Brief of Methodology Techniques

All research methodology is made up of a combination of qualitative and quantitative constructs. The idea of the qualitative quantitative research continuum, as opposed to a dichotomy, is explored on scientific grounds. What are known as qualitative methods are often beginning points, foundational strategies, which often are followed by quantitative methodologies. Qualitative Research.The qualitative, naturalistic approach is used while observing and interpreting reality with the aim of developing a theory that will explicate what was experienced. In their Handbook of Qualitative Research, Denzin and Lincoln (1994) acknowledge that â€Å"Qualitative research is multi-method in focus, involving an interpretive, naturalistic approach to its subject matter. This means that qualitative researchers study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them.Qualitative research involves the studied use and col lection of a variety of empirical materials–case study, personal experience, introspective, life story, interview, observational, historical, interactions, and visual texts –the described routine and problematic moments and meanings in individuals' lives†. (p. 2) Qualitative data are defined by Patton ( 1990) as â€Å"detailed descriptions of situations, events, people, interactions, observed behaviors, direct quotations from people about their experiences, attitudes, beliefs, and thoughts and excerpts or entire passages from documents, correspondence, records, and case histories† (p.22 ). Techniques of qualitative research are Interviews, Observation, Case study, and Action research. Interviews Qualitative interviews have been responsive to the potentially invasive impact of researchers on the research process as the researcher is the primary research instrument. Observation Observation as a design feature is to attain depth of meaning from the data (i. e . , what seems salient in the setting). The researcher focuses in detail on the most pertinent factors in an ethnographic study. Case study The case-study method is one more design approach under the qualitative rubric.Case studies can be single-subject designs or based on a single program, unit, or school. Merriam (1988) describes that case-study research, begins with translating the research question into more specific and researchable problems, followed by techniques and examples of how to collect, organize, and report case-study data. Action Research Action research is used here to refer to ways of exploring professional experience which link practice and the analysis of practice into a single productive and constantly developing sequence, and which link researchers and research participants into a single community of involved colleagues.Winter (1996) explains that â€Å"action research is seen as a way of investigating professional experience which links practice and the analy sis of practice into a single, continuously developing sequence† (p. 13). Quantitative approach The quantitative approach is used while one begins with a theory (or hypothesis) and tests for confirmation or disconfirmation of that hypothesis. Quantitative research is often referred to as hypothesis-testing research (Kerlinger, 1964). Typical of this custom is the following common pattern of research operations in investigating, for instance, the effects of a treatment or an intervention.Techniques of quantitative research are Surveys, Interviews, Questionnaires, Sampling, and Triangulation. Surveys Data are collected, typically either by interview or by questionnaire, on a group of variables. The objective then is to observe patterns of relationship between the variables. Unlike experimental research, the researcher does not intercede in the organization and observe the effects of the intervention. Information is collected on a number of variables, and the amount to which they are causally linked has to be inferred.Interviews Quantitative researchers pretest their instruments to reassure the quality of their data. They ransack other researchers' scales and theories to inform their theoretical understanding of the fundamental factors that may be present. They do long interviews and focus groups to try to