ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET

Williams
Surname
Kim Rushay
First Name/s
144129
Student Number
Quantitative Methods & Business Research Methodology
Subject
2
Assignment Number

Tutor’s Name
Pretoria
Examination Venue
17 May 2022
Date Submitted

Submission (√) First Submission √ .resubmission

23 Vestness Street
Valhalla
Postal Address
Centurion
Gauteng
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[email protected]
E-Mail
(Work) 012 654 9558
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Contact Numbers
(Cell) 0824248769

Course/Intake Bachelor of Business Administration Honours Jan 2022

Declaration: I hereby declare that the assignment submitted is an original piece of work produced by myself.

Signature: Date: 17 May 2022

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUESTION 1 ............................................................................................................................3
QUESTION 2 ............................................................................................................................7
QUESTION 3 ............................................................................................................................8
QUESTION 4 .......................................................................................................................... 13
BIBLIOGRAPHY ..................................................................................................................... 15
QUESTION 1

1.1 Title:
The impact of corporate strategy on financial performance and employee job
satisfaction at Octopus Limited.
On the basis of the 5Ws framework. The title is appropriate because it captures
the key variables of interest in the study (corporate strategy, financial
performance, and employee job satisfaction) as well as the context of the study
(Octopus Limited). In addition, the title is concise and to the point.

1.2 Research questions for the proposed study:

 What was the revenue generated by Octopus Limited under the old and the
new corporate strategies?
 What was the monthly operating margin of Octopus Limited under the old and
the new corporate strategies?
 What was the aggregate employee job satisfaction at Octopus Limited under
the old and the new corporate strategies?
 What recommendations can be made to the management of Octopus Limited
regarding the company's future strategic direction?

1.3 The null hypotheses:

 There is no significant difference in Octopus' revenue generation under the
old and the new corporate strategies.
 There is no significant improvement in monthly operating margin of Octopus
Limited under the new corporate strategy.
 There is no significant improvement in aggregate employee job satisfaction at
Octopus Limited under the new corporate strategy.
 The alternative hypotheses:
 There is a significant difference in Octopus' revenue generation under the old
and the new corporate strategies.
 There is a significant improvement in monthly operating margin of Octopus
Limited under the new corporate strategy.
 There is a significant improvement in aggregate employee job satisfaction at
Octopus Limited under the new corporate strategy.

1.4 A research design that is quantitative would be appropriate for the proposed
study. This is because the study is interested in assessing the impact of the
change in corporate strategy on financial performance and employee job
satisfaction. The study will make use of secondary data, which will be collected
from financial reports and employee surveys. The data will be analysed using
statistical methods, and the results will be used to answer the research
questions.

1.5 The research design's goal: To address the research questions, the study
design provides a structure for gathering and interpreting data. As a result, the
research design will ensure that the data obtained is relevant and can be
adequately processed to answer the study's questions.

1.6 Sampling Methodology: Since this proposed study will make use of secondary
data, the sampling methodology will not be applicable. All of the financial reports
and employee surveys that are available will be used in the study.

1.6.1.1Target population of the proposed study:

 Octopus Limited is the intended audience for this investigation. Octopus
Limited's new business strategy and its effect on financial results and
employee satisfaction are the focus of this study.
  Octopus Limited is the intended audience for this study, which seeks to
determine the financial impact of a shift in corporate strategy and the level of
work satisfaction among employees at Octopus Limited.

1.6.1.2 Implications of the board's decision for sampling in the proposed study:
The board's decision to request an evaluation of the impact of the change in corporate
strategy will have implications for the sampling in the proposed study. In order to fully
measure the impact of the shift in business strategy, the study will require the inclusion
of all accessible financial statistics and staff surveys. The implications of the board's
decision for sampling in the proposed study are that the study will need to include all of
the financial reports and employee surveys that are available.

1.6.2.1The data provided is Continuous Quantitative data, it is also known as numerical

data which represents the numerical value (i.e., how much, how often, how many).
Numerical data gives information about the quantities of a specific thing. The two
different classifications of numerical data are discrete data (whole numbers) and
continuous data (decimal numbers). Continuous data is data that can be calculated. It
has an infinite number of probable values that can be selected within a given specific
range. I believe this data is suitable as you would be-able to determine if there was any
impact of corporate strategy on financial performance and employee job satisfaction at
Octopus Limited.

1.6.2.2 There are six data collection methods namely; Interviews; Questionnaires and
surveys; Observations; Focus groups; Oral histories; and documents and records. For
this study the researcher made use of documents and records.

1.6.3 The researcher would need to look at the table of statistics given and determine
if:
 There is no significant difference in Octopus' revenue generation under the
old and the new corporate strategies; or there is a significant difference in
Octopus' revenue generation under the old and the new corporate strategies.
 There is no significant improvement in monthly operating margin of Octopus
Limited under the new corporate strategy; or there is a significant
improvement in monthly operating margin of Octopus Limited under the new
corporate strategy.
 There is no significant improvement in aggregate employee job satisfaction at
Octopus Limited under the new corporate strategy; or there is a significant
improvement in aggregate employee job satisfaction at Octopus Limited
under the new corporate strategy.
QUESTION 2
2.1 Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to find the relation between “Average
number of articles read” and “ROE”.
2.2 The Independent Variable (IV) is the Average number of articles read. The
Dependent Variable (DV) is the “ROE”.

