1.

Identify a relevant business problem, gather support from literature to identify

research gap. Now, develop a research proposal based on the research gap.

Answer: Concept of research

Research helps in decision making, especially in business. Effective decisions lead to
managerial success, and this requires reducing the element of risk and uncertainty. This is no
magic mantra but a scientific and structured tool available to every manager, namely,
research. Thus, research refers to a wide range of activities involving a search for
information, which is used in various disciplines. Business research can be described as a
systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific problem encountered in the work
setting, which needs a solution. It comprises a series of steps that are designed and executed
with the goal of finding answers to the issues that are of concern to the manager in the work
environment. This means that the first step in research is to know where the problem areas
exist in the organization, and to identify as clearly and specifically as possible the problems
that need to be studied and resolved. Once the problem is clearly defined, steps can be taken
to determine the factors that are associated with the problem, gather information, analyse the
data, develop an explanation for the problem at hand and then solve it by taking the necessary
corrective measures.

Business problem area

A sudden decrease in sales, frequent production interruptions, incorrect accounting results,
low-yielding investments, disinterestedness of employees in their work, customer switching,
and the like, could attract the attention of the manager and catalyze the research project.
Before conducting any research under this method, certain steps to be followed and the first
one is to have some broad problem area which can be explored to collect some more
information related to research. Here the main problem would be analysing the long-term
effects of Covid-19 vaccines as limited research and data is available on this topic.

Research Gap
A research gap is, simply, a topic or area for which missing or insufficient information limits
the ability to reach a conclusion for a question. It should not be confused with a research
question, however. For example, if we ask the research question of what the healthiest diet
for humans is, we would find many studies and possible answers to this question. On the
other hand, if we were to ask the research question of what are the effects of antidepressants
on pregnant women, we would not find much-existing data. This is a research gap. When we
identify a research gap, we identify a direction for potentially new and exciting research. For
example, a researcher in the field of health or medicine can research the long-term effects of
Covid-19 vaccines, which is a research gap in the existing literature on the subject. To
identify the research gap, the researcher has to gather and study all relevant books, reports,
and journal articles on the subject. Researchers can usually decide on their research gap once
they have conducted their literature review.

Literature study
A literature review is designed to identify related research, to set the current research project
within a conceptual and theoretical context. When looked at that way, there is almost no topic
that is so new or unique that we can't locate relevant and informative related research. Some
tips about conducting the literature review. First, concentrate your efforts on the scientific
literature. Try to determine what the most credible research journals are in your topical area
and start with those. Second, do the review early in the research process. You are likely to
learn a lot in the literature review that will help you in making the trade-offs you'll need to
face. After all, previous researchers also had to face trade-off decisions. Third, the literature
review will help you to find and select appropriate measurement instruments.

16 observational studies from five countries (USA, UK, France, Italy, and the Netherlands)
were identified that reported on 614 392 patients. The most common symptoms of long covid
that were studied were fatigue, cough, loss of sense of smell, shortness of breath, loss of taste,
headache, muscle ache, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, worry or anxiety, and
memory loss or confusion. 12 studies reported data on vaccination before infection with the
SARS-CoV-2 virus, and 10 showed a significant reduction in the incidence of long covid: the
odds ratio of developing long covid with one dose of vaccine ranged from 0.22 to 1.03; with
two doses, odds ratios were 0.25-1; with three doses, 0.16; and with any dose, 0.48-1.01. Five
studies reported on vaccination after infection, with odds ratios of 0.38-0.91. The high
heterogeneity between studies precluded any meaningful meta-analysis. The studies failed to
adjust for potential confounders, such as other protective behaviours and missing data, thus
increasing the risk of bias and decreasing the certainty of evidence to low.

Research proposal based on research gap

Research proposal to study long-term effects of covid-19 vaccines.

Purpose of the study

To control covid-19, different vaccines were developed and the purpose of this study is to
assess the long-term effects of covid-19 vaccines. There were some studies conducted in the
past but those were very limited. Here, I will try to collect some more information about it,
keeping in mind the time has passed since people took their last shots.

Research question
How effective is the covid-19 vaccines?

Scope of the study

This research analyses the long-term effects of covid-19 vaccines on people.

