Research Methods and Applications

This assignment delves into various research methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. It emphasizes understanding the distinct characteristics, applications, and strengths of each approach. The assignment likely requires students to analyze examples of research studies utilizing different methodologies and evaluate their effectiveness in addressing specific research questions.

MANAGING A
SUCCESSFUL BUSINES
PROJECT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1............................................................................................................................................4
A) Definition and introduction...............................................................................................4
Problem statement..................................................................................................................4
Project strategy.......................................................................................................................4
P1 Devising aims and objectives for CSR project .................................................................5
Deliverable.............................................................................................................................5
Project scope...........................................................................................................................6
Success criteria.......................................................................................................................6
Project assumptions................................................................................................................6
Implementation plan...............................................................................................................6
P2 Producing a project management plan by considering the cost, quality, scope, risk and
resources ................................................................................................................................7
P3 Producing a work breakdown structure and Gantt chart ..................................................8
PART 2..........................................................................................................................................10
Project process......................................................................................................................10
P4 Carry out research by applying qualitative tools and techniques for meeting research aims
as well as objectives.............................................................................................................10
PART 3..........................................................................................................................................20
P5 Analyzing research data by using specific tools and techniques ...................................20
P6 Communicating appropriate recommendations and drawing valid conclusion .............24

Communication plan............................................................................................................24
P7 Reflecting own learning and ability which is associated with such project ..................25
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................27

PART 1
A) Definition and introduction
In the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility, organizations care and protect
customers, local community with a purpose of building a sustainable, profitable and progressing
organization. The health and safety of employees at workplace are the key values of CSR. CSR
strives for attaining zero harm in terms of workplace safety and health. This is done through
abiding the laws, regulations and CSR policies and standards. Along with this, it is done by
identification, assessment and controlling accidents and their affects and following an approach
which strive for eliminating or reducing risks within an acceptable level (Managing Health &
Safety, 2017). It also involves giving information to staff, visitors, contractors and general public
regarding these mishaps and their affects which may cause damage to their health and safety and
to the business as well. Including this, this type of CSR initiative also comprises of giving proper
workplace health and safety training to workforce of the firm. Apart from this, doing
investigation of incidents and sharing the experience and lesson with all required stakeholders so
that they does not get repeated.
Problem statement
The major problem identified in current report is application of CSR activities within
chosen company of LSL architects which is not efficient due to which there is a lower
achievement of sustainability and competitive advantages for organization.
Project strategy
The current project will be accomplished by undertaking a small scale research which
will be based on primary data collected through questionnaire. The responses have been attained
through 10 employees of said company. Besides this, the project has been carried out through a
planned process by dividing all required activities among the staff. For understanding all
activities undertaken and the allocation of tasks done in this regard have been shown by making
a work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart. Thus, implementation of project plan has been
made and an evaluation has been done.

P1 Devising aims and objectives for CSR project
Topic of research: “Enforcement of Corporate Social Responsibility initiative within
organizations for attainment of sustainability objectives and competitive advantages”.
Research aims: “ To evaluate the implementation of health and safety initiatives as CSR activity
in LSL architects to achieve sustainability objectives and competitive benefits”
Research objectives:
 To conduct a critical evaluation of enforcement of health and safety initiatives as a CSR
initiative in context of LSL architects.
 To analyses the influence of execution of health and safety practices in LSL architects.
 To suggest some impelling health and safety initiatives to LSL architects to gain
sustainability objectives and competitive benefits.
Research questions:
 Which type of health and safety practices are enforced within LSL architects?
 Is there any kind of affect of implementation of health and safety practices on LSL
architects?
Deliverable
To evaluate the implementation of health and safety initiatives as CSR activity in LSL
architects to achieve sustainability objectives and competitive benefits”

