1.

a) What is research?

Research is a systematic and organized process of investigating a subject,

problem, or issue in order to gain knowledge, discover new facts, validate existing
information, or reach conclusions. It involves collecting and analyzing data to
answer specific questions or solve problems.

b) Describe the differences between basic and applied research.

- Basic Research: Basic research, also known as fundamental or pure research,

is conducted to expand knowledge and understanding of a subject without any
specific application in mind. It focuses on theoretical concepts and principles.

- Applied Research: Applied research is directed towards solving practical

problems or developing solutions for real-world issues. It utilizes the knowledge
gained from basic research to address specific challenges.

c) Your company's investigation:

Yes, the task of investigating the decline in revenue in your company can be
considered research. It falls under the category of applied research, as the purpose
is to identify and address a specific issue (declining revenue) to improve the
company's performance. The research will involve collecting and analyzing data to
find solutions and make informed decisions.

2.

a) What is research methodology?

Research methodology refers to the systematic approach and techniques used in a

research study. It outlines the processes, tools, and methods that researchers
employ to gather, analyze, and interpret data.

b) What are the primary types of research methodology?

The primary types of research methodology are:

- Quantitative Research: Involves the collection and analysis of numerical data

to draw statistical inferences.
 - Qualitative Research: Focuses on non-numerical data such as words, texts, or
images to explore meanings and understand complex phenomena.

c) List the procedure for reviewing the literature:

The procedure for reviewing the literature involves:

- Identifying the research question or topic.

- Searching for relevant academic and scholarly sources.

- Evaluating the quality and credibility of the sources.

- Summarizing and synthesizing the key findings and concepts.

- Identifying gaps in the existing literature.

3.

a) Explain internal and external environment:

- Internal Environment: This includes factors within an organization that

influence its operations, such as company culture, management, employees, and
resources.

- External Environment: This comprises factors outside the organization that

can affect it, including market conditions, competition, regulatory changes, and
economic trends.

b) Discuss Aims and objectives:

- Aims: Aims are broad, overarching statements that describe the overall purpose
of a research study.

- Objectives: Objectives are specific, measurable goals that detail what the
research intends to achieve. They help in defining the research's scope and
direction.
c) List and explain the characteristics of research:

- Systematic and organized.

- Empirical (based on observation or experience).

- Logical and objective.

- Controlled and replicable.

- Generalizable to a broader context.

4.

a) List and explain The Research Process:

The research process typically includes the following steps:

1. Identification of the Problem: Define the research problem or question.

2. Review of Literature: Examine existing knowledge on the topic.

3. Formulation of Objectives: Specify the goals of the research.

4. Research Design: Plan how data will be collected and analyzed.

5. Data Collection: Gather data through various methods.

6. Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret the collected data.

7. Conclusion and Recommendations: Summarize findings and suggest actions.

8. Report Writing: Document the research process and findings.

9. Presentation of Results: Share findings with relevant stakeholders.

b) Characteristics of objectives:

- Specific: Objectives should be clear and precise.

- Measurable: You should be able to quantify the outcomes.

- Achievable: Objectives should be realistic and attainable.

- Relevant: They should be directly related to the research problem.

 - Time-bound: Objectives should have a timeframe for completion.

c) The formulation of objectives will help you to:

- Focus the research on specific goals.

- Provide a clear direction for data collection and analysis.

- Measure the success and achievement of the research.

5.

a) What do we consider in selecting a research problem, list and explain

them?

When selecting a research problem, consider the following factors:

- Relevance: Ensure the problem is important and addresses a significant issue.

- Feasibility: Assess whether it's possible to conduct research on the problem

within available resources.

- Interest: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you and your team.

- Uniqueness: Avoid topics that have been extensively researched, unless you can
bring a unique perspective.

- Ethical Considerations: Ensure that the research adheres to ethical standards

and does not harm individuals or society.

b) Steps in the formulation of a research problem:

- Identify a General Area: Decide on a broad research area or topic.

- Review Existing Literature: Examine what is already known about the topic.

- Narrow Down the Topic: Specify a particular aspect or question within the
broader area.

- Define the Problem: Clearly state the research problem in a focused and concise
manner.

- Formulate Objectives: Set specific goals for the research.

c) Function of literature review:

The literature review serves several functions in research:

- Provides context for the study.

- Identifies gaps in existing knowledge.

- Supports the research design and methodology.

- Helps in the formulation of research questions and objectives.

- Validates the importance of the research problem.

- Offers a theoretical framework for the study.

6.

a) Data collection:

Data collection involves gathering information and facts relevant to the research
study. This data can be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative (words and
descriptions).

b) Methods of data collection:

Various methods can be used to collect data, including surveys, interviews,

observations, experiments, questionnaires, and content analysis, depending on the
research objectives and nature of the data.

c) Structure of a Research Report:

A research report typically follows this structure:

- Title Page: Includes the title, author(s), affiliation, and date.

- Abstract: Provides a summary of the research.

- Table of Contents: Lists the sections and headings.

- Introduction: Presents the research problem and its significance.

 - Literature Review: Reviews existing knowledge on the topic.

- Methodology: Describes the research design and data collection.

- Data Analysis: Presents the findings and their interpretation.

- Conclusion: Summarizes the results and offers recommendations.

- References: Cites all sources used in the report.

- Appendices: Contains supplementary materials, such as data tables,

questionnaires, or charts.