RM FINAL Section A_Group 12

Research Methodology

December 21, 2009

Research Proposal

“Comparison of B-Schools”

In

Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the

Research Methodology course in the

MBA Programme (FT):2009-11

Submitted To: -

Prof. Tripurasundari Joshi

Submitted by:-

Section A-Group 12

Amitesh Jain - 091105

Manish Thomas - 091124

Trilok Kumar - 091151

Tushar Jain - 091152

Content

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

RESEARCH METHODLOGY

TYPE OF RESEARCH

RESEARCH METHOD

DATA COLLECTION

INSTRUMENT USED

SAMPLING

TARGET POPULATION

POPULATION FRAMEWORK

SAMPLING METHOD

DATA COLLECTION

QUESTIONAIRE FORMATION

PILOT TESTING

DATA ANALYSIS

OTHER ANALYSIS

RECOMMENDATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

LIMITATIONS OF THE PROJECT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to take the opportunity to thank Professor T.S. Joshi for giving us the

valuable insights and feedbacks needed to complete this Research Project.

This project helped us to learn practical aspects of Business Research, like how to

prepare a questionnaire, interact with people in order to get the questionnaire filled

up. Its objectives, and how do we do the analysis using various statistical tools. It has

been an enriching experience for us while working on our project of Business

Research.

We are also thankful to everyone who participated in the survey and made it possible.

Last but not the least we are thankful to the Library staff of Institute of Management,

Nirma University for providing us with all the facilities required for the completion of

the project.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Research Project was undertaken to understand the perception of students about

Nirma Institute of Management. Our target respondents were especially MBA

aspirants and students who are currently pursuing MBA.

Nirma Institute of Management (NIM) is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The institute

was established in 1996. Within a short span of time, it has built a strong reputation

for itself. NIM has changed its name and now, it is known as 'The Institute of

Management' (IMNU). It is a constituent of the distinguished Nirma University of

Science and Technology and is recognized by the University Grants Commission

(UGC).

In a short span of time the institute has emerged as an excellent business school, and

has been ranked among the top 25 business schools in the country. But in spite of

this, the exposure of IMNU has still been limited to mainly central India especially

Gujarat. Our research is focussed on this particular issue. Why even after being such

a good learning centre, it has got a limited recognition and exposure.

The research attempted to find out the general level of satisfaction about the institute

in the student’s community. Parameters like infrastructure, location, placements,

faculty, and promotion were evaluated. The research work also attempts to find out

the effectiveness and efficiency of the institute in meeting with the expectations of the

students.

To evaluate different parameters we have used exploratory research in which we have

applied both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The survey conducted was

through one on one interaction and online responses. We have tried to cover most of

the aspects and make the research work as comprehensive as possible.

INTRODUCTION

The basic role of business schools in the management education market is of research

institutions. The intellectual creativity and efforts of the school faculty and students

help develop new knowledge which shapes the business curriculum and enhances

business practices.

But today, management education is going through a relentless change. Increasing

competition and globalization of the business education market is pushing it towards

instability. In this mad race, even the good management institutes are finding it

difficult to maintain the dignity of business education and research.

Enrolment in business schools is increasing at a fast pace and the institutes are

adopting various ways to increase their intakes. This leaves very little space for

genuine practices. These unhealthy practices have an adverse effect on the good

institutes which thrives on their intellectual creativity and genuine efforts.

Now the question arises, what are the reasons for an institute to get lesser recognition

and exposure whereas others get far more recognition with almost same amount of

efforts. We will try to get into details of this and explore various possibilities and root

causes for this imbalance.

Research Methodology

Type of Research

The type of research is exploratory. We have used both qualitative and

quantitative techniques because we have tried to evaluate the different

parameters considered while selecting a B-School and then we have analysed

how Institute of Management is ranked on these parameters among its peers.

Research Method

The research basically tries to determine the different parameters

considered while opting for a B-School. Thus, the research tries to compare

IMNU with its peers on the above factors.

The research thus started with a pilot survey as an exploratory phase, and then

we carried out the survey in form of structured questionnaire

Data collection Method

We did a questionnaire survey with 100 respondents. A single set of

questionnaire was used for this purpose and was made for all the respondents.

