Research Methodology

Webinar 4
26th May 2024
Revision
 Successfully complete a critical review of literature relevant to the
field of study

Identify relevant problems and develop appropriate research

questions to be answered in the study.

Construct a sound research strategy in order to answer identified

research questions.

Adhere to a specified research design and manage the practical

aspects relating to data collection.

Learning Identify ethical concerns relating to the research and adopt

necessary measures to address these concerns.
outcomes:
Apply a basic data analysis technique in order to transform raw
data into information

Propose practical solutions based on research findings

Produce a written report that documents all key aspects of the

research.
Unit 1:
Introduction
to Business
Research
  In this unit we will look at the following:
▪ Non-scientific analysis and the characteristics hereof
▪ The meaning of scientific research and characteristics of
scientific research
▪ Business Research
Unit 1: ▪ Basic and Applied Research
Introduction ▪ Scientific Methods and steps in the research method
to Business ▪ Conceptual Issues
Research ▪ Research Terms and Tenets for the Business Scientist
Purpose of Research
Aim of research is to discover new facts and contribute to
existing knowledge in the particular field.

 Non-Scientific Analysis:
❖ Refers to normal everyday personal inquiries
❖ 6 Characteristics of non-scientific analysis
1. Ego Involvement
2. Over Generalisation
3. Selective Observation
4. Premature Closure of Inquiry
5. Made up Information
6. Illogical Reasoning
Various Types of Research

 Scientific Research
❖ Based on rules of logic, established methodological techniques and statistical theory
❖ Process whereby new knowledge is discovered

❖ Theory based and conclusions based on data not beliefs and values

❑ Business Management Research

➢ Find out new facts about business management

➢ Contribute to the field of business management

➢ Needs to address business issues and solve managerial problems.

❖ Basic and Applied Research

✓ Basic research expands on knowledge of processes of business and management

✓ Applied research improves understanding of particular business issues.

Scientific Method
Based on the principle
of cause and effect
STEPS IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS
STEPS IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Step 2:
Step 1: Step 3:
Clarifying and
Identifying the Developing a
Contextualizing the
Research Problem Research Design
Problem

Step 4:
Step 5:
Examining the data
Interpreting the
collected for
findings
underlying patterns
CONCEPTUAL ISSUES

 Research Paradigm-convey three sets of ideas

1. Researchers basic beliefs of the world and nature of reality
2. Broad conceptual framework the researcher uses to carry out his scientific inquiry

3. Specific methods and techniques which an academic maintains should be adopted when conducting research

❖ Two Recognised Research paradigms:

1. Qualitative Paradigm (Phenomenological)- Smaller samples are used- validity is high and reliability is low

2. Quantitative Paradigm (Positivist)- Large samples used- validity is low and reliability is high.
CONCEPTUAL
ISSUES CONTINUED

❑ Methodology-
o Overall approach evident
in the research process from
the theoretical foundation
to the techniques used in
the collection and analysis
of the data
 RESEARCH DESCRIPTION
TERM
Theory A theory is a set of related concepts that combine to explain some phenomena or
set of phenomena. Theories use propositions (Statements about concepts or
variables) as building blocks and are intended to explain (As opposed to
rationalize, criticize or ridicule) the patterned phenomena of the real word.

Variable In studies where propositions are converted into hypotheses and testing
occurs, the researcher is likely to be dealing with variables. The term
variable is used as a synonym for the individual components of the

Research phenomena being studied. Researchers are interested in the relationships

among variables
• Dependent variable

terms to • Independent variable

• Moderating variable

note…
Hypothesis A hypothesis is a tentative, testable statement about the relationship between two
or more variables

Research When the research does not have precisely stated hypotheses, research objectives
Objectives/Questions and research questions are used to structure the research
Unit Two:
Literature
Review
In this unit we will look at the following:

