Category: Research

Analysis of Research Methodology and Research Methods

Introduction-

This Chapter will focus on research Methodology and research methods that will be used in a research study. This chapter will be an Encyclopaedic initiation to research. A strive is essential to clarify and deliver a distinction within research methodology & research method. The Methodology behind the research will be discussed with Proper vindication. According to Rajasekar et. al. (2006), “Research is a logical and systematic search for new and useful information on a particular topic.” For any research, there are particularly designed objectives Explanatory, Exploratory, Correlation & descriptive.

• Explanatory research format to discover relationships between more than two perspectives or situations.
• Exploratory research is also known as pilot research as well which is practiced to understand or investigate a bit about an area undertaken in particular research.
• Correlational research is used to find existing relationships between more than two aspects of a situation.
• Descriptive research to format hierarchy of situational problems, informative & services attitudes towards a research problem.

Research approach plays a pivotal role in study to evaluate with authenticity.

Cresswell (2007) asserted the importance of illustrating the research approach as an effective strategy to increase the validity of social research.

The research approach is defined in a tabular form way- POSITIVISM /INTERPRETIVISM /CRITICAL/REALISM/POSTMODERNISM/PRAGMATISM/PERENNIALISM/PROGRESSIVISM etc. (Kauchak, 2016)

Research design-

Research design plays a significant role to form a formal structure in research by considering all important elements in the study altogether. A definition of research design According to Jahoda, Deutch & Cook “A research design is the arrangement of conditions for the collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy and procedure”

1. Qualitative research- This form of research design is for probing & comprehending the meaning of an individual or a mass group for society & cultural problems. The research process includes developing questions & follow-up channels channel for data collection and a researcher can easily analyze & interpretative data.
2. QuantitativeQuantitive research- This form of research is designed to trial theories in the relevance of the objective to examine examined the relationship among variables which can be examined by measuring numbered data which can be scrutinized by scrutinizing by the statistical procedure. The concluding review will be a structured structure with an introduction, literature review & Theoretical perspective, Methods, Findings & suggestions. Those researchers doing qualitative research researchers and engaged in a research of assumptions regarding testing scholars & previous work by them and maintaining secondary explanations which help to suggest findings.
3. The Mixed Method-This form of research design includes studying both quantitative & Quantitative forms of data collection this approach includes assumptions & theoretical framework. The core pivotal of this mixed form approach is to completely understand research problems.

Research strategies –

Research strategy helps to connect important dots in a research evaluation like Research areas, Theoretical perspectives, Research design & required methods and will help to implement research methodology. It is pivotal to make consistency within subjective/objective & Methodology applied which point towards the type of research strategy that is adapted to make core elements to be fit with a single element so that research would be built upon primary and secondary data. As secondary data is collected with the help of a third party for example Surveys, Market examinations, Rationale data, interviews, Case studies and many more because use of secondary data will not be time-consuming but is required to collect good data for further analysis. (Kristian Sekulic/iStockphoto.com, n.d.)

Some research strategies for research study-

Case study- This method of data collection leads to in-depth research on a single firm. In case of study research is generally from different sources and with the use of different types of data for example surveys, Analysis of papers & Interviews. Data can be in any form either mixed a combination of Qualitative & quantitative or Qualitative, Quantitative individually. In this research, the case study topic is —-. As a case study, helps research projects to explore combined & multipurpose probes towards research questions?

Interviews- There are various forms of interviews as the research is based on two countries UK & India. Phone -In interviews conducted for research purposes and interviews are widely used methods of data gathering. Interview required a constructive and systematic way to conduct an interview. Interview required a lot of skills like good communications, Body language & Social responsibility as well.

Survey- This method is widely used in a research study which helps to easy excess to connect a high frequency of responders. The technical way of maintaining questionnaires is one of the feasible & cheapest for data collection. The questionnaire should easily make a connection with the respondents. Questionnaires should consist of short questions without jargon and not be so difficult to understand.

Data Collection

The task of data collection provides shrewdness in the data collection procedure.it Includes Survey through a mode of the questionnaire in the public relations & the changing market structure and how corporates replaced the MSMEs sector in the Wholesale & Retail industry as well as a brief relevance of data from the literature review. The responses filed by respondents were pen down & analyzed. The research includes Two types of data: Primary data & secondary data.

Data Collection Process –

[A] Primary Data- This form of data collection is based on a research objective in which data is adapted from questionnaires filled by Small/Micro& medium scale business people who are working in a related atmosphere.Interviews from related people within the MSMEs industry.