The survey was conducted online across different cities of the Country. The

respondents were MBA-aspirants, MBA pursuers and MBA pass outs.

Instruments Used

To have an honest response from the respondents, that is, from the

clients, they were asked to fill up the carefully designed questionnaire. We used

Forced Ranking Scale to rank the colleges on that particular parameter and to

analyse the standing of IMNU with respect to those colleges.

Sampling Plan

Target Population

The objective of the Research is to study the standing of IMNU on the B-

school Selection parameters. The Target population for the study will thus be

students and MBA pass outs

The population will be demarcated as under

MBA aspirants

MBA Students who are currently pursuing

Occupants (MBAs)

Occupants (Non-MBAs)

Parameters of Interest

Mean, Mode and Variance of sample statistics will be utilised to analyse,

interpret and produce the results of the research study.

Population Framework

We will rely on our sampling and data collection techniques to ensure

that a representative sample is used for the purpose of the study. We have tried

to approach CAT aspirants from different region to represent the population.

Sampling Method

We propose to use Quota Sampling for the collection of data. Data from

each sub group will be sampled in equal number to ensure each group is

appropriately represented. Within these sub groups the elements will be

selected using a system of convenience sampling.

Sample Size

The proposed sample size is 25 units for each sub group. This brings the

total sample size to 100. Further, there will be an equal number of

representations from the West, East, South and North Indian Cities.

Data Collection and Analysis

The survey is proposed to be conducted through one to one and online

surveys. The elements will be selected from aspiring MBA students, MBA

students (currently pursuing) and MBA pass outs.

The data collected will be analysed using statistical techniques like

Frequency Distribution table and the results represented through line graphs,

bar charts, pie charts, etc. The hypotheses will be tested using T test and

ANOVA techniques.

The Questionnaire

The questionnaire, to an extent, assumed that the respondent had

knowledge of this project. The questions were framed in accordance with the

research objective while taking care of the behavioural aspects of a

questionnaire. These questions were to be addressed to the common man and

hence had to be simple and easy to answer. The questionnaire comprised 10

questions, and the participants are supposed to rank the colleges (from 1 to 5)

on each parameter.

.

QUESTIONNAIRE FORMATION (Measurement

Questions):

The questions had to be framed keeping in view the research objective and also the

behavioral aspects of a questionnaire. We had also taken care of the hygiene factors in

the questionnaire and the ease and level of simplicity is be maintained.

QUESTIONNAIRE

1) How Do you rank the below mentioned colleges on the basis of best

Infrastructure.

Institute of Management, NIRMA University (IMNU);

K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research (SIMSR), Mumbai;

International Management Institute (IMI), New Delhi;

T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal, Karnataka;

Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB), Pune

2) How Do you rank the below mentioned colleges on the basis of Location.






3) How Do you rank the below mentioned colleges on the basis of good Placement.






4) How Do you rank the below mentioned colleges on the basis of Promotion/latest

updates on websites like pagalguy.com






5) How Do you rank the below mentioned colleges on the basis of Promotion on

Newspapers/Magazines






6) How Do you rank the below mentioned colleges on the basis of Ranking in

magazines.






7) How Do you rank the below mentioned colleges on the basis of Outlook of

Coaching Classes





Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB), Pune.

8) How Do you rank the below mentioned colleges on the basis of Faculty.






9) How Do you rank the below mentioned colleges on the basis of lowest Fee

Structure






10) How Do you rank the below mentioned colleges on the basis of Informative

Website






11) How Do you rank the below mentioned colleges on the basis of stringent Rules &

Regulations.






Pilot Testing

A pilot test was conducted to determine whether respondents are comfortable with the

questions being posed and to collect sample responses to make sure we are getting

appropriate responses.

In the pilot testing the major thing which we come across was the split between the

two questions. All the respondents want to respond differently to the questions of

promotion based upon the Print media and through Internet. Since this was the

response of the 80% of the respondents so we broke the question into two parts

specifying the Promotion done by Print Media and on Websites like Pagalguy.com etc.