 The functions of Literature Review

 Starting a Literature Search
 Computers as search tools
 Making Efficient Records
 Writing the Review
  All researchers are usually required to include a literature review in
their study
 The literature review is considered a systematic analysis of existing
knowledge relevant to your own research problem
 Search for your literature should be guided by your research
questions
 According to Bryman (2012) the literature review is also a means to
What is a demonstrate your ability to not just simply reproduce the theories
and opinions of others, but to interpret what they have written by
using their ideas to support a particular viewpoint or argument
Literature  Literature review serves the following functions:

Review? ❑
❑
It provides a context for the study
It creates a conceptual frame of reference
❑ It helps report the status of current research
❑ It further helps identify appropriate methodology, instrumentation
and data analysis procedures
❑ It helps demonstrate a theoretical and conceptual grasp of the field
  At honours level you will need to make use of a systematic review
approach to compile your literature review
 Steps to follow:
1. Define the purpose and scope of review
✓ Develop a concise statement of the purpose of the review(research
questions)
2. Seek out studies relevant to the scope and purpose of the review

Conducting ✓ Seek out literature relevant to your research questions, to essentially

answer your research questions

a systematic ✓ Make use of keywords and terms

3. Appraise the studies from Step two

review ✓ This step narrows down your search to studies that are published from a
particular time period or studies from a particular geographical region
✓ Literature should be current and not older than 5 years
4. Analyze each study and synthesize the results
✓ This step involves categorizing the information of the literature (Date;
Location; sample size; data collection methods; main findings) and
synthesizing the results
✓ You would simply summarize the key findings of the literature used in the
systematic review.
Starting a literature speech

 Access to a library and literature on the research topic

 Develop a list of key words and concepts to help with your literature search
 Use key words to locate literature and locate relevant literature
 Electronic databases are the best source for online journals and articles
that may be relevant to your field of study
 Google scholar is the most reliable search engine where you can access
journal articles that are most relevant, your search can also be filtered
according to date published and author
Literature Sources
  The literature review must display a competent examination of
earlier research and work in the field of the dissertation topic
and comprehensive review of recent, relevant literature.
 It must contain a synthesis of relevant literature and must also at
the same time be a critical analysis of earlier work.
 It must also include:
✓ Not only be a descriptive account of theory, but should critically
analyze the theory/information presented

Writing the ✓ What arguments have been made through numerous authors’
agency, or the reason and intention underlying why the author
is writing what they are (make more use of journal articles);
review ✓ The current state of affairs as they stand;
✓ Limitations, the wider context within which your project is
situated; and
✓ Provide a rationale for the necessity of your study
✓ Identify gaps or limitations in the literature, and ultimately use
this knowledge to motivate for this study
✓ Demonstrate how the literature is related to the current study
✓ Include all the major studies and writes in the field.
 Taper (From broad to specific)
Apply theory to your study
Link and flow
Direction
Well argued
Academic style of writing:
Key to Short sentences
Remember! Discuss bulleted points
Don’t end with lists
Passive
Third-person- try avoid “ the researcher”
Avoid colloquialism
 Does the literature covered clearly relate to the
research question and objectives?

Have the key themes and prominent writers been

included?

Is the literature included up to date?

Criteria for Has the researcher been objective in the discussion of

evaluating other people’s work?

a literature Does the review reflect coherence and unity of flow?

review
Does the review narrow down to the present research
focus and lead the reader in the subsequent section?
Unit 3- Research Design
In this unit we will look at the following:

 Research Approach
 Research Design
 Research Process
 Developing appropriate research design
 Research Philosophy
 Research Strategies
 Research purpose
Research Approach
A plan and procedure that consists of the steps of broad assumptions
to detailed method of data collection, analysis and interpretation

 Based on nature of research problem being addressed

 Divided into two categories:
1. Approach of data collection and
2. Approach of data analysis or reasoning
❖ Deductive Reasoning- Deductive research is consistent with quantitative research, as it
focuses on scientific principles, an examination of relationships between variables, highly
structured research, researcher independence from the topic, and a selection of samples that
are sufficient in size in order to generalize conclusions

