How to Write Research Methodology in IGNOU Project
When students write their IGNOU project, the research methodology section can be a bit difficult to comprehend. Most people think it must sound technical, or be filled with complicated terms. This isn't the case. In the case of people working for an IGNOU project, and especially the ignou mcom project clarity matters more than fancy terminology. The examiner wants to understand the actions you took and how you accomplished it and the reasons behind why you did it in the way you did.
Research methodology is just an organized description about the steps you performed in conducting your research. It explains to the reader how data was collected, the location it was taken the tools used, and how the analysis was conducted.
This usually happens after the introduction, but before an analysis of the data or results.
Meaning of Research Methodology
Research methodology describes the general strategy of the research. It outlines the research plan research methodology, data sources, sampling method and sample size, the tools for data collection, as well as techniques of analysis.
In an ignou-mcom project the method used does not have to be complicated. It should correspond to your topic and goals. If your project is driven by financial performance then your methodology should clearly state any financial data sources or ratios that you use. If it's based on employee satisfaction survey and questionnaires have a lot of merit.
Structure of Research Methodology Section
The majority of IGNOU projects use a similar design. You can utilize the following sub headings to keep things neat and consistent.
Research Design
Sources of Data
Sampling Design
Sample Size
Tools of Data Collection
Methods of Data Analysis
Period of Study
Limitations of the Study
It is not necessary for every project to have every title, but this one works well for most ignou MCOM project submissions.
Research Design
Research design describes the kind of research you've conducted. Simply put it addresses the question what kind of research is this.
Common research patterns that are employed as part of IGNOU projects are
Descriptive research
Analytical research
Exploratory research
For the vast majority of ignou MCOM project topics, descriptive research design can be used. You can write something like this in simple language.
The present study is descriptive. IGNOU solved project consultancy of the study is to examine and describe the existing situation concerning the selected topic with relevant information and data.
If your plan includes comparison or ratio analysis, you can include it as analytic.
Sources of Data
This article explains where your information comes from. There are two major sources of information.
Primary data
Secondary data
Primarily, data are collected by the researcher via questionnaires, interviews or surveys.
Secondary data is obtained from published sources such as annual reports journal, books, websites, and company records.
In the case of many ignou mcom projects themes, secondary data is generally accepted. If you're using balance sheets or financial accounts, or profit and loss records, you should clearly provide them.
Example explanation.
The research is based on both secondary and primary data. The primary data was gathered by an organized questionnaire to the respondents. Secondary data was taken from annual reports of companies, textbooks, research journals and authentic websites.
Make sure you mention primary data if you actually got it.
Sampling Design
The sampling method explains how the respondents or units were selected for the study.
Don't expect complex statistical explanations here. Be simple.
Common sampling methods used in IGNOU projects include
Convenience sampling
Random sampling
Lines of example.
The convenience sampling method was employed in order to select respondents based on restrictions on accessibility and timing.
This is honest and appropriate as an ignou mcom project.
Sample Size
The size of the study determines how many respondents or units were included in the study.
If your project was based on the results of a study, the size of the sample could include employees or financial years. In the case of a survey, it will be number of respondents.
Example.
The sample size of this study is of 50 people who were selected from the group.
Or
The study covers a span between 2019 until 2023.
You must be consistent and truthful with your data.
Tools of Data Collection
This section describes the tools utilized to collect data.
Common tools are
Questionnaire
Interview schedule
Observation
Financial statements
Example.
A structured questionnaire was employed as the primary method for collecting primary data. The questionnaire included close ended questions related to the findings of the study.
For secondary information.
The financial statements, like the balance sheet as well as profit and loss account were used to gather relevant financial information.
Methods of Data Analysis
This article explains how the obtained data was evaluated.
In order to work with ignou mcom projects only a few tools are needed.
Analysis of Percentage
Ratio analysis
Tables and charts
Example explanation.
Data collected was classified then tabulated and analyzed using percentage analysis as well as ratio analysis. The results are presented in the form of tables and charts for better understanding.
Be careful not to mention software that is advanced unless you have actually experienced it.
Period of Study
The section below outlines the duration that is covered by the study.
Example.
The study spans five financial years that run from 2019 until 2023.
This is particularly important in finance-related ignou mcom project subjects.
Limitations of the Study
Every project has limitations. IGNOU expects students to mention these in an honest manner.
Common limitations include
Time limitations
Sample size is limited
Dependence of secondary data
Responses that are precise
Example.
The study is subject to certain limitations. The sample size is small due to time constraints. The study is based on secondary data, which could have their own limitations in terms of precision.
Do not overstate your claims. Keep it real.
Writing Tips for IGNOU Students
Use simple language.
Beware of unneeded theory.
Don't duplicate the methodology in research journals.
Match methodology with objectives.
Keep the direction clear and organized.
Don't forget, IGNOU examiners review hundreds in projects. They seek clarity, authenticity, and relevance, not just beautiful writing.
Final Note
This section of the research method plays a significant part in your ignou mcom project since it indicates what care was taken when the study is conducted. If this section is written well and in a professional manner it makes a great impression before even an examiner can begin analysis of data.
Write about the things you actually accomplished. Keep it brief. Stay consistent with your topic and objectives. That's more than enough to be able to score highly.