...CHAPTER 4 Research Methodology and Design 4.1 Introduction All research is based on some underlying philosophical assumptions about what constitutes 'valid' research and which research method(s) is/are appropriate for the development of knowledge in a given study. In order to conduct and evaluate any research, it is therefore important to know what these assumptions are. This chapter discusses the philosophical assumptions and also the design strategies underpinning this research study. Common philosophical assumptions were reviewed and presented; the interpretive paradigm was identified for the framework of the study. In addition, the chapter discusses the research methodologies, and design used in the study including strategies, instruments, and data collection and analysis methods, while explaining the stages and processes involved in the study. The research design for this study is a descriptive and interpretive case study that is analysed through qualitative methods. Questionnaires were used to evaluate participants’ WebCT skills (before the course starts) and to determine their levels of satisfaction in the course (at the end of the case study). A descriptive statistical method was used to analyze the student satisfaction survey. Participant observation, face-to-face interviews, focus-group interviews, questionnaires, and member checking were used as data collection methods. Furthermore, the justification for each of the data collection methods used in the study was discussed...
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...Research Methodology PART 3 Research Design & Plan M S Sridhar Head, Library & Documentation ISRO Satellite Centre Bangalore 560017 E-mail: sridhar@isac.gov.in & sridharmirle@yahoo.com Research Design & Plan Synopsis 1. Introduction to Research & Research methodology 2. Selection and formulation of research problem 3. Research design and plan 4. Experimental designs 5. Sampling and sampling strategy or plan 6. Measurement and scaling techniques 7. Data collection methods and techniques 8. Testing of hypotheses 9. Statistical techniques for processing & analysis of data 10. Analysis, interpretation and drawing inferences 11. Report writing M S Sridhar, ISRO 1. Significance of research design 2. Meaning & process of design / plan 3. Writing the plan (protocol) 4. Contents of the plan (protocol) 5. Qualities of good research design 6. Choice of research topic, method/ approach and methods of data collection 7. Types of research design 8. Comparison of research designs 9. Action & Applied Research 10. Correlational, Ex post facto, Ethnogenic & Triangulation Studies 2 Research Methodology 3 Significance of Research Design 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Smooth & efficient sailing (sets boundaries & prevents blind search) Yields maximum information (avoids collection of unnecessary data) Costs least in terms of effort, time & money Maximizes reliability of results Provides firm foundation to the endeavor Averts misleading conclusions & thoughtless futile exercise...
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...final mark) Minus 5% per day deducted for late submissions Phone: Assignment 6: 100% (30% final mark). No late submissions will be accepted 1) Learning Outcomes Through this assignment, the student should achieve the following outcomes: • • • • Research, structure and write a formal academic article. Formulate an appropriate research question Apply an appropriate methodology to a specific topic Research, acquire and present in digital format a specialised knowledge of an aspect or area of African discourse or aesthetics, whether historical or contemporary. • • • Apply knowledge of history and/or theory to the chosen topic and evaluate contemporary relevance Identify and evaluate a specific case study that illuminates an aspect of African discourse or African aesthetics. Be able to explain, interpret and apply key terminologies, concepts, principles and theories in the development of a logical argument • • Formulate findings and interpretations into a sound, logical argument Support opinions and statements using authoritative sources and the correct Harvard method 2) Scope For the third and final year of History of Graphic Design you will be required to research, compile and complete a research article of between 30 and 35 pages. The topic of the dissertation is African Discourse and aesthetics and/or Corporate Identity and Branding. Students are encouraged to pursue an area that interests them, and emphasis may differ depending on the individual....
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...The effect of E-marketing on the marketing performance of Small Business Enterprise: A comparative study between Egypt and the UK. HATEM EL-GOHARY Bradford University School of Management School address : EMM Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD9 4JL, UK. Mailing address : 24 Laisteridge Lane, Bradford, BD7 1QT, West Yorkshire, UK. Telephone : +44 (0)7878470306 Fax : +44 (0)1274 546866 Email : h.o.a.elgohary@bradford.ac.uk elgohary70@yahoo.com Supervisor name : Dr. Myfanwy Trueman Supervisor e-mail : M.Trueman@Bradford.ac.uk 16th EDAMBA Summer Academy Soreze, France July 2007 Abstract:- Small Business Enterprises (SBE's) play a major role in the world economy, and their contribution to economic and employment growth is widely recognized. Based on the SBE role as an economic engine to drive global development, this research seeks to understand the practices and activities of these enterprises in terms of electronic marketing (Achieving marketing objectives and functions through the use of electronic communication technology), marketing performance and the effectiveness of industrial and trade SBE’s. In order to do this a comparative study is made between SBE’s in Egypt (developing) and the UK (developed). The main aim of this work is to identify links between the conceptual framework and empirical analysis...
