Wl-Ul}..l-6JOMOKENYAlTA UNlVERSl1YOF AGRICULTUREANDTECHNOLOGY

University Examinations 2014/2015

YEAR IV SEMESTER I EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF

HBC 2203: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

DATE: APRIL, 2014 TIME: 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer ALL Questions in Section A and Any Other TWO in Section B.

Section A - answer all the questions (30 marks)

Question one

a) Describe how one can enhance the potential validity (internal and external) of aqualitative research project throughout the research process; that is in

1.

11.111.

Creating a research designAnalyzing your dataWriting up your findings

[3 marks][3 marks][3 marks]

b) Describe six key principles of effective questionnaire design. [3 marks]

c) With examples describe the following types of sampling techniques [3marks each]

1. Purposive sampling11. Quota sampling

111. Snowball sampling

d) Describe why it is important for a researcher to have a high tolerance for ambiguity.[5 marks]

e) Suppose you want to understand how moment-by-moment emotions relate to workmotivation.

Design a qualitative study to research this question. [4 marks]

1

Section B - answer any two questions - 40 marks

Question Two (20 Marks)

Present and support your own point of view in response to the following statement:

"It is important to identify the philosophical orientation that informs one's research but it is notcritical. Data are data, whether you approach your research as a standard case study, as anapplied research project, or as an effort at a manipatory research, for instance, you will likelyarrive at many similar findings."

In your presentation make sure to cite pertinent literature. [20 marks]

Question Three (20 Marks)

You have a hypothesis that firms that are more environmentally sensitive and more profitable.Profitability is easy to measure.Environmental sensitivity is harder to measure. Assume you cannot interview members of theorganizations.

Describe how you would go about measuring the environmental sensitivity of firms using:

1. Web pages11. Press release

111. Internal memos

[Discuss issues of validity, such as the difference between espoused theory and theory-i-use]

Question Four (20 Marks)

a) Describe with examples the six types of research. [12 marks]

b) Research process consist of series of actions or steps necessary to effectively carry outresearch and the * * sequencing of these steps.

Draw a chart that will illustrate a research process and describe all the stages of research process.[8 marks]

Question Five (20 Marks)

a) "Creative management, whether in public administration or private industry depends onmethods of inquiry that maintain objectivity, clarity, accuracy and consistency."

Discuss the statement and examine the significance of research. [10 marks]

2

b) It is often said that there is not a proper link between some of the activities underway inthe world of academia and in most business in our country. Account for this stateofaffairs and give suggestions for improvement. [10 marks]

3