get into the points of view of those living through the situations they are analyzing. Questionnaires These are collections of questions that the respondent completes on his or her own. Sampling The sample of subjects is drawn to replicate the population.After the pretest measures are taken, the treatment conducted, and posttest measures taken, a statistical analysis divulges findings about the treatment's effects. To support repeatability of the findings, one experiment typically is conducted and statistical techniques are used to establish the probability of the same differences occurring over and over again. Triangulation Triangulation might be looked at as a dependability check–but not always. It is possible that one source of data could be much more significant than other sources in understanding a particular phenomenon.Generally, though, the more sources one looks at the more expected one is to have a complete perception of the phenomenon. Sampling Techniques: Random or Probability Non-random or Non-probability Random or Probability techniques are Simple random sampling, Systematic random sampling, and Stratified random sampling. Simple random sampling In simple random sampling, all subject within the sampling frame has an equal chance of being selected. This equal chance is consummate through a total randomness of selection.Systematic random sampling In systematic sampling, instead of drawing sample subjects randomly from the sampling frame, systematic sampling draws subjects at different intervals along the list of subjects in the sampling frame. Stratified random sampling An approach that increases the probability of obtaining a representative sample yet avoids missing an significant subgroup is to draw a stratified sample. With stratified sampling, the sampling frame is first separated into subgroups based on a variable that is considered important.Non-random or Non-probability is Cluster sampling, Quota sampling, Purposive sampling. Cluster sampling In cluster sampling, instead of individual subjects, logically occurring clusters, or groups, of subjects are used as the essential units of sampling. Purposive sampling With purposive sampling (also known as judgmental sampling), subjects are selected based on the researcher's knowledge of the population and on the nature of the research. The researcher uses subjects as the sample who are judged as â€Å"typical† or â€Å"representative† of the population of interest. Quota samplingThis type of non probability sampling is quota sampling. Quota sampling contains features of both stratified sampling and purposive sampling. In quota sa mpling, variables that are indomitable to be significant to the research question are identified. These variables are usually demographic variables such as gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, age, and urban versus rural residency. Conclusion The qualitative-quantitative research methodology is supported scientifically by its self-correcting feedback loops. In each and every research study, the continuum operates.When one conceptualizes research this way and uses the integral feedback mechanism, positive things happen that are less probable to occur in a strictly qualitative or a strictly quantitative study. Work Cited Merriam S. B. (1988). Case study research in education: A qualitative approach. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Stake R. E. (1981). â€Å"Case study methodology: An epistemological advocacy†. In W. W. Welch (Ed. ), Case study methodology in educational evaluation: Proceedings of the 1981 Minnesota Evaluation Conference (pp. 31-40).Minneapolis: Minnesota Researc h and Evaluation Center. Denzin N. K. , & Lincoln Y. S. (Eds. ). (1994). Handbook of qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Patton M. Q. (1990). Qualitative evaluation and research methods (2nd ed. ). Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications. Kerlinger F. (1964). Foundations of behavioral research. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston. Winter, R. (1996). Some principles and procedures for the conduct of action research. In Zuber-Skerritt, O. (Ed. ) Action research for change and development. Aldershot: Gower-Avebury.

