Preparation of Project Report- MBA- II Distance

 

UNIT 3

PREPARATION OF PROJECT REPORT

 

CONTENTS

3.0 - Objectives

3.1 - Introduction

3.2 – Presentation of the Subject Matter

Preface

a) Title Page

b) Declaration

c) Certificate

d) Acknowledgement

e) One page index

f) Content

g) List of table

h) List of figure

i) Abbreviation

Section- 1 Chapter- I Introduction and Research Methodology

Section- 2 Chapter-II Review of Literature and Theoretical Background/ Conceptual Framework

Section- 3 Chapter- III Profile of the Organisation/Industry/Company/study area

Section- 4 Chapter- IV Data Analysis and Interpretation

Section- 5 Chapter- V Findings, Suggestions and Conclusion

Section- 6 Annexure

Section- 7 Bibliography

3.3 Summary:

3.4 Terms to Remember:

3.5 Answers to Check your Progress:

3.6 Exercise:

3.7 References for Further study:

 

 

 

3.0 Objectives:

After studying this unit students should be able:

1. To write introduction and research methodology.

2. To take review of literature and write theoretical background.

3. To prepare organization/industry profile.

4. To understand practical data collection and analysis.

5. To write findings based on data analysis and interpretation and give the practicable suggestions.

6. To write the references or bibliography in scientific manner.

3.1 Introduction:

Previous chapter narrates the project methods- need, objectives and nature in its background, we also learn the rationale of project method, purpose of project method, significance of selecting a relevant project and outcome of the project method. After that in unit second we learn about the selections of project while selecting the project identify the area of interest and it should be related to your career goals. After that researcher has to define research objectives. The Objectives should be precise and achievable. Then we learn about the scope and methodology for different type of the projects. In this chapter we will how to prepare the project report. Preparation of project report starts with the cover page and title of the project and ends with the findings, suggestions and conclusion.

Preparing research report is the final stage of research process. The report is nothing but documenting whole research in a single report or communicating the research in a particular form. It is the report regarding whole research from problem formulation to the interpretation. The report communicates the reader all aspects of research i.e. problem formulation, objectives, conceptual framework, review of literature, scope and limitations of the research, research methodology, data analysis and interpretation, findings, conclusions and suggestions etc. Annexure is also enclosed to the report like questionnaire or financial statements. At the end, the bibliography is also appended. In this chapter we covered how to write- the cover page and title, executive summary, Introduction and background, organization/Industry Profile, Research methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Findings and Recommendations and conclusion. In this chapter we are also going to discuss about annexures to project and how to write the references and bibliography in scientific manner.

3.2 Presentation of Subject Matter:

FORMAT OF PROJECT REPORT

Following is the glimpse/format of the content of Project Report. For better understanding of the students unit is divided into 7 parts as under. The format and description of the each point is given below-

Preface:

a) Title Page

b) Declaration

c) Certificate

d) Acknowledgement

e) One page index

f) Content

g) List of table

h) List of figure

i) Abbreviation

1. Chapter- I Introduction and Research Methodology

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Statement of the problem

1.3 Objectives of the study

1.4 Hypothesis of the study

1.5 Scope of the study

1.6 Significance of the study

1.7 Limitations of the study

1.8 Research methodology

1.9 Chapter Scheme

1.10 Conclusion

1.11 References

2. Chapter-II Review of Literature and Theoretical Background/ Conceptual Framework

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Review of literature

2.3 Research Gap

2.4 Theoretical background/ Conceptual Framework

2.5 Conclusion

2.6 References

3. Chapter- III Profile of the Organisation/Industry/Company/study area

3.1 Introduction to organisation/company

3.2 Brief history of organisation/company

3.3 Goals Missions and Objectives

3.4 Awards and Rewards Received

3.5 Organisation Structure

3.6 Subsidiary Companies

3.7 Goods Manufactured or Services Provided

3.8 Departments

3.8 Manufacturing process

3.10 Growth and Development of Organisation

3.11 Financial information

3.12 Demographic Profile of the Organisation/Company

3.13 Testimonials from customers or employees

3.14 Future Prospects

3.15 Conclusion

4. Chapter- IV Data Analysis and Interpretation

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Data Analysis and Interpretation

4.3 Conclusion

5. Chapter- V Findings, Suggestions and Conclusion

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Findings

5.3 Suggestions

5.4  Conclusion

6. Annexure

7. Bibliography

(There may be discretion in the arrangement of chapter it depends on research guide)

 

 

Preface:

Preface includes the starting pages of the project report. It includes title page, declaration, certificate, Acknowledgement, One page Index, Contents, list of table, list of figure and abbreviation. For better understanding of the students format of starting pages are given below

a) Cover Page and Title:

Cover Page:

The first page of the project report is cover page. It includes the title of project, submitted to, for the fulfillment of degree, name of student, name of guide, study center and year of submission. On the cover page firstly you have to write the title of the project. Before writing the project title you have to write a project report on and after that you have the write the title of your project. After writing the title of the project you have to write where it is submitted and for the fulfillment of which degree it is submitted. After that mention submitted by (name of researcher/student) and below that mentions under the guidance of (name of guide under who’s guidance you have completed your research project). After that you have to mention the name of study center and lastly you have to mention the month and year of submission.

Title of the Project:

Title of the project should be brief, clear and specific which give the scope of the study. It should not be vague, ambiguous and uncertain. The title of the project should not be too long or short. Research problem must be replicated or seen in the title of the project. One with a reasonable understanding of the subject should be able to infer the project's concept just by looking at the title. The title should be short but comprehensive, precise and unambiguous, convey the topic, highlight the main area of the conducted research, If the time frame is specified, include it. If required, disclose the organization's or company's name. For example-

1. “A study of Motivational practices of Sahara Cotton Industries Ltd. Kolhapur.”

2. “A study on Employee Welfare Practices in Hotel Industries in Kolhapur City”

3. “A study on Business Administration Practices of Teal Sellers in Kolhapur City”

4. “A study on Cost of Capital and Capital Structure of Tata Steel Ltd”.

5. “A study on Financial Management of ABC Com. Ltd”

Following is the format of Cover Page-

 

A

PROJECT REPORT

ON

“TITLE OF PROJECT REPORT IN CAPITAL LETTER”

 

SUBMITTED TO

SHIVAJI UNIVERSITY, KOLHAPUR

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

 

SUBMITTED BY

(FULL NAME OF STUDENT)

      (Qualification)

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

(FULL NAME OF GUIDE)

                                  (Qualification)

Designation and Name of College

 

 

NAME OF STUDY CENTRE

 

(Year of Submission)

 

Executive Summary:

The executive summary is an overview of your project report. It should provide the snapshot of the research problem, objectives, methodology, findings, and recommendations. Executive summery comes first in project report but it is written after completion of entire research work. At the outset of your executive summary, draw the reader in by briefly outlining the issue and importance of your project report. Describe the significance of your findings and the ways in which they advance the field, business, or organization. It should be written so that stakeholders or busy executives, who might not have time to read the whole project report, are engaged and informed.The first step in writing an executive summary is to summarize the key points of your project report. Pay close attention to the research question you set out to answer, the research methods you employed, and the key conclusions you discussed. Focus on the most significant and impactful elements of your project and keep the overview brief.

In executive summery emphasis on presenting the most important findings from your research. Review the data and insights you collected, highlighting their associations and potential effect. Researcher also includes the strong and applicable suggestions based on findings. Exactness of how suggestions can be applied to address the problem identified. Executive summary is brief document that captures the extraction of your research project. The sentences and paragraphs should be small by using clear and straight forward language in executive summary. Do not use technical terms which confuse the readers. After complete writing of executive summary take the review and rewrite if necessary. Check grammatical or spelling mistakes, and make assured that the structure and flow of the summary is logical and compatible. Take reaction or feedback from classmates or colleagues and from guides for improvement of additional perceptions and improve your summary additional. Student has to write executive summery in one to two pages. A major part of summery includes Introduction, research problem under study, objectives, methodology adopted for study, major findings related to objectives and conclusion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

b) Declaration: Declaration regarding the originality of work should be provided by the students. Research project should be based on the original work. It should not be previously submitted to any university or college for any degree or diploma. For your better understanding Format of declaration is as under-

DECLARATION

I undersigned hereby declare that the project entitled “Title of the Project.” Is an original work prepared by me under the guidance of Name of the Guide, with designation and name of college. The findings in this report are based on the data collected by me. The matter included in this report is not a reproduction from any other sources.

I also hereby declare that this project has not been submitted at any time to any other university or institution for the award of any degree or diploma.

Date:    

 

Place:        

 

                                                          (Signature and Name of the student)

 

 

c) Certificate: This certificate regarding originality of project work should be provided by the guide with his name and signature.