Also we tried to change the scale from the forced ranking scale to the schematic

differential scale but the respondents were confused to rank the 5 colleges on the

scale of 7 and hence always return back with the same query. So we shifted back to

the Forced Ranking scale to reduce the queries and misconception in the mind of

respondent.

This pilot test was conducted on 10 people and the results were satisfactory. The

questionnaire was put forward without modifications to the entire sample.

Data Analysis

The major parameters we studied were

Infrastructure

Location

Placements

Promotions on world wide web

Promotions in national newspaper

Rankings in Magazines

Outlook of coaching class

Faculty

Fee Structure

Informative Websites.

1. Infrastructure.

Descriptive Statistics

N Mean

Std.

Deviatio

n

Minimu

m

Maximu

m Percentiles

25th

50th

(Media

n) 75th 25th

50th

(Median

) 75th 25th

50th

(Median)

Infrastructure

[NIRMA,

Ahmedabad]

92 1.78 1.357 1 5 1.00 1.00 2.00

Infrastructure

[FORE,New

Delhi]

92 3.48 1.181 1 5 3.00 3.00 5.00

Infrastructure

[IMI, New

Delhi]

92 3.30 .752 2 5 3.00 3.00 4.00

Infrastructure

[TAPMI, 92 2.52 1.104 1 5 2.00 2.00 3.00

One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test

a Test distribution is Normal.

b Calculated from data.

We conducted One sample Kolmogorov_Smirnov Test on the sample .The Asymp.sig

value is very small which signifies that the data is significant. The test shows that in

Infrastructure IMNU is leading the way among its peers. Even the below pie chart

Manipal]

Infrastructure

[KJ Somaiya,

Mumbai]

92 3.78 .981 2 5 3.00 4.00 5.00

Infrastruct

ure

[NIRMA,

Ahmedaba

d]

Infrastruct

ure

[FORE,New

Delhi]

Infrastruct

ure [IMI,

New Delhi]

Infrastruc

ture

[TAPMI,

Manipal]

Infrastruct

ure [KJ

Somaiya,

Mumbai]

N 92 92 92 92 92

Normal

Parameters(a,b)

Mean 1.78 3.48 3.30 2.52 3.78

Std.

Deviation 1.357 1.181 .752 1.104 .981

Most Extreme

Differences

Absolute .414 .179 .266 .247 .222

Positive .414 .179 .266 .247 .222

Negative -.282 -.162 -.214 -.144 -.197

Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z 3.967 1.717 2.550 2.368 2.131

Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .006 .000 .000 .000

shows that more than 70% people believe that infrastructure is leading the way.

2. Location


N Mean

Std.

Deviation

Minimu

m

Maximu

m

Location [NIRMA,

Ahmedabad] 92 3.26 1.118 1 5

Location

[FORE,New Delhi] 92 2.43 1.102 1 5

Location [IMI, New

Delhi] 92 2.35 1.208 1 5

Location [TAPMI,

Manipal] 92 3.87 1.303 1 5

Location [KJ

Somaiya, Mumbai] 92 1.91 1.255 1 5

1

2

3

4

5

Infrastructure [NIRMA, Ahmedabad]

1

69.57%

2 8.70%

3 4.35%

4 8.70%

5 8.70%


Location

[NIRMA,

Ahmedab

ad]

Location

[FORE,N

ew Delhi]

Location

[IMI, New

Delhi]

Location

[TAPMI,

Manipal

]

Location

[KJ

Somaiya,

Mumbai]

N 92 92 92 92 92

Normal

Parameters(a,b)

Mean 3.26 2.43 2.35 3.87 1.91

Std. Deviation 1.118 1.102 1.208 1.303 1.255

Most Extreme

Differences

Absolute .267 .218 .352 .285 .332

Positive .167 .174 .352 .193 .332

Negative -.267 -.218 -.169 -.285 -.233


Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .000 .000 .000 .000



The Test case and the pie chart show that IMNU is affected by its Location. Although the

Management cannot do much with it ,it’s a major factor considered by students.

1

2

3

4

5

Location [NIRMA, Ahmedabad]1 8.70%

2

17.39%

3

21.74%4

43.48%

5 8.70%

3. Placements


N Mean

Std.