Project scope
Included scope
This project includes a proper planning made fort accomplishing the task of CSR
activities within chosen company. As per this, it has included the objectives, proper research
done through primary and secondary data, an appropriate work breakdown, allocation of
resources etc.
Excluded scope
The present project was done through collection of data from primary source. As per this,
the large data of 50 employees from LSL architects company was gathered while due to limited
time frame, the responses of 10 persons on random basis have been included. Apart from this,
the researchers personal knowledge on the same topic have been included and only articles of
books and journals have been referred for study.
Success criteria
The success of the project can be measured with the help of a balanced scorecard
approach where a specific standard can be fixed for each activity and tasks along with a deadline.
Thus, the tasks accomplished as per the allotted time and set standard will be considered as
successful accomplishment and vice versa.
Project assumptions
It has been assumed that in present project, company chosen for study is not active in
undertaking CSR activities. As per this, the entire project plan with the collection of primary and
secondary data has been done.
Implementation plan
The implementation of project has been done by carrying out the research and allocating
tasks to concerned persons. The funds and required resources have been collected so as to give a
better output of proposed project.

P2 Producing a project management plan by considering the cost, quality, scope, risk and
resources

P3 Producing a work breakdown structure and Gantt chart

PART 2
Project process
P4 Carry out research by applying qualitative tools and techniques for meeting research aims as
well as objectives
1) Does your company takes into account health and safety initiatives as a CSR activity?
 Yes
 No
2) Does LSL architects arrange training sessions regarding health and safety at workplace?
 Agree
 Strongly agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
3)Is there are any investigation conducted after any incident happens in your company?
 Yes
 No
 Can't say
4) Does the management of LSL architects share the experience and learning gained from
any mishap with the applicable stakeholders?
 Yes
 No
 Neutral
5)Which type of health and safety practices for staff are enforced in LSL architects?
 Regular health check ups

 Mental health education system
 Quit smoking campaigns
 Fire and disaster prevention drills
6) What type of impact does the aforementioned initiatives make on the LSL architects?
 Positive impact
 Negative impact
 No impact
7) Mention the benefits of enforcing health and safety initiatives as CSR program within LSL
architects?
 Healthy and safe work environment
 Increase in reputation of company
 Enhances trust and confidence of staff
 Development of workforce
8) Is there are any reduction in incident due to the application of these health and safety
initiatives in LSL architects?
 Yes
 No

Theme 1:Majority of the respondents agree that LSL architects does not considers health and
safety practices as a CSR initiative
1) Does your company takes into account health and safety initiatives as a CSR
activity?
Yes 3
No 7
10
Interpretation:From the above graphical representation, it is interpreted that chosen organization
does not takes into consideration health and safety initiatives as CSR program. Seven out of ten
employees have denied that there are any health and safety initiatives as CSR activity. Only three
of them have accepted that the company considers health and safety practices. This depicts that
cited company does not focus much on the health and safety initiative with reference to CSR
activity.
Yes No
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
3
7
Series1

Theme 2:Majority of employees have refused that they receive any training sessions regarding
health and safety at workplace
2) Does LSL architects arrange training sessions regarding health and safety at
workplace?
Agree 2
Strongly agree 1
Disagree 4
Strongly disagree 3
10
Interpretation:From the mentioned data, it is analyzed that four out of three employee denies
that they get any type of training for health and safety issues at workplace. Three of them had a
strong viewpoint for this issue while two of them accepted that they receive training regarding
health and safety practices. Only one out of ten had a strongly supported this fact. This
Strongly agree Strongly disagree
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
2
1
4
3
Series1

showcases that there are no proper training sessions arranged for staff regarding health and safety
initiatives in the chosen company.
Theme 3:Half of the employees have disagreed that any type of investigation is carried out in
LSL architects regarding incidents
3)Is there are any investigation conducted after any incident happens in your company?
Yes 3
No 5
Can't say 2
10
Interpretation:With the aforementioned graphical presentation, it is evaluated that almost fifty
percent of respondents have refused to agree that there are investigations conducted after any
incident happens in quoted company. Only three out of ten have accepted that investigation is
carried out when a incident occurs. Two of them had no viewpoints about this fact. From this it is
Yes No Can't say
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
3
5
2
Series1

interpreted that the mentioned company does not conduct any type of interrogation after any
accident happens.