CERTIFICATE BY GUIDE

This is to certify that the project report entitled “Title of the Project.” Submitted to (Name of College) Centre for distance education Shivaji University Kolhapur. For the partial fulfillment of the degree of “MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION” is an independent research work carried out by the Mr. / Miss. Name of the student under my guidance. To the best of my knowledge and belief this has not been previously submitted for the award of any degree or diploma of any university or any other College.

Date:        /     / 2024

Place: Kolhapur

                      Signature and Name of the Research Guide

                 (Research Guide)

 

d) Acknowledgement:

 In Acknowledgement student has to propose vote of thank of the peoples who directly and indirectly helped to complete your research project i.e Research Guide, authorities of selected company/organisation/industry, staff of college, family and friends etc.

e) One page Index:

Student is required to prepare one page index of the project report. The following is the format of one page index. Student is required to provide page number of each chapter like from page no 1 to 12 for each chapter.

INDEX

Chapter No	Title	Page No
*	DECLARATION	I
*	CERTIFICATE	II
*	ACKNOWLEDGMENT	III
*	INDEX	IV
*	CONTENTS	V
*	LIST OF TABLES	VI
*	LIST OF FIGURES	VII
*	ABBREVIATIONS	VIII
I	INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY	1-15
II	REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND	16-30
III	PROFILE OF THE ORGANISATION/COMPANY/INDUSTRY	31-40
IV	DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION	41-70
V	FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION	71-75
*	BIBLIOGRAPHY	76-77
*	QUESTIONNAIRE	78-80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

f) Contents:

Under this students are required to write down the detailed contents included in each chapter. Following is the format of contents for your better understanding-

CONTENTS

Chapter No	Titles	Page No
I	INTRODUCTION AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
1.1	Introduction
1.2	Statement of the Problem
1.3	Objectives of the Study
1.4	Hypotheses
1.5	Scope of the Study
1.6	Significance of the Study
1.7	Limitations of the Study
1.8	Research Methodology
1.9	Chapter Scheme
1.10	Conclusion
1.11	References
1.10	Conclusion
1.11	References
II	REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
2.1	Introduction
2.2	Review of Literature
2.3	Research Gap
2.4	Theoretical background/ Conceptual Framework
2.5	Conclusion
2.6	References
III	PROFILE OF ORGANISATION/COMPANY/INDUSTRY
3.1	Introduction to organisation/company
3.2	Brief history of organisation/company
3.3	Goals Missions and Objectives
3.4	Awards and Rewards Received
3.5	Organisation Structure
3.6	Subsidiary Companies
3.7	Goods Manufactured or Services Provided
3.8	Departments
3.9	Manufacturing process
3.10	Growth and Development of Organisation
3.11	Financial information
3.12	Demographic Profile of the Organisation/Company
3.13	Testimonials from customers or employees
3.14	Future Prospects
IV	DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1	Introduction
4.2	Data Analysis and Interpretation
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.2.5
4.3	Conclusion
V	FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION
5.1	Introduction
5.2	Findings of The Study
5.3	Suggestions
5.4	Conclusion
	Bibliography
	Questionnaire

g) List of Table:

Under this student is required to do the list of tables prepared in project report. If you have created table in chapter one then give number to that table 1.1 and if you prepare table in chapter 2 then give number to that table 2.2 likewise for chapter 3 and 4 also.

LIST OF TABLES

Table No	Title	Page No.
1.1
1.2
1.3
2.1
2.2
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5

 

 

h) List of figure: Figure means here graph. Under this student is required to give the list of graphs prepared in the project report. Do the Graphical presentation where it is necessary. For every table it is not required to draw the graph. Under this student is required to do the list of graph prepared in project report. If you have created graph in chapter one then give number to that Figure 1.1 and if you prepare Graph in chapter 2 then give number to that Figure 2.2 likewise for chapter 3 and 4 also.

LIST OF FIGURE

Figure No	Title	Page No.
1.1
2.1
3.1
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5

i) Abbreviations:

An abbreviation is a short form of a written word or phrase. Abbreviations are used to save space and time. It also used to avoid repetition of long words and phrases. Students are required to do the list of abbreviations used in the project report. Let’s see the example of abbreviations.

IRR                 :           Internal Rate of Return

SD                   :           Standard of Deviation

SPSS               :           Statistical Package for Social Science

PF                    :           Provident Fund

GP                   :           Gross Profit

HRM               :           Human Resource Management

CRM               :           Customer Relationship Management

IPO                 :           Initial Public Offer

KPI                 :           Key Performance Indicator

B2B                 :           Business to Business

EPS                 :           Earnings Per Share

NPV                :           Net Present Value

R&D               :           Research and Development

OJT               :             On the Job Training

Section-1

Chapter- 1 Introduction and Research Methodology:

1.1 Introduction:

The researcher is supposed to provide a brief overview of the topic in the introduction. Bringing the topic to the reader's attention should be the main goal here. If the researcher is studying several aspects of the topic, each one needs to be briefly discussed. The goal is to provide a broad overview of the topic. After reading it, the reader should be able to discriminate that the researcher has adequate theoretical understanding of the topic and is capable of delving deeply into it. He should be introducing to research problem and subject which he/she want to study. Here, the researcher should begin by providing a broader overview of the topic before guiding the reader to the particular issue. The issue or problem needs to be describing in introduction.

While writing the introduction of the project first write about history or origin of the sector which you have under taken for study then what is present situation of that sector in India, Maharashtra and in particular district. What is the importance of study and what are the major problems faced by that sector. Then student has to describe the topic on which he/she has done project report and why he/she had selected this topic. For example, if a student is doing his/her project on work environment, then first of all, it is to be explained that what is what is work environment, and why it is important in corporate sector and what is the impact of work environment of the performance of employee.

If a student is doing his/her project on employee welfare practices, then it is to be explained that what is employee welfare, and what is the relevance of employee welfare in the modern days. What are the common practices of employee welfare in the corporate sector likewise, if a student is doing his/her project on training and development, then he/she has to define the concept of training and development and explain the relevance of the training and development in the organisation/company.

Along with that it is also expected to explain how study is going to help the organization to solve their problems. For example, if the absenteeism of employees in a particular organization or company is high, then student has to make it clear how his/her study will reduce the absenteeism of employees in the organization. Likewise, if the organization is facing the inventory management problem, then the student has to explain how his/her study will help the organization to solve the problem of inventory management i.e. how the shortage of inventory will be covered or what to do with the excessive inventory.

Most important point to be remember that while writing introduction if you have used some books, dissertations, theses. research paper, article or any government website then give the proper in text citation.

1.2 Statement of the Problem:

The researcher selects a problem which he wants to study firstly. Formulation of the research problem is the first step in research. While selecting research problem it must be selected carefully. Student should understand or identify the research problem. Research problem should be practical, relatively important, feasible, ethically and politically acceptable. A research problem in general refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of theoretical of practical situation and wants to obtain a solution the same. Thus research problem is one which requires a researcher to find out the best solution for the given problem. A research problem is a specific question or problem that needs to be investigated or study. The problem selected for the study must involve the researcher and must have an upper most place in his mind. Researcher can formulate research problem by review of literature, field observation or pilot survey, by observing the phenomena, and observing the society or organisation. The next step of defining problem is to understand its origin and nature. Researcher can identify the problem by surveying the available literature. Experience survey must be taken for identification problem. After identification of research problem finally the researcher must sit to rephrase the research problem into a working proposition.

While writing the statement of the problem firstly student has to explain the research problem in a proper way. Formulation of Research problem must be from general topic to specific research problem. Then he/she has to raise the investigative question in his/her mind on the problem undertaken. On the basis of these investigative questions researcher/student has to formulate the research objectives. For example if you are studying on the Employee Welfare Practices in Company then you have to raise the investigative questions in your mind like-

1. Which welfare practices are provided in the company?

2. Whether employees are satisfied with the welfare practices in the company?

3. What is the impact of welfare practices on the performance of employee?

4. Which factors influencing on the employee welfare schemes?

To answer these questions researcher has to undertake a study and on the basis of these investigative questions researcher has to formulate the research objectives.

1.3 Objectives of the study:

Objectives are the path of research. It provides the direction for the study. Objectives of the research should be clearly defined. Research objectives are specific outcomes that you aim to achieve through research. The main purpose of formulation of research objectives is to give direction to research project including data collection, analysis and interpretation and conclusions. After statement of the problem you are required to write objectives of the study. The first step to formulate research objectives is to pinpoint the major focus of your research project and make sure what you aim to achieve through your research. Then break down research focus into research objectives. You can choose general and specific objectives of research project. Write your research objectives in SMART format. A research objective must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound (SMART). Write research objectives as concisely as you can. Objectives should be easy to understand. Try to keep objectives in only one sentence. Keep your number of objectives limited. Write only a few specific objectives. Use action verbs while writing research objectives i.e. Assess, Determine, Evaluate, Analyse, Calculate, Compare, Explain, Describe etc. Keep realistic objectives of the study. Make it sure that you can achieve this in limited time and resources. You can also improve your objectives by taking feedback from mentor or colleague. 