Relevance of the study

Corona virus really impacted all of us in one way or the other and it was really not easy to
control it. Vaccines played a crucial role in controlling the virus and helped people a lot so
this study is very much relevant in current scenario and more information should be collected
on this topic.

The research design (i.e., details of the study)

First, we will interview a small number of people who have taken the vaccines in the
previous two years. Based on these exploratory findings, we will administer a questionnaire
to all of the people who have taken vaccines.
The interviews will be conducted at a prearranged time convenient to the interviewees. The
questionnaire will be given to the people to be completed by them in their homes and
returned anonymously to the box set up for the purpose by the specified date.

Time frame
The time frame necessary for completion of this research project is approximately two
months. During these two months, periodic reports will be provided on the progress being
made.
2. What is meant by a dependent variable? Identify the one from the following
theoretical model. State any six hypotheses from this model. Identify the mediating and
moderating variable.

Answer: Business research can be described as a systematic and organized effort to

investigate a specific problem encountered in the work setting, which needs a solution. It
comprises a series of steps that are designed and executed with the goal of finding answers to
the issues that are of concern to the manager in the work environment. This means that the
first step in research is to know where the problem areas exist in the organization, and to
identify as clearly and specifically as possible the problems that need to be studied and
resolved. Once the problem is clearly defined, steps can be taken to determine the factors that
are associated with the problem, gather information, analyse the data, develop an explanation
for the problem at hand and then solve it by taking the necessary corrective measures.

Given research model

In the present era of IR 4.0, the emergence of the e-wallet as the preferred mode of payment
in this digital century is bound to overtake cash spending in the near future. The digital
market has rapidly turned into the mainstream mode of online payment due to convenience
and ease of use. Hence, e-wallet providers should understand the importance of gauging
consumers’ attitudes towards e-wallets in affecting behavioural outcomes, such as intention,
retention, and loyalty to repurchase. Moreover, e-wallets offer an easy way to store e-money
and to make payments for online purchases. Upon initiating the UTAUT, it asserted that
one’s reaction towards using ICT can directly affect one’s intention to use technology, which
in turn can affect the actual use of IT.

For effective adoption of e-wallets from the consumers’ stance, e-commerce providers should
consider both internal (e.g., perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived trust)
and external (e.g., social influence, facilitating condition, and lifestyle compatibility) factors
to intensify consumers’ intention. As such, this present study examined perceived usefulness,
perceived ease of use, social influence, facilitating condition, lifestyle compatibility, and
perceived trust to determine consumers’ intention to adopt an e-wallet, while being
moderated by age, gender, and education.

Hypotheses
Hypothesis is, in fact, the assumptions about the expected results of the research. The
problem identification process ends in the hypotheses formulation stage. Any assumption that
the researcher makes on the probable direction of the results that might be obtained on
completion of the research process is termed as a hypothesis. Unlike the research problem
that generally takes on a question form, the hypotheses are always in a sentence form.

Hypothesis 1 (H1). Perceived usefulness has a significantly positive effect on the intention to
use e-wallets among adults.
Hypothesis 2 (H2). Perceived ease of use has a significantly positive effect on the intention
to use e-wallets among adults.
Hypothesis 3 (H3). Social influence has a significantly positive effect on the intention to use
e-wallets among adults.
Hypothesis 4 (H4). Facilitating conditions have a significantly positive effect on the
intention to use e-wallets among adults.
Hypothesis 5 (H5). Lifestyle compatibility has a significantly positive effect on the intention
to use e-wallets among adults.
Hypothesis 6 (H6). Perceived trust has a significantly positive effect on the intention to use
e-wallets among adults.
Hypothesis 7 (H7). Intention to use an e-wallet has a significantly positive effect on the
adoption of e-wallets among adults.
Hypothesis 8 (H8). The effects of e-wallets’ perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use,
social influence, facilitating condition, lifestyle compatibility, and perceived trust on adoption
of e-wallets among adults were mediated by the intention to use an e-wallet.
Hypothesis 9 (H9). Age moderates the relationships of perceived usefulness, perceived ease
of use, social influence, facilitating conditions, lifestyle compatibility, and perceived trust
with the intention to use e-wallets among adults.
Hypothesis 10 (H10). Gender moderates the relationships of perceived usefulness, perceived
ease of use, social influence, facilitating conditions, lifestyle compatibility, and perceived
trust with the intention to use e-wallets among adults.
Hypothesis 11 (H11). Level of education moderates the relationships of perceived
usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, facilitating conditions, lifestyle
compatibility, and perceived trust with the intention to use e-wallets among adults.