Deviation Minimum

Maximu

m

Placement [NIRMA,

Ahmedabad] 92 2.96 1.128 1 5

Placement

[FORE,New Delhi] 92 3.57 1.180 1 5

Placement [IMI,

New Delhi] 92 2.04 1.167 1 4

Placement [TAPMI,

Manipal] 92 3.13 1.336 1 5

Placement [KJ

Somaiya, Mumbai] 92 3.00 1.148 1 5

Promotion/latest

updates on

websites like

pagalguy.com

[NIRMA,

Ahmedabad]

92 3.87 1.233 1 5


Placeme

nt

[NIRMA,

Ahmeda

bad]

Placemen

t

[FORE,Ne

w Delhi]

Placeme

nt [IMI,

New

Delhi]

Placeme

nt

[TAPMI,

Manipal]

Placement

[KJ

Somaiya,

Mumbai]

N 92 92 92 92 92

Normal

Parameters(a,b)

Mean 2.96 3.57 2.04 3.13 3.00

Std.

Deviation 1.128 1.180 1.167 1.336 1.148

Most Extreme

Differences

Absolute .193 .209 .293 .149 .239

Positive .193 .125 .293 .149 .239

Negative -.170 -.209 -.186 -.137 -.148


Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) .002 .001 .000 .033 .000



The Graph Shows that the sample population considers the placement of Nirma to be

average as compared to its peers. This is a major problem to the management.

1

2

3

4

5

Placement [NIRMA, Ahmedabad]1 8.70%

230.43%

3

26.09%

4

26.09%

5 8.70%

Placements are considered to be an effective parameter considered while opting for a

BSchool. The Management has to work on this issue.

4. Promotions/ Advertisements


N Mean Std. Deviation Minimum Maximum

Promotion/latest updates

on websites like

pagalguy.com [NIRMA,

Ahmedabad]

92 3.87 1.233 1 5


on websites like

pagalguy.com [FORE,New

Delhi]

92 3.00 1.109 1 5


on websites like

pagalguy.com [IMI, New

Delhi]

92 2.26 .993 1 5


on websites like

pagalguy.com [TAPMI,

Manipal]

92 2.57 1.385 1 5


on websites like

pagalguy.com [KJ

Somaiya, Mumbai]

92 3.35 1.171 1 5


Promotion

/latest

updates on

websites

like

pagalguy.c

om

[NIRMA,

Ahmedaba

d]

Promotion

/latest

updates on

websites

like

pagalguy.c

om

[FORE,New

Delhi]

Promotion

/latest

updates on

websites

like

pagalguy.c

om [IMI,

New Delhi]

Promotion/

latest

updates on

websites

like

pagalguy.co

m [TAPMI,

Manipal]

Promotion

/latest

updates

on

websites

like

pagalguy.c

om [KJ

Somaiya,

Mumbai]

N 92 92 92 92 92

Normal

Parameters(a,b)

Mean 3.87 3.00 2.26 2.57 3.35

Std.

Deviation 1.233 1.109 .993 1.385 1.171

Most Extreme

Differences

Absolute .255 .164 .256 .219 .276

Positive .180 .164 .256 .219 .158

Negative -.255 -.164 -.179 -.154 -.276


Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .014 .000 .000 .000



The Graph and the Test results show that IMNU is very poor in publicity and advertising.

The Management needs to think on this issue as it’s the only way through which you can

reach to the students residing outside Gujarat.

5. Faculty


N Mean Std. Deviation Minimum Maximum

Fee Structure [NIRMA,

Ahmedabad] 92 1.96 1.275 1 5

Fee Structure

[FORE,New Delhi] 92 2.96 .811 2 4

Fee Structure [IMI,

New Delhi] 92 3.87 1.081 2 5

Fee Structure [TAPMI,

Manipal] 92 3.74 1.036 2 5

Fee Structure [KJ

Somaiya, Mumbai] 92 2.39 1.249 1 5


1

2

3

4

5

Promotion on Newspapers/Magazines [NIRMA, Ahmedabad]1 8.70%

2 8.70%

313.04%

4

17.39%

5 52.17%

Fee

Structure

[NIRMA,

Ahmedaba

d]