The research objectives include obtaining answers to research questions or to test the hypothesis. For getting the right solution to the problem clearly defined objectives are very important. Research objectives should be started with “To.” It should be based on the investigative questions raised in statement of the problem. So from the above example given in the statement of problem you can formulate your objectives of research like-

1. To know the employee welfare practices of the selected company.

2 To estimate the level of. employee satisfaction regarding employee welfare practices in the selected company.

3. To know the impact of employee welfare practices on the performance of employee.

4. To study the factors influencing on the employee welfare schemes.

Likewise you can formulate the research objectives based on the investigative questions raised in your mind.

1.4 Hypothesis of the study:

Hypothesis is tentative assumption. It is probable answer to the research problem. It should be a logical statement. It is a predictive statement that relates an independent variable to dependent variable. Hypothesis must contain at least one independent and one dependent variable. Hypothesis forecasts about what your research will find. It is tentative answer to your research problem that has not yet tested. Hypothesis should be based on existing theories and knowledge. Hypothesis may be formulated on the basis of earlier theories or review of literature or pilot studies. Hypothesis should be testable it means that you can prove or disprove it through scientific research methods such as experiments, observations and statistical analysis of data. There are various types of hypothesis that are as follows

Types of hypothesis

1. Null hypothesis

2. Alternative hypothesis

3. Statistical hypothesis

4. Explanatory hypothesis

5. Descriptive hypothesis

6. Relational hypothesis

7. Correlation hypothesis

Null hypothesis is statement which describes the normal and natural position of any variable or variables and it is opposite to alternative hypothesis. Alternative hypothesis is statement proposed by researcher. Descriptive hypothesis is the statement which describes the behavior of population under study. Correlation hypothesis means the hypothesis which explains the relationship between two or more variables. In correlation hypothesis the words positive, negative or no correlation has been used. Explanatory hypotheses is one wherein the claims are made that one variable caused other to occur. Statistical hypothesis is one of the simplest forms of hypothesis formulation which uses population parameter to state the hypothesis in the form of numbers only.

A research study consists of two hypotheses i.e. null hypotheses and alternative. Null hypothesis is written as H0 while the alternative hypothesis is written as H1 or Ha. For testing the hypothesis firstly researcher has to collect the data, then select the relevant test, then decide on level of significant, degrees of freedom and one tail or two tailed test, then Calculate the test statistics and lastly take decision  on the basis of test statistics whether your hypothesis was rejected or accepted.

While selecting the hypothesis testing tool firstly do the measurement of data. The data can be measured using any of the four scales i.e. nominal scale, ordinal scale, interval scale and ratio scale. Then see how many variables are involved in testing of hypothesis. Either one variable or two variables or three variables. It is called as univariate analysis, bi-variate analysis and multivariate analysis. Now these two dimensions help to decide the appropriate statistical tool to be selected to test the hypothesis.

If one variable is in process of which the data is collected using nominal scale then chi-square test can be used. If the data is measured using ratio scale and number of variables is more than two then Anova can be used. If researcher wants to establish the relationship then correlation or regression can be used. If the data is collected using interval or ratio scale in any case of univariate or bi-variate data appropriate test from‘t’ test can be used. The student has to make proper selection of the test.

From the above example given in the statement of the problem following hypothesis may be formulated-

HO- Employees are satisfied with the welfare practices in the company.

H1- Employees are not satisfied with the welfare practices in the company

H0- There is a significant impact of employee welfare practices on the performance of employee

H1- There is no significant impact of employee welfare practices on the performance of employee.

Likewise you can formulae the hypothesis for research project. The detailed discussions on hypothesis and hypothesis testing have been done in the book Research Methodology provided to you.

1.5 Scope of the study:

Scope of the study means what the researcher is covered in his study. The scope of the study refers to the boundaries within which your research project will be performed. To define the scope of the study means define all aspects that will be considered in your research project.  In order to write the scope of the study you must be clear on the research parameters that you will consider. These parameters usually consists topic or theme, sample size, the duration, inclusion and exclusion criteria, methodology and any geographical or monetary constraints. This scope of the research classified as topical scope, geographical scope, analytical scope, periodical scope and functional scope. The term limitations’ is often used together with the scope of the study but it is different from the scope. In scope of the study you have to write what is covered in your project and what is not covered is written in the limitation of the study. Researcher is required to write scope of study properly while writing the first chapter of the project report.

Topical scope: In topical scope you can write about which topic you have covered and also which objectives you have covered.

Geographical Scope: In geographical scope you can write about the geographical area which you have selected or the organisation or company selected for the research project. i.e. Kolhapur city or any dairy industry or company or sugar factory etc.

Analytical Scope: In analytical scope you can write about the tools and techniques used for data analysis like MS Excel, SPSS and statistical test used for testing the hypothesis.

Periodical Scope: In periodical scope you can write about the time/period which you have covered for the study undertaken i.e. 5 year (2018-19 to 2022-23)

1.6 Significance of the study:

Researcher has to explain the importance of the subject here. This importance is to particular organisation or company, to particular sector, then importance to government, importance to society, importance to policy formulation or policy making etc. should be explained in a broader sense in the significance of the study. Significance is different from area to area unit to unit and industry to industry. Why in his opinion subject undertaken is important is to be explained in brief. Importance of every subject is different, and it is always based on the place or location, firm or company, type of firm/company, products/services etc. For example if you are studying the employee welfare practices then you have to explain the importance of employee welfare practices in the organisation/ company, what is importance to particular sector, what is its impact on the organisation or company, what is the role government regarding employee welfare practices etc. should be explained in the significance of the study. So here how the subject is significant in current situation is to be explained here.

1.7 Limitations of the study:

Limitations mean what researcher has not covered in his study. Every research has its limit and these limitations arise due to restrictions in methodology or research design. This could impact your entire research.  It is very important that you provide an explanation of how your research limitations may affect the conclusions and opinions drawn from your research. As a researcher you can state the imitations of research it shows that you have investigated all the weaknesses of your study. It is best to mention the limitations of research after writing objectives, scope and significance of the study. You can discuss specific points from your research limitations as suggestions for further research. There are various types of limitation these are common limitations of the researcher, limited access to information, time limit, conflict over biased views, research design limitations, impact limitations, data or statistical limitations etc. While writing the limitations researcher is necessary to correctly structure the limitations.

1.8 Research Methodology:

In research methodology it is expected to disclose how the researcher is going to carry out the research. Here he should mention about Data required, Sources of data collection, Tools of data collection, Parameter of the study, Sample design and Method of data Processing and Analysis.

1.8.1 Data Required: In this section which data is required that he has to mentions. If he is studying on the employee welfare practices then he require the data regarding employee welfare practices of the selected organisation. If he is study on the training and development he requires data regarding training and development of the selected organisation. Write the variables and data points to be collected to suffice the objectives and hypothesis set for study. Data required is the list of variables needed.

1.8.2 Sources of Data Collection: Here researcher has to write about which sources of data collection used for the study undertaken. These sources are primary data and secondary data. Now out of above needed variables researcher has to decide which of the variables has to be collected from primary sources and secondary sources.

A) Primary Source: This is also known as primary data. Primary data are first hand data. Primary sources are original sources from which data are collected by any researcher. Primary data can be collected through various methods such as Mailing/Questionnaire method, Interview method, Focus group method, Observation method and Schedule and Questionnaire.

B) Secondary Source: This data is also known as secondary data. Secondary data are the data which have been collected by somebody else and used by the researcher. Secondary sources may be books, journals, reports, magazines, internet, newspapers, articles, different websites, research papers, M.Phil. Dissertations and Ph.D. Theses etc. secondary data may be published or unpublished.

1.8.3 Parameters of the study:

In this researcher has to describe about the parameters used to measure or study the selected topic. For example if you are doing the project report on motivational practices then parameters are financial and non-financial motivation. Ahead of this you are required to write which are the parameters for financial motivation and which are the parameters of non-financial motivation. If you are studying on the employee welfare practices then parameters are intramural and extramural welfare activities or statutory and non-statutory welfare measures. Ahead of this you are required to write what come under intramural welfare activities and what comes under extramural activities then what come under statuary welfare measures and what come under non-statutory welfare measures.

1.8.4 Instruments:

If the variables has to be collected using the primary sources then researcher has to decide on the instrument to be used i.e. Mailing/Questionnaire method, Interview method, Focus group method, Observation method and Schedule and Questionnaire. If the variables has to be collected by using the secondary data then researcher has to decide the sources of secondary data i.e. books, journals, reports, magazines, internet, newspapers, articles, different websites, research papers etc.

