1st Answer

Introduction: Exploratory research would be defined as a research used in order to

investigate a problem that hasn’t been clearly defined. It is conducted to have a good
understanding of the existing problem, but it would not provide a conclusive result.
For such a research, a researcher would begin with a general idea and make use of
this research as a medium in order to identify the issues, that would be the focus for
future research. An important aspect here is that the researcher has to be willing to
change his/her direction subject to the revelation of the new data or insight.
Such a research would usually be conducted out when the problem is at a
preliminary stage. It is usually referred to as a grounded theory approach or
interpretive research as it would be used in order to answer the questions, such as
what, why and how.
Concept and Application:
Types and methodologies of exploratory research:
While it may sound challenging to research something having very little information
regarding it, there are various methods that would enable a researcher figure out the
best design of research, methods of data collection and choice of subjects. There
are two ways where the research is conducted namely, primary and secondary.
Under these two types, there are various methods that would be used by a
researcher.
The data gathered from this research would be qualitative or quantitative. Some of
the most widely used designs of research involve the following:
Primary Research Method: It is the information gathered directly from the subject. It
would be through a group of people or even an individual person. Such a research
would be conducted out directly by the researcher himself or would employ a third
party to conduct it on their behalf. Primary research would be conducted to explore a
certain challenge requiring an in-depth study.
Survey/Polls: Survey is used to gather information from a pre-defined group of
respondents. It is one of the most important quantitative method. Different types of
surveys or polls would be used in order to explore opinions, trends, etc. With the
advancement in tech, surveys are now sent online, and would be easily accessible.
For instance, the use of a survey app through tablets, laptops or even mobile
phones. This information would also be available to the researcher in real-time as
well. Nowadays, most companies offer surveys of short-length and rewards to
respondents, in order to achieve a higher response rate.
For instance: A survey is sent to a fixed set of audience in order to understand their
opinions regarding the size of the mobile phones when they purchase one. On the
basis of such information, organization would be able to dig deeper into the topic and
make decisions pertaining to the business.
Interviews: While one may get a lot of information from public sources, but
sometimes an in-person interview provides in-depth information on the subject that is
being studied. Such research would be a qualitative method of research. An
interview having a subject matter expert provides with meaningful insights that a
generalized public source would not be able to render. Interviews are conducted in
person or on telephone which have open-ended questions to gain meaningful
information regarding the topic.

Exploratory research: Steps to conduct research.

Identify a problem: A researcher would identify the subject of the research and the
problem would be addressed by conducting multiple methods to answer the
questions.

Create the hypothesis: When the researcher has found that there are no prior
studies and the challenge isn’t correctly resolved, the research would create a
hypothesis on the basis of the questions obtained while the problem is being
identified.

Further Research: Once the data was obtained, the research would continue his
study using descriptive investigation. Qualitative methods are used in order to further
study the subject in detail, and find out if the information is true or not.

Exploratory research refers to the appropriate research methodology in order to

identify the opportunities of market for the new shampoo Dove for kids because of
lack of prior information. It needs a combination of qualitative and methods of
quantitative research to gather insights and data regarding the target market,
competitive landscape, and potential opportunities and challenges.

In case of Dove’s new shampoo for kids, exploratory research would involve
gathering information regarding the target market, such as the age range of the
children using shampoo, their hair type, and the preferences of their parents.

The research would also want to aim in order to identify the current players of the
market, the competitive landscape and the potential opportunities and challenges in
the market.
The research methodology would involve a combination of qualitative and
quantitative methods of research. Qualitative research methods, such as focus
groups, interviews and surveys would be used in order to gather insights from
parents and children.

