SUBJECT NAME: RESEARCH METHODS
SUBJECT CODE: DBM 622/DCM 223
TIME: 3 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Write your Admission number in the space provided in the answer booklet.
2. Answer question Number 1 (Compulsory) and four other questions.
3. Question number 1 carries (28 Marks) while the other questions carry (18 Marks)
each.
4. NO writing should be done on this question paper.
5. NO candidate is allowed to leave the exam room with a question paper.
6. Candidates who commit exam malpractice will be DISQUALIFIED.
7. Only blue or black pen should be used on the booklet, pencil may be used for
drawing purposes.
1. XY Institute is a training college with various branches countrywide. The colleges offers
management and accounting courses. For the last three years, the college has been experiencing
enrollment challenges. The intake has dropped by 50%, a trend that has caused worries to the
management and staff of the college. In addition to that, for the last two years, several colleges
have emerged offering the same courses. Lecturers have of late been complaining of delayed
salary payments leading to staff turn offer. The students have also complained of lack of
relevant books in the library and a non-operational ICT laboratory. The chief executive officer
has commissioned you as a research consultant to conduct a survey on these issues and make
recommendations.
Required:
a) Propose a suitable tittle on this case (2 marks)
b) What would be the purpose of this study? (2 marks)
c) Formulate four objectives that would guide this study (8 marks)
d) Suggest three categories of the target population for the study (3 marks)
e) Justify three appropriate data collection methods (6 marks)
f) What would be three significance of conducting this study? (3 marks)
g) Outline possible major findings for this study (4 marks)
2. a) Define the following terms as used in research:
i. Sampling
ii. Variable
DBM622DCM223/2D2/D5M
iii. Population
iv. Research methodology (8 marks)
b) Enumerate five values of acquiring research skills as a manager (5 marks)
c) Identify five main sources of research ideas in the modern world (5 marks)
3. a) Distinguish between internal and external validity (4 marks)
b) Describe any three sampling techniques in research (9 marks)
c) Examine five factors that determine sample size (5 marks)
4. a) Expound on three sources of error in measurement (6 marks)
b) Differentiate between questionnaire and interview schedule (8 marks)
c) Explain two types of hypothesis (4 marks)
5. a) Outline four characteristics of a good research question (4 marks)
b) Justify the need for literature review in a research proposal (8 marks)
c) Describe three sources of literature review when conducting research (6 marks)
6. a) Highlight the contents of a research report (4 marks)
b) Assess five ethical considerations in research (10 marks)
c) Examine two circumstances when census is appropriate in research (4 marks)
DBM622DCM223/2D2/D5M
