RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (1)

The validity of any research depends on the systematic method of collecting the data,
and analyzing the same in a sequential order. In the present study, extensive uses of both the
primary and secondary data were made.

SAMPLING DESIGN
For collecting the primary data, field survey technique was employed in the study.
This study used both the primary and secondary data. Multistage sampling technique was
adopted to collect the primary data. In the first stage, IT companies in Bengaluru and Chennai
were purposely selected for the study. In the second stage, companies registered under
NASSCOM were identified and listed. In the third stage, the top 5 companies each from
Bengaluru and Chennai were selected. Out of these 10 companies a total of 427 respondents
were selected by applying Cochran’s (1977) sample size determination formula. First hand
information was collected using a well structured questionnaire. The employees and HR
managers working in the select 10 IT companies were considered as the universe of this study
such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Mphasis, KPIT
Technologies, Zensar Technologies, Genpact and CTS.
In order to confirm the sample size, Cochran’s (1977) sample size determination
formula was applied as given below. Information used in this formula included (1) a five
point Likert - sort scale (2) and an estimate of population standard deviation.

no= (t)2 x (p) (q) = (1.96)2 x (.5)(.5) = (3.8416) x (0.25) = 384

(d)2 (.05)2 (.25)

Where t = value for selected alpha level of 0.25 in each tail = 1.96
(p) (q) = estimate of variance = 0.25
d = acceptable margin of error = 0.05
1 = o
(1+o/ population)

1 = 384
(1 + 384 / 8700)
1 = 384
(1 + 0.044)
Required Sample Size () = 367.81
Therefore, the required sample size is 368.
From the above calculation, the accepted minimum sample size was 368. After
consultation with experts in the research field and guide, the researcher has confined with 427
samples for uncomplicated analysis without error.

DATA COLLECTION
PRIMARY DATA
The primary data was collected with the use of a well administered semi structured
questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to the respondents in person and also by
mail. Nearly 500 questionnaires were distributed but fully filled questionnaire received was
only 427. Hence, this was taken as sample and the study was proceeded. The specimen of the
questionnaire given to the selected sample employees in IT sector is shown in the Appendix
section of the thesis. The respondents were employees who worked in IT sector with varying
backgrounds based on the significant aspects of their gender, age, marital status, education,
department, designation, monthly salary, family system, experience in IT sector, occupation
of spouse and so forth were selected from top 10 IT companies in Bengaluru and Chennai.
METHODOLOGY (2)
3.07.1 Sampling Design
The sampling method adopted in this study is census method. This study been
conducted in Erode District, Tamil Nadu because Erode District is an agricultural and textile
hub which makes inter-connectivity to banking sector through more number of financial
transactions carried out and the study is confined to the commercial banks of public and
private sector. The researcher has chosen five banks in each sector such as State Bank of
India, Indian Overseas Bank, Canara Bank, Indian Bank and Bank of Baroda of public sector
and Karur Vysya Bank, Lakshmi Villas Bank, AXIS Bank, City Union Bank and ICICI Bank
of private sector. All the women employees were chosen as respondents from each bank.

3.07.2 Sample Size

There are 624 women employees working in select commercial banks in Erode
district. The details of the sample covered by the study have been presented in table.3.1.
Table 3.1
Composition of Banks and Sample Size
No. of No. of Women
S.No. Name of the Banks Total
Branches Employees
Public Sector Banks
1. State Bank of India 37 185
2. Indian Overseas Bank 50 95
452
3. Canara Bank 51 118
4. Indian Bank 11 30
5. Bank of Baroda 10 24
Private Sector Banks
6. Karur Vysya Bank 26 45
7. Lakshmi Vilas Bank 13 44
8. AXIS Bank 12 31 172
9. City Union Bank 10 39
10. ICICI Bank 10 13
Total 230 624

For a detailed study, questionnaires were issued to all the women employees (452 in
public and 172 in private banks). Finally 566 questionnaires were filled up and returned by
the employees (404 in public and 162 in private banks).
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (3)
The reliability and validity of any research depends upon the systematic collection of
data and its analysis in a sequential order.

SAMPLING DESIGN
The study used the both primary and secondary data. Stratified simple random
sampling technique was adopted to collect the primary data from the women employees in
public sector banks. A total of 300 questionnaires were sent to the respondents, and collected
after they were properly filled in by them.
DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE
Sl. No. of Banks & Sample
REGION
No. Branches Size
1 ERODE 47 118
2 PERUNDURAI 15 38
3 BHAVANI 09 23
4 SATHIYAMANGALAM 07 18
5 GOBICHETTIPALAYAM 30 76
6 KODUMUDI 3 7
7 ANTHIYUR 08 20
TOTAL 119 300
SAMPLING DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY (4)

This study is an empirical research based on survey method. The present study is

confined to Erode District.