[B] Secondary Data- In this data is collected from authentic & reliable sources which are already being examined or analyzed. Theoretical framework & previous work by scholars.

Research of Issues Faced by Wal-Mart and Its Effects on the Company

Executive Summary

This proposal will highlight some issues in Wal-Mart, which is giving a negative prospect to the business success wise. Those issue will be examined which will be related to underpaying staff, loopholes in organizational strategy and some cost related analysis.

Introduction

Wal-Mart was established in 1962by Sam Walton when he was 44 year in Arkansas. The company became front-runner worldwide in merchandizing business from year 1970 and onward after it got public (Walmart.com, 2016). Company made great profits through their great supply chain network and huge purchasing strength. Nevertheless, in one of study in year 2016, company fourth quarter profit was down by 7.9 percent due to various issues both internally and externally (Calton, 2015). To find out more issues effecting company progress, a research was necessary to conduct.

Research Objectives:

The objective of this research is to highlight issues faced by Wal-Mart and its effects on the company.

Wal-Mart Internal Structural Issues.

Issues related to internal organization structure and their employees are some of serious issues faced by the company (Wood, 2015). Some of which are highlighted below,

Salary Theft:

Wal-Mart does not provide uniform to their employees and ask its employees to buy their own uniform for over the year whereas company should provide uniform to its employees (Koca, 2015). In one of other study, Wal-Mart in Pennsylvania was indicted of forcing its employees to work during break and meal times (Timilsina, 2015) and for which they were not paid and employees ended up in logging a lawsuit alongside company.

Female Employees underpaying

The employees in Wal-Mart U.S comprise of 57 percent females and regardless of this number, the female employees are being paid $1.16 less per hour in comparison to male employees, which makes it really difficult for the female employees to perform well in the company (Reed, Harding & Kelly, 2015). The females, who are pregnant, are facing worst conduct from the company. In one of the study by Mourad, Jaime & Garcia (2014) pregnant females forced to work in unsafe environment, and expected to work more than the defined workload. Therefore, company is facing many lawsuits filed by pregnant females.

Wal-Mart External Structural Issues

Cleaning issues in Wal-Mart Stores.

Wal-Mart CEO acknowledged that their stores are not clean. Customers are not happy with the dirty and disorderly stores and need to be improved (Kenny, 2014).

Selling Strategy

Wal-Mart known for selling fair and low pricing goods. This pricing policy has helped them attract big consumer market, however due to strong competitor challenge Wal-Mart is losing on great profits (Schuetz ,2015).

Ecommerce strategy:

Wal-Mart is facing great pressure from big retail giants like E-Bay and Amazon (Persky & Merriman, 2012). For that very reason, Wal-Mart is improving their online system for customer so they can order their groceries online and can pick up or deliver to their doorstep.

Business Strategies of Wal-Mart

Productivity

Wal-Mart has great number of employees working for them in U.S .Around 210,000 people work with Wal-Mart in the U.S. Company also assists in saving $2500 a year for employees with families (Taillie & Popkin, 2016). Their huge food discount raise American shopper’s health by around $50 million a year (Walmart.com, 2016).

Operation strategy

Wal-Mart known for selling cheap products. It function in ‘everyday low price’ methods where it does not leave any room for local and small businesses to operate with such low prices and hence close their businesses (Lieber, 2012). Therefore, Wal-Mart faces low pressure from competitors due to its lower prices.

Competitive Strategy

Wal-Mart has a huge successful warehouse and logistic strategy and enjoys high customer satisfaction due to their own logistic chain (Morillo, McNally & Block, 2015)

Research Methodology

The research methodology will include a pragmatic approach to assist in study, which will establish, on suitable evidence and proofs (Abdulghani et al., 2014). Logical research attitude followed to monitor and gather data from various models, theories and studies already available on the subject of Wal-Mart (Ellis, 2013). With the help of 40 Wal-Mart employees, it is recommended that a survey need to be done in order to know the issue employees face while working in Wal-Mart. For problems related to external issues interview with 4 of Wal-Mart managers will be scheduled. The focus of my research will also include a survey conducted with a set of 20 female employees of the organization in order to gather data of issues faced by female employees at work place. All this sample data for survey will collected from Wal-Mart employees. This survey will not include senior management and stakeholders as my research thesis based on issue mostly related to junior employees.

