Sanjivani College of Engineering, Kopargaon

402 :Research Methodology

Unit 4
Data Analysis & Report
Writing
Presented By:
Dr. S.P. Ghodake
Dept. of www.sanjivanimba.org.in
MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon 1
 Content
• Data Processing
• Data Analysis
• Data Interpretation
• Meaning & Characteristics of Research
Report
• Steps involve in report writing

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Data Processing
• Data processing in research refers to the activities and procedures
involved in organizing, cleaning, transforming, analyzing, and interpreting
raw data collected during a research study.

• It is a crucial step in research that allows researchers to convert the

collected data into meaningful information and draw conclusions based on
the analysis.

• Data processing refers to the manipulation and transformation of raw data

into meaningful information. It involves various operations like sorting,
summarizing, calculating, and organizing data.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Types of Data Processing:
• Manual Data Processing:
• Involves human intervention for data
manipulation.
• Mechanical Data Processing:
• Utilizes mechanical devices like calculators.
• Electronic Data Processing:
• Uses computers and software for data
manipulation.
Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon
 Steps of data processing
• Data Collection: Gathering raw data from various sources.
• Data entry: The collected data is entered into a computer system or software. This
can be done manually by transcribing data from paper-based forms or electronically
if data was collected digitally.
• Data cleaning: Data cleaning involves checking for errors, inconsistencies, missing
values, and outliers in the dataset. Researchers review the data to identify and
correct any discrepancies or anomalies that could affect the quality and integrity of
the data.
• Data coding: Data coding involves assigning labels, codes, or categories to
different variables in the dataset. This helps in organizing and structuring the data
for analysis. For qualitative data, coding involves identifying themes, patterns, or
concepts in the data and assigning codes accordingly.
• Data transformation: Sometimes, data may need to be transformed or recoded to
facilitate analysis or meet specific research requirements. This can involve scaling,
standardizing, aggregating, or categorizing variables to simplify analysis or create
new derived variables.
Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon
 Steps of data processing
• Data analysis: Once the data is cleaned and prepared, various statistical or
qualitative analysis techniques are applied to explore patterns, relationships, and
trends within the dataset. This can include descriptive statistics, inferential
statistics, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, or qualitative analysis methods
such as thematic analysis or content analysis.
• Interpretation of results: The findings and results obtained from the data analysis
are interpreted to draw meaningful conclusions and answer the research questions
or objectives. Researchers critically analyze the results, assess their significance,
and discuss their implications within the context of existing literature or theories.
• Reporting: The final step of data processing in research is to present the findings in
a clear, concise, and structured manner. This often involves preparing research
reports, academic papers, or presentations that communicate the research
methodology, data analysis techniques, results, and interpretations to the intended
audience.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Data Analysis
• Data analysis involves the systematic examination of data to uncover patterns,
trends, relationships, and insights. It employs various statistical and
computational techniques to derive meaningful information from raw data.
• Data analysis in research refers to the process of inspecting, cleaning,
transforming, and interpreting raw data collected during a research study to uncover
patterns, relationships, and trends, and draw meaningful conclusions.
• It involves applying various statistical or qualitative techniques to extract insights
and answer research questions or objectives.
• Data analysis is the process of inspecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling
data to discover meaningful information, draw conclusions, and support decision-
making. It involves the application of statistical methods, visualization techniques,
and other analytical tools to understand patterns, relationships, and trends within
the data. (Source: Investopedia)