Good: Satisfaction Customer Satisfaction

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION â€Å"Customer Satisfaction is a business term of how the products and the services supplied by the company meet or surpass the customer expectation. It is the key performance indicator within the business.† †¦Berlin AsongWHY ORGANIZATIONS FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION? Businesses monitor customer satisfaction in order to determine how to increase their customer base, customer loyalty, revenue, profits, market share and survival. Although greater profit is the primary driver, exemplary businesses focus on the customer and his/her experience with the organization. They work to make their customers happy and see customer satisfaction as the key to survival and profit. Customer satisfaction in turn hinges on the quality and effects of their experiences and the goods or services they receive.NEED OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION The most important asset of any organization is its customers. Satisfied customers pay their bills promptly which greatly improves ca sh flow – the lifeblood of any organization.BUSINESS TECNIQUES OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION One of the key customer satisfaction techniques is the need to provide front line employees with the ability to respond to customer situations quickly without the need to ‘ask for permission’. Innovation drives customers' satisfaction. As customers' needs keep changing, an innovation-driven company is capacitated to exceed customers' expectations. To provide after sale services.Listen actively and carefully. Anticipate that the customer will be asking questions. They may be easy, they be hard. But encourage them anyway. If you cannot provide an answer, promise to find out the answer from someone who can. Be patient, look from the customer's point of view and work from there. This point of view will always give you the best outlook on the situation. Always keep a smile on your face when dealing with customers which can lead to customer satisfaction. This positive attitude can r ub off and turn a potentially negative situation into a positive experience.WHY MEASURE THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION? Customer satisfaction is tied directly to profitability. Well-established research by Bain & Company found that, for many companies, an increase of 5% in customer retention can increase profits by 25% to 95%. The same study found that it costs six to seven times more to gain a new customer than to keep an existing one.CUSTOMER SATISFACTION MEASUREMENT A basic and effective base line customer satisfaction survey program should focus on measuring customer perceptions of how will the company delivers on the critical success factors and dimensions of the business as defined by  the customers. Organizations need to retain existing customers while targeting non-customers. Measuring customer satisfaction provides an indication of how successful the organization is at providing products and/or services to the marketplace.Customer satisfaction is an abstract concept and the ac tual manifestation of the state of satisfaction will vary from person to person and product/service to product/service. The state of satisfaction depends on a number of both psychological and physical variables which correlate with satisfaction behaviors such as return and recommend rate. The level of satisfaction can also vary depending on other factors the customer, such as other products against which the customer can compare the organization's products.FOR EXAMPLE: Service Promptness Courtesy of Staff Responsiveness Understanding the customer problem, etc.The findings of the company performance should be analyzed both with all customers and by key segments of the customer population. The essential starting point for Customer Satisfaction Measurement (CMS) is exploratory research. Since satisfaction is about an organization’s ability. To meet customer requirement one has to start by clarifying with customers exactly what those requirements are. This is done through explora tory research using focus groups or one to one depth interviews. Two main factors determine the accuracy of CMS. The first is the asking the right question and the second is the asking them to the right people sample of customers which accurately reflects the customer base.Three things decide the accuracy of a sample. They are: 1. It must be representative. 2. It must be randomly selected. 3. It must be adequate enough.NEED FOR MEASURING CUSTOMER SATISFACTIONâ€Å"Customers are too good to lose  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Lets keep them happy! â€Å"Customer is the king.† â€Å"Marketing starts with the customer and ends the customer†. †¦Peter Drucker. So no organization, small or big ignores the customers. â€Å"Earth is not the center of universe but revolves around the Sun†. †¦Copernicus. Similarly, we have come to believe that business firm is not the center of economic universe but revolves around the customer.REVIEW OF LITERATUREAbout customer satisfaction Cust omer satisfaction occurs when the experience obtained from transaction match expectation. Customer may forget experience that match expectation although, customers will generally notice and also remember those experience that deviated from expectation.Methodologies The Kano model is a theory of product development and customer satisfaction developed in the 1980s by Professor Noriaki Kano that classifies customer preferences into five categories: Attractive, One-Dimensional, Must-Be, Indifferent, Reverse. The Kano model offers some insight into the product attributes which are perceived to be important to customers. Kano also produced a methodology for mapping consumer responses to questionnaires onto his model.SERVQUAL or RATER is a service-quality framework that has been incorporated into customer-satisfaction surveys (e.g., the revised Norwegian Customer Satisfaction Barometer) to indicate the gap between customer expectations and experience. J.D. Power and Associates provides ano ther measure of customer satisfaction, known for its top-box approach and automotive industry rankings. J.D. Power and Associates' marketing research consists primarily of consumer surveys and is publicly known for the value of its product awards. Other research and consulting firms have customer satisfaction solutions as well.These include A.T. Kearney's Customer  Satisfaction Audit process, which incorporates the Stages of Excellence framework and which helps define a company’s status against eight critically identified dimensions. For Business to Business (B2B) surveys there is the Info Quest box. This has been used internationally since 1989 on more than 110,000 surveys (Nov '09) with an average response rate of 72.74%. The box is targeted at â€Å"the most important† customers and avoids the need for a blanket survey.RESEARCH METHODOLOGYINTRODUCTION Research is an art of scientific investigation through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge. It is a mo ment from known to unknown. Research always starts with a question or a problem.  Its purpose is to find answers to questions through the application of the scientific method. It is a systematic and intensive study directed towards a more complete knowledge of the subject studied.â€Å"My Research based on Descriptive Research.† Descriptive research is also called Statistical Research. The main goal of this type of research is to describe the data and characteristics about what is being studied. The idea behind this type of research is to study frequencies, averages, and other statistical calculations. Although this research is highly accurate, it does not gather the causes behind a situation.Descriptive research is mainly done when a researcher wants to gain a better understanding of a topic for example, a frozen ready meals company learns that there is a growing demand for fresh ready meals but doesn’t know much about the area of fresh food and so has to carry out research in order to gain a better understanding. It is quantitative and uses surveys and panels and also the use of probability sampling.

