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Bmgt 320: Research Methods Question Paper
Bmgt 320: Research Methods
Course:Bachelor Of Commerce
Institution: Kabarak University question papers
Exam Year:2014
KABARAK
UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS
2013/2014 ACADEMIC YEAR
FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF COMMERCE
BMGT 320: RESEARCH METHODS
DAY: FRIDAY
DATE: 18/04/2014
TIME: 2.00 – 4.00 P.M.
STREAM: Y3S2
INSTRUCTIONS:
? Answer three questions, question one is compulsory. Select two other questions
QUESTION ONE:
When China started its economic reform and open-door policy in the late 1970s, Chinese companies were
faced with challenges and opportunities to compete in the global market. Advanced quality management
methods, such as quality circles, total quality control, total preventive maintenance, total quality
management (TQM), and six Sigma; have been increasingly adopted by the companies in China to
improve their capabilities of quality control and management for better competitiveness (Hopkins et al,
2004; Lau et al, 2004; Xu et al, 2006). While there have been numerous studies on quality management
implementation in china, more research is needed to understand how to build an effective quality system
at companies in china. In their comprehensive reviews of operations management research in china, Zhao
et al. (2006, 2007) called for research on the underlying characteristics that may influence the
implementation of quality management practices in China. Based on a sample of 199 manufacturing
companies in China, this study explored how a company`s operating characteristics and cultural
environment affect its quality management implementation. This study is expected to help researchers and
practitioners understand the key factors influencing the effectiveness of quality management
implementation in china, and facilitate managers design appropriate strategies and tactics to apply
advanced quality management methods in their operating facilities or suppliers in china.
a) From your understanding of the above case:
i.
Using appropriate examples from the case , differentiate between the study context and study
concepts
(6 Marks)
ii.
What research design was used in this study
(3 Marks)
iii.
Outline the main research question(s) from the provided case
(6 Marks)
b) If you were to carry out a similar study in Kenya;
i.
What title would you propose for the study?
(3 Marks)
ii.
State any two possible research designs that you would consider using. Why would you
consider using them?
(6 Marks)
iii.
What/who would constitute your population of interest?
(3 Marks)
iv.
What considerations will you make when selecting a sample for the study? (3 Marks)
QUESTION TWO:
a) Briefly state and explain any four ethical considerations that a researcher should adhere to while
conducting research
(8 Marks)
b) What would be the implication if these ethical issues are overlooked by a researcher? (4 Marks)
Research is undertaken for a number of reasons which vary from individual research to another, as well as
from different organizations. With respect to a particular organization or researcher, indicate various
reasons as to why they (organization or individual of your Choice) would embark on research. (8 Marks)
QUESTION THREE:
a) Differentiate between qualitative or quantitative research approaches, clearly providing examples of
each approach.
(8 Marks)
b) Briefly describe any two principal methods used to collect data (whether qualitative or quantitative).
For each suggest an appropriate situation for its use.
(6 Marks)
c) Measurement is a critical concept in research. Briefly discuss three scales of measurement providing
relevant examples for each of them
(6 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR:
a) Literature review plays a significant role in research. Why is this case? (8 Marks)
b) Sampling can either be probabilistic or non-probabilistic. Differentiate between the two
classifications, with the aid of relevant examples. (6 Marks)
c) Hypothesis testing is seen as a major purpose of research.
Required:
i. What is hypothesis? (provide a relevant example) (3 Marks)
ii. Outline three characteristics of hypothesis (3 Marks)
QUESTION FIVE:
Outline the structure of a research proposal, clearly indicating the content of each subsection.(20 Marks)
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