Mix of variables
A variable is anything that can take on differing or varying values. The values can differ at
various times for the same object or person, or at the same time for different objects or
persons. Examples of variables are production units, absenteeism, and motivation. Whether a
variable is an independent variable, a dependent variable, a mediating variable, or a
moderating variable should be determined by a careful reading of the dynamics operating in
any given situation. For instance, a variable such as motivation to work could be a dependent
variable, an independent variable, a mediating variable, or a moderating variable, depending
on the theoretical model that is being advanced.

Types of variables
Dependent variable: The most important variable to be studied and analysed in research
study is the effect-dependent variable (DV). The entire research process is involved in either
describing this variable or investigating the probable causes of the observed effect. Thus, this
in essence has to be a measurable variable. For example, in the organic food study, the
consumer’s purchase intentions as well as sales of organic food products in the domestic
market, could serve as the dependent variable. In the given case, adoption of E-wallet would
be the dependent variable.
Mediating variables: Every experiment has at least two types of variables: independent and
dependent. The independent variable is often thought of as our input variable. Dependent
variable is dependent on our independent variable, or what we start with. There are some
variables which connect or link dependent and independent variable and those variables are
called mediating variables. It also explains the relation between the two variables. A mediator
can be a potential mechanism by which an independent variable can produce changes on a
dependent variable. Here intention to use E-wallet would be a mediating variable.

Moderating variables: The moderating variable is one that has a strong contingent effect on
the independent variable–dependent variable relationship. That is, the presence of a third
variable (the moderating variable) modifies the original relationship between the independent
and the dependent variables. In this case, moderating variables would be age, gender, and
education.

3. Nykaa is an Indian e-commerce platform that specializes in beauty and wellness

products. Founded in 2012 by Falguni Nayar, a former investment banker, the company
has become one of the largest players in the Indian beauty industry. In 2018, Nykaa
launched its own private label line of products, which included makeup, skincare, and
haircare. The company's decision to enter the private label space was driven by the
desire to provide customers with high-quality products at affordable prices. The move
paid off, as Nykaa's private label products became a hit with customers. By 2020, the
company had over 2.5 million customers, and its private label products accounted for
more than 30% of its revenue. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Nykaa has also
established a strong offline presence. The company has over 80 brick-and-mortar stores
across India, including in major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. The
stores are designed to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience, with a
range of products and services on offer, including makeovers, hair and skincare
consultations, and product demonstrations. Nykaa has also been quick to embrace the
latest trends in the beauty industry. In 2020, the company launched an augmented
reality feature on its mobile app, which allows customers to try on makeup virtually
before making a purchase. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,
Nykaa has continued to grow. In 2020, the company raised $13.6 million in funding
from a group of investors, including Stead view Capital and Singapore's sovereign
wealth fund GIC. The funds were used to support the company's growth plans, which
include expanding its product range and further strengthening its offline presence.
Overall, Nykaa's success can be attributed to its focus on providing high-quality
products at affordable prices, its strong offline presence, and its willingness to embrace
the latest trends and technologies in the beauty industry. Nykaa wants to expand in food
delivery. You have to conduct research for Nykaa.
a. Develop a questionnaire to survey the consumer and collect their response on what
factors might be responsible for consumer’s interest in online food buying.
b. Assume you have to conduct an interview. Who will be ideal respondent for the
interview? How will you approach them?

Answer: a) Concept of questionnaire

A questionnaire is a series of questions asked to individuals to obtain statistically useful
information about a given topic. When properly constructed and responsibly administered,
questionnaires become a vital instrument by which statements can be made about specific
groups or people or entire populations. Questionnaire is a source of collecting primary data.
These are frequently used in quantitative marketing research and social research. They are a
valuable method of collecting a wide range of information from a large number of
individuals, often referred to as respondents.

There are various features of a questionnaire. Some of them are given below:
 It collects quantitative data in a standardised way.
 In the absence of this questionnaire, researcher can face problems while collecting the
data.
 Questionnaire data or information should be consistent and coherent in nature.
 Questionnaire should enhance the interviewer’s speed and accuracy of data collection
and processing.
 Questionnaire should be in a format which helps the analyst to analyse the
information systematically.

