Enrolment No.

: PUGAZHENDI ( MOORTHY )

MBA Information Systems 1st Year Assignment

Annamalai University

1.7: Research Methods for Management

SELF DECLARATION

I declare that the assignment submitted by me is not a

verbatim/photo static copy from the
website/books/journals/manuscripts.

______________________
Signature of the student

_____________
Countersigned

_________________________________
Signature of the Faculty concerned
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Question #2: Explain various data collection tools and
which one is the best in your view. Why?
Answer:-

Introduction
Data collection is one of the most important stages in conducting a research.
You can have the best research design in the world but if you cannot collect
the required data you will be not be able to complete your project. Data
collection is a very demanding job which needs thorough planning, hard
work, patience, perseverance and more to be able to complete the task
successfully. Data collection starts with determining what kind of data
required followed by the selection of a sample from a certain population.
After that, you need to use a certain instrument to collect the data from the
selected sample.

Purpose of Data collection

to
to
to
to

obtain information
keep on record
make decisions about important issues,
pass information on to others

Importance of data collection

Regardless of the field of study or preference for defining data (quantitative,
qualitative), accurate data collection is essential to maintaining the integrity
of research. Both the selection of appropriate data collection instruments
(existing, modified, or newly developed) and clearly delineated instructions
for their correct use reduce the likelihood of errors occurring.
Consequences from improperly collected data include
inability to answer research questions accurately
inability to repeat and validate the study
distorted findings resulting in wasted resources
misleading other researchers to pursue fruitless avenues of
investigation
compromising decisions for public policy
causing harm to human participants and animal subjects
While the degree of impact from faulty data collection may vary
by discipline and the nature of investigation, there is the potential to cause
disproportionate harm when these research results are used to support
public policy recommendations.

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Data collection tools
In data collection, the researcher should be very clear on what type of data is
to be used for the research. There are two types of data namely Primary
Data and Secondary Data.
Primary Data: - Primary data are generally, information gathered by the
researcher for the purpose of the project at hand. When the data are
collected for the first time using experiments, surveys which is known as
primary data. So, in case of primary data it is always the responsibility of the
researcher to decide on further processing of data.
There are several methods of data collection each with its advantages and
disadvantages.
Observation
Interview
Questionnaire
Other methods used to collect primary data are

Warranty Cards
Distributor Audits
Pantry audits
Consumer Panels

Secondary Data:- It is merely a compilation of the available data. It is the

researcher who decides to collect secondary data for his research that can
be collected through various sources. In the case of secondary data the
researcher may not face severe problems that are usually associated with
primary data collection. Before using secondary data following
characteristics must be kept in mind
Reliability of data:
Finding out such things about the said data can test the reliability
Who collected the data
What were the sources of data
Were they collected by using proper method
At what time were they collected
Was there any bias of the complier
What level f accuracy was desired
Was it achieved
Suitability of data:
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The data that are suitable for one enquiry may not necessarily be found in
another enquiry. Hence if the available data are found to be suitable, they
should not be used by the researcher .in the context, the researcher must be
very carefully scrutinize the definition of various units and terms of collection
used at the time of collecting the data from the primary source originally.
Similarly the object scope and nature of an original enquiry must also be
studied .if the researcher finds differences the data will remain unsuitable for
the present enquiry and should be used.
Adequacy of the data:
If the level of accuracy achieved in data found inadequate for the purpose of
the present enquiry, they will be considered as inadequate and should not be
used by the researcher. The data will also be considered inadequate, if they
are related to an area which may be either narrower or wider than the area
of the present enquiry.
Secondary data may either be published or unpublished data. Published data
may be available with following sources:
Various publications of central, state or local governments
Various publications of foreign governments or of international bodies
Technical and trade journals
Books, magazines, newspapers
Reports and publication from various associations connected with
industry and business
Public records and statistics
Historical documents

