Research Methodologies
Research Methodologies and Methods
Order Instructions:
Research Methodologies
Please follow these instructions as they are very important for this chapter:
1.You should begin the Research Methodologies chapter by stating, again, the research objectives of the project. This will enable the reader to make an assessment as to the validity of your chosen research methodology.
2.This chapter is that part of the dissertation where you have the opportunity to justify to the reader the process by which the research questions, which were derived by an analysis of the relevant literature, were answered.
3.It is not sufficient to say, for example, “suitable respondents were sampled using a quota sampling technique and then surveyed using a postal questionnaire” and then leave it at that.
4.It might well be the case that, given the problem(s) to be investigated, such a choice of research methods is entirely appropriate. However, if you have not taken the opportunity to justify your research choices to a reader they could be correct in assuming that you have, by chance, merely guessed at what would work and, more by luck than judgement, arrived at the ‘correct’ solution to the problem.
5.The term ‘methodology’, particularly when employed in the social sciences, does not just mean method, but also the governing philosophy behind the methods employed
6.The chapter on research methodology must, painstakingly argue for, and justify each, decision that is taken when arriving at the way in which the research is to be organized.
7.Every time that you, the researcher, have to make a choice from a number of options, you must state what each of these are, why you made the choice you did, and why you rejected those not used.
8.The conclusion of this chapter should provide a summary of the main points that have been covered. The conclusion should also direct the reader as to how the contents of this chapter link in with the contents of the next chapter, your findings.
9.All References must be in Harvard Style.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:
please read the proposal which it is attached as the all information regarding the methodology is written there.
SAMPLE ANSWER
Research Methodologies and Methods
Introduction
The objectives of this research include exploring the role of training and development on the performance of organizations in Qatar; and identifying the strategic measures that organizations can pursue in training and development. In achieving research objectives, the research methodology plays a vital role in promoting research reliability and authenticity. This insinuates that the methodology chosen for research must promise to effectively meet the research objectives by answering the research questions adequately. This chapter provides an elaborate description of how the research was conducted, including the research design, sampling procedures sample size, data collection methods, data analysis methods and legal and ethical considerations.
Research Design
This study utilizes the qualitative research design approach to explore the human resource strategies that influence employee engagement within organizations in Qatar. Qualitative research is considered an effective approach in business studies research, given that it seeks to understand phenomena based on lived experiences and views of individuals who have interacted directly with the phenomena (Chesnay, 2014). The use of qualitative research helps the researcher in understanding underlying perceptions, opinions, reasons, comprehension and motivations among respondents, based on their interaction or experience with the subject of study (Leew, Hox & Dillman, 2012). In this case, the research works with employees, who provide responses based on their experiences on training and development programs in their organizations. Qualitative research is selected over quantitative research approach for this research due to the nature of the research, which mostly consists of descriptive data (Anney, 2014). Unlike quantitative research which involves the analysis of statistical data and structured data sets, qualitative research is used in exploratory studies whose data may vary significantly in structure, such as the data collected from interviews (Padilla-Díaz, 2015)
Data collection and research methods
The data for use in this research was collected using both primary and secondary data. Primary data is highly important in research because it provides first-hand information from research. Given that the researcher employs data collection and analysis procedures that are carefully selected with the aim of obtaining the most appropriate results for the research, primary data is considered more reliable (Rose, Spinks & Canhoto, 2014). Secondary data’s importance cannot be underestimated, given that it provides valuable information to guide research based on previous researches (Rose, Spinks & Canhoto, 2014). Secondary data consisted of peer-reviewed journal articles, books, case studies and other sources of information regarding training and development in organizations. Secondary data was mostly used in literature review and discussion of findings from primary data.
To collect primary data for the completion of this research, the researcher utilizes two qualitative inquiry methods, namely: semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. These were effective in understanding how employee engagement is influenced by human resource strategy. Using these methods, the research employs an exploratory approach in obtaining information, by collecting diverse information from the interviews and open-ended questionnaires.
The semi-structured interview approach works by integration pre-determined questions with open questions that elicit a conversation, such that the researcher can explore various themes further (Cohen Manion & Morrison, 2011). Semi-structured interviews were used based on their ability to collect diverse information from respondents regarding the research subject, which ensured that the research questions are adequately answered. Since the researcher was not restricted to a particular interview script like in structured interviews where the researcher must follow the pre-determined questions, semi-structured interviews ensured that the researcher could collect information on areas of interest depending on the recipient (Leew, Hox & Dillman, 2012). On the contrary, semi-structured interviews may be time consuming and failure to guide the interviewee may divert the interview from important matters or lead to the collection of a lot of unnecessary information, which makes analysis more difficult (Leew, Hox & Dillman, 2012). To counter this, the researcher allocated specific timings for questions to ensure that respondents did not dwell too much on some at the expense of others. The researcher also remained in control of the interviews, by guiding the respondents when they seemed to be diverting from the main agenda.