❖ Inductive Reasoning-Inductive research is consistent with qualitative research, as it aims to gain

an understanding of events that humans attach meaning to and a close understanding of the research
context, as well as is more flexible in its structure to allow for emphasis on different aspects of the
research in order to move away from generalization, and allows the researcher to be immersed in the
research process.
 Research Philosophy
 Schools of thought about science and knowledge- positivism and
phenomenological- each hold different views about the research
process and research design

POSITIVISM
Positivist research is generally quantitative and
involves the use of numerical measurement and
statistical analyses of measurements to examine
social phenomena

PHENOMENOLOGY
Phenomenological researchers, in contrast, argue that
the world is socially constructed and that science is
driven by human interests and that the researcher, as a
subjective entity, is part of the world he/she is observing
 Positivist Research Strategies
Experimental Design Experimental studies seek to identify causal relationships-
the aim is to manipulate the independent variable, in order
to observe the effect on the dependent variable

Surveys Surveys use questionnaires and interviews in order to

determine the opinions, attitudes, preferences and
perceptions of persons of interest to the researcher

Interpretivist/phenomenological
Research Strategies
Case Study In-depth investigation of a single case or a small number of
cases-information is sought from different sources and
through the use of different types of data such as
observations, survey, interviews and analysis of documents

Action Research Cyclic process that consists of planning, action, review of

Research
the outcomes of action and a return to planning on the
basis of outcomes

Grounded Theory Set of systematic inductive methods for conducting

Strategies Ethnography
qualitative research aimed toward theory development

Is the study of people in their own environment through the

use of methods such as participant observation and face-
to-face interviewing.

Interviews This is the most widely used method for gathering data-
interviews allow access to rich information

Focus Group A group of people are asked about their perceptions,

opinions, beliefs and attitudes-group interview that
capitalises on communication between research
participants in order to generate data
  Correlational Design(Discover relationship between
variables through the use of correlational statistics
such as the correlational coefficient)
 Explanatory Design (Relationship among variables-

Research identify connectedness among components of a

phenomenon)

Design  Descriptive Design (characteristics of an existing

phenomenon)
 Exploratory Design (Finding out what is happening
and discovering new insights about a phenomenon)
 Quantitative Qualitative
Research Deductive Inductive
Approach
Research Positivism Interpretivism
Philosophy
Quantitative
Research Survey/Experimental Interviews/Case Study/Focus
VS Strategy
groups/ethnography/Action
Research/grounded theory
Qualitative
Research Explanatory/Descriptiv Exploratory/Descriptive
e
Design
Unit 4- Sampling
and
Representative
 In this unit
we will look  The sampling cycle
 Representativity
at the  Kinds of sampling

following:
 Key Terms

Sampling Population

•The process of selecting a fractional part of •The full group of potential participants to
the whole relevant group or population whom the researcher wants to generalize
•Two types of sampling the findings of the study
•Probability •Example: Within the department of an
•Non-Probability organisation

Population
Sample
  Cost-effective procedure for quality control
 The physical impossibility of checking all items in
Reasons why the population

sampling is  The cost of studying all items in a population is

often prohibitive

necessary  The adequacy of sample results

 To contact the whole population would often be
too time-consuming
The Sampling
Cycle The Invited sample-Elements of the
population selected to form the
sample and invited to participant in
The the study
invited
sample The Accepting sample- The portion of
the sample that accepts the invitation
to participate in the study
The Data-Producing sample-The
actual portion if the accepting sample
that provides data for the study
Sample

The Data- The

producing accepting
Sample sample
Types of Sampling

Non-probability
Probability
sampling-
Sampling- Based
Researcher selects
on the concept of
the sample using
random selection
specific criteria
 Techniques
Simple Random Each population element has an equal
Sampling chance of being selected into the
sample-Sample drawn using a random
number table/generator
Systematic Sampling Sampling members from a larger
population are selected according to a
random starting point and a fixed