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Steps of data analysis
• Data preparation: This step involves organizing and preparing the data for analysis. It
includes tasks such as data cleaning, coding, and transforming the data into a format
suitable for analysis. Missing values, outliers, and inconsistencies are addressed during
this stage.
• Descriptive statistics: Descriptive statistics are used to summarize and describe the
main characteristics of the data. Measures such as mean, median, mode, standard
deviation, and frequency distributions are computed to provide a concise overview of
the data.
• Inferential statistics: Inferential statistics are used to make inferences or draw
conclusions about a population based on a sample of data. Techniques such as
hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and regression analysis are employed to assess
relationships, test hypotheses, and determine the significance of findings.
• Data visualization: Data visualization techniques are used to present the data in
graphical or visual formats such as charts, graphs, or plots. Visualization aids in
understanding patterns, trends, and relationships within the data, making it easier to
communicate findings and insights.
Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon
 Steps of data analysis
• Qualitative analysis: Qualitative analysis involves analyzing non-numerical data, such
as interview transcripts, observation notes, or text documents. Techniques like thematic
analysis, content analysis, or discourse analysis are used to identify themes, patterns, and
meanings within the qualitative data.
• Interpretation and synthesis: The findings obtained from the data analysis are
interpreted and synthesized to derive meaningful conclusions. Researchers critically
analyze the results, relate them to existing theories or literature, and draw implications
and recommendations based on the research objectives.
• Validation and reliability checks: It is important to validate the data analysis process
by conducting checks for reliability and validity. This involves assessing the robustness
of the analysis methods and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of the results.
• Reporting: The final step of data analysis in research is to present the findings in a
comprehensive research report, academic paper, or presentation. The report includes a
detailed description of the data analysis process, results, interpretation, and limitations,
enabling others to understand and evaluate the research outcomes.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Data Interpretation
• Data interpretation in research refers to the process of analyzing and making
sense of the findings obtained from data analysis.
• It involves examining the results, identifying patterns, relationships, and trends, and
drawing meaningful conclusions based on the analyzed data.
• In data interpretation, researchers or analysts interpret the findings obtained from
data analysis to understand the implications and significance of the results.
• It goes beyond the raw data itself and involves contextualizing the findings within
the broader research context, relevant theories or frameworks, and existing
knowledge in the field.
• Data interpretation requires critical thinking, analytical skills, and domain
expertise to make informed judgments and draw valid conclusions from the data.
• It involves understanding the limitations and assumptions of the data, considering
alternative explanations or interpretations, and providing insights that can guide
decision-making, problem-solving, or further research.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Steps Involved in Data interpretation
• Reviewing the results: Researchers review the output of the data analysis, including statistical summaries,
visualizations, and qualitative findings. They examine the patterns, trends, and relationships revealed by the
data to understand the key findings.
• Contextualizing the findings: The interpreted findings are placed within the broader context of the
research objectives, existing literature, and relevant theories or frameworks. Researchers assess how the
results align with or challenge previous knowledge and theories in the field.
• Drawing conclusions: Researchers draw conclusions based on the analyzed data and their interpretation.
They determine the implications of the findings and assess their significance in addressing the research
questions or objectives.
• Identifying limitations: It is important to recognize and acknowledge the limitations of the study.
Researchers consider factors such as sample size, data quality, biases, or potential confounding variables
that may affect the validity or generalizability of the findings.
• Exploring alternative explanations: Researchers critically evaluate the findings and consider alternative
explanations or interpretations. They assess whether there may be other factors or variables that could
influence the results and explore potential confounding or mediating factors.
• Communicating the interpretation: The interpretation of the data is communicated in a clear, concise,
and coherent manner. Researchers present the findings in research reports, academic papers, or
presentations, using appropriate language and visual aids to effectively communicate the key messages.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Research Report
• A research report is a document that presents
the findings, analysis, and interpretation of a
research study or investigation.
• It serves as a formal and structured account of
the research process, methods, results, and
conclusions.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Research Report
• A research report is a formal document that communicates the findings,
methodology, and conclusions of a research study. It serves as a
comprehensive record of the research process and outcomes.

• Meaning of a Research Report:

• A research report is a written document that communicates the details and
outcomes of a research study. It provides a comprehensive and systematic
account of the research project, including the research question or
objective, methodology, data analysis, and key findings. The purpose of a
research report is to share the research outcomes with the academic
community, industry professionals, or other relevant stakeholders.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Characteristics of a Research Report:
• Objectivity: A research report should be objective and unbiased. It should present the
research findings without personal opinions or subjective interpretations. The report should be
based on the analysis of data and evidence obtained from the research study.
• Structure and Organization: A research report follows a structured format and is organized
in a logical manner. It typically includes sections such as an introduction, literature review,
methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Each section serves a specific purpose and
contributes to the overall coherence of the report.
• Clarity and Precision: A research report should be written in a clear and concise manner. It
should use precise language, avoid ambiguity, and provide a detailed description of the
research methods and results. The report should be accessible to readers and effectively
communicate the research process and outcomes.
• Evidence-Based: A research report is based on empirical evidence derived from the research
study. It should include a detailed description of the data collection methods, analysis
techniques, and the evidence supporting the research findings. The report should provide
sufficient information for others to assess the validity and reliability of the research.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Characteristics of a Research Report:
• Transparency and Replicability: A research report should promote transparency by
providing detailed information about the research design, data collection procedures, and
analysis methods. Sufficient details should be provided to allow other researchers to replicate
the study and validate the findings.
• Academic Rigor: A research report should adhere to academic standards and rigor. It should
demonstrate a sound theoretical foundation, use appropriate research methodologies, and
apply rigorous data analysis techniques. The report should also cite relevant literature and
acknowledge the contributions of previous research in the field.
• Ethical Considerations: A research report should address ethical considerations related to
the research study. This includes obtaining informed consent from participants, maintaining
confidentiality, and complying with ethical guidelines and regulations.
• Conclusions and Recommendations: A research report should conclude with a summary of
the key findings and their implications. It may also include recommendations for further
research or practical applications of the research findings.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Steps involve in report writing
• Report writing involves a series of steps to ensure that the content is well-
structured, coherent, and effectively communicates the research findings or
information.
1. Identify the purpose and audience:
2. Plan and outline:
3. Conduct research and gather information:
4. Introduction:
5. Methodology:
6. Results and analysis:
7. Discussion and conclusion:
8. Recommendations (if applicable):
9. Formatting and presentation:
10. Proofread and revise:
11. Appendices and references:
12. Finalize and distribute:

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Report Writing
1. Identify the purpose and audience: Clarify the purpose of the report and determine the target
audience. Understand the objectives and expectations of the report to guide the writing process.
2. Plan and outline: Develop a clear plan and outline for the report. Identify the key sections, sub-
sections, and their sequence. This helps in organizing the content and ensuring a logical flow of
information.
3. Conduct research and gather information: Collect and review all the relevant data, research
findings, or other sources of information that will be included in the report. Ensure that the
information is accurate, reliable, and supports the objectives of the report.
4. Introduction: Begin the report with an introduction that provides background information, context,
and a clear statement of the purpose or research question. Clearly state the scope and objectives of
the report.
5. Methodology: Describe the research methodology or the approach used to gather and analyze the
data. Provide details on the data collection methods, sample size, data analysis techniques, and any
limitations or assumptions.
6. Results and analysis: Present the findings of the research or the information collected in a clear and
organized manner. Use appropriate tables, charts, or graphs to illustrate the data and highlight key
trends or patterns. Provide insightful analysis and interpretation of the results.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Report Writing
7. Discussion and conclusion: Analyze the results in the context of the research objectives or purpose.
Discuss the implications of the findings, their significance, and any limitations or recommendations.
Summarize the main points and draw logical conclusions based on the analysis.
8. Recommendations (if applicable): If the report requires recommendations, provide practical suggestions
or actions based on the findings. These recommendations should be specific, actionable, and aligned with
the objectives of the report.
9. Formatting and presentation: Pay attention to the formatting and presentation of the report. Ensure that
the report has a consistent structure, uses appropriate headings and subheadings, and follows the required
formatting guidelines (such as font style, size, spacing, etc.).
10. Proofread and revise: Carefully review the report for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting
errors. Make necessary revisions to improve clarity, coherence, and overall readability. Check that all
references and citations are correctly formatted and cited.
11. Appendices and references: Include any relevant supporting materials or additional information in the
appendices. Provide a list of references, citations, or sources used in the report using the appropriate
citation style (such as APA, MLA, etc.).
12. Finalize and distribute: Once the report is reviewed and revised, finalize the document and prepare it for
distribution. Ensure that it is saved in a suitable file format (such as PDF) and is ready to be shared with the
intended audience.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

 Proforma of Research Report
1. Introduction of Topic (Title) – Meaning, Rationale, Importance.
2. Review of Literature : Research Articles, Thesis, Books, Magazines etc.
– Research Gap, Research Questions.
3. Research Methodology : Type of Data, Sample, Population, Sampling
Method, sampling frame, type of research.
4. Objectives of Study :Minimum 3 maximum 5 objectives.
5. Scope & Limitation of Study :
6. Data Analysis & Interpretations: Table, Graphs, Interpretations.
7. Findings : Based on Data Analysis & Interpretations.
8. Conclusion : Summary based on findings ½ paragraph.
9. Suggestions/ Recommendations: equal to number of findings.
10. References : as per LR.
– Annexure- Additional Reports, Annual Reports.

Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon

Thank You….
Dept. of MBA, Sanjivani COE, Kopargaon