Functions of data collection tools

The tools of data collection translate the research objectives into specific
questions/ items, the responses to which will provide the data required to
achieve the research objectives. Information gathered through the tools
provides descriptions of characteristics of individuals, institutions or other
phenomena under study. It is useful for measuring the various variables
pertaining to the study. The variables and their interrelationships are
analyzed for testing the hypothesis or for exploring the content areas set by
the research objectives. Various tools used for data collection.
A brief description of the various tools of data collection is given below.
Observation: - Observation schedule is a form on which observations of an
object or a phenomenon are recorded. The items to be observed are
determined with reference to the nature and objectives of the study. They
are grouped into appropriate categories and listed in the schedule in the
order in which the observer would observe them. The schedule must be
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devised as to provide the required verifiable and quantifiable data and to
avoid selective bias and misinterpretation of observed items. The units of
observation must be simple, and meticulously worded so as to facilitate
precise and uniform recording.
Interview: - Interview guide is used for non-directive and depth interviews.
It does not contain a complete list of items on which information has to be
elicited from a respondent: it just contains only the broad topics or areas to
be covered in the interview.
Interview guide serves as a suggestive reference or prompter during
interview. It aids in focusing attention on salient points relating to the study
and in securing comparable data in different interviews by the same or
different interviewers.
Interview schedule and mailed Questionnaire, these tools are widely used in
surveys. Both are complete lists of questions on which information is elicited
from the respondents. While the interviewer fills out a schedule, the
respondent completes a questionnaire.
Questionnaire:- Schedules and questionnaires are the most common
instruments of data collection. These two types of tools have much in
common. Both of them contain a set of questions logically related to a
problem under study; both aim at eliciting responses from the respondents;
in both cases the content, response structure, the wordings of questions,
question sequence, etc. are the same for all respondents. While a schedule is
used as a tool for interviewing, a questionnaire is used for mailing.
This difference in usage gives rise to a subtle difference between these two
recording forms. That is, the interviewer in a face-to-face interviewing fills a
schedule, whereas the respondent himself fills in a questionnaire. The tool is
referred to as a schedule when it is used for interviewing; and it is called a
questionnaire when it is sent to a respondent for completion and return.
Questionnaire is more effective as the respondent completes the
questionnaire and gives the correct information after dually crosschecking.
Process of Questionnaire Construction
The process of construction of a questionnaire is a rational process involving
much time, effort and thought. It consists of the following major steps:
Data need determination: As a mailed questionnaire is an
instrument for gathering data for a specific study, its construction
should flow logically from the data required for the given study.
Preparation of Dummy tables: The best way to ensure the
requirements of information is to develop dummy tables in which to
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display the data to be gathered.
Determination of the respondents level: Who are our
respondents? Are they persons with specialized knowledge relating to
the problem under study? Or are they lay people? What is their level of
knowledge and understanding? The choice of words and concepts
depends upon the level of the respondents' knowledge.
Data gathering method decision: Which communication mode is
most appropriate - mailing? The choice of question structure depends
largely on the communication mode chosen.
Questionnaire drafting: After determining the data required for the
study, a broad outline of the questionnaire may be drafted, listing the
various broad categories of data. The sequence of these groupings
must be decided. The questions to be asked under each group heading
must be listed. All conceivable items relevant to the 'data need' should
be compiled.
Evaluation of the draft Questionnaire: In consultation with other
qualified persons, the researcher must rigorously examine each
question in the draft questionnaire.
Pre-testing: The revised draft must be pre-tested in order to identify
the weaknesses of the questionnaire and to make the required further
revisions to rectify them.
Specification of procedures: After the questionnaire is finalized after
pre-tests, the procedures, relating to its use must be specified.
Designing the format: The format should be suited to the needs of
the research. The instrument should be divided into different sections
relating to the different aspects of the problem.
Question Construction
A survey questionnaire is useful for collecting various types of information,
viz.
Factual information - facts about the respondents: sex, age, marital
status, education, religion, caste or social class, income and
occupation; and facts about events and circumstances.
Psychological - information such as attitudes, opinions, beliefs, and
expectations, and
Behavioral - information, like social participation, and so on.
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Once the information need is determined, we
construction. This involves four major decision areas:

can

begin

question

Question relevance and content,

Question wording,
Response form,
Question order or sequence.