HOW HAS CHINA'S OUTWARD FDI DEVELOPED AND WHAT BUSINESS STATEGIES DOES Essay

HOW HAS CHINA'S OUTWARD FDI DEVELOPED AND WHAT BUSINESS STATEGIES DOES IT SERVE - Essay Example Since the establishment of this law, China has developed from a country with small reference for outward FDI, to an influential emerging nation. The development of China’s FDI policies can be divided into three phases; the first phase took place between 1979 to 1992, the second phase took place between 1993 to 2001, while the third phase has been ongoing since 2002. 1979 to 1992: Special economic zones. During this period, the joint venture law was enacted, followed by a number of accompanying laws aimed at directing the management and taxation of the Foreign Invested Enterprises (FIEs). The initial four Special Economic Zones (SEZ) were also established and this played a very significant role in encouraging the inflow of technology, managerial expertise, skills, and foreign investment. The government of China encouraged inflow of foreign investment into the special economic zones by offering a number of conveniences and special support in taxes. For example, the special econo mic zones enjoyed lower corporate income tax compared to other regions in China and additional tax holidays together with the FIEs, compared to those that the national tax legislation offered. Zheng (2013) points out that on top of the tax incentives, the government further broke down and rationalized official and conventional procedures, consequently reducing FIEs operation costs further. More SEZs were created, while the initial three Open Economic Zones were established in 1985, followed by others in the years that followed. 1993 to 2001: Transition period. China experienced a growth of its outward FDI between 1992 and 1993 (Zheng, 2013). As this happened, the government of China opened more cities to the outside world. Sectors such as finance, shipping, real estate, and domestic retail where foreign investment was previously forbidden were opened up to foreign investors. However, China suffered a reduction in the investment boom in 1994, due to unfavorable macroeconomic conditio ns, and despite the fact that the economy began to recover after this, it again fell due to the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Consequently, FIEs suffered lack of profitability, which was further exacerbated by the re-imposition of materials, equipment and machinery duties in 1995. The duty imposition policy was corrected in 1997 and foreign investment guidelines for industries were released by the state council in 1995 (Zheng, 2013). This was followed by division of industries into forbidden, restricted, or encouraged depending on their FDI status. Constant updating of the guidelines has taken place over the years mainly to promote environmental protection, encourage resource conservation, introduce advanced technology, and maintain a balance in regional economic development (Zheng, 2013). 2002 to present: Going global. After China’s acceptance into the World Trade Organization, there was an improvement in its inward FDI. This influenced the nation in becoming the number one d estination for foreign investment worldwide. In addition to this, the nation has also become a demanding source of outward FDI. This has been as a result of stimulation of outward FDI, high prices of goods, and the rapid economic growth within China. At the beginning of the twenty first century, the nation introduced a

Analysis of Claude Levi Strauss's Books Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analysis of Claude Levi Strauss's Books - Essay Example According to Levi-Strauss, â€Å"Heterogeneous beliefs and customs have been arbitrarily collected together under the heading of totemism.† There were many scholars who became supporters of totemism when they tried to decode the secrets of evolution. Levi-Strauss supported the anti-totemic school together with other anthropologists such as Goldenweiser and Boas. They believed that totemism was just a social historical reality. He concluded that totemism is just an exercise in logic of the savage mind. It is not the start of vast accomplishment of savage ancestors to form the first unit of social organization. In the book, Levi-Strauss also compared the Bricoleur and Engineer.. Bricoleur comes from the French verb bricoler which originally meant extraneous movements in ball games, hunting, gun firing, but now referred to repairing things by one’s self. The Engineer was referred by Levi-Strauss as the proper craftsman. According to Levi-Strauss, there is a difference betw een the two. Engineer sees things in its entirety and gathers all things needed in building or creating its masterpiece. On the other hand, a Bricoleur utilizes what materials are existing and finds new ways to create a masterpiece. The engineer uses a â€Å"scientific mind† while a bricoleur exercises a â€Å"savage mind†. ... Bricoleur, is closed to whatever is imposed by the state of civilization. Thus, according to Levi-Strauss, engineers works by concept while bricoleur works with signs. Signs incorporate certain amount of culture into reality while concepts tries to be transparent to reality. This view shows how Levi-Strauss discussed the world between technology and metaphysics. Thus talking about the engineer being able to utilize the available practical knowledge exhibited by the bricoleur, technology therefore was a tangible expression of metaphysics. The two don’t have a big difference but is interconnected. The Savage Mind focused on the division of world during the 1960s. It showed how the scholars had a hard time deciphering a specific formula of how the world works. With what the book has discussed, the world is torn between technology and metaphysics. Scholars also have different views such that others support in totemism while other are support the anti-totemic school such as the aut hor Levi-Strauss. The Tristes Tropiques Claude Levi-Strauss The Tristes Tropiques book by Levi-Strauss provided a very wide exploration of the relationship of human beings and the environment. This book focused in Levi-Strauss’ research in Brazil which discussed sociology, religion, education, as well as urban development. Being an anthropologist, he has shown his feelings, fears and the possible criticisms in this book. On the first part of his book, he showed his talent in writing and him being a good social scientist. He also discussed urban development in Part Three of his book that can be of great reference and influence to architects and urban planners. Being an anthropologist, Levi-Strauss has the responsibility to write his views and opinions. Writing about the

