Unit 1-Introduction to research.
Activity 1.1.
What do you have want to achieve from doing your research project?
In any research project, the first thing that a research do before anything else is to set the required objectives that he want to achieve by the end of the research project. Basically, the most important item to achieve in a research project in the conclusive statement that made the researcher set the research in first instance. Typically, these are the results of the research topic under consideration. This will be important to reveal what the researcher aimed at solving. Mitigation of problems as well as identification of gaps and opportunities are the basic items a researcher want to achieve in a research project. Finally, some researchers aim at gaining specific skills in the underlying research project.
What do you want to learn?
Generally, a research project is educative in nature. There are many things that an individual can learn from a particular research project. To start with, one can learn methods of problem identification as well as mechanisms to mitigate these problems. On the other hand, an individual would like to learn methods of gaps and opportunity identification along with mechanisms to implement these opportunities under consideration (Wallace & Wray 2006). Lastly, an individual would like to learn several skills associated to research project. These skills would include observation of data, collection of data, analysis of data, interpretation of data and presentation of data. These skills are very important in daily application in many fields of operations and can be learnt from conducting a research project. This will come along with testing of hypothesis. Many researchers would like to learn skills in hypothesis testing as well as interpretation of these hypothesis.
What skills do you want to test?
The skills that are likely to be learnt is a research project are associated to the research itself. This include observation of data by considering both primary data and secondary data. Still, the researcher can gain skills in data collection procedures via methods such as sample survey, questionnaire study as well as interviews. This further offer more skills in analysis of data by using skills in statistical packages such as SAS, SPSS, R, and STATA. In addition application of models such correlation, regression and generalized linear models are among other skills to be tested in a research project.
What are you looking forward to?
As a prominent researcher, am looking forward to several factors as far as research is concerned. To start with, am looking forward to a time when research projects will be based on practical point of view will concrete implementation of asserted recommendation rather than a theoretical point of view. This will assist in solving so many problems as well as creating so many opportunities. Many of the present research projects are conducted for formality but very few are put into implementation after the findings are analyzed and presented. Therefore, what I am looking forward to the time these research projects will be conducted with an aim of implementing rather than for formality.
What are you anxious about?
The only thing that an anxious about as far as research project is concerned is accuracy and appropriateness. Are the findings accurate and appropriate to this research so as to offer room for implementation or a space for further research? Once am guaranteed that the research project is appropriate and accurate, the only thing I will be left to worry is my anxiety.
Do you have any questions?
My only question goes to the researchers. Why do researchers spend a lot of time and resources to conduct the research project but do very little to the implementation of the findings? What resources do the researchers lack to ensure that their findings and recommendations are fully implemented to solve a problem or to create an opportunity in the area under consideration.
Unit 2 – Methodological Principles.
Activity 2.1.
If you were a researcher engaged with the question “To what extent is employee misconduct still present within organizational department? Then………
For this particular part, the qualitative methods appropriate for the underlying scenario are the interviews and questionnaire study. The questionnaire study will be used to ask the employee the questions pertaining whether they are associated to the misconduct asserted in the scenario. This method is appropriate because the respondent need to answer the questions in the questionnaire and submit. It will offer space for reflection by the employee when responding. On the other hand, interview will be appropriate if subjected to the employer about the asserted misconduct of the employee. A direct structured interview will offer the best responses from the employer regarding the alleged misconduct of employee. It is also good to ask the same question to the colleagues of such employee in the department through interview. Finally, the researcher will be able to compare the data collected from the three primary sources.
The data to be collected in this section is based on primary sources of data as well as part of the secondary data. You can collect data that will reflect the record of code of conduct and ethics pertaining that particular employee. This will clearly set a record of the employee conduct based on the allegation asserted in the context. Another data that can be collected involves the information that employee’s colleagues in the department. This information will indicate whether the information given is true or not. This finally can be done by conducting a hypothesis and testing such hypothesis. This will make the researcher to determine whether to accept or reject the null hypothesis.