1.8.5 Sample Design:

For the preparation of research project, a student has to go for sampling i.e. selecting a sample from a given population. A student has to determine the sample design i.e. size of the sample. Sampling is necessary when population is large. The student has to take care that the sample size should fulfil the criterion of flexibility, reliability, efficiency and representativeness. In other words, the sample size should cover all the characteristics of the population or represent the population. For understanding the sampling firstly we are required understand some concepts as universe, population, sampling frame and type of sampling.

1. Universe: Maximum possible source of information is called universe. If researcher wants to study the Capital structure of the listed Companies then universe is a listed companies. 

2. Population: Population consists of whole set of data or information from the entire universe which is considered to be the whole source of information. The population is of two types one is finite population and second is infinite population. Finite population means one can count the size of information source whereas infinite population means size of information sources which cannot be counted. For example we can count the No of listed companies on BSE and NSE but if we are studying the consumer satisfaction of these companies then it is not possible to identify or count the consumers. The type of population i.e. finite and infinite determines the type of sampling method to select the samples.

3. Sampling frame: Sampling frame is a defined part of a population. This is a final list of sources of information finalized by researcher from which a few samples are going to pick up for study. For example out of 6,819 listed companies only 5311 are listed on BSE then population for study is 5311.

Types of Sampling:

The student can use following types of sampling depending the nature of his/her study-

Random/ Probability Sampling	Non-Random/ Non Probability Sampling
Simple Random Sampling	Quota Sampling
Stratified Random Sampling	Convenience Sampling
Systematic Sampling	On the Spot Sampling
Sequential Sampling	Purposive Sampling
Multi Stage Sampling	Snow Ball Sampling

Researcher can use finite and infinite population formula to calculative the sample size. The calculated figure of sample size gives minimum sample size researcher can take more than that because increase in sample size decreases the sampling errors. If calculated figure is odd then you can convert it into round figure. For example it calculated figure is 389.5 then we can take it 390 because person or respondents cannot be half.

1.8.6 Method of data Processing and Analysis:

After collecting data, the next step is to arrange data for processing and proper presentation. Before analysis of data, data should be processed properly. The data are processed carefully and systematically for statistical treatment and meaningful interpretation. The data processing comprises questionnaire checking, editing, coding, classification, tabulation, graphical presentation, data cleaning and data adjusting. The stage of data processing provides us minimizing errors.

Analysis of data is an important step in research process. Collected data should be systematically analysed. Data analysis means showing the relationship between the tabulated data. Data analysis means to establish an association or relationship between variables. Analysis has supported by interpretation where positive correlation or negative correlation. All such information student should write in the research methodology of the project report.

1.9 Chapter Scheme:

It is scheme of cauterisation. Researcher has to do the sequential and logical arrangement of the chapters of the study. Researcher has full liberty to design the cauterisation. But while writing chapter scheme researcher has to take consideration the following things i.e. chapters should be limited, cover all related issue, maintain logical flow or sequence of the subject, take care of overlapping, give sufficient number of subheadings and be clear and concise. For your convenience and information following is the tentative chapter scheme-

Chapter- 1 Introduction and Research Methodology:  This chapter include introduction of the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, hypotheses of the study, scope of the study, significance of the study, limitations of the study and also this chapter contains research methodology adopted for study.

Chapter- 2 Review of Literature and Theoretical/ Conceptual Background:

This chapter includes the review of literature which researcher has studied and theoretical/ conceptual background regarding topic undertaken for the project. 

Chapter- 3 Profile of the Organisation/Company/Study Area:

This chapter contains brief information of organisation/company or study area where project is undertaken.

Chapter- 4 Data Analysis and Interpretation:

This chapter presents collected data and presented preferably in tabular form with analysis and interpretation.

Chapter- 5 Findings and Suggestions:

This is the last chapter based on earlier chapter for its contents. It includes the finding based on data analysis and interpretation, suggestions based on finding and conclusion regarding the problem undertaken.

1.10 Conclusion:

In this student is required to write down the conclusion of the first chapter. In the conclusion he/she has to write about problem undertaken, objectives, hypotheses, scope and importance of the problem undertaken, methodology used and for the present study and chapter scheme of the present study.  

1.11 References:

In this students are required to write down the references used to write down the chapter1. References should be in APA style. Students have to write only those references which are actually used to write down the chapter1.

Check your Progress-1

A) Fill in the blanks

1. …………… is the first page of the project report.

2. ………….. is an overview of your project report.

3. In …………. researcher is expected to give brief view of the subject.

4. …………….. is the first step in research.

5. While writing statement of the problem researcher can raise ……….. questions in his/her mind.

6. …………. are the path of research.

7. ……….. is tentative assumption.

8. Hypothesis must contain at least one ………… and …………. variable.

9. …………… of the study means what the researcher is covered in his study.

10. …………. mean what researcher has not covered in his study.

11. In ………….. of the study researcher has to explain the importance of the subject.

12. …………. disclose how the researcher is going to carry out the research.

13.. ……………. are original sources from which data are collected by any researcher.

14. ……………are the data which have been collected by somebody else and used by the researcher.

15. …………. is necessary when population is large.

16. The population is of two types one is ………. and second is ………....

17. ………… is scheme of cauterisation.

 

B) State True or False

1. Title of the project should be brief, clear and specific which give the scope of the study.

2. Research problem should not be reflected in the title of the project.

3. Avoid technical terms while writing executive summary.

4. The focus of writing introduction is to create awareness about the subject in the mind of the reader.

5. Researcher can formulate research problem by field observation, pilot survey and surveying the available literature.

6. The main purpose of formulation of research objectives is to misguide the research project.

7. A research objective must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound (SMART).

8. Do not use action verbs while writing research objectives.

9. Hypothesis may be formulated on the basis of your own mind.

10. Research limitations provide suggestions for further research.

C) Choose the correct alternative

1. Hypothesis may be formulated on the basis of

a) Earlier theories                    b) Review of literature

c) Pilot studies                                    d) All of the above

2. Which of the following is not limitation?

a)  Limited access to information                   b) Limited time

c) Biased views                                               d) Availability of data

3. Which of the following is not a type of hypothesis.

a) Biased hypothesis               b) Alternative hypothesis

c) Explanatory hypothesis       d) Null hypothesis

4. Sample size should fulfil the criterion of

a) Flexibility                                                    b) reliability,

c) Efficiency & representativeness                 d) All of the above

5. Which of the following is non-probability sampling?

a) Simple Random Sampling                          b) Quota Sampling

c) Systematic Sampling                                   d) Stratified Random Sampling

6. Research methodology does not include …………

a) Sources of data collection               b) Tools of data collection

c) Limitations                                      d) Sample design.

Section- 2

Chapter-2 Review of Literature and Theoretical background:

2.1 Introduction:

In introduction student is required to write about what they covered in the chapter 2. He/she has to write about the review of literature, purpose of drawing the review of literature and how much review he/she undertaken of the problem undertaken. The researcher has to write down what he/she covered in theoretical background etc.

2.2 Review of Literature:

Student should take at least 10 to 15 reviews on the selected topic. Review of literature means studying the previous studies on the selected topic. Purpose of review of literature is to find out the research gap. It means what is covered in earlier studies and what is not covered. What is not covered is the research gap. That gap you have to cover in your research. Review of literature is done with specific purpose of getting basic idea and conceptual clarity about research problem. It is helpful to identify theoretical gap and methodological gap. Review of literature is also helpful to researcher to formulate the hypothesis. Due to review of literature repetition of the same research problem avoided. While writing the review of literature firstly write the name of author, year (In bracket after name), title, main objectives of their study, methodology used, main findings, main suggestions and conclusion. It is expected here to take critical review of literature. It means that along with what they studied and covered along with that what they have not studied and covered it was also write in review.

2.3 Research Gap:

After taking the review of available literature on the selected problem research has to write the research gap. The main purpose of drawing review of literature is to find out the research gap. Reteach gap means what are not covered in previous earlier studies. Research has to find out the topical gap, methodological gap, periodical gap etc. from the literature review. In simple words in research gap researcher has to write down about what are not covered in previous studies and that you have to cover in your study.

2.4 Theoretical Background/Conceptual Framework:

Researchers use theoretical frameworks to explain the theories they are using within their research and provide their own research with context by identifying the assumptions that inform their work. A theoretical framework is often integrated into a review of literature. The terms theoretical background and conceptual framework are often used interchangeably but there is a differences between the two. Theoretical background explores the relationship between things in a given phenomenon in a broad and general way while conceptual framework is more specific and represents the researcher’s idea on how the research problem will be explored.  Conceptual framework includes the ideas that are used to define research and evaluate data. Conceptual frameworks consist of variables, concepts, theories and parts of other existing frameworks. Basic theoretical background includes meaning and definition of the term, its need, importance, features, advantages, disadvantages, explanation of the theories and its logical connection.