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...The VOIP technology is having different types of the security issues in the VOIP and Wi-Fi along with the security measures. This paper will deal with the VOIP technology, unified communications and Wi-Fi handset. Table of contents Chapter 1 Introduction to the research………………………………………………………………6 1.1 Aim 1.2 Objectives 1.3 Introduction 1.4 VOIP deployment 1.5 The threats and attacks in the VoIP System 1.5.1 Spoofing 1.5.2 The interception or eavesdropping 1.5.3 The denial of service 1.5.4 The spam over VoIP Chapter 2 Literature review……………………………………………………………………………10 2.1 The security methods 2.2 Call Setup and VoIP Registration 2.3 The Protocol selection 2.4 The Mobile VOIP 2.5 The VOIP handset 2.6 The IP telephony 2.7 The Protocols of VOIP Chapter 3 Research Methodology……………………………………………………………………….15 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Research methodology chosen 3.3 Qualitative research methodology 3.4 Quantitative research methodology 3.5 Research design: Case study approach 3.6 Case study approach 3.7 Data collection methods 3.8 Primary source of data 3.9 Secondary source of Information 3.10 Ethical issues in the research process 3.11 Methodology selected Chapter 4 Data and Research Analysis………………………………………………………………23 4.1 VOIP technology 4.1.1 MSN Messenger 4.1.2 Google Talk 4.1.3 Skype 4.1.4 Ring Central Online 4.2 Unified Communications 4.3 The necessity of the...
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...Research Process and Methodologies Study Guide Andrea Aguilar HCS/465 November 23, 2015 Jeanine Maine Research Process and Methodologies Study Guide This paper will have information in regards to research methodologies, and what style can be effective for research. I will be explaining the steps in the research process. I will summarize the difference between a hypothesis and a research question. I will be explaining the types of research methodologies. Including the types of data collection tools used in health care research. This paper will have some sampling methodologies. Also the types of statistical analyses. Explain the steps in the research process There are many different styles in the research process. However, each style does have the same steps in the research process. According to Priest and Roberts (2015) there are eight steps that need to be taken in consideration for research. The first step is to identify the problem. This can also be developing a research question. To identify a problem or question, one must gather some knowledge or information that is needed by the source. The second step is reviewing the literature. By reviewing the literature, the researcher must review the literature related to what was identified as the problem. This step provides foundational knowledge about the problem area. The third step is clarifying the problem. After the literature has been reviewed, the researcher must narrow it down to what the...
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...Abstract Tourism research has evolved from the time when studies on tourism were based in other disciplines to become an academic research field of its own. Tourism critical theory is the pinnacle of that development. Today research in tourism is done using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. If the research is designed to prove a theory it takes the deductive strategy while on the other hand inductive strategy is used to generate theory. The developments are not only in the approaches and strategies but ar also found in the data collection tools and analysis techniques used to collect and interpret data. The study ended by concluding that there is no bad or wrong methodologies, each of the two methodologies studied has advantages and disadvantages, the choice of which methodology to use depends on the researchers views, assumptions as well as the study question. Introduction This study’s aim to discuss the concept of critical tourism theory as well as identifying and evaluating the different research methodologies used in tourism research. The study is divided into two main sections. The first section discusses critical and critical tourism theory tracing the development in tourism research over the years. The second section is based the research methodologies starting from the philosophies or assumption (positivism and interpretivism) that influence the choice of methodology used in any study. The section is further subdivided into two subsections (qualitative...
