Research Methodology

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research is a systematic study or investigation to collect & interpret facts for providing information to the management to get products & services more efficiently. Research methodology is a way to systematically solve & study the research problem. Research methodology involves: -

Meaning of research

Research process

Research problem

Research design

Sampling design

Collection of data

Meaning of Research

Research is a common parlance refers to search for knowledge. Research is defined as a scientific & systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic . Research is an art of scientific investigation. Research is a careful investigation. Research is a careful investigation or inquiry especially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge. Research is a systematized effort to gain new knowledge. Research comprises defining & redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions, collecting, organizing & evaluating data making deductions & reaching conclusion & at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis. The search for knowledge through objective & systematic method of finding to a problem is research. Research is an original contribution to the existing stock of knowledge making for its advancement. It is the pursuit of truth with the help of study, observation, comparison & experiment. Research is an academic activity & this term should be use in technical sense.

RESEARCH PROCESS

Research process consists of series of actions or steps necessary carry out research & the desired sequencing of these steps. The steps of research process are: Define research problem

Extensive literature survey

Development of working hypothesis

Preparing the research design

Determining sample design

Collecting the data

Execution of the project

Analysis of data

Hypothesis- testing

Generalizations & interpretation

Preparation of the report

RESEARCH PROBLEM

In research process, the first & foremost step is that of selecting and properly defining a research problem. A researcher must find the problem and formulate it so that it becomes susceptible to research. The present project has been undertaken to do the financial analysis at PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK(PNB).

RESEARCH DESIGN

A research design is purely and simply the framework or plan for a study that guides the collection and analysis of data.

Research design is a statement or specification of procedures for collecting and analyzing the information required for solution of some specific problems. It provides a scientific framework for conducting some research investigation. Research design is the conceptual structure with in research is conducted. Research design includes an outline of what the researcher will do from writing hypothesis and its operational implications to the final analysis of data. A research design is the arrangement of condition for collection analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure.

Research Design can be of following types:-

1. Exploratory Research It generally emphasis on discovery of ideas and insights. It helps in breaking the border. 2. Descriptive Research It is concerned with determining the frequency with which something occurs or extent relationship between two variables. 3. Experimental Research It is concerned with determining the cause and effect relationship.

RESEARCH DESIGN-PROJECT

Research design of the project includes comprehensive & descriptive study of the framework. The aim regarding the project is to obtain complete & accurate information

SAMPLING DESIGN

Sampling is necessary because it is almost impossible to examine the entire parent population (i.e. the entire universe) various factors such as time available, cost, purpose of study etc make it necessary for the researcher to choose a sample. The sample size of two years for comparative statements & five years is taken for ratio analyze

DATA COLLECTION METHOD

After the sample has been taken the type of information to be sought was decided upon, the next step is to collect the data. As the data collected is to be the base of what we plan to find out, the relevant care should be taken that the errors in methods of collection of data involved are minimized. The factors of availability of time, cost and human involvement come to affect the reliability of the data collected.

Broadly there are two types of data: Primary data Secondary data

Primary data

Primary data are collected first time as original data. Data is recorded as observed or encountered.

Secondary data

These types of data are also known as published data. Data, which are not originally collected, called the secondary data. In my project report I used secondary data. For the analysis and Interpretation, data are collected through internal sources from the financial statements and annual reports of the company.