Probability periodic interval (Every Kth element)-

this interval, called the sampling interval,
is calculated by dividing the population
Sampling size by the desired sample size
Stratified Sampling Divide population into sub-populations
or strata and use simple random
sampling or systematic sampling on
each stratum.
Cluster Sampling Population is divided into internally
heterogeneous sub-groups and an
entire cluster is then chosen to be part
of the sample
 Techniques
Haphazard/Convenience The researcher selects a sample that is
Sampling convenient or easy to access
Quota Sampling A sample in a predetermined group is
selected, has the same proportions of
individuals as the entire population with
respect to known characteristics
Purposive/Judgmental Sampling Is a sampling technique in which
researchers rely on their own judgement
when choosing members of the
Non- population to participate in their study
Snowball Sampling The researcher will select an element
Probability (Participant) that is connected to
another element. The first will refer the
Sampling researcher to the next and so on.
Maximum Variation Sampling The researcher identifies the categories
of interest in relation to the research
topic and then intentionally seeks out
subjects or settings which represent the
greatest possible range of differences in
the phenomena being studied
Advantages and disadvantages of probability
and non-probability sampling
 Sample size can be calculated statistically.

A sample that is too small is not likely to be

representative of the population while one that is too
Sample large is likely to increase costs and time demands
without producing significant benefits
Size
Generally a larger sample is advisable to ensure
representativity when the amount of variability among
members and sub-groups in the sample is relatively
great and when the differences among members and
sub-groups in the sample is relatively small.
Unit 5- Data Collection
In this unit we will look at the following:

 Data Collection methods

 Validity and reliability
 Interviews
 Observation
 Ethnographic studies
 Case studies
Data Collection Methods

 Questionnaire- Self-administrated questionnaire and interview- enable the

researcher to pose questions to subjects in his/her search for answers to the
research questions
Internet and
intranet mediated
questionnaires

Self-administered Postal
Questionnaire

Delivery and
collection
Questionnaire questionnaire

Telephone
questionnaire
Interviewer-
administered
Structured
Interview
  Five main issues:
1. Categories of questions
✓ Socio-demographic items (Profile of participants)
✓ Orientation items (Test his/her level of grasp of the topic)
✓ Behavioural questions (measure attitudes, beliefs, opinions,
motives and behaviour)
✓ Content-related questions (Elicit data on the major purpose and
Questionnaire content area of research topic
2. Number and content of questions
Design ✓ Avoid too many content questions, it needs to align with your
objectives
✓ Each question must be relevant and have a clear purpose
3. Structure and layout of the questionnaire
✓ What will be the actual structure and layout of the
questionnaire- component sections and sequence of the
questions
 4. Type of Questions
✓ Closed questions
✓ Questions should be designed to facilitate computer
analysis
✓ Range of data required for comprehensive coverage of
the research objectives
Single-option responses (Yes, No or Short Answer)
Questionnaire ▪
▪ Multiple Choice responses (Set of options)
Design Cont.. ▪ Rating questions (E.g. Likert scale)
▪ Ranking Questions (Ranking a set of options)
5. The wording of questions
✓ Clear communication should be a fundamental goal of
all questionnaires
✓ Avoid words that give rise to misunderstanding or
suggests researcher bias, or gives offence
Pilot Testing

Before administering the questionnaire to participants in

the study, the researcher must test it on a small sample

The analysis of the pilot study will reveal flaws in some

questions, suggest possible improvements and supply a
range of possible answers to open-ended questions
Interviews

Be associated more
Make greater use of typically with
Interviews tend to: open-ended qualitative,
questions phenomenologically-
oriented research

Make use of small, Give a large, and

deliberately selected potentially unlimited,
purposive samples information yield
 Highly Structured • Only closed questions with precoded
answers
• Fast completion
• Quantitative analysis

Structured •
•
Closed questions predominate
Fairly fast completion
• Mainly qualitative focus

Types of Semi-structured • List of themes and questions with

opportunities for open ended
Interviews •
discussion of items
Relatively longer to complete
• Both Quantitative and qualitative

