21. In qualitative research paradigm, which of the following features may be considered critical?

(A) Data collection with standardised research tools.

(B) Sampling design with probability sample techniques.

(C) Data collection with bottom-up empirical evidences.

(D) Data gathering to take with top-down systematic evidences.

Answer: C

22. From the following list of statements identify the set which has negative implications for ‘research ethics’ :

(i) A researcher critically looks at the findings of another research.

(ii) Related studies are cited without proper references.

(iii) Research findings are made the basis for policy making.

(iv) Conduct of practitioner is screened in terms of reported research evidences.

(v) A research study is replicated with a view to verify the evidences from other researches.

(vi) Both policy making and policy implementing processes are regulated in terms of preliminary studies.

Codes:

(A) (i), (ii) and (iii)         (B) (ii), (iii) and (iv)

(C) (ii), (iv) and (vi)       (D) (i), (iii) and (v)

Answer: C

23. In a research on the effect of child-rearing practices on stress-proneness of children in competing school projects, the hypothesis formulated is that ‘child rearing practices do influence stress-proneness’. At the data-analysis stage a null hypothesis is advanced to find out the tenability of research hypothesis. On the basis of the evidence available, the null hypothesis is rejected at 0.01 level of significance. What decision may be warranted in respect of the research hypothesis?

(A) The research hypothesis will also be rejected.

(B) The research hypothesis will be accepted.

(C) Both the research hypothesis and the null hypothesis will be rejected.

(D) No decision can be taken in respect of the research hypothesis.

Answer: B

24. A research intends to explore the effect of possible factors for the organization of effective mid-day meal interventions. Which research method will be most appropriate for this study?

(A) Historical method              (B) Descriptive survey method

(C) Experimental method       (D) Ex-post-facto method

Answer: D

25. Which of the following is an initial mandatory requirement for pursuing research?

(A) Developing a research design

(B) Formulating a research question

(C) Deciding about the data analysis procedure

(D) Formulating a research hypothesis

Answer: B

26. The format of thesis writing is the same as in

(A) preparation of a research paper/article

(B) writing of seminar presentation

(C) a research dissertation

(D) presenting a workshop/conference paper

Answer: C

Read the following passage carefully and answer question numbers from 27 to 32:

In terms of labour, for decades the relatively low cost and high quality of Japanese workers conferred considerable competitive advantage across numerous durable goods and consumer-electronics industries (eg. Machinery, automobiles, televisions, radios). Then labour-based advantages shifted to South Korea, then to Malaysia, Mexico and other nations. Today, China appears to be capitalizing best on the basic of labour, Japanese firms still remain competitive in markets for such durable goods, electronics and other products, but the labour force is no longer sufficient for competitive advantage over manufacturers in other industrializing nations. Such shifting of labour-based advantage is clearly not limited to manufacturing industries. Today a huge number of IT and service jobs are moving from Europe and North America to India, Singapore, and like countries with relatively well-educated, low-cost workforces possessing technical skills. However, as educational levels and technical skills continue to rise in other countries, India, Singapore and like nations enjoying labour-based competitive advantage today are likely to find such advantage cannot be sustained through emergence of new competitors.

In terms of capital, for centuries the days of gold coin and later even paper money restricted financial flows. Subsequently regional concentrations were formed where large banks, industries and markets coalesced. But today capital flows internationally at rapid speed. Global commerce no longer requires regional interactions among business players. Regional capital concentrations in places such as New York, London and Tokyo still persist, of course, but the capital concentrated there is no longer sufficient for competitive advantage over other capitalists distributed worldwide. Only if an organization is able to combine, integrate and apply its resources (eg. Land, labour, capital, IT) in an effective manner that is not readily imitable by competitors can such an organization enjoy competitive advantage sustainable overtime.

In a knowledge-based theory of the firm, this idea is extended to view organizational knowledge as resource with atleast the same level of power and importance as the traditional economic inputs. An organization with superior knowledge can achieve competitive advantage in markets that appreciate the application of such knowledge. Semiconductors, genetic engineering, pharmaceuticals, software, military warfare, and like knowledge-intensive competitive arenas provide both time-proven and current examples. Consider semiconductors (e. g. computer chips), which are made principally of sand and common metals, these ubiquitous and powerful electronics devices are designed within common office buildings, using commercially available tools, and fabricated within factories in many industrialized nations. Hence, land is not the key competitive recourse in the semiconductor industry.

Based on the passage answer the following questions:

27. What is required to ensure competitive advantages in specific markets?

(A) Access to capital               (B) Common office buildings

(C) Superior knowledge         (D) Common metals

Answer: C

28. The passage also mentions about the trend of

(A) Global financial flow

(B) Absence of competition in manufacturing industry

(C) Regionalisation of capitalists

(D) Organizational incompatibility

Answer: A

29. What does the author lay stress on in the passage?

(A) International commerce               (B) Labour-Intensive industries

(C) Capital resource management   (D) Knowledge-driven competitive advantage

Answer: D

30. Which country enjoyed competitive advantages in automobile industry for decades?

(A) South Korea           (B) Japan

(C) Mexico                    (D) Malaysia

Answer: B

31. Why labour-based competitive advantages of India and Singapore cannot be sustained in IT and service sectors?

(A) Due to diminishing levels of skill.

(B) Due to capital-intensive technology making inroads.

(C) Because of new competitors.

(D) Because of shifting of labour-based advantage in manufacturing industries.

Answer: C

32. How can an organization enjoy competitive advantage sustainable overtime?

(A) Through regional capital flows.

(B) Through regional interactions among business players.

(C) By making large banks, industries and markets coalesced.

(D) By effective use of various instrumentalities.

Answer: D