OBJECTIVES
As a person with knowledge of various research methodologies, the author has always brought up to his superiors the viability of strategy formation regarding the analysis of this topic and at times fails to understand the reasons or logic behind certain strategic implementations imposed on it.
By delving into this project paper, the author intends to have better insights into how the various research methodologies are thought up, formulated and then implemented down. The author hopes to have an in-depth understanding as to how the implementation of the various research methodologies enable researchers to compete effectively and profitably in this era of internationalization where competition is extremely intense.
In order to reinforce the learning objectives, two key focal issues were focused upon, i.e. innovation and diversity. Innovation was discussed with regard to the various research methodologies where they were renowned for their developmental capabilities to constantly innovate. Diversity came under strategic thinking and formation as the author considered the diverse culture, political climate, economic surroundings, social environment, technological settings, social policies and legal systems in order to better understand the research methodologies being discussed.
EXECUTIVE BRIEF
This essay utilized various model research methodologies to review their present impacts and how they dealt with critical research situations. From the analysis, key trends in these research methodologies were then identified, how they worked and its effectiveness in dealing with critical research situations was ascertained. The paper then moved on to assess these research methodologies with regard to their suitability to critical research situations, during which the strengths and weaknesses of these research methodologies in relation to the strategy being followed by the researcher were determined also. An overall analysis of the performance and effectiveness of the four research methodologies was also conducted to assess and compare the capabilities of these research methodologies with those of others. Gaps in the capabilities of the research methodologies were then identified.
Finally, several choices of strategies to improve the utilization of the four research methodologies as effective means in critical research situations were recommended and evaluated in terms of appropriateness to the issues reviewed, feasibility in carrying out the options and acceptability within the key stakeholders and decision makers. Several key implementation issues related to managing strategic change were also addressed as well.
ASSIGNMENT 1
A. Problem Definition
Research methodologies discuss the problem definition for the study and what is applicable for it to use in response for the statement of the problem. Likewise, problem definition presents the various procedures and strategies in identifying the sources for the needed information on the analysis and evaluation of the given data.
Problem definition can help in specifying the method of research to be used, research design, respondents of the study, data collection, instruments to be used, validation and administration of the instruments to be used, conducting the experiments, data representative and reliability, locating the needed data to be used, statistical treatment of data and analyzing the gathered data.
More often than not, ordinary researchers don’t really have the capabilities to implement various types of problem definition methodologies. Instead, they engage in activities that various schools of management typically associate with using various types of problem definition methodologies These activities include the identification of dependent variables, independent variables, monitoring and evaluation.
However, problem definition deals with all operations done within research studies. Activities such as the management of information, the control of variables, logistics and evaluations are often related with problem definition. A great deal of emphasis lies on the efficiency and effectiveness of processes. Therefore, problem definition includes the analysis and management of internal processes.
b. Problem Audit
Basically, the basic issues under a problem audit include the proper ways to use observations. For this reason, researchers typically choose problem audit because it is their intention to gather first hand data in terms of success and problem areas and the responses to their present condition. With the help of the problem audit, a clear picture of the said phenomena may be provided (2003). This type of study may serve as an extension or a forerunner to a piece of exploratory research, a valuable research approach employed to: discover what is happening; seek new insights; ask questions; and/or evaluate a phenomenon in a new light ( 2002).
(2003) said that while it is not unusual for a researcher to first think of his problem audit by considering whether one should, for instance, administer a questionnaire or conduct interviews, thoughts on this question should belong to the centre of the problem definition. That is, in order to come to the central issue of how to collect the data needed to answer one’s research questions, there are important variables that need to be identified.
C. Marketing Research Problem
An excellent and sound marketing research problem applies the positivist research approach. This is because sound marketing research problems normally involve the accomplishment of these stages of the positivist approach: 1) formulation of a marketing research problem; 2) testing the marketing research problem; 3) showing the falsity of the marketing research problem; and 4) formulating predictive principles ( 2006). The sound marketing research problem also seeks to capture reliable data and the positivist approach focuses on data measurement precision and reliability (2003). Although the sound marketing research problem also seeks to obtain suggestions from the research participants, indicating a phenomenological aspect, the bulk of data are characterized by measurability so that the primary research approach is positivist.
