Introduction to Research – Builds a strong conceptual foundation:
Meaning, scope, and significance of research
Research terminologies (concepts, variables, constructs, hypotheses, models, theories)
Types of Research – Quantitative/qualitative, conceptual/empirical, fundamental/applied, cross-sectional/longitudinal
Philosophical approaches (positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism)
Deductive vs Inductive reasoning with frameworks and visuals
Research Process – Step-by-step explanation
How to conduct a literature review (steps, sources, synthesis)
How to formulate research questions, with examples and common mistakes
Research Design – Provides a blueprint for conducting research:
Meaning and characteristics of research design
Exploratory, descriptive, and experimental designs
When and how each design is used in business studies
Examples and structured diagrams to choose appropriate designs
Data Collection – A comprehensive and application-rich unit:
Measurement & Scaling
Levels of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio)
Comparative scales (ranking), non-comparative scales (rating)
Likert, semantic differential, Stapel scales
Reliability & validity (types, measurement, examples)
Survey Methods
Types of Surveys – Online, telephonic, personal, mail-based
Characteristics of a good survey
Designing questionnaires, respondent bias, and pilot testing
Sampling Techniques
Concepts – Population, sampling units, sampling frame
Probability Sampling – Random, stratified, systematic, cluster
Non-probability sampling: convenience, purposive, quota, judgmental
Sample size determination (logic, formulae, examples)
Data Analysis using Spreadsheet & SPSS – Highly practical, tool-based, and skill-building:
Data Preparation & Cleaning
Handling missing values
Detecting outliers
Coding/recoding variables
Classification of data
Visual Presentation – Tables, line charts, bar charts, pie charts, histograms, box plots
Descriptive Statistics
Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode)
Measures of variation (range, IQR, variance, SD, coefficient of variation)
Skewness, kurtosis, interpretation with visuals
Inferential Statistics (with SPSS & Spreadsheet Procedures) – Each test includes a practical example, SPSS steps, spreadsheet method & output interpretation:
One-sample Z-test & Two-sample Z-test
One-sample t-test
Paired-sample t-test
Independent-sample t-test
Chi-square tests (goodness of fit & independence)
Non-parametric tests:
Kolmogorov–Smirnov
Mann–Whitney U
Kruskal–Wallis
Median test
Sign test
McNemar test
Also includes numerical questions and practical exercises for every major concept
Report Writing & Ethics – Focuses on academic writing and responsible research practices:
Types of reports (contractual, project, research, evaluation, annual)
Structure of a well-written research report
Referencing and bibliography (with examples)
Format and presentation guidelines (tables, figures, layout)
Ethical issues at each research stage
Rights and responsibilities of researchers, sponsors, and respondents
Each chapter follows a consistent and reader-friendly design:

Clear learning objectives
Introductory examples for context
Step-by-step explanations with flowcharts and diagrams
Tables contrasting key concepts
SPSS and Spreadsheet tutorials
Rich visuals for data presentation and theory models
Case study to encourage application
Summary for quick revision
MCQs, short & long answer questions
Numerical questions and practical tasks for skill-building
The progression ensures that students first gain conceptual clarity, then immerse themselves in application

Business Research Methodology is a NEP-aligned, practice-oriented textbook that turns research learning into a clear, step-by-step process. It covers the whole research journey—from foundational concepts and philosophical approaches to data collection, SPSS/Excel-based analysis, report writing, and ethics—across five structured units. Supported by real datasets, case studies, visuals, solved examples, and practical tasks, the book blends conceptual clarity with hands-on application. It is an ideal resource for B.Com./B.Com. (Hons.) students, research beginners, and learners preparing for dissertations, exams, internships, and early research roles.

English