2.3 The null hypotheses:

 There is no significant improvement in Return on Shareholders’ equity
when and increase is seen in the average number of peer-reviewed
articles read weekly by CEO under the new corporate strategy.

The alternative hypotheses:

 There is a significant improvement in Return on Shareholders’ equity
when and increase is seen in the average number of peer-reviewed
articles read weekly by CEO under the new corporate strategy.

2.4 Since correlation is a measure of the strength of linear association between two
variables. The correlation coefficient between average number of articles read
and ROE is 0.799 and p value <0.05 which implies correlation is significant at 5%
level of confidence. Since the coefficient of correlation is positive and close to 1 it
is strong, with high correlation. Therefore, here is a strong positive correlation
between the average number of articles read and the ROE.

2.5 Since the intercept coefficient is 2.498, we can say that for every unit increase in
the average number of articles read, there will be an increase of 2.498 in the
ROE.

2.6 y=mx +c
ROE =2.498(Average number of articles read) +3.525
QUESTION 3

Research design is the overarching method you adopt to combine the various
components of the study in a logical and cohesive manner, ensuring that you will
effectively address the research problem; it is the blueprint for data collecting,
measurement, and analysis. It's important to remember that the type of design you
should choose is determined by the study topic, not the other way around.

The purpose of a research design is to guarantee that the evidence you gather allows
you to successfully and explicitly address the research challenge. Obtaining information
relevant to the study subject in social sciences research usually requires determining
the type of evidence required to test a hypothesis, evaluate a program, or adequately
describe and assess the meaning of an observable phenomena.

A researcher's research design is the framework for the methods and approaches he or
she will use. Researchers can focus on research methodologies that are appropriate for
the topic matter and set up their studies for success thanks to the design.

The type of research (experimental, survey research, correlational, semi-experimental,

review) and its sub-types are explained by the design of a research topic (experimental
design, research problem, descriptive case-study). Data collection, measurement, and
analysis are the three primary types of study designs.

The research design will be determined by the type of research challenge that a
business is experiencing, not the other way around. The study's design phase specifies
which tools to employ and how they should be used.

A well-designed study usually produces less bias in data and promotes confidence in
the veracity of the information gathered. In experimental research, a design that yields
the smallest margin of error is often regarded the desirable outcome. The following are
the essential elements:
 An accurate purpose statement -Research collection and analysis techniques to
be used;
 The approach used to analyse the information gathered;
 The research methodology used;
 Possible research objections;
 Research study parameters;
 Timeline;
 Analysis measurement;

Your study will be more successful if you use the right research design. Successful
research investigations produce reliable and unbiased information. You'll need to
construct a survey that satisfies all of the design's primary requirements. There are four
distinguishing characteristics:

Qualitative Research Designs

Qualitative research designs include grounded theory, ethnographic, narrative research,

historical, case studies, and phenomenology.

Grounded theory is a method of data analysis that allows researchers to develop a

theory that explains a specific phenomenon. It is most commonly associated with
qualitative research. Grounded theory was developed by Glaser and Strauss and is
used to conceptualize phenomena through research; grounded theory is a sociological
method that is not considered a descriptive method. Individual behaviours are not the
unit of study in grounded theory, but rather a unique event or incident. Interviews with
about 20 - 30 individuals, or until data saturation, are the primary data gathering
methods.

Ethnographic studies are qualitative methods for describing, analysing, and interpreting
the characteristics of a culture. Ethnography is a branch of Anthropology that was
developed in the 19th and 20th centuries and used by anthropologists to study primitive
cultures other than their own. When a researcher wishes to study a group of people in
order to obtain a better understanding of their lives or certain parts of their lives,
ethnography is used. Observation over a long length of time is the primary data
collection strategy. Interviewing individuals who have studied the same cultures would
also be beneficial.

Phenomenology is a discipline that focuses on identifying phenomena and

understanding the structure of subjective experiences. Edmund Husserl and Martin
Heideggar created it in the early twentieth century, and it is based on philosophy.
Phenomenology is a term used to describe in detail the common properties of a
phenomenon. In-depth interviews are the major method of data collection.

Frederic Le Play is credited with inventing case studies in 1829. Case studies have their
roots in a variety of fields, such as science, education, medicine, and law. Case studies
should be utilized when:
(1) the researcher wants to focus on how and why;
(2) the behaviour should be observed rather than influenced;
(3) the researcher wants to learn more about a particular phenomenon and
(4) the boundaries between the context and the phenomena are unclear. Data can
be gathered using a variety of ways, including interviews, observation, and
historical record.
The different sorts of study designs can be divided into five categories:
1. Design of descriptive research: A researcher using a descriptive design is only
concerned in explaining the circumstance or case under investigation. It's a theory-
based design process that involves collecting, interpreting, and presenting data. This
enables a researcher to explain why and how research is conducted. Descriptive design
aids others in comprehending the research's requirement. You can perform exploratory
research if the problem statement is unclear.