 Selection of Online Consumers

The population for the purpose of this study consists of online buyers in Erode

District. In Erode District, there are six taluks, namely Anthiyur, Bhavani, Erode,

Gobichettipalyam, Perundurai and Sathiyamangalam. Online buyers have been chosen from

each taluk headquarters of Erode District.

 Period of the Study

In order to realize the objectives of the present study, both primary and secondary

data have been used. The required primary data have been collected through a survey made

on online buyers from February 2014 to November 2014. For overviewing the online

shopping in India, the secondary data have been used.

 Sample Size

The sample has been selected by adopting Simple Random Sampling Technique. In

this regard, the total respondents were divided in to six strata according to the number of

taluks in Erode District. From each stratum, 85 samples were selected by using Simple

Random Sampling Technique. Questionnaire was distributed to the respondents belonging to

different socio-economic background and enough time is given to the respondents to fill up

the questionnaire in order to reduce sampling error. However, out of the samples selected,

owing to non- response and poor response or incomplete response, 27 respondents were

eliminated out of the sampling frame and thus the sample size of the study has been

determined to 473 online buyers in Erode District.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (5)
The success of the analysis mostly depends on the methodology in which it is carried
out. The appropriate method will improve the validity of the findings. It is necessary for the
research and is a systematic way of solving the research problem.

Selection of the Study Area

The population for the purpose of this study consists of readymade garment retailers
in Erode District. In Erode District, there are five taluks, namely Erode, Bhavani,
Gobichettipalayam, Perundurai and Sathiyamangalam.The readymade garment retailers have
been chosen from each taluk headquarters of Erode District.

Period of the Study

In order to realise the objectives, the primary data is used. The required primary data
have been collected through a survey method on readymade garment retailers from May 2012
to January 2013.

Sample Size
The sample has been selected by adopting Stratified Random Sampling Technique. In
this regard, the total population has been divided into five strata according to the number of
taluks in Erode District. From each stratum, 125 samples were selected by using Simple
Random Sampling Technique and thus the total sample frame has been fixed as 625.
However, out of the samples selected, owing to non-response and poor response or
incomplete response 80 respondents were eliminated out of the sampling frame and thus the
sample size of the study has been determined to be 545 readymade garment retailers in Erode
District.
METHODOLOGY (6)
The research methodology is the universal research strategy that gives the way in
which research is to be undertaken and, among other things, select the methods to be used in
it. In the present research work, a wide use of both primary and secondary data was made by
the researcher.

Sampling Design
The sample respondents who have been working in government and private sectors
were selected. Convenient sampling method was used to collect the data from the 700
respondents living in various Taluks of Erode district. For this purpose, field survey method
was employed and interview technique was used by the researcher to collect the pertinent
data with the help of structured questionnaire. There are fourteen blocks in Erode district. For
the purpose of this empirical study, the respondents were chosen from all the fourteen blocks
of the study area by employing convenient sampling method. The names of the blocks in the
Erode district are listed in table 1.1 which includes Erode, Modakurichi, Chennimalai,
Ammapettai, Kodumudi, Perundurai, Anthiur, Bhavani, Gobichettipalayam, Nambiyur, T.N.
Palayam, Sathyamangalam, Bhavanisagar and Thalavadi. The geographical distribution of the
respondents living in various blocks is given in the following table.
TABLE 3.1
DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS
Sl. No Name of the Blocks Sample Distribution
1 Erode 50
2 Modakurichi 50
3 Chennimalai 50
4 Ammapettai 50
5 Kodumudi 50
6 Perundurai 50
7 Anthiur 50
8 Bhavani 50
9 Gobichettipalayam 50
10 Nambiyur 50
11 T.N. Palayam 50
12 Sathyamangalam 50
13 Bhavani sagar 50
14 Thalavadi 50
Total 700
Sampling Method
Cochran’s formula on sample size was applied to determine the optimum sample size.

no= (t)2 x (p) (q) = (1.96)2 x (.5)(.5) = (3.8416) x (0.25) = 384

(d)2 (.05)2 (.25)

Where t = value for selected alpha level of 0.25 in each tail = 1.96
(p) (q) = estimate of variance = 0.25
d = acceptable margin of error = 0.05

1 = o
(1+o/ population)

1 = 384
(1 + 384 / 8500)
384
 = –––––––––
1

(1 + 0.045)

Required Sample Size () = 367

Therefore, the required sample size is 367.
Sample of 700 respondents of different blocks in Erode district, about double the
number of the required sample size were selected based on the convenience of the
researcher by adopting convenient sampling method.