To justify the robustly in the scenario above, the justification is based on the researcher’s objectives. The main objective of any researcher is to prove the underlying hypothesis. This require collection of all relevant data and information so as to analyze and make viable conclusions. It also involves provision of recommendations. Gathering data from different sources offer a chance of comparison of these data. This will assist in proper analysis of collected data so as to prove the hypothesis. This finally assist the researcher to release accurate and appropriate data that can be subjected to implementation.
Differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Qualitative Quantitative
Unit 3 – Research Design.
Imagine a positivist researcher and an interpretivist researcher, each of whom is going to conduct a study on the effects of training courses on staff motivation within a reputable hotel.
What differences there would be in their approaches to this task considering.
Positivist researcher- this researcher will subject the research questions to a large sample to determine how many people will respond to the subject matter at hand. If the number of people who offer similar responses regarding the effects of training courses on staff motivation, then the researcher accept the null hypothesis. If the number responding on the effects of training courses to courses on staff motivation is too low, then the researcher reject the null hypothesis (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill 2009). The decision will be based on how many people respond to the research question. The larger the number, the stronger the decision and vice versa. Again, the research questions will be general in nature.
Interpretivist researcher- this researcher will subject the research questions to a smaller number. This is because his decision will be based on the fact that, if some people respond to the hypothesis on the effects of training courses on staff motivation within a reputable hotel, then the null hypothesis is accepted. Again, the research questions will be specific in nature.
Positivist researcher would ultimately collect quantitative data. This is because, qualitative data will contain other facts on the effects of training courses on staff motivation within a reputable hotel.
Interpretivist researcher would collect as well as interpret qualitative data so as to generate the best meanings or understandings on the effects of training courses on staff motivation within a reputable hotel.
Which of the three ontological assumptions will play a major role in their research process.
The best ontological assumption that plays a core role in the research process for the case of positivist researcher is Goal of research. This is because it involves explanation and strong prediction. On the other hand, for the case of interepretivist researcher, the ontological assumption that is likely to play a key role in the research process is focus of interest. This is because the research will be able to narrow down to specific facts on the effects of training courses on staff motivation within a reputable hotel.
Then reflect on your past experience with research and give some thought on your approach.
I am a positivist researcher.
I tend to classify myself as a positivist researcher due to the following facts.
First, I believe that the globe is external as well as objective in nature. In addition, I tend to be independent when it comes to performance and other aspects of research. Still, the data I deal with is collected as quantitative data (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill 2009). Moreover, a makes both null and alternative hypotheses as well as deductions so as to prove the underlying assumptions on a particular research. This makes my research and findings to be subjected to statistical analysis as well as some systematic analytical approaches. Finally, as a researcher, I focuses on the measurement of concepts and other relevant and related facts.
All this is influenced by the research topic as I wish to maintain the research motive and originality.
Assume that you are in the position of a researcher investigating the impact of the National Living Wage (NLW) that was introduced in the UK in April 2016 on staff turnover in the UK properties of international hotel organisations. In no more than 150 words, post your thoughts on blackboard which of the philosophical assumptions we discussed in this unit can be applied to the research, with a clear rationale. You may wish to conduct your own research on the NLW, as well as how international hotel organisations manage and reward workforces, when considering your approach.
You are also expected to comment on at least two of your peers’ posts.
The best philosophical approach to use in national lining wage for staff turnover in UK is deduction philosophical approach. In NLW, the staff turnover is attributed to many factors that ensure high staff turnover in a work place which for this particular scenario is a hotel organization. In such setup, the research indicate that, to increase the number of staffs attend workplace in a hotel organization, they need to be motivated. This implies that a certain theory exist. This is called motivation theory. As a positivist researcher, I therefore employ deduction philosophy approach where data collected tests the existing theory of motivation. The data collected on NLW in UK follows motivational theory (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill 2012). These workers are rewarded based on performance in a workplace.
From my peers’ posts, one asserted that a hypothesis is need for the research.
Comment.
A test hypothesis can be conducted to test staff turnover based on the level of motivation.
The other peer asserted that there is positive correlation between deduction and positivist philosophy.
Comment.
I agree because both approaches believe in hypothesis testing.
Unit 4 – Literature Review.
Activity 4.1
Develop conceptual framework using mind mapping.