Unstructured • No predetermined questions. Informal,

in-depth discussion of a general topic
• Time-consuming to conduct
• Qualitative analysis required. Relatively
difficult
  Interviews do not require large samples
 Subjects are deliberately selected for their
experience and specialist background and thus
constitute a purposive sample
 Common pitfalls:
Conducting 1. Agreeing or disagreeing with the subject

the interview 2. Suggesting answers

3. Displaying bias or prejudice
4. Leading the subject
5. Being in any way judgmental
6. Lapsing into general conversation
  Not appropriate to just make notes as the interview
Recording is in progress as this is not only distracting to the
subject, but disrupts the flow of the interview
the  The researcher may unknowingly give the subject
interview clues about points of importance and so influence
the subject’s later response
 Researcher should use an audio recorder (with the
subject’s consent)
Observation
Involves systematic observation, recording, description, analysis and
interpretation of people’s behaviour

 Observations are flexible allowing the researcher to gather a wide range of

data
 Appropriate use of observation:
1. Sensitivity of the topic

2. Observability of the phenomena

3. Availability of time resources

4. Observation to gain insight and research clarity

➢ Types of observation:
1. Participant observation- conceal identity and research preoccupation- participant will act naturally and
spontaneously as they do not know they are being observed

2. Structured observation-systematic with predetermined protocol for observation and clearly defined criteria for
categories and structures
Ethnographic studies
Ethnography essentially involves a systematic, extended observation of social groups to
gain insider information of the phenomenon

 A broadly qualitative, phenomenological orientation

 Participant-observation, often of a concealed, covert, unobtrusive variety
 The researcher’s adoption of the subject’s worldview and frame of reference
 Use by the researchers of the subject’s communication conventions and the special meanings
and significance they attach to ordinary words and phrases
 The researcher’s efforts to define and dramatize the group’s sense of its own identify and
uniqueness as a group
 Presentation of detailed accounts of specific situations from a narrative, descriptive and
inferential perspective
 A complex interweaving in the events and the wider social context within which they are located
  Case studies examine the processes and dynamics
within a specific case, draw on multiple sources of
information, and tell a story, usually in a chronological
order should clearly and thoughtfully be designed to
facilitate the data collection stage
 Gathering data for the case study
Case Studies o Variety of quantitative and qualitative data gathering
Involves the in-depth techniques can be used in the case study framework
study of a phenomenon o Possible data gathering techniques are:
with reference to a ✓ Narrative/log/diary/journal
particular ‘case’ or
✓ Documentary records
‘cases’.
✓ Focus group meetings
✓ In-depth interview
✓ Direct observation
✓ Participant observation
  Developing a case study protocol
❑ During the design stage the researcher should
develop a comprehensive case study protocol
❑ The protocol usually includes the following:

Case Studies ✓ Overview, including project objectives, case study

issues, propositions and relevant readings

continued ✓ Sources of information, including locations for

information, and general procedures
✓ Case study questions
✓ Guide for the case study report, including an outline,
narrative format, any bibliographic or background
literature
Unit 6- Data Analysis
The analysis of Quantitative Data
Quantitative data refers to all data that can be reduced to numerical values, ranging from the
numerical frequency of occurrences to complex presentation of data in terms of graphs and charts

 Quantitative data can be classified into four categories:

1. Nominal measures-descriptive measures that serve only to indicate the alternate states of the variable (male or
female)

2. Ordinal measures-Are ranked estimates, usually reflecting either choices made by the subject or categories
predetermined by the researcher

3. Interval measures-variables whose attributes are not only rank-ordered, but are also separated by a uniform
distances between them

4. Ratio measures-Based on an absolute scale which has a fixed zero point- scale readings are exactly
proportionate to the variables being measured
Types of data and the Level of
Measurements
Types of data  Categorical data- cannot be measured numerically
but can be classified into sets (Categories)
and the Level according to specified criteria (e.g. gender, religion,
profession, qualification) or placed in rank order (e.g.
of level of experience, consumer preference, etc)-
Nominal and ordinal data
Measurement  Quantifiable data is data whose values can be
continued measured numerically- Interval and ratio
  As soon as the information has been collated from
Coding of respondents in the study, all data should be
recorded using numerical codes to categorize
Data responses to each item on the research instrument
  Once the data has been coded into a format that
can be entered on a spreadsheet or a statistical
analysis package, the appropriate procedure may
be used to process the data into a format that can
be analysed
 Tables and diagrams can be used in an exploratory
analysis of data to identify trends, show proportions
Statistical and the distribution of values and to compare
visually the relationship among variables
Analysis  Descriptive statistics- researcher can describe (and
compare) variables numerically through the use of
means and standard deviations
 Inferential statistics- researcher can reach
conclusions about how the data collected relate to
the original research objectives and hypotheses and
how these results might be generalizable to the
research population.
  Univariate data analysis involves the analysis of a
single variable, usually through the use of descriptive
statistics such as the circulation of:
The analysis 1. Frequencies

