Choosing the right research design as well as the best method to collect data is one of the most challenging aspects for students working on their IGNOU project. A majority of students begin writing their ignou-mcom project with no fully understanding the kind of research they are actually doing. Thus, the methodology section is weak, rewritten, or out of sync with the subject.
This article will focus on the process of selecting an appropriate research design and method of data collection for IGNOU MCom projects. It provides concepts in a simple words and provides them to examples so that students can apply them easily.
Why Research Design Matters in IGNOU Projects
Research design functions as the blueprint of your study. It outlines the direction of your project. If the research plan is incorrect, everything that will follow data collection and conclusion may be in question.
IGNOU does not believe in complex or highly technical research models. They expect alignment. The design should match your goals, topic, as well as information availability.
Many students score low marks, not for the reason that their subject is bad However, the style of their work does not support the objectives they've written.
Understanding Research Design in Simple Terms
Research design describes the type of research you're carrying out. It answers three major questions.
What is being considered
the reason it is being researched
What is being investigated
In the ignou mcom project work research design generally falls to one of the aforementioned categories.
Descriptive Research Design
A descriptive research model is the most widely utilized design in IGNOU MCom projects. It is used when the objective is to denote a situation or condition or even a performance.
This design can be used for topics like.
Satisfaction of employees
Perception of the customer
Financial performance analysis
Working capital management
The impact of training on employees
In descriptive research researchers do not alter variables. The primary focus is being observant and describing facts.
Example explanation.
The study is based on the method of descriptive research to analyze the present financial situation of the business using relevant data.
This design is secure and accepted. It is also easy be defended in an ignou mcom project.
Analytical Research Design
Analytical research design is used when the study goes beyond descriptions and attempts to look at relations or performance trends.
This design is suitable if your project involves.
Analysis of ratios
Trend analysis
Study of comparison between companies
Year-to-year financial evaluation
Many finance related ignou MCOM project topics use analytical design alongside descriptive design.
Example explanation.
The study employs an analytic research style to assess financial performance of the firm by using ratios and trend analysis.
This shows depth without sounding complex.
Exploratory Research Design
Exploratory research designs are used when the topic is unknown or has not been defined clearly. It is less common for IGNOU MCom projects but may be used in areas such as.
Emerging business practices
Digital payment adoption
New accounting standards awareness
Example explanation.
The study employs an exploratory design of research for understanding the public's awareness of new accounting practices.
This design should only be used when your topic is really exploring something that is not familiar to you.
Choosing the Right Research Design for Your Topic
When choosing the right style Ask yourself these questions.
Are I describing an existing situation
Are I analyzing the performance or trend
Am I investigating some new concepts
If the answer is "description then go for descriptive design.
If it is based on numbers and comparison with analytical designs.
If it is focused on understanding new ideas take a look at exploratory design.
For the vast majority of ignou mcom project submissions conceptual and analytical designs are more than sufficient.
Understanding Data Collection Methods
If you've chosen a research methodology Next step is making a decision on how data will be taken. Data collection method should support the research plan.
IGNOU permits primary as well as secondary data. What is important is honesty, and clarity.
Primary Data Collection Method
Primary data are data that is collected through direct contact with the researcher, for the first.
Common primary data tools include.
Questionnaire
Interview
Observation
Primarily-sourced data is helpful in projects that involve opinions of perceptions, behavior, or other thoughts.
Examples of topics that are appropriate for data that is primary.
Employee satisfaction
Customer service quality
Investor perception
Training effectiveness
Designing a Questionnaire for IGNOU Project
Most students fill out questionnaires but do not design them correctly. IGNOU is not evaluating the questionnaire deeply, but it ought to be relevant and logical.
Guidelines for questionnaire design.
Be sure to keep questions simple
Beware of excessive technical vocabulary
Use short-ended questions
Incorporate questions into objectives
Example description for methodology section.
Primary data were collected with an organized questionnaire comprised of short-ended questions formulated according to the purposes to be studied.
Do not claim advanced survey methods if the method you used did not use them.
Interview Method in IGNOU Projects
Interview method isn't as popular but can be beneficial for smaller-scale studies. It's a great option for case research as well as qualitative topics.
Example explanation.
The primary data was gathered through personal conversations with selected employees to gather their opinions on the issue.
Only use the interview method if you have actually spoken to respondents.
Secondary Data Collection Method
Secondary data are data that has been taken by another. It is extensively used in ignou mcom project work.
Secondary data sources include.
Annual reports Financial Statements Books Research journals Company websites Government publications
Finance and accounting topics mainly depend on secondary data.
Example explanation.
The study is based upon secondary information gathered from annual reports publications, textbooks and journals as well as official sites.
Secondary information is perfectly acceptable for as long as it's properly identified.
Choosing Between Primary and Secondary Data
Students often think primary data is more appealing. It's not always the case.
Choose the primary source of data.
The subject of your discussion involves opinions or behaviour
You are able to speak to people
Sample size is acceptable
Make sure to use secondary data.
Your subject is financial or accounting-related.
This information is available within reports
This time is short
IGNOU doesn't penalize any projects based on secondary information. The most important thing is that the analysis is done correctly.
Sampling Design in IGNOU Projects
The sampling design explains how respondents or units were chosen.
In the ignou MCOM project work, simple sampling methods are enough.
Convenience Sampling
Convenience sampling is among the most often used method of student.
Example explanation.
A convenient sampling technique was employed to choose respondents based on availability and accessibility.
It is also acceptable by IGNOU.
Random Sampling
Random sampling is a possibility if respondents were selected randomly.
Example explanation.
Random sampling technique was employed to select respondents from the population.
Only use this if the selection occurred at random.
Sample Size Selection
The size of the sample must be reasonable and doable.
Common sample sizes of IGNOU projects range from 30 to 100 respondents for surveys.
To conduct financial analyses, the size of the sample may refer to number of years or companies.
Example explanation.
The sample size consists of 50 respondents from a selected organization.
Or
The study includes financial information of five consecutive years.
Follow this with respect to your analysis section.
Period of Study and Its Importance
Study time defines the length of your study.
For financial topics, list financial years clearly.
For survey topics, mention the duration of gathering data.
Example.
The study period consists of the period of three months where data were collected and analysed.
This is a sign of planning and clarity.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Many ignou mcom project submissions fall victim to errors that could be avoided.
Copying methodologies from the internet
Utilizing terms of the future without knowing
Discord between goals and methods
It is possible to claim primary data, but without any evidence
Make sure you avoid these mistakes in order to increase the quality of your work.
How Evaluators Read Your Methodology
IGNOU Evaluations seek.
Detachment
Logical flow
Connection to topic
An honest explanation
They don't expect flawless research. They expect honest effort.
A clear and simple methodology often scores better over a copy of a technical procedure.
Practical Tip for Better Marks
Always review your goals prior to writing the methodology. Every objective should be supported by a procedure.
If the purpose is to examine the financial performance of a company, make reference to proportions.
If objective is to determine employee satisfaction, use questionnaires.
This alignment gives a strong impression.
Final Thoughts
The choice of the best research design and data collection technique does not require complexity. It's about being able to use it. In an IGNOU Project MCOM (his response) project basic choices made clear are the best.
Be aware of the subject. Be truthful about the information you provide. Write in your own language. This alone can increase both marks and confidence.