Amrit Aryal is a Master student, who is pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the School of Management of Tribhuvan University. He is an active member of society, who focuses on doing research in economic and business related issues. Therefore, he frequently needs to search for data as part of his research in order to better understand the business and economic context of Nepal.
As a MBA student, what kind of issues do you focus on as part of your research?
As a MBA student my primary focus while doing research is contemporary economic and business related issues. I mainly research on different organizations, on their practices, problems and plans. I am very interested in innovation that has taken place in the business, economics and marketing world, its effect and the value that it has created and what is the take away is for us in Nepal.
Where do you search for data, while doing research?
Firstly, I use Google to search for any kind of data. After that, I look into the particular organization’s website, blogs, and sometimes social media sites such as Facebook and so on. Other times, I need to visit businesses or other organizations, ask for data or conduct interviews with persons working there. Other times government agencies come to the rescue. Newspapers, annual reports are also a source I use.
What are the challenges while searching for data?
The most challenging task while searching for the data is to identify where to find particular data. Is it website? Annual report? Should I find the concerned person and ask for the data? Most of our early zeal of working about a particular topic is weakened by these kinds of hassles. Another issue is regarding the authenticity of the collected data. Which data is reliable? Similarly, it is also hard to obtain the updated data, owing to which we need to work with old data from previous years. Hence, as a result, the conclusion, that is based on this data is questionable or irrelevant to the present situation.
How is the Nepal in Data portal helping you in searching for data?
Of course such kinds of initiatives are like a blessing to persons like me, who are in need of data regarding various issues. Through the Nepal in Data Portal, I can rely on timely, authentic, less costly and relevant data for my study, further research and other issues regarding data. After I came to know about this portal, my first stop whenever I need data regarding different issues is nowwww.nepalindata.com .
What suggestion would you like to give for other young people about the importance of using data?
While using data some things must be considered. Firstly, updated, recent data should be used and the unavailability of recent data should not be the excuse for not using recent data. Our conclusion regarding a contemporary issue is of no use if the analysis uses past data. Similarly the authenticity of data should be given due care as non-authentic data sometimes leads to ridiculous conclusions. Ethical and moral consideration should be given to these issues before collecting and while using data.