Theme 4:Majority of employees have disagreed that management of LSL architects share the
experience and lessons gained from any mishap with the stakeholders
4) Does the management of LSL architects share the experience and learning gained
from any mishap with the applicable stakeholders?
Yes 3
No 6
Neutral 1
10
Interpretation:From the above depicted bar chart, it can be analyzed that the chosen firms does
not share the experience and lesson attained through any accident with the applicable
stakeholder. Six out of ten employees have denied that their experiences and learning from
mishaps are shared with the stakeholders. Only three of them are agreeing with this while one of
them is neutral on this point. This is showcasing that the quoted enterprise does not let the
Yes No Neutral
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
3
6
1
Series1

shareholders know what all mishaps are happening in the organization. The customers,
government agencies and other stakeholders are not aware about the incidents which are
occurring in the enterprise.
Theme 5:Majority of the employees have stated that fire and disaster prevention drills are the
health and safety practice which is adopted in the LSL architects
5)Which type of health and safety practices for staff are enforced in LSL architects?
Regular health check ups 1
Mental health education system 1
Quit smoking campaigns 3
Fire and disaster prevention drills 5
10
1
1
3
5
Regular health check ups
Mental health education
system
Quit smoking campaigns
Fire and disaster prevention
drills

Interpretation:From the above shown pie chart it can be examined that LSL architects adopts
fire and disaster prevention drills for its staff as a health and safety practice. Five out of ten
employees have viewed that the most followed health and safety practices in chosen enterprise is
fire and disaster prevention drills. Three of them had opted for quit smoking campaigns while
one opined that mental health education system is preferred in the chosen organization. Only one
of them had viewed that there are regular medical health check ups for the staff in the cited firm.
Theme 6:A clear majority of employees had viewed that the implementation of health and
safety programs make a positive impact on the LSL architects
6) What type of impact does the aforementioned initiatives make on the LSL
architects?
Positive impact 7
Negative impact 2
No impact 1
7
2
1
Positive impact
Negative impact
No impact

10
Interpretation: With the above stated data presentation, it is evaluated that enforcement of health
and safety initiatives in chosen organization positively impacts it. Seven out of ten respondents
have agreed that it has positive implication on the chosen enterprise. Two of them denies with it
and opines that they make a negative impact on the organization. While one of them had viewed
that there is no such impact due to implementation of health and safety initiatives. Thus it can be
interpreted that the chosen organization enjoy some advantages by executing these kind of
initiatives.
Theme 7:Most of the respondents had viewed that the LSL architects enjoys the advantage of
increase in its reputation due to the enforcement of health and safety initiatives
7) Mention the benefits of enforcing health and safety initiatives as CSR program
within LSL architects?
Healthy and safe work environment 3
3
4
2
1
Healthy and safe work
environment
Increase in reputation of hotel
Enhances trust and
confidence of staff
Development of workforce

Increase in reputation of company 4
Enhances trust and confidence of staff 2
Development of workforce 1
10
Interpretation:With the above demonstrated pie chart, it is assessed that quoted firm enjoy the
benefit of increasing reputation by enforcing health and safety practices as its CSR activity. This
is because of four out of ten employees have viewed this. Three of them had opined that it give
the benefit of healthy and safe work atmosphere while two had favored for enhancement of trust
and confidence in the workforce. Just one out of ten respondents had different viewpoint that it
reaps the benefit of workforce development. Thus, it is interpreted from the above data that the
cited organization enjoys the advantage of increasing reputation by implementing health and
safety practices as its CSR program.
Theme 8:A clear cut majority of employees had viewed that there is no decrease in the number
of accidents despite of enforcing health and safety initiatives in LSL architects.
Yes No
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4
6
Series1

