defined in a
systematic manner, giving due weightage to all relating points.
The technique for the purpose involves the undertaking of the following steps generally one
after the other: (i) statement of the problem in a general way; (ii) understanding the nature of
the problem; (iii) surveying the available literature (iv) developing the ideas through
discussions; and (v) rephrasing the research problem into a working proposition.
A brief description of all these points will be helpful.
(i) Statement of the problem in a general way: First of all the problem should be stated in a
broad general way, keeping in view either some practical concern or some scientific or
intellectual interest. For this purpose, the researcher must immerse himself thoroughly in the
subject matter concerning which he wishes to pose a problem. In case of social research, it is
considered advisable to do some field observation and as such the researcher may undertake
some sort of preliminary survey or what is often called pilot survey. Then the researcher can
himself state the problem or he can seek the guidance of the guide or the subject expert in
accomplishing this task. Often, the guide puts forth the problem in general terms, and it is
then up to the researcher to narrow it down and phrase the problem in operational terms. In
case there is some directive from an organisational authority, the problem then can be stated
accordingly. The problem stated in a broad general way may contain various ambiguities
which must be resolved by cool thinking and rethinking over the problem. At the same time
the feasibility of a particular solution has to be considered and the same should be kept in
view while stating the problem. (ii) Understanding the nature of the problem: The next
step in defining the problem is to understand its origin and nature clearly. The best way of
understanding the problem is to discuss it with those who first raised it in order to find out
how the problem originally came about and with what objectives in view. If the researcher
has stated the problem himself, he should consider once again all those points that induced
him to make a general statement concerning the problem. For a better understanding of the
nature of the problem involved, he can enter into discussion with those who have a good
knowledge of the problem concerned or similar other problems. The researcher should also
keep in view the environment within which the problem is to be studied and understood.
(iii) Surveyingthe available literature: All available literature concerning the problem at
hand must necessarily be surveyed and examined before a definition of the research problem
is given. This means that the researcher must be well-conversant with relevant theories in the
field, reports and records as also all other relevant literature. He must devote sufficient time
in reviewing of research already undertaken on related problems. This is done to find out
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what data and other materials, if any, are available for operational purposes. Knowing what
data are available often serves to narrow the problem itself as well as the technique that
might be used.2 . This would also help a researcher to know if there are certain gaps in the
theories, or whether the existing theories applicable to the problem under study are
inconsistent with each other, or whether the findings of the different studies do not follow a
pattern consistent with the theoretical expectations and so on. All this will enable a researcher
to take new strides in the field for furtherance of knowledge i.e., he can move up starting
from the existing premise. Studies on related problems are useful for indicating the type of
difficulties that may be encountered in the present study as also the possible analytical
shortcomings. At times such studies may also suggest useful and even new lines of approach
to the present problem.
(iv) Developing the ideas through discussions: Discussion concerning a problem often
produces useful information. Various new ideas can be developed through such an exercise.
Hence, a researcher must discuss his problem with his colleagues and others who have
enough experience in the same area or in working on similar problems. This is quite often
known as an experience survey. People with rich experience are in a position to enlighten the
researcher on different aspects of his proposed study and their advice and comments are
usually invaluable to the researcher. They help him sharpen his focus of attention on specific
aspects within the field. Discussions with such persons should not only be confined to the
formulation of the specific problem at hand, but should also be concerned with the general
approach to the given problem, techniques that might be used, possible solutions, etc.
(v) Rephrasing the research problem: Finally, the researcher must sit to rephrase the
research problem into a working proposition. Once the nature of the problem has been clearly
understood, the environment (within which the problem has got to be studied) has been
defined, discussions over the problem have taken place and the available literature has been
surveyed and examined, rephrasing the problem into analytical or operational terms is not a
difficult task. Through rephrasing, the researcher puts the research problem in as specific
terms as possible so that it may become operationally viable and may help in the
development of working hypotheses.
In addition to what has been stated above, the following points must also be observed while
defining a research problem:
(a) Technical terms and words or phrases, with special meanings used in the statement of the
problem, should be clearly defined.
(b) Basic assumptions or postulates (if any) relating to the research problem should be clearly
stated.
(c) A straight forward statement of the value of the investigation (i.e., the criteria for the
selection of the problem) should be provided.
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(d) The suitability of the time-period and the sources of data available must also be
considered by the researcher in defining the problem.
(e) The scope of the investigation or the limits within which the problem is to be studied must
be mentioned explicitly in defining a research problem.

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What is hypothesis? Explain its importance.

Ordinarily, when one talks about hypothesis, one simply means a mere assumption or some
supposition to be proved or disproved. But for a researcher hypothesis is a formal question
that he intends to resolve. Thus a hypothesis may be defined as a proposition or a set of
proposition set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of
phenomena either asserted merely as a provisional conjecture to guide some investigation or
accepted as highly probable in the light of established facts. Quite often a research hypothesis
is a predictive statement, capable of being tested by scientific methods, that relates an
independent variable to some dependent variable.
The Purpose of a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is used in an experiment to define the relationship between two variables. The
purpose of a hypothesis is to find the answer to a question - a formalized hypothesis will
force us to think about what results we should look for in an experiment.