In relation to research perspective, the sound marketing research problem also utilizes the subjective approach. This is because the researcher is part of the case being studied in the present research. As part of the case, the researcher has knowledge of the entire situation. Through the subjective approach, the researcher recognizes the existence of bias but instead of eliminating this, the researcher seeks to develop a learning relationship with the participants in the case study so that the researcher becomes a part of the knowing process ( 1984; 1990; 1993; 1993; 1994)
ASSIGNMENT 2
1) Discuss the primary scales of measurement.
A) The Nominal Scale
The nominal scale pertains to the mere putting of information into sets, without any specific framework of arrangements. A good example of this would be the names we give for colors. The given category has an arrangement but the types of colors are not nominal.
B) The Ordinal Scale
An ordinal scale follows the power of measurement. The most common ordinal scale is by using the ranks. When a person gathering data inquires you to rank 5 kinds of soda from most tasteful to least tasteful, then this is already establishing an ordinal scale.
C) The Interval Scale
The normal survey is actually an interval scale. When a person is obliged to rate his level of pleasure on a specific food on a 10 point rating scale, from Unpleased to Pleased, then this is utilizing an interval scale.
D) Ratio
A ratio scale is the primary scale of measurement and very rarely occurs in most studies. The critical element which specifically distinguishes a ratio scale is the fact that it contains an authentic zero value origin. The most basic type of a ratio scale is the measurement of height and width.
2) Compare the rank order scaling technique to the paired comparison scaling technique.
The Rank-order scale is applied when a research participant is provided with various objects while at the same time he is obliged to rank them. So basically, this is an ordinal scale. On the other hand, the paired comparison scaling technique is applied when a research participant is provided with two objects at each time and tasked to choose only one item.
3) Briefly define internal and external validity.
External validity is existent within a research if the research’s outputs are said to be congruent with various research parameters, processes and respondents. If a research contains external validity, its outcomes will be conclusive to the greater population. The most typical disadvantage of external validity is based on the aspect that researches utilizing human respondents normally use a small population gathered from a solitary territory. Due to this, the researcher can not be guaranteed that any outputs gathered can be generalized to other people in other territories.
On the other hand, internal validity is said to be integrated within a study if it correctly establishes a causal interaction between two elements. A research can illustrate a causal interaction by establishing three categories:
1) the “cause” follows the “effect”,
2) the “cause” and the “effect” are connected to each other, and
3) there are no available other implications for the pertained connection between the cause and the effect.
4) Explain the differences among pre-experimental, true experimental, quasi-experimental, and statistical designs.
A. TRUE EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY
While certain experiments have resulted into compromising outcomes, experimental methodology has also been used in order to discover the quality of hypothesis of a particular research. It is a well-known fact that every experiment cannot be always perfect, and therefore there is always an opportunity to correct the previous mistakes. Experimental methodologies usually include the descriptions of the failures of an experiment and its causes or reasons.
Whenever experiments are done in a field of study where it is considered as a pioneering study, the experimental methodology often states a number of issues such as the computational methods. This component of the experimental methodology identifies a formula for measuring specific computations, especially in research studies where it is considered as the first of its kind. The identification of the formula may not necessarily be the best method to be used for the calculations. This is because preliminary empirical tests will be able to help with the establishment of a better formula for the required computations.
Most researchers conceptualize their experimental methodologies to be applied in their studies in order to come up with the pertinent data needed to answer the research questions stated in the objectives, as well as to arrive to the fulfillment of their research undertaking’s objectives. Then again, the research philosophy that is reflected in these studies is the proper application of the experimental methodology. With this research methodology, a researcher prefers to work with an observable social reality in order to come up with law-like generalizations similar to those produced by the physical and natural scientists (1998), and in this tradition, the researcher becomes an objective analyst, coolly making detached interpretations about those data that have been collected in an apparently value-free manner (2003). In addition, the emphasis is on a highly structured experimental methodology to facilitate replication ( 1997) and on quantifiable observations that lend themselves to statistical analysis (2003). In here, the assumption is that the researcher is independent of and neither affects nor is affected by the subject of the research (1998;1998).