8) Is there any reduction in incidents due to the application of these health and safety
initiatives in LSL architects?
Yes 4
No 6
10
Interpretation: With the aforementioned graphical presentation, it is analyzed that there is no
reduction in the number of mishaps eve after implementing the health and safety initiatives in the
quoted company. Sixty percent of respondents have opined that there is no decrease in the
accidents despite of executing health and safety programs as a part of CSR initiative. While four
out of ten had a distinct viewpoint. They had responded that there is a reduction in the incidents
due to the application of health and safety practices. This depicts that the firm is not able to
reduce the number of accidents even it is implementing the health and safety practices which
arises serious questions.
PART 3
P5 Analyzing research data by using specific tools and techniques
Research design: Descriptive, exploratory, causal and case study is the main types of research
design that can be selected by the scholar. Selection of suitable research design is highly critical
because it has direct impact on other methodologies and thereby overall outcome
(Bhattacharyya, 2009). Hence, with the motive to analyze the impact of CSR activities on the
attainment of organizational goals and objectives exploratory research design has been selected
by the scholar. On the basis of this aspect, solution has been presented by the scholar after
diagnosing each and every aspect related to CSR.
Research type: In the research study, researcher has accountability to select type before initiating
the study. Hence, qualitative and quantitative are the main two research types that researcher can
select to fulfill the aims and objectives. In qualitative study, researcher makes evaluation of
qualitative facts and figures to determine solution (Creswell, 2013). On the other side, numeric

facts and figures are analyzed by the scholar for getting suitable solution. Researcher is required
to select suitable type because it has direct impact on the approach, philosophy and data
collection techniques. By keeping all such aspects in mind and the nature of study qualitative
type has been selected by the scholar. Hence, researcher has offered solution by making
evaluation of qualitative data related to the CSR activities of LSL architects. By using such
technique researcher has analyzed the extent to which CSR activities closely influences the
attainment of organizational goals.
Research approach: Inductive and deductive are the main two research approaches that can be
employed by the scholar for current research or study. Inductive approach of research lays high
level of emphasis on generalization of new theoretical framework (Daniel and Sam, 2011). On
the other hand, deductive approach lays high level of emphasis on the confirmation of
hypothesis. In the current, to evaluate the impact of CSR activities on the performance of LSL
architects inductive research approach has been selected by researcher. Such approach of
research highly suits to qualitative investigation and thereby assists in determining suitable
solution.
Research philosophy: In research, philosophies are highly varied in accordance with the type
and nature of investigation. Hence, interpretivism and positivism are the main two types of
philosophies that researcher can select to conduct whole study in an effectual way (Fiegen,
2010). Hence, interpretivism philosophy has been selected by the researcher to address data
related to the CSR of LSL architects. Hence, by employing such philosophy scholar has assessed
the extent to which CSR activities helps in gaining competitive edge over others.
Data collection: Data is the main input of research on which whole study and its outcome are
dependent. Hence, primary and secondary are the main two types of sources from which data can
be gathered by the scholar (Flick, 2011). Hence, in the present investigation data has been
gathered by the researcher through the means of both primary and secondary. Hence, to collect
primary data survey technique has been selected by the scholar. Thus, by preparing questionnaire
including questions regarding CSR and sending the same to 10 employees of LSL architects data
has been gathered by the scholar. Along with this, books, journals, scholarly articles and
government reports has also been evaluated by the scholar to get understanding about CSR
activities and its impact on company’s position or image.

Sampling: Sample can be chosen by the scholar through the means of probabilistic and no-
probabilistic sampling technique (Garner and Scott, 2013). Hence, in the present investigation by
using purposive sampling technique 10 employees of LSL architects has been selected by the
researcher. Thus, by taking views from manager researcher has identified the impact of CSR on
company’s performance.
Data analysis: When data and information is accumulated through distinct sources it is
necessary on the part of scholar to evaluate them with taking use of various techniques and tools.
These methods are known as data analysis tools. It is a procedure of interpreting the data and
information which is helpful to collect suitable results and frame findings of research. In this,
qualitative research strategy ate taken in use that is useful to analyze the information and data by
doing a thematic analysis (Bennette and Vickers, 2012). The investigator has given preference to
thematic analysis for examining subjective information and achieve desirable outcomes. It is the
most suitable way to by which qualitative research can be done in an efficacious manner. The
thematic analysis is comprising of varied themes, graphical presentations, pie charts and
diagrams. So, it is useful for the reader to understand themes and analyze the outcomes in an
effectual way. Furthermore, thematic analysis is containing graphs and so it intends to gain
appropriate outcomes. This kind of analysis is helpful to represent the questionnaire in an
impelling manner (Jensen, 2013). Along with this, themes are framed in such a manner that is
helps the researcher to attain survey outcomes and findings.
Validity and reliability: Validity evaluates that the entire experimental concept assists in
fulfilling desired results. On the other side, reliability is the method from which evaluation which
is done is reliable and therefore it is useful for researcher to do the same study on the situation
for attaining expected results. Under the recent investigation, the researcher intends to make sure
that data which is collected is reliable and valid along with ensuring validity and reliability of
sources of data and information, tools of data analysis (Mangal and Mangal, 2013). Moreover, to
gather primary data, scholar has intended to frame a questionnaire which is reliable as the output
which is produced is without any manipulation. Along with this, secondary sources of data is
helpful for the researcher to take into account certain reliable sources like articles, journals etc.
In this, suitable analysis is taken in use which is helpful for the investigator in identification of
proper and reliable tools and techniques regarding achievement of expected outcomes. Under the