Suppliers involvement in new product development Essay

Suppliers involvement in new product development - Essay Example There are a number of reasons that informed the selection of qualitative research method. Most of these are directly linked to the strengths of qualitative research as identified in literature. One such reason is the fact that qualitative research ensures the collection of in-depth data, allowing that the problem or issue understand is better understood (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2003). What is more, the qualitative research ensures that data collected are based on participants’ personal categorisation of meaning (Kasim, Alexander & Hudson, 2010). This way, the interpretation of findings is always directly linked to the subjective involved in the study rather than making speculative conclusions. With the proposed study, using a qualitative research method will ensure that stakeholders who are directly involved in the research problem which include suppliers and project managers are the ones whose meaning and ideas count in the data that will be collected. A research of this nature interplays with both the use of available knowledge, as well as the creation of new set of knowledge. It is on this basis that the research philosophy is defined as the researcher’s perception of the way knowledge is constructed (Cooper, 2008). From a philosophical framework, three major research philosophies can be identified which are positivism, realism, and interpretivism. Of these, the researcher proposes to use the interpretivism research philosophy. To use interpretivism, the researcher takes a philosophical position that knowledge is a complex phenomenon which cannot be generalised in a value-free and detached manner (Diriwà ¤chter & Valsiner, 2006). As a result of this, the researcher engages in a series of complex exploration of the given topic by applying critical interpretations to data collected until a conclusion is gradually established. Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2003) saw a very direct relation between interpretivism and qualita tive research

Compare and contrast the representation of physical suffering and Essay

Compare and contrast the representation of physical suffering and death in Frankenstein and Moby-Dick. How does the treatment of the suffering or dying body connect to these novels' other themes or ideas - Essay Example Victor Frankenstein creates a human like creature that is disgusting and hateful because of his appearance. This creature brings downfall to Victor and his family because of his ambition to revenge Victor for creating him in such a loathsome shape. He kills Victor’s brother William, his friend Henry and his beloved Elizabeth. Victor also dies in his chase for the creature. Likewise, in Moby Dick, Captain Ahab is in pursuit of Moby Dick, the white whale, which has deprived Ahab of his left leg. Ahab wants to take revenge from Moby Dick. In his pursuit, all his crew members get killed expect Ishmael because of his being on another boat. In the end, Captain Ahab also gets killed because of the Moby Dick. Therefore, it is quite clear that the themes of death and physical suffering of both the novels are interconnected as they deal with pursuit of the protagonists in which, they become a reason for the causation of death of the people related to them. The tragic ends of the novels are because of the pursuits of the

Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Proposal - Essay Example However, due to the high stress level in the hospital environment where pain and agony abound from the patients, workers are usually left with no choice but to concentrate on their own discipline in providing therapy, care or help for their patients. Add to that, the obligatory meetings set up by management to ensure that things are flowing smoothly, create resistance among the staff, as they are anxious to be questioned about their cases in detail. Such a scenario prevents effective communication to flow within the workers, staff and management of the hospital. This is a cause for concern, as the situation may bring about more problems that can affect the quality of treatment afforded to the patients that has gained recognition for Pinewood Hospital. The clinical director, Dr. Baxter has hired an internal consultant to help improve communication within the hospital. The following are proposed steps the consultant may make to gain a better understanding of the problem and to find appropriate solutions for it. The consultant needs to be immersed in the hospital to get a better perspective of the culture of the organization and the flow of movement and communication. He needs to attend all meetings himself to keep track of the agenda and see if there is overlapping information and investigate how these may be minimized to save time and effort. As a consultant, he is available to anyone who would be in need of his advice regarding concerns about communication, be they rank and file or in the administrative staff. Being so, he would have access to information that may able to help the organization. Another way to gather information is to conduct a survey on communication among all the hospital workers from the management to the professionals to the staff. â€Å"Staff surveys that provide a thorough understanding of staff attitudes and perceptions

Global Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Global Economy - Essay Example However, based on the recent occurrence of the global recession in 2007-08, Bretton Wood organisations were rendered helpless for managing the monetary turbulence and also stabilise its primary nations such as the US and European countries (Krishnamurthy and Vissing-Jorgensen, 2008). The three primary Bretton Wood organisations are International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organisations and the World Bank (Hall et al. 2011). However, the influence of these organisations on the economical and financial transactions of national systems has often been criticised. This essay will mainly analyse these criticisms and also try to evaluate the need for the Bretton Wood system and organisation in the contemporary scenario. Hunt (2008) noticed that criticisms for the Bretton Wood organisations have been continuously focused on the approaches and regulations imposed on the underlying firms, institutions and countries. Obstfeld and Rogoff (2009) specified that the criticisms made for the Bretton Wood organisations can be mainly segmented into social and economic perspectives. Considering the economic or financial activities of the World Bank or IMF, often it has been noticed that Washington Consensus plays a big role in the description and design of loan conditions made by the Bretton Wood organisations. The Washington Consensus mainly focuses on the liberalisation of the national trade system of the nations and preventing the privatisation of the government segments. Krishnamurthy and Vissing-Jorgensen (2008) considered the utilisation of Washington Consensus as a barrier for the development of the global corporate industry. James (2012) reflected that as privatisation is increasing in the commerce and trade sector, the rules of the Bretton Wood institutions can prevent or slow down the growth of the global trade and commerce practices. Relating this statement with the concept of globalisation, it has to be considered that the policies of the Washington Consensus does not

Wal mart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Wal mart - Essay Example government for $508 million, it can be predicted that the verdict of the court will be in favor of the plaintiffs, as this case is also headed in the same direction (Forbes, 2004). Being an HR, at the outset, I will try to accumulate the statistical data that can be used by the plaintiffs. The next step will be to locate any such fact that could reveal the companies’ position against the issues raised. For an instance, if the accumulated data support that few of the women employees are in high-paying job compared to their male counterparts, then it might be beneficial for the company to handle the issue. Simultaneously, I shall give my entire effort to ensure that the pay system is fair. Publicizing data is definitely subject to admission of the liability for past discrimination but on the basis of the current status of the case, it can be said that there is minimal chances of getting victory. Therefore, it will be better to emphasize more on modifying the policies and previous practices to enhance the productivity and future performance level of employees. In March 2005, Wal-Mart was fined $ 11 million because of employing myriad of illegal immigrants to clean its stores in United States. From Wal-Mart’s perspective, it was made clear that they did not have any information regarding the status of the nationalities of the employee force as their contractors were in charge of hiring. This is another legal issue that involved Wal-Mart (White, n.d.). Sournar, F. A., (2007). Pay Discrimination Backfires on Wal-Mart. The Smith College Sophian. Retrieved Online on September 20, 2010 from http://media.www.smithsophian.com/media/storage/paper587/news/2007/02/15/Opinions/Pay-Discrimination.Backfires.On.WalMart-2723733.shtml White, D., (No Date). Part 3 - US Employers Routinely Hire Illegal Immigrants, With Little Penalty. Illegal Immigration Explained - Profits & Poverty,