With these methods, one would be able to identify specific needs and preferences of
the target market, and also the concerns of the challenges that they may face.
Conclusion: In conclusion, exploratory research would be the most appropriate
methodology in order to identify the opportunities from the market for the new
shampoo for kids. By the use of exploratory research, Dove would be able to
develop an effective marketing strategy and make informed decisions regarding
the launch of its new shampoo for kids.
2nd Answer
Introduction: A literature review refers to a piece of academic writing that
demonstrates knowledge and understanding about academic literature on a
particular topic placed in context. A literature review also involves an important
evaluation of the material; this is why it is known a literature review rather than a
literature report.
It refers to a process of reviewing the literature, and a form of writing.
Coca-Cola is the largest drink company in the world, and it serves the consumers
from more than 200 nations with more than 500 different brands. Although it would
be clear that Coca-Cola is best known for Coca-Cola, its total range would cover
both sparkling and it would still drive its billion-dollar portfolio involving both globally
known and localized brands.
Concept and Application:
Literature Review:
In the following short review of literature, eight papers would be analysed. The main
topic refers to the multi-national giant Coca-Cola corporation, the world’s largest
beverage company that serves more than 200 nations at a huge rate of consumption
of around two billion servings per day.
Various aspects would be tackled from the HR methodologies that are employed, to
the challenges of market in some nations to branding strategies and discussion on
the strategic positioning in the world of global marketing. The papers used would be
all taken from the journals, also ranging in their interest, such as ‘The Marketing
Review. The following literature review would by no means the final one which would
be used as more papers would be found, read and analysed.
Currently, Coca-Cola is the largest beverage organization in the world that has the
widest spread of customers, over 200 nations having two billion servings. This huge
network would incorporate around one hundred and forty thousand company
Associates in order to distribute this huge drink amount. It is important to note that
we aren’t talking about one particular drink, for instance Coca Cola but a whole
beverage range.
In fact, the company has developed, bought and conglomerated more than 3500
drinks and positioned these drinks in the global market.
Having such a huge portfolio of products ranging from spectrum of consumers,
cultures and mind sets require a very specific and energetic approach of marketing,
both as a global marketing strategy, narrowing down to a much more focused
cultural approach to the specific nation of marketing strategies.
The first paper that would be discussed which was published in the year 2005, in the
International Business Review’ called the marketing challenges of Coca-Cola in
Brazil.
In this paper, the author discusses the marketing challenges of the Coca-Cola
company as it would combat its competitors, both its nemesis Pepsi, but also
hundreds of local brands, some of them are supported by the government through
specific incentives of tax, thus effectively effecting the price.

In order to attempt and grow in the emergent markets, Coca Cola employed many
strategies of different marketing from reducing the price of its products in the year
1999 to expand the number of brands in the market.

The third paper in this literature review would deal with the strategic positioning of
Coca Cola in their global marketing operations. This implies that now one is going to
zoom out from the individual nation, and go to the less specific.

This paper written in 2003 by Demetris Vrontis titled ‘The strategic positioning of
Coca-Cola in their global operations of marketing and was published in the journal.
This paper would examine how the brand has strategically positioned itself within the
soft drink marketing. The paper focusing at the model that Coca Cola has used for
such a global take over. This paper would explain that the brand has adopted both a
differentiation and a cost leadership strategy.

Differentiation for Coca-Cola would be achieved through perceived superior product

quality, and this surpasses their nearest rivals.

The next paper written by David J Veale has the highlights of three approaches that
Coca-Cola as a brand took to this aspect of training. These three approaches involve
the need to strengthen the link between their business strategy and development
focus.

This paper would explain that Coca Cola would manage to make the best use of
coaching and mentoring methods to ensure that the employees of the brand benefit.

The final paper that would be discussed in this literature review would leave the
previous studies and emphasis is on the way Coca Cola would manage the crisis. In
the year 1997, the financial outcome of the Asian crisis began to be felt in most
Asian nations, but clearly not felt equally in all. The Asian financial crisis was a
period of crisis that gripped most the Asian starting in July 1997.