Experimental methodology employs a descriptive research because of the fact that it tries to explore the causes of a particular phenomenon, present facts concerning the nature and status of a situation, as it exists at the time of the study, and portray an accurate profile of persons, events or situations (1994; 2002). The purpose of employing the descriptive method is to capture the nature of a situation, as it exists at the time of the study and to explore the cause/s of particular phenomena ( 1997). The approach undertaken for such type of study was chosen for a number of reasons. The descriptive approach is quick and flexible giving rise to three advantages: first, when new issues and questions arise during the duration of the study, this approach allows a further investigation. Secondly, when there are unproductive areas from the original plan of the study, the researcher can drop them; and thirdly, the approach is more practical in terms of time and money (1994).
B. PRE-EXPERIMENTAL METHODOLOGY
In order to come up with the most suitable research approaches and strategies for studies, the pre-experimental methodology is undertaken. This is because conducting a research is like doing an experiment—in order to come to the central issue of how to collect the necessary data needed to answer the research questions and objectives, important dependent and independent variables should be first identified. With the said process, the researcher will be able to create an outline on what measures are most appropriate to be applied in the study.
Pre-experimental studies can include either non-random or random sampling methods. In order to increase the validity of the study and decrease the potential of bias in a convenient sample, subjects can be randomly assigned to the intervention. However this will not be feasible, nevertheless, will be balance by the method of measurement, data collection tool and data analysis. As discussed with a statistician this sample size is adequate for the purpose of this study to generate the results without jeopardizing its findings. It can be done by putting other measures are in place such as a reliable data collection tools.
Planning is a necessary function within the pre-experimental methodology. In other research methodologies this process is often very difficult because of the fast rate of change and the occurrences of unplanned events. Pre-experimental methodology uses several methodologies depending on the situation and the variables involved. Nevertheless, the objectives of the pre-experimental methodology for every research do not change: efficiency and effectiveness.
Planning is being implemented under a pre-experimental methodology in order for its activities and resources to be coordinated over time. This enables the research to achieve its goals with minimal resource utilization. Planning also enables the researcher to monitor the progress of his / her plans at regular intervals and maintain his / her control over operations. Planning within the quasi-experimental methodology involves four elements: scheduling, labor planning, equipment planning, and cost planning.
- Scheduling involves the specification of the beginning, the length or the duration, and end of the planned activities.
- Labor planning involves allocating the necessary personnel and delegation of responsibilities and resources
- Equipment planning involves identifying the types and needs in terms of equipments.
- Cost planning involves determining the costs and the possibility of their occurrence.
C. QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL
To come up with pertinent findings and provide credible recommendations, quasi-experimental studies typically utilize two types of existing data sources of research: primary and secondary. Primary quasi-experimental research data can be obtained through the new research study. Questionnaire survey and in-depth interview can be conducted. On the other hand, the secondary quasi-experimental research data can be obtained from previous studies on the same topic.
There can be many types of existing data. Secondary quasi-experimental data include raw data and published summaries, as well as both quantitative and qualitative data. (2003) deduced that secondary data fall into three main subgroups documentary data, interview-based data, and those compiled from different sources. Documentary quasi-experimental secondary data, accordingly, are the ones often used in research projects that also use primary data collection data methods, although such data can also be used on their own or be combined with other secondary data. Meanwhile, interview-based quasi-experimental secondary data are those data collected by questionnaires that have already been analyzed for their original purpose; usually, such data refer to organizations, people or households and are made available as compiled data tables or as a computer-readable matrix of raw data.
Quasi-experimental methodology raise the question of the research philosophy to adopt, the he subject of research approach that flows from the research philosophy, the research strategy most applicable, the time horizon a researcher applies to his research, and the data collection methods to be used.
Furthermore, there is a three-stage process devised by (2003) in order to evaluate the Quasi-experimental methodology. The first stage is assessing the overall suitability of the Quasi-experimental methodology to research questions and objectives. During this stage, the researcher will pay particular attention to measurement validity (measuring / estimating whether the existing data will result to a valid answer to the research questions and objectives) and coverage (this includes ensuring whether or not the Quasi-experimental methodology is wanted and can be included, as well as making sure that sufficient existing data remain for analyses to be undertaken once unwanted data have been excluded).