of univariate 2. Percentages
3. Means (Average)
data 4. Median and Mode
5. Standard deviation
 Frequencies and percentages can be graphically
expressed as tables, charts or graphs
  Demands the analysis of the relationship between two
variables
 Conduct frequency analysis of each variable and then
to group the data in a matrix or table.
 Tables which present the data for two variables through
process referred to as cross tabulation, it is possible to
The analysis examine if the variables are significantly associated.

of bivariate  Degree of association can be statistically tested by

using Chi-squared test( a non-parametric test) can be

data used with any data type

 Degree of association between two variables can also
be measured through the use of correlation coefficients
 Analysis of two variables- test the significance of
difference between the means of two groups for the
same variable- T-test, analysis of variance and Mann
Whitney U-Test
  Presents the researcher with a different set of
procedures, which reflect, at a fundamental level,
the philosophical assumptions which underpin the
aims of, an approach to, qualitative research
Analysis of  The analysis of qualitative data is different from the
approach outlined above for quantitative data
Qualitative  While the analysis of quantitative data is based on
data meanings derived from numbers through the use of
charts, diagrams and statistics, the analysis of
qualitative data concentrates on meanings
expressed through words and analysis conducted
through the use of conceptualization
  There are different approaches to the
commencement of the process- inductive and
deductive
 Inductive- requires the researcher to collect the data
Strategies for and then to explore them to see which themes or
issues to follow up or concentrate on
Qualitative  Deductive- should the research adopt a deductive
approach, he/she must first establish a theoretical or
Analysis descriptive framework that incorporates the main
variables, components, themes and issues in the
study and the presumed relationships among them.
This framework acts as the means to guide the data
analysis process.
General Sequence in Qualitative
Research
 Requires the researcher to see the data collection and the data analysis stages as a
linked progression of events.
 Researcher decides on a broad focus of enquiry, or may possibly formulate a
broadly-based research question.
 The Researcher decided on a broad focus of enquiry, or may possibly formulate a
broadly-based research question
 The researcher asks many open-ended questions and/or makes observations. The
examination of this data leads to the development of categories of information and
grouping of ideas.
 Concurrently the researcher looks for patterns and recurrences in the data, interprets
these patterns, defines interrelationships among the categories and patterns
identified in the data, and attaches meanings to the patterns and interrelationships
Unit 7- Putting it together
  Developing the research idea
 The research idea and the consequent research
must demonstrate qualities of:
❑ Relevance
Putting it ❑ Originality

together  Writing the Research Topic

❑ Introduction- introduces reader to researchers
approach and sets the stage for the study
❑ Problem- detailed statement of the problem
  Background- elaborate on the problem and state why
the problem is a theoretical concern
 Definition of terms-allow for normal business people to
understand
 Literature review- should begin with a concise,
analytical and evaluative coverage of related literature
and then narrow the focus down to more specific
Putting it studies that are associated with the current research
problem

together  Research design- student to explain why they selected a

particular research methodology. This section must
provide information on the research paradigm
 Data collection- provides step by step explanation of
how the data will be collected
 Data analysis- the aim of this section of the proposal is to
convince the Research committee that the study will be
based on theoretically sound data analysis procedures
Putting it together

 Significance of the study- the questions that the student must address in this section relate to
what makes the present study worth pursuing. The student must highlight the explicit benefits that
will accrue from his/her study
1. Why is the study important?
2. What contribution does the study hope to make to management theory and practice?
3. What is likely to happen if the study is done/not done?