Question order or Sequence: - The order in which questions are arranged

in a schedule/questionnaire is as important as question wording. It has two
major implications. First, an appropriate sequence can ease the respondent's
task in answering. Second, the sequence can either create or avoid biases
due to context effects, i.e., the effects of preceding questions on the
response to later questions.
Measurement Scales and Indices: - Scales are devised for measuring
variables in social science research. During the past few decades thousands
of scales have been designed by researchers in sociology, psychology,
education, psychiatry, ethics, behavioral science, economics, administration
and other fields.
Indices and scales are often used interchangeably to refer to all sorts of
measures, absolute or relative, single or composite, simple or elaborate.
Scaling refers to the procedure by which numbers or scores assigned to the
various degrees of opinions, attitude and other concepts.

Pilot Studies and Pre-Tests

Pilot Study: - It is difficult to plan a major study or project without adequate
knowledge of its subject matter, the population it is to cover, their level of
knowledge and understanding and the like.

What are the issues involved?

What are the concepts associated with the subject matter?
How can they be made operational?
What method of study is appropriate?
How long the study will take?
How much money it will cost?

These and other related questions call for a good deal of knowledge of the
subject matter of the study and its dimensions. In order to gain such preknowledge of the subject matter of an extensive study, a preliminary
investigation is conducted.
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Pre-test: - While a pilot study is a full-fledged miniature study of a problem,
pre-test is a trial test of a specific aspect of the study such as method of data
collection or data collection instrument - interview schedule, mailed
questionnaire or measurement scale. A questionnaire of data collection is
designed with reference to the data requirements of the study. Pre-testing of
a draft questionnaire is indispensable. Pre-testing means trial administration
of the instrument to a sample of respondents before finalizing it.
Pre-testing has several purposes:
To test whether the questionnaire would elicit responses required to
achieve the research objectives,
To test whether the content of the instrument is relevant and
adequate,
To test whether wording of questions is clear and suited to the
understanding of the respondents,
To test the other qualitative aspects of the instrument like question
structure and question sequence, and
To develop appropriate procedure for administering the instrument
with reference to field conditions.
Warranty Cards:- Warranty cards are usually postal sized cards which are
used by dealers of consumer durables to collect information regarding their
products. The information sought is printed in the form of questions on the
warranty cards which is placed inside the package along with the product
with a request to the consumer to fill in the card and post it back to the
dealer.
Distributor Audits:- Distributor or store audits are performed by
distributors as well as manufacturers through their salesmen at regular
intervals. Distributors get the retail stores audited through salesmen and use
such information to estimate market size, market share, and seasonal
purchasing pattern and so on. The data are obtained in such audits not by
questioning but by observation.
Pantry audits:- Pantry audit technique is used to estimate consumption of
the basket of goods at the consumer level. In this type of audit, the
investigator collects an inventory of types, quantities and prices of
commodities consumed. Thus in pantry audit data are recorded from the
examination of the consumers pantry. The usual objective in the pantry
audit is to find out what types of consumers but certain products and certain
brands, the assumption being that the contents of the pantry accurately
portray consumers preferences.
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Consumer Panels:- An extension of the pantry audit approach on a regular
basis is known as consumer panel, where a set of consumers are arranged
to come to an understanding to maintain detailed daily records of their
consumption and the same is made available to investigator on demands. In
other words, a consumer panel is essentially a sample of consumers who are
interviewed repeatedly over a period of time.