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...CASE STUDY Research Survey: There are different versions of the case study called a research survey, as well. Introduction: a very brief introduction summarizing the problem or need for the study, the background, the methodology of the present study, the findings, and what the findings mean. You should keep this very brief unless you are expected to have a more thorough "abstract" (an official long paragraph summarizing each of the sections of your paper) or "précis" (much the same as an abstract--but be sure to create a key topic sentence for each section and major subsection of your paper, and then repeat these topic sentences in your précis). This abstract or précis then might be either a part of your first paragraph in the paper, or a separate, longer, one- or two-paragraph section right after a brief introductory paragraph. Background: Provide the research background that prompted your research survey. Why is it good for the field to have your survey or study? If you are writing a full research paper, this is one of the points at which you should quote and/or paraphrase a number of up-to-date, relevant resources to help demonstrate the need for your study and the particular parameters you are using for your methodology. Especially with a number of resources named, this section sometimes can be quite lengthy. Client: a thorough profile—a description—of the client or the demographic profile. Present Study: Divide this into three subsections sub-subtitled as follows: ...
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...CHAPTER 1: EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH: ITS NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS THE NATURE OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH Educational Research: 1. is empirical 2. takes a variety of forms 3. should be valid 4. should be reliable 5. should be systematic Empirical - knowledge derived from research is based on data collected by the researcher The Systematic Process of Research 1. Identify the problem (and relevant related knowledge) 2. Review the information (via literature search) 3. Collect data (in an organized and controlled manner) 4. Analyze data (in a manner appropriate to the problem) 5. Draw conclusions (make generalizations based on results of analysis) The Validity of Educational Research Quantitative Research: Internal Validity - the extent to which research results can be accurately interpreted. External Validity - the extent to which research results can be generalized to populations and conditions. Internal validity is generally prerequisite to external validity. Qualitative Research: Truth Value/ Credibility - accurate representation of information from the researcher’s perspective and substantiating evidence) Comparability - the extent to which the characteristics of the research are described so that other researchers may use the results to extend knowledge. Translatability - the extent to which adequate theoretical constructs and research procedures are used so that other researchers can understand the results. !...
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...Towards a Definition of Socio-Economic Research for the RESPECT Project A draft working paper by Ursula Huws, RESPECT Project Director Introduction The term ‘socio-economic research’ is in widespread use in the European Commission’s work programmes and elsewhere. In the Fourth Framework Programme, for instance, there was a programme entitled ‘Targeted Socio-Economic Research’ (TSER) and in the Fifth Framework Programme there were numerous calls for proposals to carry out socio-economic research related to Information Society Technologies (in the IST Programme) and to other issues of relevance to EU policy. At national level, there are also economic and social research funding councils in most European Countries. However, nowhere in this documentation, as far as I can tell, is any definition offered of ‘socio-economic research’. For the purposes of the RESPECT project, however, it is necessary to have some sort of functional definition. This short discussion paper is designed as the first step towards the development of such a definition. As the project develops, this definition will be tested in relation to the actual practices of socio-economic researchers, whose activities, qualifications and professional affiliations will be profiled as part of the project’s work. In the meantime, a brief survey of projects described as socioeconomic research projects indicates that they cover a very broad range in relation to the backgrounds and qualifications of...
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...THREE: METHODOLOGY 3.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter outlines the method of research, research design, data analysis and concludes with a summary justifying the research methodology. 3.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research has been described as a systematic process of inquiry and discovery which provides an original contribution to the existing set of knowledge making for advancement in any particular topic or subject matter (Kitchin and Tate 2013).According to Anfara and Mertz (2006) a theoretical framework provides researchers with the ways of thinking and a source of sight. An epistemological paradigm of thought to acquire knowledge provided the theoretical framework which informed the choice of a non-participant observation study, an aspect of ethnographic research. According to Flick (2004) ethnography is propelled by an interest of participating or non-participating in observing events and processes while they occur. This allowed the researcher to observe the subject from a distance without interaction (Silverman 2010). Consequently this allowed the examination of various published documents which included government office reports and agency archives (Bishop 2012). A deductive approach of reasoning was incorporated in the study which permitted assumptions from abstract propositions which resulted in the undertaken of this research study (Ritchie et al, 2014). Regardless of the method of research implemented there are three distinct approaches to a research study...