This involves various subdivisions of conceptual framework.
This can be divided into the following aspects:
Activity 4.2.
Read chapter 9 of Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) which focuses on critically reviewing the literature.
This particular part of the research aims at various factors of the research based on the underlying methods of research asserted by Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill. Therefore, when conducting this particular research, we will attempt to concentrate on relevant theories as well as models associated to the research and draw important conclusions from the findings of the research. This project aims pointing out an opportunity in the field of research topics or as well point out a methodologies related to the research methods and qualitative along with quantitative data whichever is relevant to the scope of the study.
Activity 4.3.
Watch the video produced by the University of Derby to remind you how to reference correctly according to the Harvard Convention.
It is important to reference work done originally that involves borrowing some ideas from other sources probably from secondary sources. According to the video there are numerous reasons for referencing.
In that connection, plagiarism is using another researcher’s work, research and ideas to be used as original work. In addition, when you paraphrase some work from another author without referencing or citation, plagiarism as well occur. From the blackboard module in the University of Derby, the Harvard referencing style involves citations to remove any plagiarism associated to paraphrasing of someone work.
Unit 5 – Quantitative Data Analysis and Presentation.
Activity 5.1
Have a go at this crossword puzzle! All the answers are elements covered in this unit’s learning materials.
Evaluate key arguments from both a scholarly and a practitioner-oriented point of view in the context of addressing the following questions regarding the scenario:
How would you go about choosing data collection methods and developing specific measurements or instruments to address this question?
In selecting the method of data collection, it is important to consider several aspects in the research. First, it is very significant to consider the population. Out of the population available, the researcher will determine the relevant sample size to be involved. Again, it is also important to realize the type data the researcher want to collect. This could be qualitative or quantitative in nature. If the researcher want both qualitative and quantitative data, it is advisable to use mixed methods to collect data. However, if the data is quantitative in nature, the researcher can use methods such as interview, observation, sample survey as well as questionnaire study which involve designing research questions.
Again, it is very important for above case to determine the kind of a researcher suitable to collect the data based on the type of analysis. There are two types of researchers. That is, positivist researcher and an interepretivist researcher. For the above scenario, I would recommend a positivist researcher. This is because, the data collected via quantitative analysis need to be analyzed and tested statistically. This can be achieved by conducting a hypothesis tests. Both null and alternative hypothesis are asserted by a positivist researcher so as to either accept or reject null hypothesis in order to make the decision based on that particular hypothesis.
Finally, in the process of choosing data collection method, the researcher need to determine the nature of information he want to obtain from the sample. That is, is it first-hand information or second hand information? This will make the researcher decide whether to use primary sources of data or secondary sources of data or even both.
Assume a limited budget, so sampling is necessary. How would you define a sample?
A sample refers to a portion of a population under consideration. This sample is used as a representative of the whole population under study. For example, if a population consist of a 2000 people, then a sample to be selected will be obtained from this population. Various methods can be used to determine the sample size. This include the Yemen’s formula and random walk process which is also referred as a white noise in statistics. If the researcher is in a position determine the most appropriate sample, then the following aspects will form the type of data to be collected. Simply, it will be good data with the following qualities.
Unit 6 – Qualitative Data Analysis and Presentation.
Activity 6.1
Discuss the key differences when considering what constitute good data.
A good data contain various specifications so as to offer accurate analysis and presentation of the results generated. The following key differences are highly considered and constitute good data.
On a more practical note, what factors would you need to consider when designing an interview, a focus group and an observational study.
Factors considered when designing an interview.
Factors to consider when designing a focus group.
Factors to consider when designing an observational study.
Activity 6.2.
Complete the word search below.
Click the first and last characters of the items you find.
D E I N T E R V I E W V L
O H T A T L C H T K X N Q
C Q N H F H H B S H O Z C
U V U G N O S M C I I S A
M F D E E O A Z T J N G Z
E C L R S K G C E X F I X
N L L E K T A R T R F I Q
T O W L X R I W A V U S P
S D A S E I E O L P U P L
D T A T U P B B N C H J J
R Q N B C I Y L O L Q Y E
D I A R Y D B F E E Q M T
U N D E R S T A N D I N G
Diary
Documents
Ethnography
Flexible
Focus
Interaction
Interview
Question
Talk
Understanding
Discuss on the discussion board how you might select from the different qualitative research methodologies in order to address a research question of your choice.