Conclusion
The intent of adopting data collection method in research is to gather data.
Selection of appropriate methods for data collection can be based on
following factors:
Nature scope and object of enquiry:- this constitutes the most important
factor affecting the choice of a particular method .the method selected
should be such that it suits the type of enquiry that is to be conducted in the
researcher, this factor is also important in deciding whether the data already
available are to be used not yet available are to be collected.
Availability of funds:- availability of funds for the research project
determines to a large extent the method to be used for the collection of
data. When the funds at the disposal of the researcher are very limited, he
will have to select a comparatively cheaper method. Finance in fact is big
constraint in practice and the researcher has to act within this limitation.
Time factor:- availability of time has also to be taken into account in
deciding particular method of data collection. Some methods take relatively
more time whereas with others the data can be collected in a comparatively
shorter duration. The time at the disposal of the researcher thus affects the
selection of the method by which the data is collected.
Precision required:- precision required is yet another important factor to
be considered at the time of selecting the method of collection of data.
I consider Questionnaire to be the best data collection method based on the
following factors.
Versatility:- Probably the greatest advantage of the questionnaire method is
its versatility. Almost every problem of marketing research can be
approached from the questionnaire standpoint. Every marketing problem
involves people. Therefore, ideas relative to the problem and its solution can
be obtained by asking these people about the problem. Many problems can
be studied only by questionnaire.
Knowledge, opinions, motivations, and intentions are usually not open to
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observation. Except where records have been maintained, past events such
as purchases of specific products can be studied only trough the
questionnaire method. Similarly, it is normally feasible to observe personal
activities, such as brushing teeth. All this does not mean that the
questionnaire method can be used satisfactorily to solve all marketing
problems. It can be used, however, to get some data relative to most
problems.
Speed and cost:- Questioning is usually faster and cheaper than observing.
Interviewers have more control over their data gathering activities than do
observers. As a result, less time is typically wasted in a questionnaire study.
For example, in a research study to find whether consumers prefer coke in
bottles or cans, one could either ask people their preference or wait in
package stores to observe which containers customers ask for when they
come in to buy coke. The alter method would require observers to wait until
customers came into the store to buy coke.
Interviewers however, could proceed from one interviewee to another with
no wait in between. Thus, the lost time would be less with the questionnaire
method. Some events that take place over a time period, such as the
number of trips to the supermarket in a week, would require lengthy
observation, but a question on this behaviour can be answered in a few
seconds. In many cases, however, this advantage of the questionnaire may
be negligible.

**** END ANSWER ****

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Question 4:
a) Descriptive method Describe.
b) Write a note on Report Writing
Answer:

a) Descriptive Methods
The term descriptive research refers to the type of research question,
design, and data analysis that will be applied to a given topic. It is used to
obtain information concerning the current status of the phenomena to
describe what exists with respect to variables or conditions in a situation.
The methods involved range from the survey which describes the status quo,
the correlation study which investigates the relationship between variables,
to developmental studies which seek to determine changes over time.
Descriptive research is undertaken when the researcher desires to know the
characteristics of certain groups such as age, sex, occupation, income or
education. The objective of descriptive research is to answer the "who, what,
when, where and how" of the subject under study/ investigation. Descriptive
studies are normally factual and simple. However, such studies can be
complex, demanding scientific skill on the part of researcher.

Nature of Descriptive Research

The descriptive function of research is dependent on instrumentation
for measurement and observation. Once instruments are developed,
they can be used to describe phenomena of interest to the
researchers.
Descriptive research can be either quantitative or qualitative. It
involves gathering data that describe events and then organizes,
tabulates, depicts, and describes the data collection.
Descriptive research is unique in the number of variables employed.
Like other types of research, descriptive research can include multiple
variables for analysis, yet unlike other methods, it requires only one
variable.
Three main purposes of research are to describe, explain, and validate
findings. Description emerges this creative exploration, and serves to
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organize the findings in order to fit them with explanations, and then
test or validate those explanations.
Descriptive studies report summary data such as measures of central
tendency including the mean, median, mode, deviance from the mean,
variation, percentage, and correlation between variables