The first variable is called the independent variable. This is the part of the experiment that can
be changed and tested. The independent variable happens first and can be considered the 'cause'
of any changes in the outcome. The outcome is called the dependent variable. The independent
variable in our previous example is not studying for a test. The dependent variable that you are
using to measure outcome is your test score.
It is important to remember that your hypothesis must be testable. That is, you can perform a
test of how two variables might be related. This is what you are doing in a real experiment you are testing variables. It must also be measurable. If you cannot measure the results, then
the information does not help you explain why a particular outcome occurred. Let's use the
previous example again to illustrate these ideas. The hypothesis is testable because you will
receive a score on your test performance. It is measurable because you can compare test
scores received when you did study and test scores received when you did not study.
In general, we do not know the true value of population parameters - they must be estimated.
However, we do have hypotheses about what the true values are.
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The major purpose of hypothesis testing is to choose between two competing hypotheses
about the value of a population parameter. For example, one hypothesis might claim that the
wages of men and women are equal, while the alternative might claim that men make more
than women.
The hypothesis actually to be tested is usually given the symbol H0, and is commonly
referred to as the null hypothesis. As is explained more below, the null hypothesis is assumed
to be true unless there is strong evidence to the contrary similar to how a person is assumed
to be innocent until proven guilty.
The other hypothesis, which is assumed to be true when the null hypothesis is false, is
referred to as the alternative hypothesis, and is often symbolized by HA or H1. Both the null
and alternative hypothesis should be stated before any statistical test of significance is
conducted. In other words, you technically are not supposed to do the data analysis first and
then decide on the hypotheses afterwards.
A hypothesis should always:

explain what you expect to happen

be clear and understandable

be testable

be measurable

contain an independent and dependent variable

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 Discuss the types of hypothesis.

There are different types of hypotheses:

Simple hypothesis - this predicts the relationship between a single independent variable
(IV) and a single dependent variable (DV)

For example:
Lower levels of exercise postpartum (IV) will be associated with greater weight retention
(DV).
NB.

IV = independent variable

D V = dependent variable

Complex hypothesis - this predicts the relationship between two or more independent
variables and two or more dependent variables.

1. Example of a complex multiple independent variable hypothesis:

Low risk pregnant women (IV) who:

value health highly;

believe that engaging in health promoting behaviours will result in positive

Hypotheses can be stated in various ways as long as the researcher specifies or implies the
relationship that will be tested.
For example:

Lower levels of exercise postpartum are associated with greater weight retention.

There is a relationship between level of exercise postpartum and weight retention.

The greater the level of exercise postpartum, the lower the weight retention.

Women with different levels of exercise postpartum differ with regard to weight
retention.
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Weight retention postpartum decreases as the woman's level of exercise increases.

Women who exercise vigorously postpartum have lower weight retention than women
who do not.

Directional hypotheses

These are usually derived from theory.

They may imply that the researcher is intellectually committed to a particular outcome.
They specify the expected direction of the relationship between variables i.e. the researcher
predicts not only the existence of a relationship but also its nature.

Non-directional hypotheses

Used when there is little or no theory, or when findings of previous studies are contradictory.
They may imply impartiality.
Do not stipulate the direction of the relationship.

Associative and causal hypotheses

Associative hypotheses

Propose relationships between variables - when one variable changes, the other changes.
Do not indicate cause and effect.

Causal hypothesese

Propose a cause and effect interaction between two or more variables.

The independent variable is manipulated to cause effect on the
dependent variable.

The dependent variable is measured to examine the effect created by

the independent variable.

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A format for stating causal hypotheses is:

The subjects in the experimental group who are exposed to the independent variable
demonstrate greater change, as measured by the dependent variable, than do the subjects in
the control group who are not exposed to the independent variable.

Null hypotheses

These are used when the researcher believes there is no relationship between two variables or
when there is inadequate theoretical or empirical information to state a research hypothesis
Null hypotheses can be:

simple or complex;

associative or causal.
Testable hypotheses

Contain variables that are measurable or able to be manipulated.

They need to predict a relationship that can be 'supported' or 'not
supported' based on data collection and analysis.

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Describe the sources of developing hypothesis.

A hypothesis may be formulated through a number of sources. Following are the min
of hypothesis:

sources

1. General Culture:
The general pattern of culture helps not only to formulate a hypothesis, but also to guide its
trend. The culture has a great influence upon the thinking process of people and hypothesis
may be formed to test one or more of these ideas.
2. Scientific Theory:
The knowledge of theory leads us to form further generalizations from it. These
generalizations form the part of hypothesis.
3. Analogies:
Sometimes a hypothesis is formed from the analogy. A similarity between two phenomena is
observed and a hypothesis is formed to test whether the two phenomena are similar in any
other respect.
To explain further, the sources of the hypothesis, that has chances of coming out true are as
follows:
(i) Study of books dealing with areas of the problem.
(ii) Study and review of research literature pertaining to the problem, for which a brief
bibliography has been given at the end of the last lesson,
(iii) One's own experience.
(iv) Consultation and discussion with the specialists in the field.
Of course, none of these will supply a ready-made hypothesis. The researcher, himself, has to
construct the hypothesis by disciplined mental work over the data supplied by the above
sources.

