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Choosing the right research design and data collection technique is among the most complicated aspects that students must consider when working on their IGNOU project. Many students begin their ignou-mcom project with no clearly understanding what kind of research they're actually undertaking. The result is that it appears as if the methodology is inadequate, copied, or out of touch with the topic.
This article will focus on the best way to choose the best research design and data collection technique with respect to IGNOU MCom projects. It explains concepts in an easy language and links them directly by providing examples of how students are able to use them immediately.
Research design acts like a plan for your study. It sets the direction for your research project. If the research concept isn't correct, everything else that follows data collection, analysis and conclusion may be in question.
IGNOU doesn't expect complicated or highly technical research design. They are looking for alignment. Your design should be in line with your goals, objectives, topic, as well as availability of data.
Many students do not lose marks due to their topic being poor in the first place, but due to their design is not in line with the goals they've outlined in their essays.
Research design defines the kind of research you're conducting. It can answer three main questions.
What is being considered
why it is being investigated
What is being researched
In the IGNOU Project MCOM mcom project work research design is usually categorized between the following groups.
It is the most widely employed design in IGNOU MCom projects. It is used when the purpose is to provide a description of a situation, state, or performance.
This design can be used for subjects such as.
The satisfaction of employees
Customer perception
Performance analysis
Working capital management
Training's impact on employees
In descriptive research the researcher doesn't manipulate variables. The research is focused on taking note of and describing current facts.
Example explanation.
The study employs the design of a descriptive study to examine the current financial position of the selected company based on relevant information.
This design is safe, accepted, and easy use in a project for mcom.
An analytical research design is utilized when the research goes beyond description and attempts to examine performances or relationship patterns.
This design is suitable if your project involves.
Ratio analysis
Analyse of trend
Comparative study among companies
year-long financial evaluation
Many finance-related ignou project topics use analytical design in conjunction with descriptive design.
Example explanation.
This study utilizes an analytical research approach to assess the financial performance of the company by analyzing trends and ratios.
This indicates depth without sounding complicated.
Exploratory research methods are employed when the subject is novel or unclear. This is less prevalent and is not used in IGNOU MCom projects but may use in areas like.
Emerging business practices
Digital payment adoption
New accounting standards awareness
Example explanation.
The study is based on the design of an exploratory study that seeks to discover the extent of employee awareness about the most recent accounting practices.
Use this design only if the subject you're discussing is unexplored.
To decide on the right design To choose the best design, consider these questions.
Are I describing an existing situation
Do I analyze the performance or patterns
Are I examining an idea that is new to me?
If the answer is "description the design should be descriptive.
If it is based on numbers and comparison, add analytical design.
If it focuses on understanding new ideas go for exploratory design.
For most ignou project submissions conceptual and analytical designs are more than adequate.
When the research concept is chosen After deciding on the research design, the next task is selecting the way in which data is collected. The method you choose for data collection must complement the research plan.
IGNOU accepts primary and secondary data. What is important is honesty as well as transparency.
Primary data refers to data gathered directly by the researcher for the first time.
Common primary data tools include.
Questionnaire
Interview
Observation
Primary data is valuable for projects that require opinions as well as perceptions and behavior.
Examples of subjects suitable the primary use of data.
Employee satisfaction
Customer service quality
Investor perception
Training effectiveness
Many students utilize questionnaires but they don't design them in a proper manner. IGNOU does not analyze the questionnaire with a thoroughness, but it must appear relevant and logical.
Guidelines for questionnaire design.
Make sure questions are simple
Do not use the use of technical terms
Use short-ended questions
Connect questions to objectives
Example description for methodology section.
Primary data was obtained using the structured questionnaire, which consists of open-ended questions, designed according to the objectives in the analysis.
Do not use advanced survey methods if you do not employ them.
Interview method is less common but it's useful for small sample studies. It's a great option for case research and qualitative issues.
Example explanation.
Primary data was collected through individual interviews with employees to determine their viewpoints regarding the matter.
Only use the interview method if you have interacted with respondents.
Secondary data refers to data already stored by an individual. It is commonly used in the work of the ignou MCOM project.
Sources of secondary data include.
The annual report Financial statement Books Research journals Company websites Government publications
Finance and accounting subjects typically are dependent on secondary data.
Example explanation.
The research is based on secondary data gathered from annual reports and textbooks, journals, also official portals.
Second-hand information is fine as long as it is properly referenced.
Students usually think that primary data will look better. It's not always so.
Select the primary data source when.
The subject of your discussion involves opinions or behaviors
You have access to those who have an opinion
The size of the sample is reasonable
Choose secondary data when.
Your topic is financial, or accounting based
Data is available within reports
It is time-bound
IGNOU does not penalize projects based on secondary data. What matters is the correct analysis.
Design of sampling explains how participants or units were picked.
In ignou mcom project work with simple sampling techniques enough.
The most convenient method of sampling is convenience sampling. commonly used method by students.
Example explanation.
The convenience sampling method was used for selecting respondents based on accessibility and availability.
This is an accurate assumption and is acceptable by IGNOU.
Random sampling may be mentioned in the case of random selection of respondents.
Example explanation.
Random sampling methods were used to choose respondents from a large population.
Use this only if the pick was truly random.
Sample size should be reasonable and doable.
Common sample sizes of IGNOU projects vary from 30 to 100 participants for surveys.
As for studies on financials the size of the sample can be used to refer the number years or businesses.
Example explanation.
The sample size consists of 50 respondents from the chosen company.
Or
The study covers financial data of five years consecutively.
Make sure that this is consistent with your analysis section.
The duration of your study determines the period of time you will conduct your study.
In the case of financial topics, indicate the financial year in a clear manner.
For survey topics, include the time of survey data collection.
Example.
The study period consists of 3 months during which information was collected and analyzed.
This shows planning and clarity.
Many ignou mcom project submissions result in errors that could have been avoided.
Copying methodology and methods from internet
using advanced terms without knowing
Mismatch between objectives and methodological approach
Representing primary data in the absence of evidence
Avoid these mistakes to improve your project quality.
IGNOU Evaluations seek.
Accuracy
The flow of logic
Contextual relevance the topic
Truthful explanation
They do not want perfect research. They are looking for genuine effort.
Simple and well explained process is more likely to score higher than a duplicated technical method.
Always review your goals prior to writing your methodology. Each objective should be supported through a system.
If the goal is to analyse financial performance, mention ratios.
If objective is to determine employee satisfaction, use questionnaires.
This alignment leaves a strong impression.
Picking the appropriate research design and data collection technique doesn't mean complexity. It's about adaptability. For an ignou MCOM project, simple choices explained clearly work best.
Make sure you know your subject. Don't lie about your data. Write your thoughts in your own words. This alone can increase both scores and confidence.