Questionnaires were considered effective in the collection of data due to their ability to collect data from a large population within a short period of time. Questionnaires also save costs besides saving time, compared to interviews, where the researcher had to spend considerable time and money for travelling and conducting interviews (Holt & Pamment, 2011). They were also easier to administer because the respondents can fill them at their own convenience and without having to reveal their identity, which improves confidentiality (Christopher, 2013). Uniformity of data would also achieved due to the pre-determined questions, which makes analysis easier. However, data from questionnaires may be less accurate because the researcher has no way of controlling how the respondent answers the questions and whether canvasing is involved. Despite this shortcoming, questionnaires were considered more effective due to the high number of respondents involved in the research. Furthermore, combining this approach with semi-structured interviews ensured that the researcher obtained more reliable results.
Research Population and sample size
The target population for this research was the Qatar workforce. Given that Qatar is a region with a vibrant business environment and diverse human resource practices, the population would provide adequate information for strategies that influence employee engagement. A sample of 100 employees was utilized for the research. Employees were selected from 10 companies operating in Qatar, such that 10 respondents were selected from each company. The selection process was done in collaboration with the human resource managers from the respective organizations.
Sampling Procedures
This research targets 100 employees from Qatar to get useful data for analysis and conclusions. To achieve this, a combination of simple random sampling and purposive sampling were employed.
Simple random sampling refers to a method of sample selection where the every member of the population has an opportunity to be included in the research (Nahorniak, et al., 2015) According to Christopher (2013), this eliminates bias and ensures that the information collected to a great extent represents the entire population. Simple random sampling was considered more effective than other probability sampling methods such as stratified sampling and cluster sampling. Stratified sampling requires the researcher to perform random sampling within subgroups of the population, which ensures that smaller groups within the population are equally represented (Nahorniak, et al., 2015) This is considered highly effective in ensuring equal representation but this research did not require this form of stratification. Cluster sampling is applicable where there are numerous micros clusters within the population, such that a random sample of each cluster is considered. This method would not be applicable in this research because the researcher‘s selection criteria was not aimed at dividing the population into clusters.
Purposive sampling is where the researcher selects the sample based on which respondents can provide the kind of information being sought, often informed by their knowledge and experience in the subject under inquiry (Monette, Sullivan & DeJong, 2013). This increases the probability of obtaining more accurate information and consequently enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the study results. Purposive sampling is widely used among researchers in situations where specific respondent knowledge and expertise is needed. The downside of purposive sampling is that it may be biased, given that the researcher influences the respondents to be included in the research (Patton, 2015). In essence, it is the opposite of random sampling which aims at ensuring equal representation of the population. To address this, the researcher aimed at avoiding bias by ensuring that the respondents were only selected based on their qualifications and experience.
Simple random sampling was used in selecting the companies to be included in the research. Employees were selected from 10 companies identified using simple random sampling. In selecting a sample for the research, purposive sampling was used in selecting respondents who would offer appropriate data on how human resource strategies influence employee engagement in Qatar. The researcher collected a list of 150 companies in Qatar and then used a random number selection application to identify 10 companies whose employees were to be involved in the research. Once the companies were identified, the researcher approached the human resource manager in the companies to assist in selection of respondents through purposive sampling. This was considered an appropriate measure because the human resource manager was in a better position to identify individuals within the organization who meet the selection criteria. As provided in purposive sampling, a random sample may not always be effective in selecting a sample due to the possibility of selecting respondents who may not offer adequate information to answer the research questions.
In order for an employee to qualify as a potential respondent, he or she must have worked in Qatar for at least 10 years and worked in their current organization for at least three years. This would ensure that the respondents could provide adequate information in the Qatar context as well as the company context. One employee from each company had to be the human resource manager while two employees from each company had to be department managers. The other seven employees were sourced from different departments within the organization, ensuring that as many departments as possible were represented. The researcher interviewed 30 employees out of this sample, who basically included the human resources and department managers. The interviews were aimed at establishing what managers thought about the impact of training and development on their employees’ performance. Questionnaires were issued to the other 70 employees to determine employees’ reaction to training and development on their performance.
