Business Research Methodology and Consulting : Question Set 3

POKHARA UNIVERSITY
Business Research Methodology and Consulting (RES 611)
Model Question Paper
Time: 3 Hours Full Marks: 100
Pass Marks: 60

Section A: Conceptual Questions (5 × 8 = 40)
Attempt any five questions.

1. Critically analyze how research paradigms influence methodological choices in business research, with specific examples from positivist and interpretivist approaches. [Unit I]
2. "The research onion model provides a robust framework for methodological decisions." Evaluate this statement by applying the model to design a study on digital transformation challenges in Nepalese SMEs. [Unit III]
3. Compare and contrast systematic and narrative literature reviews in terms of their rigor and applicability to evidence-based management decisions. [Unit II]
4. Develop a comprehensive problem tree analysis for a research study examining the declining productivity in Nepal's manufacturing sector. [Unit I]
5. Evaluate the appropriateness of grounded theory versus case study research for investigating leadership challenges in family-owned businesses in Nepal. [Unit III]
6. Write short notes on any two:
   a) The ethical implications of big data analytics in business research
   b) Trustworthiness criteria in qualitative research
   c) The role of conceptual frameworks in theory building

Section B: Analytical/Application-Based Questions (2 × 15 = 30)
Attempt any two questions.

7. A commercial bank plans to study customer satisfaction with its digital banking services:
   a) Design a mixed-methods research framework combining surveys and in-depth interviews
   b) Develop appropriate measurement scales for key variables
   c) Justify your choice of sampling strategy for urban and rural customers
8. As a consultant evaluating a corporate wellness program:
   a) Design a quasi-experimental study with control groups
   b) Operationalize "employee wellbeing" and "program effectiveness"
   c) Outline the statistical analysis plan to assess program impact
9. Critically assess the statement: "Qualitative research lacks the rigor required for strategic decision-making." Support your arguments with examples from organizational research.

Section C: Case Analysis (1 × 30 = 30)
Read the case and answer the questions that follow.

Case: Market Entry Strategy for a Health-Tech Startup
A Singapore-based health-tech company wants to enter the Nepalese market with AI-powered diagnostic tools. The management needs insights on:

• Healthcare provider adoption readiness
• Regulatory challenges
• Pricing sensitivity
• Competitive landscape

Questions:

1. Develop three specific research objectives that would guide this market entry study
2. Design a comprehensive research methodology that includes:
   a) Primary and secondary data collection approaches
   b) Sampling framework for different stakeholder groups
   c) Data analysis plan
3. How would you use conjoint analysis to determine optimal product features and pricing?
4. What ethical considerations are particularly relevant for this health-tech research?
5. Prepare an executive summary (1 page) outlining key methodological approaches and expected outcomes