Descriptive Research Methods

Following methods are used for data collection in descriptive research:

Case Studies
Observational Research
Survey Research
Interviews
Mailed Questionnaires

Case Studies: - Case study is detailed analysis of a single (or limited

number) of people or events. Case studies are usually interesting because of
the unusualness of the case. The major problem with case studies is the
problem of objectivity. The person who is presenting the case usually has
some theoretical orientation. It is acceptable for a theoretical orientation to
affect ones interpretation of events. It is not surprising that case studies
often seem to provide very compelling evidence for a theory. Case studies
can therefore assist psychology by illustrating how a theory could be applied
to a person or events and by assisting with the development of hypotheses
for more systematic testing.
Observational Research:- Observational research has a long tradition
across a large number of disciplines. Observational methods are concerned
with naturally occurring behaviours observed in natural contexts or in
contexts that are contrived to be realistic. Unless the observation is
unobtrusive, there may be some subject reactivity to being observed. This
often decreases with time, a process called habituation. Observers cannot
usually observe all behaviours all of the time. They may use a behavioural
checklist and may also use time sampling or event sampling procedures. It
is important to assess observer bias by the use of inter-observer reliability.
Observational research may also pose ethical problems. These can arise
when the behaviours being observed are not public behaviours and when the
observer joins a group in order to observe the members behaviour
participant observation. Thick, rich descriptions of phenomena can also
emerge from qualitative studies, case studies, observational studies,
interviews, and portfolio assessments.
Survey Research:- Structured questions to assess peoples beliefs,
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attitudes, and self-reports of behaviour. If the researcher wishes to
generalize the responses to a population, it is important to have a
representative sample. Surveys that rely on self-selection produce nongeneralizable results. Surveys also provide information for co relational
research. One can correlate responses to some questions with responses to
other questions. Survey question must be clear and unambiguous. Even if
the questions are unambiguous and non-leading, people may display a social
desirability bias and give positive or socially acceptable and desirable
answers. Survey methods include:
The interview or face-to-face method which is generally viewed as the
best method for obtaining a high rate of responses but is also very
costly.
Phone surveys, which are less expensive but have a higher nonresponse rate.
Written or mail surveys, which are least expensive but have a very high
non-response rate. Follow-up messages can help increase the
response rate.
Interviews: - Face-to-face interviews and telephone interviews provide an
opportunity to follow a line of questioning to obtain more in-depth
information. To increase the reliability of data collected by interviews, it is
important to follow certain guidelines and to train all interviewers to use the
same techniques. Personal-interview procedures Have a number of
advantageous e.g., Promote the highest response rate, allows researcher to
probe for adequate answers, offer opportunity to use multiple methods of
data collection such as observations and visual cues but it require more staff
time and travel, more expense than telephone interviews and mailed
questionnaires, certain populations are more difficult to reach due to physical
factors.
Telephone interview less time consuming, less expensive, can also employ
random dialling to access a truly randomized sample but sampling limitation
due to restrictions imposed by access to telephones, lack of ability to provide
visual information, and lack of ability for the researcher to observe the
participant.
Mailed Questionnaires: - Good questionnaires provide a script for the
entire process that the researchers are to follow. Provide definitions for any
terminology that might be confusing- use complete sentences, and offer a
limited set of answers. Major advantages of one can reach large numbers of
people from wide geographic areas, respondents have time to reflect on their
answers or check information prior to responding, and relatively low cost of
administration but through mail lower response rate and the need to take
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special care with designing questions that will be self-administered. Simple
formats that allow users simply to check responses on the questionnaire
work the best. Letter of transmittal on letterhead, content of letter, and its
presentation will have an influence on the response rate. Within the body of
the letter, it is important to state the purpose of the research, the
importance of study, the importance of respondents, a reasonable but
specific time limit, an assurance of confidentiality, an offer to share results,
and a thank you. Concise wording should make it possible to keep this letter
to one page.