The second stage is evaluating precisely the suitability of Quasi-experimental methodology for analyses needed to answer and meet the research questions and objectives. In this stage, the researcher must make sure of the validity and reliability of the Quasi-experimental methodology by assessing how it was previously gathered, who are its sources, and the likes. Also, the researcher must be cautious not to commit measurement bias (which can occur due to deliberate distortion of existing data or changes in the way data are collected) had been paid close attention. Finally, the researcher must judge whether to use Quasi-experimental methodology based on an assessment of costs and benefits in comparison with alternative sources.
D. STATISTICAL DESIGN
For studies using the statistical design, the descriptive method is more commonly utilized. In this method, it is possible that the statistical design for the study would be cheap and quick. It could also suggest unanticipated hypotheses. Nonetheless, it would be very hard to rule out alternative explanations and especially infer causations. Thus, studies use the statistical design. This descriptive type of research utilizes observations in the case study.
The purpose of employing statistical design is to describe the nature of a situation or a case, as it exists at the time of the study and to explore the cause/s of particular phenomena in numerical ways. The researcher opts to use a statistical design considering the desire of the researcher to fully understand the situation so as to formulate rational and sound conclusions and recommendations for the study.
Studies with statistical design typically use qualitative research methods. Qualitative research is a method used to elicit detailed verbal and written descriptions or accounts of characteristics, cases and situations. (1995;1998; 1999) This approach is appropriate for studies with statistical design because the research objectives involves descriptions or accounts of the case, the issues involved in the process of integrating the facts and evidences, and suggested ways of addressing the issues, particularly the similarities and differences in the findings.
5) Explain laboratory and field environments.
Researches done on field environments normally use a deductive approach. Accordingly, this approach has five sequential stages: deducing a hypothesis; expressing the hypothesis in operational terms; testing this operational hypothesis; examining the specific outcome of the inquiry to either confirm the theory or indicate the need for its modification; and finally, modifying the theory in the light of the findings (if necessary) (1993).
Further, researches done on field environments have a number of important characteristics. First, there is a search to explain causal relationships between variables, which consequently leading to the development of a hypothesis. Second, it involves the collection of a quantitative data (although it can, as well, use qualitative data), and these data are important to test a hypothesis that has been previously developed. The third characteristic is it controls to allow the testing of hypothesis. However, one must remember that with this approach, it is important that the researcher is independent of what is being observed—that is, the researcher should be objective and not subjective—so that the principle of scientific strictness will be pursued, as this approach emphasizes scientific principles. (2003). Also, it is important that concepts are operationalised, which will enable facts to be measured quantitatively. Finally, the researches done on field environments involves generalization (e.g., to be able to generalize about regularities in human social behavior, one must be able to select a sufficient numerical size of samples). (2003)
Meanwhile, in researches done under a laboratory set-up, sampling is a critical element. Sampling is a process of selecting subjects who are representatives of the population being studied. When all the subjects of a target population cannot be studied a small proportion of this population is collected. Using a random sampling technique would be ideal as this would provide a sample that is more representative of the population, where each member of the population is selected independently and would have an equal chance or probability of being included in the study. In addition having a randomly selected sample can strengthen a study.
Researches done under a laboratory set-up frequently uses quantitative research. Quantitative research is geared towards deduction since it tests theory. This means that this type of research method leads to generalized results. Apart from this, quantitative research method also involves the treatment of measurable or quantifiable data. (1992; 1997;1998). Researches done under a laboratory set-up nowadays apply the quantitative research method because the goal of these studies is to test the research hypothesis. Apart from this, a research objective is to achieve reliable data as bases for generalizations. Moreover, primary experimental data will be tabulated and analyzed through statistical measures to determine frequencies, averages and variances in order to support the generalizations regarding the results of the study.
CONCLUSION
The results of the analysis carried out on the various research methodologies indicated very significant effects. Therefore, we could conclude that the four research methodologies could still be expected to improve faster than average.
The review of the four research methodologies’ capabilities and strengths revealed very little inconsistencies regarding their research strategies. This is coherent with their traditional inside-out approach. However, the need to reconcile both the inside-out and outside-in approaches becomes imperative now for the researcher.
The analysis among the environment as well as the four research methodologies’ capabilities revealed certain gaps, most of which are biased towards the environment. However, these gaps paved the way towards determining a number of recommended strategic options to secure the competitiveness of the four research methodologies.
Also, the author has to find a balance between adherence to internal forces within the research methodology and to the changing forces of the environment in order to implement such strategic options.
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