In order to address the research question, it is important to consider various aspects in the qualitative research methodologies. First, it is important to check whether the researcher require general or specific information (Veal 2011). A positivist researcher need to design the research questions that focus on general information on that particular topic. On the other hand, an interpretivist researcher will design the questionnaire in a specific way so as to generate specific data. In addition, the research questions will be based on a particular phenomenon in terms of actions and behaviors expected from a particular methodology. On the other hand, the study of these phenomena must correspond to the research methodology to be applied in designing and conducting the research questions.
What factors will you need to take into account?
There are several factors that need to be considered when addressing a research question based on research methodology applied.
What outcomes might be acceptable to your stakeholders? How will you justify your choice?
The outcome that tend to be acceptable to my stakeholder need to be appropriate and accurate in nature. This will offer a clear and distinct reflections of what the stakeholder need. This will as well offer space for more adjustments to the outcome so as to fit stakeholder’s requirements. To justify this choice, the outcome that tend to be appropriate and accurate are actually generated from good data. This is well analyzed and interpreted. Thus, the stakeholder will have ample time in understanding these outcomes.
Unit 7 – Mixed-Methods and Further Data Analysis.
Activity 7.1
What are the four key features of mixed methodology?
Can you identify a few key points in relation to the advantages and limitations of quantitative and qualitative studies, according to Creswell (2013)?
Advantages.
There are various merits that can be used in a mixed-methods approach as related to quantitative and qualitative data. To start with, both quantitative and qualitative approaches can be highly complementary in offering wide perspectives on the research aspects under investigation (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill 2012). In addition, argument can as well be mounted such that, the entire aspect is more than summation of the parts and, indeed, it makes sense to collect different datasets using various approaches. These advantages will offer better data under consideration so as to reflect the best outputs of the research under consideration.
Disadvantages.
Both qualitative and quantitative studies are time consuming. A lot of time is used to set and design questionnaire and surveys as well as research questions in a particular research. This offers time of manipulation of private or confidential data. In addition, some of these methods are very expensive to conduct in terms of resources and dedication. Finally, some respondents may offer ambiguous responses which results to wastage in terms of resources and time.
What are the key reasons for rise in mixed-methods research?
The key reasons for the rise of mixed-methods research is that, it can be performed in series as well as in parallel options. The parallel option will involve the application of both qualitative as well as quantitative collection methods at the same time. On the other hand, those performed one after another will bring a sequential as well as series of approach to data collection.
In addition, the rise was attributed by these advantages and key characteristics.
Activity 7.2
What are the importance of using Qualitative research in mixed methodology?
There are several importance of applying qualitative research.
What did the researcher learn from pictures of the lady’s story?
This story applied mixed method approaches in delivering the underlying aspects asserted by the Lady. Therefore, the researcher learned that qualitative research is very important in collecting and gathering the emotions as well as the feelings of people associated with the research. This draws a better understanding of lady’s picture.
According to Creswell, mixed methods research is going to grow even more in popularity. Do you agree with this in relation to hospitality research? Why/why not.
I fully agree with Creswell that mixed research is moving towards popularity due to the following aspects. First, mixed methods have been able to fully connect parallel and series options or approaches in the research. Again, the ability of mixed research to apply both qualitative and quantitative research methods by positivist and interepretivist researchers.
What were the key findings of the loyalty and reward programme?
To implement the best customer lifetime value, which method (quantitative, qualitative or mixed) would you apply to find out the results?
Mixed method would be the most appropriate method to use since it applies both primary and secondary sources of data.
Who is likely to benefit from this research? For example, industry, students, managers, etc…
The research will benefit all the stakeholders across the board. Industry will be able to reflect on areas that did not perform as expected by implementing the findings of the research. The student will be able to determine the motive of the research topic from the results. Finally the managers will apply the recommendations of the research to promote the performance of loyalty and reward programs.
Unit 8 – Ethical Issues in Research.