The recruitment strategy of Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart is considered as one of the biggest employer with around 2.5 million employees (Walmart.com , 2016). The HR department of Wal-Mart employees people with the help of various recruitment agencies and practices suitable for filling the vacancies. This hiring process carried out in more than 100 colleges and the organization prefers colleges with merchandizing associations (Pope & Pope, 2015)

Recommended solution

Most of the issues faced by Wal-Mart related to organizational structure where they do not treat their employees fair. Therefore, it recommended that senior management should improve organization structure for employees benefit. As mentioned in research methodology surveys and interviews need to be schedule then we will be in position how these issues are effecting organization efficiency and viability.

Insight company report and advantage of the proposal

I examined from the proposal that, despite being the market leaders in the retail sector, Wal-Mart has a number of internal and external issues in its organization. Company claims that they provide best customer services but on the other hand, due to improper attitude with their employees the company is slightly losing a grip in the world market.

The company is attempting to make certain improvements to address these issues; however, lack of information poses challenges for them. This research has provided an insight in to the issues faced by Wal-Mart. Companies like Tesco and Asda have gained higher position than Wal-Mart whereas Wal-Mart position declined over the time. In addition, various other companies like Amazon, Kmart and various online businesses are giving tough time to Wal-Mart.

It was therefore important to do research that would assess Wal-Mart’s problems in depth and will help the company focus on those matters based on the references.

Legal and Ethical Obligations

For my research, I need to take care of legal and any confidential findings that need not to disclose. Proper permission from organization should take before sharing any legal or confidential data. Personal details of employees need to keep undisclosed. In that case, I need to store my research thesis where it is safe and not available to public unless all legal bindings met.

As part of ethical obligations employees or management involved have the right to reject being part of this research thesis. They have the right to decide whether their name should kept private or make their reviews public. Instead of using personal details and name, terms like participant can used to keep individuals identity secret.

Timelines and Report Format

Timeline for delivery of report 1-week 2-week 3-week

Summary and research objective

• Data analysis 
• Business strategies and methodologies/compiling research data 
• Business legal and ethical obligation/ recommendations/ conclusion/presentation/referencing 

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be argued that Wal-Mart not only faces inside problems but also has external issues. Many employees have filed in court against the company, which means Wal-Mart administrative structure is exposed with defects. Also company has low price strategy but still it has to access online competitor markets. For action plan, Company needs to implement new steps in the right direction.

Still, Wal-Mart CEO has specified that the company has already made various modification to help them recover their ranking in the market. The company also lacks amount of data so that they can do improvement in various remaining sectors.

This business research thesis will therefore help Wal-Mart to be in position to overcome sectors where they lack improvement by accessing valuable data. Such approach and study will improve company value and profits in the market.

References

1. Abdulghani, H. M., Shaik, S. A., Khamis, N., Al-Drees, A. A., Irshad, M., Khalil, M. S. & Isnani, A. (2014). Research methodology workshops evaluation using the Kirkpatrick’s model: translating theory into practice. Medical teacher, 36(sup1), S24-S29.
2. Calton, J. (2015). A Decentred Stakeholder Network Path to Creating Mutual Value: Is Walmart Showing the Way?. Journal of Corporate Citizenship,2015(59), 82-91.
3. Ellis, C. (2013). Intrinsic ethnographic enquiry: towards a general practice research methodology. South African Family Practice, 55(1), 103-103.
4. Kenny, B. (2014). Walmart in South Africa: Precarious Labor and Retail Expansion. International Labor and Working-Class History, 86, 173-177.
5. Koca-Helvaci, Z. C. (2015). Walmart and its employee relations: organizational stance taking and legitimacy. On the Horizon, 23(4), 374-386.
6. Lieber, L. D. (2012). Considerations for attracting and retaining a qualified, diverse workforce. Employment Relations Today, 38(4), 85-92.
7. Morillo, J., McNally, C., & Block, W. E. (2015). The Real Walmart. Business and Society Review, 120(3), 385-408.
8. Mourad, A. L., Jaime, S. B. M., & Garcia, E. E. C. (2014). Sustainability & Ethics–key issues for packaging trends. In Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Life Cycle Assessment in the Agri-Food Sector (LCA Food 2014), San Francisco, California, USA, 8-10 October, 2014. (pp. 864-871). American Center for Life Cycle Assessment
9. Persky, J., & Merriman, D. (2012). Focus Issue WalMart. Economic Development Quarterly, 26(4), 283-284.
10. Pope, D. G., & Pope, J. C. (2015). When Walmart comes to town: Always low housing prices? Always?. Journal of Urban Economics, 87, 1-13.
11. Reed, T., Harding, J., & Kelly, W. (2015). Employee Class Actions Four Years After WalMart v. Dukes. Def. Counsel J., 82, 255.
12. Schuetz, J. (2015). Why are Walmart and Target Next-Door neighbors?.Regional Science and Urban Economics, 54, 38-48.
13. Taillie, L. S., Ng, S. W., & Popkin, B. M. (2016). Walmart and Other Food Retail Chains: Trends and Disparities in the Nutritional Profile of Packaged Food Purchases. American journal of preventive medicine, 50(2), 171-179.
14. Timilsina, B., 2015. Competitively Distinct Operations as a Key for Superior and Sustainable Business Performance: An Example from Walmart.Management, 10(3), pp.273-292.
15. Walmart.com,(2016). Walmart. Walmart.com. Retrieved 29 January 2020, from http://www.walmart.com/
16. Wood, A. J. (2015). Networks of injustice and worker mobilisation at Walmart. Industrial Relations Journal, 46(4), 259-274.