The goal of a theoretical background or conceptual framework is to connect your new research to existing knowledge and provide an explicit statement of theoretical assumptions to the reader. It helps you to lay the foundation that will support your analysis and help you to interpret your results and make broader generalizations. Further a theoretical framework can also help you organize complex scientific documents into readable formats. By using a theoretical background or conceptual framework you can coordinate your ideas with supporting research, which can help other researchers understand and apply your ideas in future studies.

When students are writing a project report in any functional area, then the topic of that project is related with the theoretical knowledge that he/she has gained in his/her course. The main purpose of practical training is to apply the theatrical concepts in practical. In this unit, the student has to write about those theoretical aspects, in which he/she is doing his/her project. Further, it is also expected to describe only those aspects which he/she will apply in his/her practical training. In other words, those theoretical concepts which are not used in the practical training should not be considered in the project report. For example if students has taken project on motivational practices then he/she has to describe what is motivation, types of motivation, need of motivation and impact of motivation on employee performance. If the student is doing the project report on consumer behaviour, then first of all he/she has to explain the concept of consumer behaviour; the factors influencing on consumer behaviour, consumer buying process as per the applicability to the project. If student is doing the project on employee welfare practices then has to explain the concept of employee welfare, what are statutory and non-statutory employee welfare, factors affecting on employee welfare etc. If student is doing the project on training and development then he has to explain the concept of training and development, need of training, importance of training, methods of training etc. If student is doing project on work environment then he has describe what is work environment, factors affecting on work environment, importance of work environment, impact of work environment of employee performance etc. he/she has to explain.

In short, in theoretical background or conceptual framework student has to explain the theoretical/ basic concept applicable to project report. Student has to write the working definitions used in the project report. It must include the ideas and parameters that are used to define research and evaluate data.

2.5 Conclusion:

In this student is required to write down the conclusion of the second chapter. In the conclusion he/she has to write about how much total literature he/she has taken, how much articles, theses, dissertations and research paper he has reviewed. What research gap they found after literature review and what theoretical background he/she taken and concluding remark regarding the theoretical background.

2.6 References:

In this students are required to write down the references used to write down the chapter 2. References should be in APA style. Students have to write only those references which are actually used to write down the chapter 2.

Check your Progress- 2

A) Fill in the blanks

1. ................ means studying the previous studies on the selected research topic.

2. The Purpose of review of literature is to find out the ………………

3. Review of literature is also helpful to researcher to formulate the ………….

4. Due to …………… repetition of the same research problem avoided.

5. …………. consist of variables, concepts, theories and parts of other existing frameworks.

B) State True or False

1. Theoretical background explores the relationship between things in a given phenomenon in a broad and general way.

2. Conceptual framework is more specific and represents the researchers idea on how the research problem will be explored.

3. There is no difference between theoretical background and conceptual framework.

4. The goal of a theoretical background or conceptual framework is to connect your new research to existing knowledge and provide an explicit statement of theoretical assumptions to the reader.

Section- 3

Chapter- 3 Profile of Organisation/ Company/ Industry:

As per the chapter scheme given above this is the chapter 3. In this chapter student has to write about the organisation/industry/company selected for the project. A company/organisation profile is a written introduction to an organisation/company that tells the reader about its activities, mission, goals and strengths. In this chapter student is required to provide detailed information of the company like name, its address, location, establishment, history of organisation/ industry, goals missions and objectives, awards and rewards received, organisation structure, subsidiary companies, goods manufactured or services provided, departments, manufacturing process, growth and development of organisation, future prospects,  etc. This information is obtained through secondary sources like annual reports of the company, website of the company or by interacting with managers/executives of the company.

Before you start to write the company profiles identify its purpose. Company profiles can include different elements depending on their target audience and end goal. You can decide the format, style and structure of the company profile. This can help you organize information in a way that it becomes easy to read and appealing for readers to view. You can start the company profile by including the company name, website and contact information. You can include the company's mission statement. A mission statement describes the purpose and values of a company. You can also include a brief story of the company's founding. You can include the company's date of founding and location in the company profile. You can provide a description of the products or services the company offers. You can list or describe awards and other recognition the company has earned. This can help you to know companies value and prestige in industry and community. You can also include financial information regarding company in the profile. You can also incorporate the demographic profile of the organisation/company. You can also include testimonials from customers or employees in your company profile. You can write organisation/company profile as follows-

 

3.1. Introduction to Organisation/Company:

In this, the student has to mention the name of the company,  registration of compancy, the address of company contact details and website of the company. He/she has to mention the nature of the company i.e. whether it is public limited company or a private limited company, which goods and services are provided by the company etc. information must be included in the introduction of the organisation/company.

3.2 History of the Organisation/Company:

Student has to write the brief history of the organization i.e. when this organization started its operation, by whom it was started, who are the promoters of the company, where the company is situated and the names of the board of directors all this information is required to write in history of the organisation/company.

3.3. Goals Missions and Objectives:

You can include the company's Goal, mission and objective statement. A mission statement describes the purpose and values of a company. Goals states the is the target of company and objectives states what company want to achieve.

3.4. Awards and Rewards Received:

In this section you can list or describe awards and other recognition the company has earned like best company award, industry of the year etc. at state, national and international level.

3.5. Organisation Structure:

Student has to write organisation structure in flow chart i.e. top to bottom. Organisation structure consists of organizational hierarchy i.e. the number of designations from top to bottom. The student has to describe whether the organization is having matrix structure/bureaucratic structure/flat structure. He/she should present the organization structure in diagram in his/her project report.

3.6. Subsidiary Companies:

Now a day many big organizations are having subsidiaries and associates. Then the student has to mention the names of the subsidiaries and associates and the activities carried on by these subsidiaries and associates.

3.7. Goods Manufactured or Services Provided:

You can provide a description of the products or services the company offers. You can prepare the list of products as per its nature. You can also provide the rate of products and services. Also include the different size and weights of products. If company is service providing company then you can list out the services provided by the organisation or company in detail.

3.8 Departments:

There are number of departments In the organization like production, finance, marketing, human resource/personnel department, research & development department and general administration department. The nature of departments is different in different types of organization. Nature of manufacturing organization or service organization was different. For example, the functioning of various departments in bank is quite different from various departments in insurance companies. In whatsoever organization, a student is doing project, he/she has to describe the features and functioning of the various departments in the organization. Like who is heading the particular department, the number of employees in a particular department, the performance of the department etc.

3.9 Manufacturing process:

The student should also observe the manufacturing process of the organization and the products manufactured by the organization. The peculiarities of various products and there features prices etc. can be included. The student is not required to go into technical details of the product, rather he/she has to describe in brief about the products.

3.10 Growth and Development of Organisation:

You can write the growth of the business from the establishment or from last 5 years or 10 years. Growth in capital, investment, number of customers, net profit, turnover, production etc. you can write in growth and development of organisation.

3.11 Financial information:

You can also include financial information regarding company in the profile If the main audience for the company profile is investors. You can also include the financial targets, strategies and past performance of the organisation or company.

3.12 Demographic Profile of the Organisation/Company:

You can also incorporate the demographic profile of the organisation/company. It includes number of employees and statistics for the racial, age and gender makeup of its employees and discusses goals and strategies for improving these statistics.

3.13 Testimonials from customers or employees:

You can also include the testimonials from customers as well as employees in your company profile. This helps to delivers a positive culture to employees or satisfaction to customers. A testimonial is simple quote from someone about their experience with the company.

3.14 Future Prospects:

In future prospect of the company the student has to mention the growth & diversification strategies of the company i.e. what is the expansion plan of the company? What diversified products, the company is going to launch. For example, if the company is having plan for growth & expansion, then it will help that student who is doing his/her project in recruitment and selection of that company.

3.15 Conclusion:

In this student has to write down the short conclusion of the chapter three i.e. profile of company/organisation/industry.

Check your Progress- 3

A) Fill in the blanks

1. A …………………….. is a written introduction to an organisation/company.

2. The information of the company like name, its address, location, establishment, history, goals missions, objectives, awards and rewards etc. are provided in ……………..

3. Before you start to write the company profiles identify it’s ……………..

4. Company profiles can include different elements depending on their …………

B) State True or False

1. Testimonials from customers or employees are not included in profile of the organisation.

2. Company profiles can include different elements depending on their target audience and end goal.

3. You cannot decide the format, style and structure of the company profile.

4. You can also include financial information regarding company in the profile.

5. The information required to write company profile is obtained through secondary sources like annual reports of the company, website of the company or by interacting with managers/executives of the company.

 

 

Section- 4

Chapter- 4 Data Analysis and Interpretation:

4.1 Introduction:

In this introduction students are required to write down regarding the analysis of data. How they collected the data and how they analysed the data, what data collected regarding selected research topic to achieve the objectives.