Uses of Descriptive Research

The major objective of descriptive research is to describe something - usually
market characteristics or functions. As a result, descriptive research is preplanned and structured. It is typically based on large representative samples.
Descriptive research is conducted for the following reasons
To describe the characteristics of relevant groups, such as consumers,
salespeople, or organizations, or market areas.
To estimate the percentage of units in a specified population exhibiting
a certain behaviour.
To determine the perceptions of product characteristics.
To determine the degree to which marketing variables are associated.
To make specific predictions. E.g. what will be retail sales of Shoppers
stop for fashion in the Mumbai area.
To collect demographic information of consumers/users of a product
under study.
For finding out views and attitudes of customers, e.g. how many
customers prefer branded goods or ISI marked goods?
Make predictions about future marketing trends, consumer needs or
expectations or possible sales after n years.
To discover the relationship between certain variables, e.g. sale among
rural population and urban population or rate of savings among low,
middle and higher income groups.

Impact and Future Role of Descriptive Research

Although descriptive studies are important, most research studies involve
questions about causes, because it is not always possible to isolate the
variables that will explain those causes, descriptive research can play an
important role in providing information from another perspective.
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By gathering descriptions of "what is," and comparing them to what we
would like," researcher can see the area that needs to be addressed.
Descriptive statistics can provide information that can help:
Isolate the variables that will eventually be used to measure cause and
effect
Provide surrounding information that will aid logical interpretations of
research questions within the context of a specific situation
Descriptive research has gained acceptance as a valid form of research, and
in recent years the number of descriptive studies published in research
journals and conference proceedings has increased because Researchers
have realized that trying to mimic scientific research does not work, so
researchers need to address the questions at hand and be willing to use a
variety of methodologies to ensure the most appropriate and accurate
investigation. Rapidly changing technologies make it likely to be observing
students using media in new ways and for new purposes.

b) Report Writing
Research report is considered a major component of the research study for
the research task remains incomplete till the report has been presented
and/or written. A research report can be defined as the presentation of the
research findings directed to a specific purpose.

Importance of Report
The research report is important for the following reasons.
The result of
management.

research

can

be

effectively

communicated

to

The report is the only aspect of the study, which executives are
exposed to and their consecutive evaluation of the project rests with
the effectiveness of the written and oral presentation.
The report presentations are typically the responsibility of the project
worthiness. So the communication effectiveness and usefulness of the
information provided plays a crucial role in determining whether that
project will be continued in future.

Guidelines to prepare a report

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The general guidelines that should be followed for any report are as follows:
Consider the audience:- The information resulting from research is
ultimately important to the management, who will use the results to make
decisions. Decision makers are interested in a clear, concise, accurate and
interesting report, which directly focuses on their information needs with the
minimum of technological jargons.
Be concise but precise:- The report must be concise and must focus on
the crucial elements of the project. It should not include unimportant issues.
Researchers should know how much emphasis has to given to each area.
Be objective yet effective:- The research report must be of an objective
presentation of the research findings. The researcher violates the standard
of the objectivity if the findings are presented in a distorted or slanted
manner. The writing style of the report should be interesting, with the
sentence structure short and to the point.
Understand the results and draw conclusions:- The managers who read
the report are expecting to see interpretive conclusions in the report. The
researcher should understand the results and be able to interpret it
effectively to management.