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Chapter 3
Research at Aditya Birla Chemicals (India) Ltd.

Introduction:
Aditya Birla Chemicals is a leading manufacturer of bulk and specialty chemicals and viscose
filament yarn. The business is spread across multiple manufacturing locations in four countries
India, Thailand, Germany and China.
The business is creating a strong footprint in the chemicals industry it is Market leader in the
chlor-alkali segment in India; at number two positions in viscose filament yarn and is the third
largest manufacturer in the world in sulphites.
The Chemicals business has 14 manufacturing sites seven in India, five in Thailand, one in
Germany and one in China.
These operations are handled through four companies in India Aditya Birla Nuvo, Grasim
Industries, Aditya Birla Chemicals (India) and Tanfac; two companies in Thailand Aditya Birla
Chemicals (Thailand) and Thai Peroxide Company and one company in Germany Aditya Birla
Chemicals (Europe) Gmbh. In China, the business operates through Aditya Birla Grasun
Chemicals (Fangchenggang).
Aditya Birla Chemicals (India) (ABCIL) is a unit of the Aditya Birla Group.
Commissioned in 1984 with an initial caustic soda capacity of 33,000 tpa, the company has since
grown to become a leading caustic soda producer in the eastern region of the country. The
company has a 30MW captive power plant, and has also converted to mercury cell technology.
Currently, the installed capacity stands at 105,000 tpa.
For value addition and the effective utilisation of chlorine, ABCIL commissioned an aluminium
chloride and stable bleaching powder (SBP) plant. Aluminium chloride is the principal catalyst
used in the Friedel-Crafts reaction and widely used in pharmaceuticals, chemical intermediates,
agrochemicals, dyestuffs and pigments, hydrocarbon resins, flavours and fragrances. SBP is used
32

in textile mills for bleaching, sanitation, sewage systems, tanning process, organic synthesis and
other applications.
The company acquired its major competitor unit in the eastern region, the Chloro Chemicals
Division of Kanoria Chemicals based in Renukoot, in May 2011 to enrich the portfolio of the
Aditya Birla Chemicals Business. With the addition of this unit, named Renukoot Chemical
Division (RCD), the Aditya Birla Chemicals Business ranks as one of the leading players in the
chlor-alkali segment in India.
Following this acquisition, the company has successfully completed caustic capacity expansion
by 145 TPD at Renukoot. This has added about 129,000 tpa to the existing caustic capacity of
105,000 tpa of the company. RCD utilises the chlorine available in its value-added products like
Stable Bleaching Powder (SBP), Poly Aluminium Chloride (PAC), Aluminium Chloride (AlCl 3),
and Chlorinated Paraffin Wax (CPW).
ABCIL has also acquired chlor-alkali and phosphoric acid division of Solaris Chemtech
Industries Limited, based in Karwar, Karnataka. With the addition of this unit, named Karwar
Chemical Division, the company makes a strong foothold in the southern region, which provides
growth opportunities in the caustic business as well as a leadership position in phosphoric acid.

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Conclusion
Research carried out in the laboratories of industry and universities is only the first step. These
discoveries have to be converted into realistic industrial processes. This is the job of the
chemical engineer who is responsible for translating the laboratory chemistry to a larger scale.
Scaling up production from grams under laboratory conditions to thousands of tones in a full
scale industrial plant is very painstaking work for chemists and chemical engineers. The
intermediate stages between laboratory and full scale production involve equipment that is able
to mimic the large scale process and enable the most favorable conditions to be found for a high
yield of product obtained at a suitable rate.
Aditya Birla Chemicals, the Rs. 2656 crore chemicals business of the Aditya Birla Group, is
based in India, Thailand and China. Products include chlor-alkali, epoxy, fluorine chemicals,
peroxides, phosphates, sulphites and phosphoric acid. These chemicals find application across a
wide range of industries such as food, textiles, electrical and electronics, composites, leather,
plastics and automobiles.

The Chemicals Science Group at Aditya Birla Science and Technology Company Private Limited
is a pioneer in chemical research and its application to issues of scientific and technological
importance at the Aditya Birla Group. It focuses mainly on the development of new products,
processes and technologies of high quality for the chemicals business. It also works with the
chemicals business on matters relating to improvement of product quality and de-bottlenecking
in the plants.
The Chemicals Science Laboratory is fully equipped for bench scale reactions and work-up
operations involving combinations of gas, liquid or solid reactant products. It houses facilities for
handling high pressure, high temperature operations and alternate energy sources such as
microwaves, ultrasonic and ultraviolet rays.

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Bibliography
http://www.adityabirla.com/innovation/chemicals-research
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Applied_research
http://www.adityabirlachemicals.com/companies/ab_chem_india.html
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN COMMERCE by MICHAEL VAZ

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