4.2 Data Analysis and Interpretation:

Data Collection:

For Data analysis and interpretation firstly students are required to do the data collection. Data can be classified on different basis such classification may be quantitative data vs. qualitative data, primary data vs. secondary data. There are two sources of data collection i.e. Primary Sources and Secondary Sources. Primary data can be collected through various methods such as Mailing/Questionnaire method, Interview method, Focus group method, Observation method and Schedule and Questionnaire. Secondary sources may be books, journals, reports, magazines, internet, newspapers, articles, different websites, research papers, M.Phil. Dissertations and Ph.D. Theses etc. secondary data may be published or unpublished.

Data Processing:

After data collection secondly students are required to do the data processing. Before analysis of data, data should be processed properly. The data are processed carefully and systematically for statistical treatment and meaningful interpretation. The data processing comprises questionnaire checking, editing, coding, classification, tabulation, graphical presentation, data cleaning and data adjusting. The stages of data processing provide us minimizing errors.

1. Classification-

Classification is a process of grouping the statistical data. It is the process of arranging data in groups or classes on the basis of common characteristics. Classification is made according attributes or class-intervals.

Type of Classification-

1. Qualitative Classification: Under this type classification of data made according to some attribute or quality such as sex, literacy, religion etc.

2. Quantitative Classification: Under this type classification of data is made according to some characteristics that can be measured such as height, weight, age etc. under this method data are classification by class intervals.

3. Chronological Classification: Under this type classification is made with respect to time/period.

4. Geographical Classification: Under this type classification is made with respect to places.

2. Tabulation:

After classification of data students are required to do the tabulation of data. Tabulation means presenting data in tabular form. It is systematic presentation of the information/data collected in Rows or Colums according to certain characteristics. It helps to make data easy to read understand. It helps to make a comparison of two or more sets of data gathered on the same characteristics. Tabulation may be done by hand, mechanical or electronic. Table can be divided into different categories such as frequency tables, response tables, contingency tables, univariate tables, bivariate tables, statistical tables and time series tables.

Elements of Table- Table has a specific layout. It includes table number, title of table, number of columns and rows, stubs or row designations, captions or columns headings, body of the table, the unit of measurement, source and foot-notes. Following is the format of table-

Table Number

Title of table

                                                                            (Figures in Rs.)

Sr. No	Particulars	Frequency	Percentage
Total

Source:

Footnote:

Students note that every table must have reference number and title. Similarly, every row and column of a table must have a reference number and a subheading. Title of table should be followed by little description of what exactly has been given in the table. This would help to give general idea to reader on the table contain. Every table carries source which refers origin of data. In case of primary data the source is field survey and in case of secondary data source should be reports, documents, books, websites from where data has taken for study. The tables should be arranged and explained in their logical sequence. They must also be numbered in sequence. Collected data is discussed below the table. It is called interpretation. Analysed data is needed to be interpreted. In interpretation effort has been made to give meaning to figures in table. Figures in table do not speak on its own. It is duty of researcher or student to give meaning to figures.  Analysis also includes finding relationship between two figures to draw meaningful conclusion. There are various type table student can use type of table as per the data these type are as follows-

Types of table-

i) Simple table or One-way table: The table which is prepared for only one quality or characteristic is called simple table or one-way table. It presents the distribution of cases on only a single dimension or variable. For example mark wise distribution of students.

ii) Two-way Table: The table which is prepared on the basis of two qualities or characteristics. It presents the distribution in terms of two variables. For example mark and gender wise distribution of students.

iii) Three-way Table: The table which is prepared on the basis of three qualities or characteristics. It presents the distribution in terms of three variables. For example Marks, Stream and Gender wise classification of students.

3. Graphical Presentation:

Student can also present the data by using graph. It is a technique of presenting the data visually in the form of graph. The quickest understanding is possible by graphical presentation. If data are presented in the form of diagram or graphs, the comparison of data is much easier. Graphical presentation should be made in the line of research objectives. According to the purpose, graphical tool should be selected. It is very useful to prospective readers who are non-technical and general public. Graphic forms should be simple, clear and accurate. The most commonly used graphic forms are as Bar Chart, Multiple Bar Chart, Sub-divided Bar Chart, Histogram, Ogive Curve, Pie-chart, Pictogram and Frequency Polygon. Researcher or student can select any of the above form which is suitable to data while writing the project report. Like table for figure or graph also number and title should be given. For each and every table it is not necessary to draw the graph student can insert the graph where it is necessary.

After data processing students are required to do the analysis and interpretation of data. Detailed information regarding data collection, sources of data, data processing and data analysis and interpretation is given in the Research Methodology book provided to you.

Data Analysis:

Student is required to analyse the collected data. Analysis of data is an important step in research process. The analysis of data is done using statistical tools and techniques. Now a day’s software like MS Excel, SPSS or R etc. is used for data analysis. Data analysis depends upon the type of data i.e. quantitative or qualitative. Data analysis means searching and showing the relationship between or among the tabulated data. Analysis shows the pattern of correlation between the data. Data analysis means to establish the relationship between variables. Analysis has supported by interpretation where positive correlation or negative correlation. The analysis can use statistical parameters for drawing quantifiable inference. In data analysis, high degree or low degree of variables should be measured. The degree may be positive or negative or liner. The researcher can use mean, median; mode, range, standard deviation, variance, coefficient of correlation, coefficient of variation, regression, t-test, z-test, etc. for interpretation of data. These statistical parameters are very useful for data processing and drawing inference. In data analysis cross checking of fulfilment of objectives and hypothesis testing is checked. Data processing is required for analysis and interpretation of the data. The required data has collected through questionnaire or schedule and observation. The researcher has to check that all questions have filled or not, quality of the respondents, sampling method wise questionnaire, respondent sincerity while filled the questionnaire, impression of the respondents about questionnaire etc.

Interpretation of Data:

After analysis of data student is required to interpret the data. In interpretation of data many time students write only what figures stated in table only but here it is required to interpret about the reasons. Interpretation must consist the logical elaboration. For example if you prepared the table of sales during last five years then it not to write only the sales in this year is this and in this year is this but here you are required to write why it is increased or decreased what is logic behind that. Writing the interpretation of collected and analysed data is very important in any research. Interpretation means drawing inferences from the collected and analysed data. Researcher is required to write Interpretation very carefully otherwise misleading conclusions may be drawn. Interpretation means establishing relationship among different variables. Interpretation is the process of making the things simple and clear. Interpretation must be based on observation made by the researcher in his data collection period.

Interpretation provides conceptual and suggestive parameters for the selected subject. It helps for drawing number of useful and applicable inferences and findings. Interpretation is the last stage of the research where different inferences, findings, and applied suggestions are written. Researcher is not only fact finding activity but also relation to the previous findings, cross sectional analysis, fulfilment of objectives and hypotheses etc. Interpretation is required for knowing the research finding, knowing abstract principles behind findings, guidance for future research and establishing relationship among the variables.

4.3 Conclusion:

In this conclusion students are required to write down the conclusion regarding the data analysis and interpretation made on the selected research problem. This conclusion should be based on the data collected and analysed. It should be focus on the fulfilment of research objectives and testing of the hypothesis.

Check your Progress- 4

A) Fill in the blanks

1. …………..are measurements or observations that are collected as a source of information.

2. ……………. data type is measured using numbers and values.

3.……………data categorized on basis of properties, attributes, labels, and other identifiers.

4. …………. is a process of grouping the statistical data.

5. ………… means presenting data in tabular form.

6. ………… means searching and showing the relationship between or among the tabulated data.

7. …………..means drawing inferences from the collected and analysed data.

B) Choose the correct alternative

1. Which of the following is not type of data?

a) Quantitative data                b) Qualitative data

c) Primary data                        d) Tertius data

 

2. Which of the following is the method of Primary data collection

a) Questionnaire method                     b) Interview method

c) Observation method                       d) All of the above

3. Which of the following is not Secondary source of data?

a) Interview                 b) Journals

c) Magazines               d) Books

4. Which of the following is type of table?

a) One-way table                     b) Two-way Table

c) Three-way Table                 d) All of the above

5. Which of the following is not graphic form?

a) Bar Chart,               b) Histogram,

c) Table                       d) Ogive Curve

C) State True or False

1. There are ten sources of data collection.

2. Classification is a process of grouping the statistical data.

3. Tabulation means presenting data in graphical form.

4. The quickest understanding is possible by graphical presentation.

5. Data analysis means to establish the relationship between variables.

6. Interpretation must consist the logical elaboration.

7. Interpretation means drawing inferences from the collected and analysed data.

Section- 5

Chapter- 5 Findings and suggestions:

Findings and suggestions is the last chapter of project report i.e. Chapter- V. This chapter therefore is to be divided into three subsections i.e. findings, suggestions and conclusion.

5.1 Introduction:

In this student is required to write down the general introduction regarding chapter 5 and the content of this chapter.

