Global Journal of Human Social Science, C: Sociology and Culture, Volume 22 Issue 1

Volume XXII Issue I Version I 24 ( ) Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2022 © 2022 Global Journals C The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Women Entrepreneurs: An Analysis from Socio-Economic Perspective in Rangpur City Corporation, Bangladesh ii. Secondary Data Sources Secondary data were collected from books, reputed journals, articles, mainstream online news portals. c) Questionnaire Preparation A mix-structured open-ended and close-ended questionnaire was prepared to collect the primary information from the respondents for the study. The questionnaires were framed by using both close and open ended questions. The questionnaire was classified into individual segments on the basis of the nature of information: a. Demographic information, b. Information related to the business enterprise, and c. Information related to the socio-economic impact of Covid-19 on women entrepreneurship. The questionnaire was comprised of approximately 32 questions. For each interview about forty- five minutes were needed. There were some alternative options to answer the questions and the options were pre-coded which helped with the data analysis by using computer software packages. The questionnaire was pre-tested by respondents before collecting ultimate field data. d) Data Processing and Quality Control The one to one interview method has been used in this study. A cross checking mechanism was introduced to ensure the quality of data. The filled questionnaire has been numbered and cheeked for completeness, clarity, and consistency at the end of the interview. Data have been cleaned up and irrelevant materials sorted out. Most of the variables were pre- coded. Statistical tools have been used to process the quantitative data. Primary data were coded right after field study. Primary data were also stored in digital and easy accessible storage for any further cross-checking with the concern that if any incident occur, like-steal, damage by insects and etc. After completion of the field study, the raw data were inserted into dedicated software for social science research called SPSS. All the data were compiled for processing and analyzed manually. The primary data were processed according to the intention and desire to meet the objective of this study. On the other hand, qualitative data have been used to process based on the subject of the study as well as the research questions and maintained the sequence of the proposed chapters of the research report. e) Data Analyzing The data have been analyzed and interpreted by using descriptive as well as inferential statistical analysis. Different computer software like MS Excel and MS word were used to describe and make interferences from the data where applicable. Both the Quantit ative and Qualitative data have also been analyzed and discussed in this research. f) Population of the Study The populations of this study are women entrepreneurs in Rangpur City Corporation, Bangladesh, whose enterprises have been affected by the pandemic due to the worldwide spread of Covid-19. g) Sampling Procedure A pre-selected sector wise random sampling procedure has been used in the selection of respondents from Rangpur City, Bangladesh. Data were collected from the field through the use of random sampling. Women Entrepreneurs have been categorized into the following categories- 1. Agro-based women entrepreneurs: concerned with vegetables and fruit production. 2. Wholesale and Retail Trade-base women entrepreneurs: concerned with selling domestic appliances. 3. Lifestyle and Fashion-based women entrepreneurs: concerned with selling beauty products and designed clothes. 4. Online-based Women Entrepreneurs: mainly concerned with online food delivery services. 5. Tech-based Women Entrepreneurs: provide tech- based services inside the city area. The whole data collection process was based on the main and specific objectives of the study. The total sample size was 25. h) Study Variables The variables of this study includes- women entrepreneurship as an independent variable; and the impact of Covid-19 on women entrepreneurs- de crease in orders and sales, social barriers and challenges, economic hurdles and access to loan services or government incentives, lack of training, access to ICT etc. are the dependent variables. i) Limitations of the Study A short-time research work is difficult to do right and ensure the maximum fairness. As a young researcher lacking of further experience in any prior research work, is also a cause for bearing some limitations in this research. Again the pandemic situation has always created a huge challenge to accomplish my field work at ease. Furthermore, the research study utilized more qualitative approach than quantitative approach. More encompassing both qualitative and quantitative paradigms could enhance the understanding of the issues from different epistemological and ontological positions. Since, the study is an empirical one based on field-work through interviewing 25 women entrepreneurs of Rangpur City