Data Analysis approach
Following the collection of relevant data, the researcher used Microsoft Excel in analyzing the data by employing the various statistical data analysis tools available on the software. This included a combination of excel tabulations, pie charts and tables for visual presentation of the data collected from the research and perform inferential statistical tests. Coding was used in analyzing data from the interviews.
Microsoft Excel is considered one of the most utilized tool for data analysis globally due to the numerous functions including calculation and computation tools, presentation tools and statistical analysis functions. Jackson (2012) notes that Ms Excel makes analysis easier by providing formulas for analyzing data for comparison purposes. It is also effective in presenting information from data collected, thus enhancing data analysis and dissemination.
Coding is known for its ability to analyze qualitative data, hence its selection for the analysis of interview data collected in the research. Coding involves the classification of research findings into different categories and assigning them codes, based on themes identified (Klenke, 2016). This allows for narrative data to be effectively analyzed and thus promote result accuracy. Ms Excel provided an excellent platform for data entry, coding and analysis and will thus be effective in this process.
Validity & Reliability
In order for research results to be effectively utilized to inform strategy, policy and development of other researches among other uses, validity and reliability are considered essential prerequisites. This research makes deliberate attempts at enhancing validity and reliability through well implemented research procedures and eliminating possible errors. To enhance validity, the researcher went through training on interview performing skills to ensure that the process was flawlessly executed and that the right procedures were used to reduce chances of researcher bias (Powell, Hughes-Scholes & Sharman, 2012). To ensure that the research is reliable, the researcher utilizes purposive sampling which ensures that the sample selected is of the highest quality and that it provides high level data on the research. To minimize bias, the researcher uses random sampling to select the sample companies to be used for research (Yin, 2013). Ethical sampling and respondent communication also played an important aspect in promoting validity and reliability. The researcher ensured that the sampling process was as transparent as possible and that the respondents were given an opportunity for informed consent (Quimby, 2012). The use of reliable and efficient data analysis techniques also played a significant role in promoting the reliability of the research (Leavy, 2014).
Ethical Issues
Researchers are expected to maintain high ethical standards in order for research validity and authenticity to be achieved. In this regard, the research will be conducted within the legal frameworks and uphold highest standards of ethics during the collection and utilization of information. To achieve this, the researcher will seek approval from the ethics committee before commencing the study. Secondly, the researcher will ensure that all respondents selected for the study participate out of their own consent and that no one is coerced into being part of the study. Thirdly, the researcher will observe the following ethical issues with regards to research.
Permission to conduct study
Ethical standards require that when conducting a research in an institutional setting, it is important to seek permission from authorities in order to ensure that they are aware of the researcher’s intentions and activities (Hammersley & Traianou, 2012).This research was done in private organizations in Qatar and selection of respondents was done in conjunction with the human resource manager. This means that the first step in conducting the research was to seek permission from the organization.
Privacy and confidentiality
An important ethical factor in research is ensuring that the privacy and confidentiality of respondents is maintained. This means that their views should only be used for research purposes and should not be shared with third parties or used to incriminate them (Quimby, 2012). In this research, privacy and confidentiality was assured in the entire process through various actions. Firstly, the researcher assured participants that their responses would only use used in informing the research and not for any other purpose. Secondly, their views and information collected from them would not be shared with third parties including their managers or marketing companies. Thirdly, respondents given the questionnaire would not be required to indicate their names, thus boosting their assurance on confidentiality (Chesnay, 2014). Those who participated in interviews were assured that their personal credentials and responses would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Informed consent
Research ethics require that participants must not be coerced into participating in any study and that they must do so upon their own volition. To ensure that this is achieved the researcher is expected to ensure informed consent, which involves providing adequate information to respondents regarding the research, to help them make an informed decision on whether to participate or not (Resnik, 2016). To address this issue, the researcher sent information to the respondents indicating the purpose of the research, data collection methods and expected usefulness of the research.
Conclusion
This chapter comprehensively explains the methodology that this research applied in exploring the role of training and development in enhancing organizational strategy. The chapter establishes that this research utilizes the qualitative method, with interviews and questionnaires being used in the collection of data. The data analysis method to be used to scrutinize findings as well as the how validity and reliability of research will be ensured are discussed. The chapter also defines the population, sample and sampling methods used in determining the sample for research; and defines the ethical issues considered during the research.
The next chapter consists of the findings from the research, which comprises of the data collected from the interviews and questionnaires. The results will form a basis for analysis and consequently the research findings.
Reference List
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Christopher JL et al., 2013, Understanding and Conducting Research in the Health Sciences, New York, John Wiley & Sons.
Cohen, L, Manion, L, & Morrison, K 2011, Research methods in education (7 Ed), New York, NY, Routledge.
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