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...Journal of Case Research in Business and Economics Application of Six-Sigma in finance: a case study A. Ansari Seattle University Diane Lockwood Seattle University Emil Thies Zayed University Batoul Modarress Zayed University Jessie Nino Seattle University ABSTRACT In recent years, companies have begun using Six Sigma Methodology to reduce errors, excessive cycle times, inefficient processes, and cost overruns related to financial reporting systems. This paper presents a case study to illustrate the application of Six Sigma Methodology within a finance department. Specifically, the case relates to the Continuing Account Reconciliation Enhancement project undertaken by the finance department of a major U.S. defense contractor. The goal of the project was to streamline and standardize the establishment and maintenance of costing and planning for all business activities within the current financial management process. The Six Sigma implementation resulted in a significant reduction in the average cycle time and cost, per unit of activity, needed to produce the required financial reports. Key Words: Six Sigma, Process Management, Quality Management, Finance Application of Six-Sigma, Page 1 Journal of Case Research in Business and Economics INTRODUCTION In 1987, Motorola developed and organized the Six Sigma process improvement Methodology to achieve “world-class” performance, quality, and total customer satisfaction. Since that time, at least 25% of the Fortune 200, including...
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...CHAPTER 1: EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH: ITS NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS THE NATURE OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH Educational Research: 1. is empirical 2. takes a variety of forms 3. should be valid 4. should be reliable 5. should be systematic Empirical - knowledge derived from research is based on data collected by the researcher The Systematic Process of Research 1. Identify the problem (and relevant related knowledge) 2. Review the information (via literature search) 3. Collect data (in an organized and controlled manner) 4. Analyze data (in a manner appropriate to the problem) 5. Draw conclusions (make generalizations based on results of analysis) The Validity of Educational Research Quantitative Research: Internal Validity - the extent to which research results can be accurately interpreted. External Validity - the extent to which research results can be generalized to populations and conditions. Internal validity is generally prerequisite to external validity. Qualitative Research: Truth Value/ Credibility - accurate representation of information from the researcher’s perspective and substantiating evidence) Comparability - the extent to which the characteristics of the research are described so that other researchers may use the results to extend knowledge. Translatability - the extent to which adequate theoretical constructs and research procedures are used so that other researchers can understand...
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...basic research questions, research methodology, and the overall significance of your study. In short, your proposal explains what you want to study, how you will study this topic, why this topic needs to be studied. Purpose: Thesis proposals are designed to: Justify and plan (or contract for) a research project. Show how your project contributes to existing research. Demonstrate to your advisor and committee that you understand how to conduct disciplinespecific research within an acceptable time-frame. PARTS OF A PROPOSAL Proposals generally include at least some form of the following sections: Title, Abstract, Introduction/Background, Problem Statement, Purpose/Aims/Rationale, Review of Literature, Methodology, Significance/Implications, Overview of Chapters, Plan of Work, Bibliography. Sometimes these sections may be combined— the problem statement, aims, and review of literature are all part of the introduction. The most common elements are the introduction/problem statement, review of literature, and methodology Title A good title should: Orient your readers to the topic you will research. Indicate the type of study you will conduct. Abstract The abstract should: Provide a brief (100-350 word) overview of the proposal that gives a reader a basic understanding of your proposal and encourages her or him to read more. Summarize Introduction, Statement of the Problem, Background of the Study, Research Questions or Hypotheses, and Methods and Procedures. (In some cases, the...
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...What, Why, When, Where: A Case Study Abbott Liberty University There are many questions that are asked about the nature of case studies. The next few paragraphs will address some of the common questions regarding case studies and provide basic answers. The answers are not by any means inclusive or exhaustive. The purpose of this paper is to provide a general understanding of a few questions concerning case studies. What: Case Study A case study is an approach to research that focuses on gaining an in-depth understanding of a particular entity or event at a specific time. To unpack this a little further we can go on to say that any and every detail of the subject’s life is investigated. There are the case studies that will simply observe the subject’s current environment and behavior or the researcher may reconstruct the subject’s complete history. Either way, “Case studies allow a researcher to investigate a topic in far more detail than might be possible if they were trying to deal with a large number of research participants (nomothetic approach) with the aim of ‘averaging’” [ (McLeod, 2008) ]. The main idea of a case study methodology is to “explore individuals or organizations, simple through complex interventions, relationships, communities, or programs” [ (Baxter & Jack, 2008, p. 544) ] to promote a greater understanding of various phenomenons. There are several types of cases: explanatory, exploratory, descriptive, intrinsic, collective, and instrumental...
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