Fee

Structure

[FORE,Ne

w Delhi]

Fee

Structure

[IMI, New

Delhi]

Fee

Structure

[TAPMI,

Manipal]

Fee

Structure

[KJ

Somaiya,

Mumbai]

N 92 92 92 92 92

Normal

Parameters(a,b)

Mean 1.96 2.96 3.87 3.74 2.39

Std. Deviation 1.275 .811 1.081 1.036 1.249

Most Extreme

Differences

Absolute .295 .229 .243 .252 .215

Positive .295 .229 .181 .140 .215

Negative -.226 -.205 -.243 -.252 -.165


Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .000 .000 .000 .000



1 2 3 4 5

Fee Structure [NIRMA, Ahmedabad]

1 52.17%

2

21.74%

3

13.04%

4 4.35%

5 8.70%

The result shows that IMNU has a very low fee structure. It’s an advantage for the

college and the Management has to use this advantage to its optimum level.

6. Informative Websites


N Mean

Std.

Deviation

Minimu

m

Maximu

m

Informative

Website [NIRMA,

Ahmedabad]

92 3.35 1.500 1 5

Informative

Website

[FORE,New

Delhi]

92 2.91 .834 1 4

Informative

Website [IMI,

New Delhi]

92 2.26 .993 1 4

Informative

Website [TAPMI,

Manipal]

92 2.30 .958 1 4

Informative

Website [KJ

Somaiya,

Mumbai]

92 3.43 1.252 1 5


Informativ

e Website

[NIRMA,

Ahmedaba

d]

Informati

ve

Website

[FORE,Ne

w Delhi]

Informati

ve

Website

[IMI, New

Delhi]

Informati

ve

Website

[TAPMI,

Manipal]

Informati

ve

Website

[KJ

Somaiya,

Mumbai]

N 92 92 92 92 92

Normal

Parameters(a,b)

Mean 3.35 2.91 2.26 2.30 3.43

Std. Deviation 1.500 .834 .993 .958 1.252

Most Extreme

Differences

Absolute .212 .237 .212 .233 .196

Positive .207 .198 .212 .233 .178

Negative -.212 -.237 -.163 -.158 -.196


Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .000 .001 .000 .002



The survey showed us that IMNU has a very poor website, which does not have any

information up to date.

1

2

3

4

5

Informative Website [NIRMA, Ahmedabad]1

13.04%

226.09%

3 8.70%4

17.39%

5

34.78%

OTHER ANALYSIS

1. Relationship between Placements and Rankings

Correlations

Placement

[NIRMA,

Ahmedabad]

Ranking in magazines

[NIRMA, Ahmedabad]

Placement

[NIRMA,

Ahmedabad]

Pearson

Correlation 1 .500(**)

Sig. (2-tailed) .000

N 92 92

Ranking in

magazines

[NIRMA,

Ahmedabad]

Pearson

Correlation .500(**) 1

Sig. (2-tailed) .000

N 92 92

** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

The correlation table shows that placements and rankings are positively correlated.

Increase in Placements will automatically increase the rankings of the college.

ANOVA

Placement [NIRMA, Ahmedabad]

Sum of

Squares df

Mean

Square F Sig.

Between

Groups 38.969 4 9.742 11.028 .000

Within

Groups 76.857 87 .883

Total 115.826 91

Ho: There is no correlation between placements and rankings.

Ha: There is correlation between placements and rankings.

Significance value is coming out to be less than confidence level

Thus Null hypothesis is rejected which implies that there is a definite correlation between

placements and rankings of the college

2. Relationship between location ,Infrastructure ,faculty and Rankings

Correlations

Location

[NIRMA,

Ahmedaba

d]

Infrastruct

ure

[NIRMA,

Ahmedaba

d]

Faculty

[NIRMA,

Ahmedaba

d]

Ranking in

magazines

[NIRMA,

Ahmedaba

d]

Location [NIRMA,

Ahmedabad]

Pearson

Correlation 1 .212(*) .313(**) .426(**)

Sig. (2-tailed) .043 .002 .000

N 92 92 92 92

Infrastructure

[NIRMA,

Ahmedabad]

Pearson

Correlation .212(*) 1 .061 .200

Sig. (2-tailed) .043 .565 .055

N 92 92 92 92

Faculty [NIRMA,

Ahmedabad]

Pearson

Correlation .313(**) .061 1 .223(*)

Sig. (2-tailed) .002 .565 .032

N 92 92 92 92

Ranking in

magazines

[NIRMA,

Ahmedabad]

Pearson

Correlation .426(**) .200 .223(*) 1

Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .055 .032

N 92 92 92 92

* Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).

** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

The above correlation table shows that there is a positive relation between Location

and Rankings, Infrastructure and Rankings, Faculty and Rankings.

ANOVA

Infrastructure [NIRMA, Ahmedabad]

Sum of

Squares df

Mean

Square F Sig.

Between

Groups 8.605 4 2.151 1.177 .327

Within

Groups 159.048 87 1.828

Total 167.652 91

ANOVA

Location [NIRMA, Ahmedabad]

Sum of

Squares df

Mean

Square F Sig.

Between

Groups 32.977 4 8.244 8.881 .000

Within

Groups 80.762 87 .928

Total 113.739 91

ANOVA

Faculty [NIRMA, Ahmedabad]

Sum of

Squares df

Mean

Square F Sig.

Between

Groups 37.694 4 9.423 10.309 .000

Within

Groups 79.524 87 .914

Total 117.217 91

The Anova results show that there is a definite correlation between infrastructure,

Location faculty and Rankings.

Weighted Average of the Colleges

The overall ranking of the college can be shown as above in the bar chart where it is

evident that IMI Delhi is leading and one of the major factors contributing to it is the

location and the college ranking. As far as IMNU is concerned, it is ranked 4 amongst

the colleges and the major factor contributing to the rank is the infra of the college

and the fee structure. In the study we came across that Nirma is raking low on the

promotions and placements figures. Also the respondents were not aware of the

college and hence the needed the information on certain parameters.

2.4 2.6 2.8 3 3.2

IMNU Ahmedabad

Fore Delhi

IMI Delhi

Tapmi Manipal

KJ Som, Mumbai

Overall College Performance

Overall College Performance

Recommendations and Solutions

The research has provided various insights on the opinion of the people they consider

while choosing a School. The primary purpose of the study was to identify the factors

due to which IMNU was lagging behind. The survey subjects were asked to rate 5 B-

Schools (tier-2 colleges) on different parameters like Infrastructure, Location,

Placements, Faculty, promotions etc.

The survey and the data analysis above lead us to the following conclusions and

Recommendations:

Amongst the factors considered, Placements is considered to be average as

compared to its other peer colleges. As we have seen that it has a positive

correlation with Rankings, the Management has to improve the college’s

Placement record. The college has a good student quality so it should not be a

huge problem for the Management to place the students but the average salary

has to go up.

The institute has a location disadvantage as compared to colleges in Mumbai

and Delhi. So it won’t get the same industry exposure compared to its peers.

But in this case the Management is helpless, as it cannot do much on the

location. The only thing it can do is, invite as many Guest Lectures to the

college so that it may fulfil the gap created.

Strict rules and regulation in a PG course, perhaps the only one in the whole

list, is a major weak point of the college. The Management should not restrict

the movement of the Students at the PG level.

The institute in terms of its publicity and promotion is very poor, as it’s evident

from our analysis that it has been ranked last in this category by majority of

the respondents. The institute has to promote its event and even advertise as

it’s the only way to reach the students of other parts of the country.

Limitations of Project

1. The credibility of the data depends on the genie-unity of the responses that the

respondents would provide.

2. This project is mainly carried out to assess the competition of IMNU with the

colleges like KJ Somaya, IMI,Tapmi,and Fore. The effects of colleges are not

considered in this study.

3. In some cases, there was missing data, so we had to insert the data manually.

4. The survey may not reflect the actual finding of the whole country ,it might be

region specific .

5. Loyalty to any particular college is ignored in this study considering the

general behaviour of the people

RM FINAL Section A_Group 12

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