 Scope and limitations- should define and delimit the study

 Ethical considerations- show that the study is to be guided by basic ethical considerations
 Conclusion- summary of key issues, try to assess the impact of the study on management and
practice and theory
 References- detailed list of the books, journal articles and electronic sources consulted in the
completion of the proposal
 Appendices- the student must include the copies of the research instruments that shall be used in
the study
  Research Ethics
 Good business research requires the student to translate his
personal ethics into sound business ethics and that both codes
of ethics must find expression in the research process itself
 The research must be conducted in a manner that ensures its
academic integrity and scientific validity
 Subjects must never be forced or coerced into participation in

Putting it a study
 Participation in a study must not expose participants to an

together invasion of their privacy

 Researcher must ensure that participants will not be placed in
any danger
 Every participant must understand the nature and
consequences of his participation before engagement in the
research
 Scientific knowledge must be placed in the public domain as
soon as practical and possible. Among whom the knowledge
has to be shared are those who participated in the study
Putting it together

 Reference format
✓ Harvard system of referencing

 Style rules and general hints on language

1. Always re-read your work for spelling errors, grammar errors and errors of expression
2. Do not place over-reliance on a computer spell check programme

3. Check logic of numbering system

4. Check accuracy of references to appendices and ensure that each appendix is correctly numbered

5. Keep sentences short as this makes them easier to read

6. Use complete sentences, which flow logically from one to the next with appropriate connectors

7. Each paragraph should contain one key idea- shorter paragraphs are easier to read then paragraphs which
extend over the full page
  Relevance and significance of the research problem
 Clarity in definition of research purpose
 Depth, adequacy and currency of literature review
 Quality and appropriateness of research design
 Soundness of research methodology
Assessment  Application of theory

Criteria  Quality of data collection and data analysis

 Coherence of argument
 Logicality of conclusions
 Relevance and appropriateness of
recommendations and implementation guidelines
 Language, style and presentation factors
 Putting theory to practice
South Africans were brought to a standstill in March 2020,
when the first case of Covid 19 was discovered in KZN South
Africa, this left the feeling of uncertainty in all South Africans.
 Requirements: Business owners were uncertain on the effects of Covid 19 and
❑ Formulate Research Title its impact on the continuity of their business due to the
possibility of Lockdown, where the people of South Africa
❑ Background of the Study would be forced to stay at home until the country was better
equipped to deal with such a Pandemic. Remote working
❑ Problem statement
seemed like the only way forward at the time to ensure
❑ Formulate Research Objectives/Questions continuity but what impact would it have on the productivity
of their employees. The fears of all South Africans had come
❑ Literature Review to light, lockdown was in full force, businesses resorted to
❑ Demonstrate Research Methodology remote working, the Schools had also closed down and the
country had come to a standstill, shops were not as
✓ Research Paradigm (Positivist/Phenomenological/Pragmatic) accessible and there was a limit to what people could
✓ Sampling Type(Probability/Non-Probability) purchase. This naturally had caused stress on the people of
South Africa.
✓ Data Collection Method(Questionnaire/Interview Schedule)
Formulate Research Title
 Topic must be relevant to your study programme

 To the current situation in society

 And to the business world

 Topic chosen must be feasible and have scientific merit

 After reading the particular case study or problem statement, you need to narrow down the focus of the
case study or problem statement, you need to decide on the main variables that have been stated

 Decide on the most feasible direction as indicated by the case study or problem statement
 An example:
South Africans were brought to a standstill in March 2020, when the first case of Covid 19 was discovered in
KZN South Africa, this left the feeling of uncertainty in all South Africans. Business owners were uncertain on
the effects of Covid 19 and its impact on the continuity of their business due to the possibility of Lockdown,
where the people of South Africa would be forced to stay at home until the country was better equipped to
deal with such a Pandemic. Remote working seemed like the only way forward at the time to ensure
continuity but what impact would it have on the productivity of their employees. The fears of all South
Africans had come to light, lockdown was in full force, businesses resorted to remote working, the Schools
had also closed down and the country had come to a standstill, shops were not as accessible and there was
a limit to what people could purchase. This naturally had caused stress on the people of South Africa.