Designing questionnaire
 Decide the information required: Decide the things which should be collected from
the respondents. Thus, a small number of informal interviews should be taken from
the respondents which help in making a clear picture about what information is
needed
 Define the target respondents: A researcher should define the population from
whom data will be collected. While deciding the population, a researcher must keep in
mind the various factors such as family, age group, education, etc. of the respondents.
 Choose the method(s) of reaching your target respondents: There are a lot of
alternatives to collect the data for a research study. It may include personal
interviews, group interviews, telephonic interviews, etc. normally a researcher use
first two methods.
 Put questions into a meaningful order and format: Make a proper sequence of
your questions so that it is meaningful and respondents may not feel confused while
answering them.

Questionnaire
Q1. Please mention your age
a) 20-30
b) 30-50
c) Above 50

Q2. Do you order food online?

a) Yes
b) No

Q3. Which application do you prefer for online food ordering?

a) Zomato
b) Swiggy
c) Others

Q4. Do you find online food buying convenient and time saving for students and
working professionals especially?
a) Yes
b) No
Q5. Do you think apart from Zomato and Swiggy, there should be some more options
for online food ordering?
a) Yes
b) No

Q6. Do you know about Nykaa and use its products?

a) Yes
b) No

Q7. Nykaa is planning to enter into food delivery business, do you think this idea is
good?
a) Yes
b) No

Q8. Do you think Nykaa should do something different to attract the customers?
a) Yes
b) No

Q9. Does this online food industry have good growth rate?
a) Yes
b) No

Q10. How often do you order from Zomato?

a) Daily
b) Once in a week
c) Once in a month
d) Occasionally

Q11. Do you find delivery boys of online applications professional?

a) Yes
b) No

Q12. Do you think Nykaa idea would be beneficial to them in long run?
a) Yes
b) No

Q13. Are you happy with the food quality provided by the restaurants listed on Zomato
and Swiggy?
a) Yes
b) No

Q14. If you have any other things to share, please comment.

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b) Importance of conducting interview in research process

Personal interview is a one-to-one interaction between the investigator/ interviewer and the
interviewee. The purpose of the dialogue is research specific and ranges from completely
unstructured to highly structured.
Uses of the interview method
The interview has varied applications in business research and can be used effectively in
various stages.
• Problem definition: The interview method can be used right in the beginning of the study.
Here, the researcher uses the method to get a better clarity about the topic under study.
• Exploratory research: Here because the structure is losing this method can be actively
used.
• Primary data collection: There are situations when the method is used as a primary
method of data collection, this is generally the case when the area to be investigated is high
on emotional responses.

Based on the needs of the study, the actual interview may be unstructured, semi-
structured or structured.
• Unstructured: This type of interview has no defined guidelines. It usually begins with a
casually worded opening remark like ‘so tell us/me something about yourself’. The direction
the interview will take is not known to the researcher also. The probability of subjectivity is
very high.
• Semi-structured: This has a more defined format and usually only the broad areas to be
investigated are formulated. The questions, sequence and language are left to the
investigator’s choice. Probing is of critical importance in obtaining meaningful responses and
uncovering hidden issues. After asking the initial question, the direction of the interview is
determined by the respondent’s initial reply, the interviewer’s probes for elaboration and the
respondent’s answers.
• Structured: This format has highest reliability and validity. There is considerable structure
to the questions and the questioning is also done on the basis of a prescribed sequence. They
are sometimes used as the primary data collection instrument also.

Interview questions for qualitative responses

Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video,
or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth
insights into a problem or generate new ideas for research. Some of the possible questions in
this case are:

 What is the overall experience of ordering food from Zomato, Swiggy and similar
applications?

 How would you rate and describe this online food delivery business?

 If Nykaa enters in this business, will it be capable enough to earn good revenues and
make the business profitable in coming years?

Ideal respondent for the interview

To approach the respondents, several ways can be used like contact different customers who
are using similar services, social media would also be very helpful in finding correct
respondents. To collect the necessary information, interviewer may approach random people
and ideal respondent for this interview could be food blogger, youth individuals, restaurant
manager etc.