5.2 Findings:

After data analysis and interpretation student has to write the findings of the study. Findings should be based on data analysis and interpretation. From every table researcher or student can draw the findings. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize previous Chapter- IV data analysis and interpretation. Researcher has to summarize data analysis and interpretation chapter in a precise manner to draw the conclusions and also suggest measures to improve the situation. Findings are the factual results or decisions arrived at on the basis of analysed data. The findings should be definite precise and specific statements. They should be serially numbered. Finding should be written as the sequence of data analysis and interpretation followed in chapter four. After writing the finding statement you have to write the table number in to bracket for the reference of reader. Student can do the classification of the findings as General findings and specific findings. Also student can draw the findings as per the objectives of the study. General findings are findings based on the overall picture of interpretation or explanation of data. Specific findings are based on a specific part of data interpreted, analysed, or explained. Students are required to write general findings first and then he/she can write the specific findings. Subdivision of findings must give the serial number. 

5.3 Suggestions:

After writing the findings of the study researcher or students are required to write the suggestions. Suggestions should be based on the findings. Suggestions are definite steps or measures recommended for improvement of the performance of the selected organisation/company. Therefore it is clear that student or researcher do not given the suggestions which are not borne out by, justified by, or based on the findings. The suggestion/recommendation should be definite, precise and specific statements. Suggestions should be serially numbered. Suggestions should be real plan of action and it should be capable to implement. In sort suggestions should be practicable. If researcher/ student have written the findings as general and specific findings then suggestion should be like findings. i.e. general suggestions and specific suggestions. General suggestions are based on the general conclusions and specific suggestions based on specific findings. Suggestions should be separately numbers for general and specific

5.4 Conclusion:

After the writing the findings and suggestions student has to write the overall conclusion regarding the selected research problem. Writing Conclusion is the last part of research project. Conclusion is the overview of the project report. While writing conclusion firstly restate your topic and its importance then restate the content of study, draw some main points of research, importance of the main points. Then write about your conclusion regarding selected research problem. A conclusion is not only a summary of your study or research problem but a synthesis of key points. Conclusion should include what you have presented in your research. Conclusion attracts the reader’s attention. Many times renders of the research project directly go to conclusion to save the time so conclusion should be precise, systematic and effective. Conclusion should be clear and concise and state only the most important information.

Check your Progress- 5

A) Fill in the blanks

1. ………….. are the factual results or decisions arrived at on the basis of analysed data.

2. …………. are definite steps or measures recommended for improvement of the performance of the selected organisation/company.

3. ………….. should be definite precise and specific statements.

4. ………….. should be real plan of action and it should be capable to implement.

5. After writing the finding statement you have to write the ……………. in to bracket for the reference of reader.

B) State True or False

1. Findings should be based on data analysis and interpretation.

2. Findings cannot be classified as General findings and specific findings.

3. The suggestion/recommendation should be definite, precise and specific statements.

4. Suggestions should not be capable to implement.

5. Suggestions should be real plan of action and it should be capable to implement.

Section- 6

Annexures to Project:

Firstly student should not that this is not a separate chapter.  Annexures is a supplement or appendix to a written document. It is a set of legal documents or proofs which are attached to the main document to confirm the details provided in the main body. Many time annexures and appendix is considered as same but there is a difference between annexures and appendix. Annexure is an addition to the document while the appendix is an extension made at the end of the research work. Appendix is much more as compared to an annexure. The document charts, questionnaires, tables, and schedules etc. which are actually referred to write the project report are to be included under Annexures or Appendix. Thus annexures includes Questionnaires used for collecting primary data. It also includes the interview schedules used for collecting information. Tables formed for presenting the data. It also consist the Documents/forms used while preparing the project report. Diagram or graphs referred to in project report also included in the annexure. Each type of annexure must have a serial number for facility of quick reference and it should be mention in the body of project report. Every annexure must have a self-explanatory heading. In case of tables all vertical, horizontal columns must also have sub headings and column numbers. Student should note that any documents, table, chart etc. which is not refereed or used should not be included in the annexure.

Section- 7

Writing Scientific References and Bibliography:

Firstly student should not that this is not a separate chapter.  There is a difference between the references and bibliography. References are specific citations used within the text to support arguments while bibliography provides a comprehensive list of all sources consulted. At the end of chapters student is required to write the specific reference used. Bibliography means list of books, journals, magazines, dissertation, theses, websites, government reports etc. published work actually referred or used in writing the project report. It includes all those works which the researcher has consulted. In short references include specific citations used and bibliography includes comprehensive list of all sources which is referred and used. Bibliography provides a comprehensive list of sources for further reading or research.  The bibliography should be arranged alphabetically. Write the references or bibliography in American Psychological Association (APA) style. This pattern of bibliography is considered convenient and satisfactory from the point view of readers. It is not only way of presenting the bibliography. There are various methods of writing the references and bibliography but in most of the research in social sciences APA style is used.  Student can make the part of bibliography like books, research articles and papers, government report, websites, dissertation and theses etc. Student should write the bibliography in a specific manner. It must be in following manner. The name of author (surname and then initials), title of the book (is to be underline), year of publication, place of publication, number of the edition, name of the publisher in full (address), pages referred.

 

Check your Progress- 6

A) Fill in the blanks

1.…………..is a supplement or appendix to a written document.

2. The document charts, questionnaires, tables, and schedules etc. which are actually referred to write the project report are to be included under …………..

3. ………… means list of books, journals, magazines etc. published work actually referred or used in writing the project report.

4. APA means……………….

5. …………. provides a comprehensive list of sources for further reading or research.

B) State True or False

1. Annexures includes Questionnaires used for collecting primary data.

2. Any documents, table, chart etc. which is not refereed or used should not be included in the annexure.

3. Bibliography does not provide a comprehensive list of sources for further reading or research.

4. The bibliography should be arranged alphabetically.

5. There is no difference between annexures and appendix.

3.3 Summary:

Cover page is the first page of the project report. On the cover page firstly you have to write the title of the project. Title of the project should be brief, clear and specific which give the scope of the study. It should not be vague, ambiguous and uncertain. Research problem must be reflected in the title of the project. The executive summary is an overview of your project report. It should provide the snapshot of the research problem, objectives, methodology, findings, and recommendations. In introduction researcher is expected to give brief view of the subject. The focus here should be to create awareness about the subject in the mind of the reader. The intention must be to give an overview of the subject. Formulation of the research problem is the first step in research. Research problem should be practical, relatively important, feasible, ethically and politically acceptable. Researcher can formulate research problem by review of literature, field observation or pilot survey. Researcher has to raise the investigative question in his/her mind on the problem undertaken in the statement of the problem. Objectives are the path of research. It provides the direction for the study. Objectives of the research should be clearly defined. Research objectives are specific outcomes that you aim to achieve through research. The main purpose of formulation of research objectives is to give direction to research project including data collection, analysis and interpretation and conclusions. A research objective must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound (SMART). It should be based on the investigative questions raised in statement of the problem.

Hypothesis is tentative assumption. It is probable answer to the research problem. It should be a logical statement. Hypothesis must contain at least one independent and one dependent variable. Hypothesis forecasts about what your research will find. It is tentative answer to your research problem that has not yet tested. Hypothesis should be based on existing theories and knowledge. There are various types of hypothesis i.e. Null hypothesis, Alternative hypothesis, Statistical hypothesis, Explanatory hypothesis, Descriptive hypothesis, Relational hypothesis, Correlation hypothesis. The scope of the study refers to the boundaries within which your research project will be performed. This scope is Topical scope, Geographical Scope, Analytical Scope and Periodical Scope. In significance of the study researcher has to explain the importance of the subject. This importance is to particular organisation or company, to particular sector, then importance to government, importance to society, importance to policy formulation or policy making. Limitations mean what researcher has not covered in his study. Every research has its limit and these limitations arise due to restrictions in methodology or research design. As a researcher you can state the imitations of research it shows that you have investigated all the weaknesses of your study. You can discuss specific points from your research limitations as suggestions for further research.

In research methodology it is expected to disclose how the researcher is going to carry out the research. Here he should mention about Data required, Sources of data collection, Tools of data collection, Parameter of the study, Sample design and Method of data Processing and Analysis. Sampling is necessary when population is large. Sample size should fulfil the criterion of flexibility, reliability, efficiency and representativeness. In other words, the sample size should cover all the characteristics of the population or represent the population. Chapter scheme is scheme of cauterisation. Researcher has to do the sequential and logical arrangement of the chapters of the study. Researcher has full freedom to design the cauterisation. But while writing chapter scheme researcher has to take consideration the following things i.e. chapters should be limited, cover all related issue, maintain logical flow or sequence of the subject, take care of overlapping, give sufficient number of subheadings and be clear and concise. Researchers use theoretical frameworks to explain the theories they are using within their research and provide their own research with context by identifying the assumptions that inform their work. Basic theoretical background includes meaning and definition of the term, its need, importance, features, advantages, disadvantages, explanation of the theories and its logical connection. A company/organisation profile is a written introduction to an organisation/company that tells the reader about its activities, mission, goals and strengths. In this chapter student is required to detailed information of the company like name, its address, location, establishment, history of organisation/ industry, goals missions and objectives, awards and rewards received, organisation structure, subsidiary companies, goods manufactured or services provided, departments, manufacturing process, growth and development of organisation, future prospects,  etc.