The brand had its factory in Indonesia see a plunge in their sales of around 30%
after the Asian crisis but it has managed to survive by employing very specific
actions that may be sounding unreasonable at that point in time.

Conclusion: Basically, the brand showed its ability of turnaround from crisis to
potential growth. This was after all in line with the mission and vision of this huge
international colossal, and this again managed to find solutions in adverse situations
that could have easily damaged or even broke down the Asian side of this company.
3rd Answer
3a.
Introduction:
AirBnb refers to an online marketplace connecting people who would want to rent out
their homes with people who would look for an accommodation in specific locale.
The company has come a long way since the year 2007, when its co-founders first
came up with an idea to invite paying guests to sleep on air mattress in their living
room.
Dear Participant,
As mentioned in the email, I want to make use of this survey to create a data base
for my thesis.
Survey Information
Duration: Approx 8-10 minutes.
Scope: 7 questions.

The questions refer to the year 2019.

The survey would be divided into three sections:
Questions regarding their AIRBnB apartments, income and expenses.
Note that the questions refer to the year 2019!
The survey is divided into three sections
-------------------------------------------------
1. Questions about their Airbnb apartments, income and expenses (7 questions).
2. Questions about extra services, automation, furnishing (6 questions)
3. General questions (this part is optional) (6 questions)

For the success of the study, it is important that you fill out the questionnaire
completely and do not omit any of the questions (except for the optional questions).

All data is collected anonymously and can neither be traced nor assigned to a
person. The data is treated strictly confidential.
Thank you for your participation!

In which country is your AirBnb apartment located? If India, which states in India?

How many apartments were given on rent by you through AirBnB.

What are the average number of rooms in the AirBnB apartment.

What percentage of the apartments, in the year 2019, were occupied per month on
an average?

How many nights did the guests stay, on an average, in the year 2019.

What was your monthly income, in the year 2019, from renting through AirBnB.

7. What has been your average cleaning cost in 2019?

3b.

Introduction:
According to the 2018 guidelines of the Indian Tourism Ministry, guesthouses where
the owners would reside would be homestays and where agents or operators stay
would be the bed and breakfasts.
Homestays would refer to a family-run accommodation, which is now popular
worldwide. One would spend around six months in a homestay, and can go back any
time.
Families having extra space and a financial need or a desire to host travellers often
set up a part of their house to be a homestay. The family provides meal, local
recommendations and a chance to immerse oneself in its culture.
As a curious traveller who would always want to know how the locals live, one would
prefer homestays over hotels and hostels. Any guest house would render food,
amenities and suggestions for activities (if one is lucky)
Unlike homestays, this commercial accommodation would not take any personal
interest in you. One would check-in, pay, stay and leave – and this is good if one is
looking for an independent, quiet and functional stay.
The family not only would see what time you have arrived at home, but would also
wake you up at 5 if one mentions it.
Common Issues in India homestays:
Some common challenges one has found in the India homestay despite the tariffs
are:
Rooms may not be clean. One is talking regarding the bathroom, the linen, and the
walls more than the floor of the pace. Even in some good homestays, the walls
would be full of cobwebs. Bathrooms are mossy and smelly. The linen is
questionable.
There is heavy water seepage in the wall and rooms would smell. However, some
online photos of the homestay would be perfect. In some houses, the seepage and
the moulds on the walls was so much that one would get allergic reactions.
You end up getting in contact with all of it via your clothes or just by being in the
area. And my partner and I both have strong Indian immune system.
the linen and blankets, especially the blankets, may not have been changed after the
last guest or the guests before those. Imagine dust, dog hairs, cobwebs. Go crazy.
(This happened in a 7000 rupees per day tariff Elephant Country Homestay in
Bangalore, and many more times.)
showers usually don’t work – bucket bath rocks but nothing can match that hot water
goodness flowing from the top. It takes every wrinkle away. On long stays, a shower
is even more important.
Conclusion: So, any homestay has its own advantages and disadvantages
.