An investigation into the impact of remote working on employee productivity

 Background of the Study

 This is not the background or history of the organisation but rather

background to the problem/challenge that the organisation is facing.
 Ideal place to give readers up to date information about the topic you
have chosen, to provide context to which the problem is situated
 Information in the background should include quotations from other
authors
 It can include personal experiences (Objectively), location of the study,
theory from preliminary literature review.

South Africans were brought to a standstill in March 2020, when the first case of Covid 19 was discovered in
KZN South Africa, this left the feeling of uncertainty in all South Africans. Business owners were uncertain on
the effects of Covid 19 and its impact on the continuity of their business due to the possibility of Lockdown,
where the people of South Africa would be forced to stay at home until the country was better equipped to
deal with such a Pandemic. Remote working seemed like the only way forward at the time to ensure
continuity but what impact would it have on the productivity of their employees. The fears of all South
Africans had come to light, lockdown was in full force, businesses resorted to remote working, the Schools
had also closed down and the country had come to a standstill, shops were not as accessible and there was
a limit to what people could purchase. This naturally had caused stress on the people of South Africa.
 Problem Statement
 Establish boundaries of the research area, focusing on the topic that will be studied
 Think about what prompted the need to explore the research area (problem identification)
 Things to note:
 General context of the problem area should be emphasized
 Key concepts and ideas current in the area should be highlighted

 Briefly note some of the underlying assumptions in the research area

 Describe what needs to be solved and identify the most significant issues that require exploration

South Africans were brought to a standstill in March 2020, when the first case of Covid 19 was
discovered in KZN South Africa, this left the feeling of uncertainty in all South Africans. Business owners
were uncertain on the effects of Covid 19 and its impact on the continuity of their business due to
the possibility of Lockdown, where the people of South Africa would be forced to stay at home until
the country was better equipped to deal with such a Pandemic. Remote working seemed like the
only way forward at the time to ensure continuity but what impact would it have on the productivity
of their employees. The fears of all South Africans had come to light, lockdown was in full force,
businesses resorted to remote working, the Schools had also closed down and the country had
come to a standstill, shops were not as accessible and there was a limit to what people could
purchase. This naturally had caused stress on the people of South Africa.
Formulate Research Objectives/Questions
 Research Objectives-are clear statements of the specific purposes of the
study which identify the key variables and their possible relationships
 For example:
❖ To identify the challenges of remote working at Company X
❖ To investigate the impact of remote working on employee productivity at Company X
❖ To make recommendations to management at Company X on ways to enhance productivity
whilst employees are remote working.

❑ Research Questions- express the specific purpose of the study in the form
of questions that require to be answered to address the research
question
❑ For example:
1. What are the challenges of remote working at Company X?
2. What is the impact of remote working on employee productivity at Company X?
3. What recommendations can be made to management at Company X to enhance
productivity whist employees are remote working?
  Important Concepts to Remember when interpreting your questions:
 Support-Give examples, reasons or an explanation
 Distinguish-Point out or show both similarities or differences-Give
common characteristics/attributes – how are people, events,
concepts or objects alike/ similar
 Discuss-Write/talk as if you were sharing your knowledge with
someone else-Use details and examples to explain the topic
 Explain-Make it clear and simple to show your interpretation and
understanding-Give simple descriptions based on what you know-

OSA Prep 
Describe, giving reasons
Critical discussion-give a balanced answer that points out mistakes
or weaknesses and any favourable aspects of the subject of the
question.
 Corroborate-to add proof to an account, statement, idea, etc. with
new information
 Evaluate-In an evaluation question you are expected to present a
careful appraisal of the problem stressing both advantages and
limitations-Express an opinion based on your findings
 Outline-Organise important data/information in a logical way-Use
numbers or letters to organise the information sequentially
Thank you