Reflective Essay on Research Strategies

“Research Strategies”

“Our goals can only be reached through the vehicle of a plan. There is no other route to success.” – Pablo Picasso. A research strategy introduces the main components of a research project like the research topic area and focus, the research perspective, the research design, and therefore the research methods. It refers to how you plan to answer the research questions set and the way you’ll implement the methodology. This paper tackles the different types of research strategies like experiments, case studies, ethnography, grounded theory, and action research. This chapter offers a summary of established research strategies and methods with attention to inquiry within the social sciences.

In the first part of this course, you began to identify your research topic, develop your research statement, and consider possible research question(s). While you would possibly have already clear research questions or objectives, it’s possible that, at this stage, you’re uncertain about the foremost appropriate strategy to implement so as to deal with those questions. This section looks at a couple of research strategies you’re likely to adopt.

There are four main types of research strategy, case studies, qualitative interviews, quantitative surveys, and action-oriented research. In case studies, information is sought from different sources and through the use of various sorts of data like observations, surveys, interviews, and analysis of documents. It focuses on an in-depth investigation of one case or a small number of cases. While in qualitative interviews, require extensive planning concerning the event of the structure, decisions about who to interview and the way, whether to conduct individual or group interviews, and the way to record and analyze them.

Quantitative survey is a widely used method in business research and allows access to high numbers of participants. The supply of online sites enables the wide and cheap distribution of surveys and therefore the organization of the responses. Action-oriented research refers to practical business research that is directed toward a change or the assembly of recommendations for change.

It is possible for you to settle on a technique that includes the use of secondary data. Secondary data is data that has been collected by people. Using secondary data for your scientific research must be justified in that it meets the needs of the research questions. The utilization of secondary data has obvious benefits in terms of saving money and time. It’s important to notice that there should be consistency between the attitude (subjective or objective) and therefore the methodology employed. The other five research strategies are descriptive, correlational, experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental.

Different research methods have different objectives and different levels of validity. Making the decision to seek help and gain knowledge can be a big step, which is why we’ll want a reliable source for our research that will help us achieve our specific goals. If you’re getting to understand an area of study, you’ve got to become knowledgeable in the research methods it uses. This is important for the study of human growth and development because many various research designs can be used. The knowledge about research provides good training, especially to the new research worker. It helps us to do better research and observe the field objectively.

This topic gave me additional knowledge about doing research. It will be an advantage to know how we can do the process correctly and accordingly. Knowing the research strategies will help us to do research easily and it will give us ideas about the important things that we need to consider in doing research. The things that we acquire as undergraduates will be an advantage when we consider going to graduate school. Those skills will be a good help for us to determine what we want to study. And being able to understand scientific research is valuable, research methods course is one of the most important courses that will help us, especially the psychology students.

The research strategies should be considered and learned because this will be a big help in conducting research. This paper discusses the importance of research strategies and how they can help us in our studies.

References

1. Gravetter, F. J., & Forzano, L. B. (2018). Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.
2. Johannesson, P. (2020, October 31). Research Strategies and Methods. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-10632-8_3.
3. Oxley, J. E., Rivkin, J. W., & Ryall, M. D. (2010). The Strategy Research Initiative: Recognizing and encouraging high-quality research in strategy. Strategic Organization, 8(4), 377–386.
4. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476127010387821
5. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476127010387821