2. Design of experimental study: Experimental research establishes a link between a

situation's cause and effect. It is a causal design in which the impact of the independent
variable on the dependent variable is observed. One might track the impact of an
independent variable like pricing on a dependent variable like customer happiness or
brand loyalty, for example. It is a very practical research method because it contributes
to the solution of a problem.

The independent variables are changed in order to track the effect on the dependent
variable. In the social sciences, it is frequently used to study human behaviour by
comparing two groups. To acquire a better grasp of social psychology, researchers
might have individuals adjust their activities and observe how those around them react.

3.Correlational research design: Correlational research is a non-experimental research

method that aids researchers in establishing a link between two closely related
variables. This type of study necessitates the participation of two distinct groups. When
examining a relationship between two variables, no assumptions are made, and
statistical analytic techniques are used to calculate the relationship.

4.Diagnostic research design: In diagnostic research design, the researcher seeks to

determine the root cause of a certain topic or occurrence. This strategy enables one to
gain a better understanding of the causes that lead to problematic situations.

5.Explanatory research design: Explanatory research design is using a researcher's

ideas and thoughts about a topic to further investigate their hypotheses. The study
explains previously unknown features of a subject as well as the what, how, and why of
research issues.
The goal of a qualitative research design is to figure out the whys and how’s of the
phenomenon in issue (unlike quantitative). As a result, qualitative research is frequently
defined as subjective (rather than objective), and findings are recorded in writing rather
than numerically.

Although qualitative research questions and observations are not designed to elicit a
specific response, the capacity to code findings occurs more frequently than you may
imagine. This is because the researcher 'steers' the research in a certain direction while
urging the responder to elaborate on certain topics expressed (in an interview/focus
group) or activities taken (participant observation).

A qualitative research design should take into account not just what is said or done, but
also how something is said or done by a participant. Body language and the tone of
voice used by responders are important concerns since these habits can sometimes
hold answers to questions in their own right.
QUESTION 4
4.1 What is the differences between first-time and repeat visitors in terms of their
demographics, trip graphics, destination perception, perceived value, and travel
motivations?

What Repeaters typically prefer self-catering accommodation and are less price
sensitive?

4.2 To determine the differences between first-time and repeat visitors in terms of
their demographics, tripographics, destination perception, perceived value, and
travel motivations.

To determine whether the Repeaters typically prefer self-catering

accommodation and are less price sensitive.

4.3 What is the differences between first-time and repeat visitors in terms of their
demographics, tripographics, destination perception, perceived value, and travel
motivations?

The null hypotheses:

 There are no differences between first-time and repeat visitors in terms of
their demographics, tripographics, destination perception, perceived value,
and travel motivations?

The alternative hypotheses:

 There is a significant difference between first-time and repeat visitors in
terms of their demographics, tripographics, destination perception,
perceived value, and travel motivations?
.4.4 These options are categorical and discrete; thus, the dependent variable is
measured on a nominal scale of measurement. Similarly, the in-charge behaviour is
categorical and discrete (covid vs. tourism) and is also measured on a nominal scale of
measurement.

4.5 As per this assignment I have a title page, table of contents, introduction,
methodology, body section, findings, recommendations, and a bibliography

4.6 Ms Msimanga could encounter the following issues with her sample:
 The sample could be collected in clusters therefore there is a poor representation
of overall parent population
 The sample does not ensure that all key sub-groups are present within the final
sample
 The sample is not useful in trying to measure relationships between sub-groups
within the population
 Sampling errors through chance (decreases though sample increases)
 Time consuming to complete entire sampling frame.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Greener, S. and Martelli, J. (2018). An Introduction to Business Research

Methods. Available from: https://bookboon.com/en/an-introduction-to-business-
research-methods-ebook#download

2. Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2015). Business Research Methods (4th Edition).

Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

3. Creswell, J.W. (2008). Educational Research: Planning, Conducting, and

Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research (3rd Edition). Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

4. Creswell, J.W. (2008). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed

Methods Approaches (5th Edition). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

5. Creswell, J.W. and Creswell, J.D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative,

Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (2nd Edition). Thousand Oaks,
CA: Sage Publications.

6. Crotty, M. (1998). The Foundations of Social Research: Meaning and

Perspective in the Research Process. London: Sage Publications.

7. Lind, D.A., Marchal, W.G., and Wathen, S.A. (2018) Statistical Techniques in
Business and Economics, 17th Edition. McGraw-Hill.

8. Maylor, H., Blackmon, K., & Hueman, M. (2017). Researching Business and
Management (2nd edition). London, UK: Palgrave.

9. Wegner, T. Applied Business Statistics: Methods and Applications, 3rd Edition.

Cape Town: Juta and Co Ltd.
10. Kumar, R. (2011). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners.
Los Angeles: SAGE.
11. Walliman, Nicholas. Research Methods: The Basics. London: Routledge, 2011.
Print.