Activity 8.1.
What could have been the ethical consideration before building a hotel complex in Bimini Bay?
Before constructing Bimini Bay, it was ethical to consider the rich marine life and some natural habitats. This also would include the livelihood of domestic residents since the construction would have resulted to threats to the local residents.
Activity 8.2
What are the five unethical practices outlined in the video? Please explain two of them briefly.
Explanation: this led to reduction in the number of conch as well as fish which affected the livelihoods of local residents.
Explanation: this provided bleeding grounds for pesticides.
How can one or more of the unethical practices affect the research process?
Unethical practices affect the research process negatively. First, it is difficult to own responsibility in the activities to be undertaken in the research. Therefore, a researcher who does not have ethical obligations will not be able to persevere the difficulties faced in a research process (Hoonakker & Carayon 2009). These researchers tend to release important and sensitive information to the public since they are drive by personal interests instead of research topic.
Activity 8.3
What is the importance of ethics, according to freeman?
According to Freeman, ethics portrays several important aspects. First, ethics assist businesses and the executives to create good and quality values for community, suppliers as well as shareholders. Again, ethics remind all the shareholders about individual social responsibility.
Based on your professional or working environment, please share any ethical challenges in relation to your work.
There are a number of ethical challenges that highly affect medical workplace. One of this is in ability of medical practioners to maintain patient’s privacy in terms of treatment record. Some medical practioners tend to leak medical record of particular patients. This is unethical as far as medical services are concerned.
Unit 9 – The Research Proposal.
Activity 9.1.
Now have a go at writing title for your research project based upon the topic of your choice.
The research title would be: To investigate how quantitative and qualitative research methods can be applied to enhance smooth data distribution.
Activity 9.2.
Now have a go at writing the aim of your research. Remember to focus upon the phrasing and guidance offered above.
The aim of the project is to critically analyze and form basis of problem identification and mitigation methods as well as determining opportunities along with interpretation of these opportunities and literature gaps.
How can you sum up your research intention in one sentence?
To sum up the research, the conclusive statement can be; the critical analysis and importance of research in solving problems and creating opportunities.
Activity 9.3
Will you use research questions or a hypothesis?
I would apply hypothesis over research questions. The rationale of hypothesis is statistical in nature such that a hypothesis testing will be based on more concrete, clearer as well as distinct in laying down decisions of a particular research (Creswell 2013). Finally, a hypothesis offers a symmetrical solution of a given data distribution unlike the research questions. Research questions can be ambiguous in nature but a hypothesis is very clear.
Unit 10 – Drawing Conclusions and Forming Recommendations.
Activity 10.2
Watch the video. Make notes on the questions posed within the video as you watch.
What do these results mean for the organisation?
This means that the organisation need to be vigilant when it comes to making final decisions. Inferences and conclusions are taken very seriously in an organisation and the research in particular. Therefore, the inferences and conclusions need to be accurate and appropriate at all times.
What are the implications of these findings for organisation?
The implications asserted in the video indicate that, all stakeholders in a research are part of the research. Bad implications will be associated with all stakeholders involved in the research. On the other hand, good results in research inferences and conclusions will be associated with all the stakeholders in the research.
What are the implications for future work in this area?
The future implication is that, every individual involved in this work must play key roles in their area of performance. Otherwise, it is unethical to leave some responsibilities unattended in the future work.
References
Creswell, J 2013, Qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing among five approaches, Sage.
Hoonakker, P. & Carayon, P 2009, “Questionnaire survey nonresponse: a comparison of postal mail and Internet surveys”, International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 25 (5), pp. 348-373.
Jesson, J K., Matheson, L. & Lacey, FM 2011, doing your literature review: traditional and systematic techniques, Sage publishers.
Leedy, PD. & Ormrod, JE 2010, Practical research: planning and design, Pearson.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P & Thornhill, A 2012, Research methods for business students, Pearson.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A 2009, Research methods for business students, Pearson.
Veal, AJ 2011, Research methods for leisure and tourism: a practical guide, Pearson.
Wallace, M. & Wray, A 2006, Critical reading and writing for postgraduates, Thousand Oaks.
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