Data are measurements or observations that are collected as a source of information. Data can be classified on different basis such as quantitative data, qualitative data, primary data, secondary data. There are two sources of data collection i.e. primary and secondary sources. After collecting data, the next step is to arrange data for processing and proper presentation. Before analysis of data, data should be processed properly. The data are processed carefully and systematically for statistical treatment and meaningful interpretation. The data processing comprises questionnaire checking, editing, coding, classification, tabulation, graphical presentation, data cleaning and data adjusting. The stages of data processing provide us minimizing errors. The analysis of data is done using statistical tools and techniques. Now a day’s software like MS Excel, SPSS or R etc. is used for data analysis. Data analysis depends upon the type of data i.e. quantitative or qualitative. Data analysis means searching and showing the relationship between or among the tabulated data. Analysis shows the pattern of correlation between the data. Data analysis means to establish the relationship between variables. The analysis can use statistical parameters for drawing quantifiable inference. In data analysis, high degree or low degree of variables should be measured. The degree may be positive or negative or liner. After analysis of data student is required to interpret the data. The researcher can use mean, median; mode, range, standard deviation, variance, coefficient of correlation, coefficient of variation, regression, t-test, z-test, etc. for interpretation of data. Interpretation must consist the logical elaboration. Interpretation means drawing inferences from the collected and analysed data. Researcher is required to write Interpretation very carefully otherwise misleading conclusions may be drawn.

Findings should be based on data analysis and interpretation. Findings are the factual results or decisions arrived at on the basis of analysed data. The findings should be definite precise and specific statements. They should be serially numbered. Finding should be written as the sequence of data analysis and interpretation followed in chapter four. Suggestions should be based on the findings. Suggestions are definite steps or measures recommended for improvement of the performance of the selected organisation/company. The suggestion/recommendation should be definite, precise and specific statements. Suggestions should be serially numbered. Suggestions should be real plan of action and it should be capable to implement. Annexures is a supplement or appendix to a written document. It is a set of legal documents or proofs which are attached to the main document to confirm the details provided in the main body. The document charts, questionnaires, tables, and schedules etc. which are actually referred to write the project report are to be included under Annexures or Appendix. Bibliography means list of books, journals, magazines, dissertation, theses, websites, government reports etc. published work actually referred or used in writing the project report. It includes all those works which the researcher has consulted. The bibliography should be arranged alphabetically. Write the references or bibliography in American Psychological Association (APA) style.

3.4 Terms to Remember:

1. Cover page: Cover page is the first page of the project report. It contains the title of project, affiliation details, name of student, name of guide, study center and year of submission.

2. Title of the project: Title of the project means which gives brief, clear and specific information about the research problem and scope of the study.

3. Executive Summary: The executive summary is an overview of your project report. It should provide the snapshot of the research problem, objectives, methodology, findings, and recommendations.

4. Introduction: Introduction means background and context of research problem under consideration.

5. Research Problem: A research problem is a specific question or problem that needs to be investigated or study.

6. Objectives of the study: Objectives of the study means what you plan to achieve by the end of your research project.

7. Hypothesis of the study: Hypothesis is tentative answer to research problem taken for study which yet to be tested.

8. Scope of the study: The scope of the study refers to the boundaries within which your research project will be performed.

9. Significance of the study: Significance of study means importance of study to particular organisation or company, to particular sector, importance to government, importance to society, and importance to policy formulation or policy making.

10. Limitations of the study: Limitations mean what researcher has not covered in his study.

11. Research Methodology: Research Methodology means how researcher is going to carry out the research. It contains data required, sources of data collection, tools of data collection, parameter of the study, sample design and method of data Processing and Analysis.

12. Chapter Scheme: Chapter scheme means sequential and logical arrangement of the chapters of the study.

13. Conceptual Framework/Theoretical background: Theoretical background explores the relationship between things in a given phenomenon in a broad and general way while conceptual framework is more specific and represents the researchers idea on how the research problem will be explored.

14. Organisation/Industry Profile: A company/organisation profile is a brief written introduction to an organisation/company that tells the reader about its name, its address, location, establishment, history of organisation/ industry, goals missions and objectives, awards and rewards received, organisation structure, subsidiary companies, goods manufactured or services provided, departments, manufacturing process, growth and development of organisation, future prospects,  etc.

15. Data: Data are measurements or observations that are collected as a source of information.

16. Data Processing: The data processing means questionnaire checking, editing, coding, classification, tabulation, graphical presentation, data cleaning and data adjusting.

17. Data Analysis: Data analysis means searching and showing the relationship between or among the tabulated data.

18. Interpretation: Interpretation means drawing inferences from the collected and analysed data.

19. Findings: Findings are the factual results or decisions arrived at on the basis of analysed data.

20. Suggestions: Suggestions are definite steps or measures recommended for improvement of the performance of the selected organisation/company.

21. Annexure: Annexures is a supplement or appendix to a written document.

22. Bibliography: Bibliography means list of books, journals, magazines, dissertation, theses, websites, government reports etc. published work actually referred or used in writing the project report.

3.5 Answers to Check your Progress:

Check your progress-1

A) 1. Cover page     2. Executive summary     3. Introduction     4. Formulation of research problem     5. Investigative     6. Objectives     7. Hypothesis     8. Dependent and Independent    9. Scope     10. Limitations     11. Significance     12. Research Methodology     13. Primary data     14. Secondary Data     15. Sampling     16. Finite and Infinite     17. Chapter Scheme

B) 1. True        2. False            3. True     4. True     5. True      6. False     7. True    

8. False     9. False     10. True

C) 1. All of the above    2. Availability of Data    3. Biased hypothesis  

4. All of the above     5. Quota Sampling     6. Limitations

Check your progress-2

A) 1. Review of literature     2. Research Gap      3. Hypothesis     4. Review of literature

5. Conceptual framework

B) 1. True     2. True     3. False     4. True

Check your progress-3

A) 1. Company/Organisation Profile     2. Company/Organisation Profile     3. Purpose

4. Target Audience and End Goal

B) 1. False    2. True     3. False     4. True     5. True

Check your progress-4

A) 1. Data       2. Quantitative   3. Qualitative    4. Classification     5. Tabulation   

6. Data Analysis          7. Interpretation

B) 1. d)   2. d)    3. a)     4. d)     5. c)

C) 1. False     2. True     3. False     4. True     5. True     6. True     7. True

Check your progress-5

A) 1. Findings      2. Suggestions     3. Findings    4. Suggestions     5. Table Number

B) 1. True    2. False    3. True    4. False     5. True

Check your progress-6

A) 1. Annexure    2. Annexure    3. Bibliography   4. American Psychological Association

5. Bibliography

B) 1. True    2. True    3. False     4. True     5. False

3.6 Exercise:

1. What is cover page and title explain in detail?

2. If the topic is “A study on employee welfare practices of Tata Steel Ltd.” write statement of the problem and objectives of the study.

3. If the topic is “A study on motivational practices of Sahara Ltd.” write research methodology in detail.

4. What are theoretical background & conceptual framework? Explain its content?

5. Explain the component of Research Methodology in detail?

6. What is organisational/industry profile? Explain its components?

7. What is data? Explain how do you collect the data by using deferent methods?

8. What is data analysis? Explain how do you analyse the data?

9. What is interpretation and what is its purpose?

10. Explain in details Findings and Recommendations?

11. What is annexures? Explain in detail components of annexures?

12. Explain the concept of bibliography in detail with example of APA style?

3.7 References for Further study:

1. Kothari, C. R. and Garg, Guarav (2016). Research Methodology Methods and Techniques (Third Edition), New Age International Publishers, London.

2. Krishnaswami, O. R. and Ranganathan, M. (2011). Methodology of Research in Social Sciences, Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai, Second edition, Sixth print.

3. Sachdeva, J. K. (2011). Business Research Methodology (Vol. 2nd Revised). Mumbai: Himalaya Publishing House.

4. Krishnaswami, O. R. and Rangnatham, M. (2011): Methodology of Research in Social Sciences, Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai, 2nd Edition, 5th Reprint.

5. Tulsian, P. C. and Jhunjhunwala, Bharat (2018). Business Statistics, S. Chand and Company Limited, New Delhi.

6. Banerjee, Subhojit and Roy Ramendu (2010): Fundamentals of Research Methodology, Kitab Mahal, Allahabad, Second Edition.

7. Jonathan Wilson (2010): Essentials of Business Research, Sage Publications India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, South Asia Edition.