Report Format
Following outline is generally accepted as the basis format for the more
research projects.
Title Page:- This should contain a title which conveys the essence of
study, the date, the name of the organization submitting the report, and
organization for which it is prepared. If the research report is confidential,
name of those individuals to receive the report should be specified on
title page.

the
the
the
the

Table of Contents:- This lists the essence of topics covered in the report,
along with page references. Its purpose is to aid readers in finding a
particular section in the report. If there are many tables, charts or other
exhibits, they should also be listed after the table of contents in a separate
table of illustrations.
Executive Summary:- This can serve two purposes
It may be a report in miniature covering all the aspects in the body
of the report, but in the abbreviated form.
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It may be concise summary of major finding and conclusions
including recommendations.
Expect the summary to contain a high density of significant terms since it is
repeating the highlights of the report. A good summary should help the
decision maker and it is designed to be action oriented.
Introduction:- Prepares the reader for the report by describing different
parts of the project: the problem statement, research objectives and
background material. The introduction must clearly explain the nature of
decision problem. It should review the previous research done on the
problem.
Problem statement:- This contains the need for the research project. The
problem is usually represented by a management question. It is followed by
a more detailed set of objectives.
Research Objectives:- This addresses the purpose of the project. These
may be research question(s) and associated investigative questions.
Background:- These may be of two types
It may be the preliminary results of exploration from an experience
survey, focus group, or another source.
Alternately it could be secondary data from the literature review.
Background material may be placed before the problem statement or after
the research objectives. It contains information pertinent to the management
problem or the situation that lead to the study.
Methodology:- Purpose of this section is to describe the nature of the
research design, sampling plan, data collection and analysis procedure.
Enough details must be conveyed so that the reader can appreciate the
nature of methodology used, yet the presentation must not be boring and
overpowering. The use of technical jargons must be avoided.
Research design:- The coverage of the design must be adapted to the
purpose. The type of research adopted and the reason for adopting that
particular type should be explained.
Sampling design:- This has to explain the sampling frame, sampling
method adapted and sample size. Explanation of the sampling method,
uniqueness of the chosen parameters or other relevant points that need
explanation should be covered with brevity. Calculation of sample size can be
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placed either in this part or can be placed in an appendix.
Data Collection:- This part of report describes the specifics of gathering the
data. Its content depends on the selected design. The data collection
instruments (Questionnaire or interview scheduled) field instructions can be
placed in the appendix.
Data Analysis:- This section summarizes the methods used to analyze the
data. Describes data handling, preliminary analysis, statistical test, company
programs and other technical information. The rational for the choice of
analysis approaches should be clear. A brief commentary on assumptions
and appropriateness of use should be presented.
Limitations:- Every project has weakness, which need to be communicated
in a clear and concise manner. In this process the researcher should avoid
belabouring minor study weakness. Purpose of this section is not to
disparage the quality of research project but rather to enable the reader to
judge the validity of the study results. Generally the limitations will occur in
sampling, no response in adequacies and methodological weakness. It is the
researchers professional responsibility to clearly inform the reader of these
limitations.
Findings:- The objective of this part is to explain the data rather than draw
conclusions. When the quantitative data can be presented, this should be
done as simply as possible with charts, graphics and tables.
Summary and Conclusions:- Summary is a brief statement of essential
findings. The conclusion should clearly link the research findings with the
information needs, and based on this linkage recommendation for action can
be formulated. In some research works the conclusions were presented in a
tabular form for easy reading and reference.
Recommendations:- The researchers recommendations may be weighed
more heavily in favour of the research findings. There are few ideas about
corrective actions. The recommendations are given for managerial actions
rather than research action.
Appendices:- Purpose of this is to provide a place for material, which is not
absolutely essential to the body of the report. It is designed to serve the
needs of the technically oriented reader. It contains copy of data collection
forms, details of sampling plan, estimates of statistical errors, interviewers
instructions and detailed statistical tables associated with the data analysis
process.
Bibliography:- The use of secondary data required a bibliography. Proper
citation, style and formats are unique to the purpose of the report. The
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instructor, program, institution, or client often specifies style requirements. It
will be given as footnote or endnote format. The author name, title,
publication, year, page number are the important elements to bibliography.

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