present research, it is seen that the study which is conducted by the researcher should be
reliable and valid and therefore it is useful for organizations to get positive results so that proper
findings and conclusion of study can be gained (Sahu, 2013). Thus, it is essential for the scholar
to consider suitable sources through which reliable and valid data and information is chosen and
so it is not able to influence the outcomes of research.
Research limitations: There lies numerous research restraints which should be determined by the
investigator during the research is carried out. Therefore, it results in minimizing the scope of
research and affects on the results of the study (Vamsi Krishna Jasti and Kodali, 2014). With
reference to current research study, the scholar faces some research constraints which are
elaborated here:
 Framing aims and objectives of research: It could be evaluated that researcher faces
some limitations in framing aims and objectives. Nevertheless, scholar is able to be
focused on the problems of research which is identified. Moreover, it may also affect on
the effectiveness of study.
 Choosing techniques of data collection: This is one more restraint that the researcher
faces and so it impacts the scholar for identifying the selection of proper research
methodology. Withal, if scholar selects incorrect techniques and tools of research it will
influence the outcomes of the investigation (Supino and Borer, 2012).
 Applying methods of data collection: While conducting the investigation, scholar is
unable to choose and execute data collection methods in a proper manner as individual is
having lack of experience in the specific field.
 Time limits: many times the investigator faces limitations of time ans therefore do not
have adequate time to conduct a deep research and gather responses from individual in
limited time period. Withal, these kind of problems can be solved if the researcher gives
some extra efforts regarding completing the deadline.
 Restricted funds: Apart from this, scholar also faces limitation of non-availability of
funds and so it is necessary for him to gather sufficient amount of money so that
investigation does not get influenced (Harper, 2012).

Ethical concerns: Ethical considerations are those which aids the researcher in identifying the
difference betwixt what is wrong and what is right. In every investigation, the scholar is require
to take into account the ethical concerns and makes sure that no unethical practice is practiced
while conducting the study. In this, the researcher emphasizes on choosing modern subject for
the study. Therefore, for this kind of situation, usually ethical considerations are determined
during collection of primary and secondary sources of data (Gioia Corley and Hamilton, 2013).
For example, when primary data is gathered, it is important on the part of researcher to assure
safety and security of personal information of respondents who are participating in the survey.
Nevertheless, if data get leaked then it impacts the validity of the study. So, the scholar intends to
maintain appropriate safety and security of all personal information of respondents who are
giving their contribution in the completion of the investigation. By holding privacy of gathered
information results in security of information and is not able to take use of content given in
unauthorized websites. Furthermore, alteration and manipulation of gathered data should be
ignored so that best solution for the research problems which are identified can be achieved.
Including this, in taking use of secondary sources of data the issue of plagiarism is also to be
considered (Novikov and Novikov, 2013). Thus, for minimizing this particular issue it is
important for the scholar to takes use of his own vocabulary and knowledge and should avoid
copying or pasting from other sources.
P6 Communicating appropriate recommendations and drawing valid conclusion
Communication plan
From the research study it is concluded that the LSL architects company is not very
focused about the health and safety initiative and does give much significance to this CSR
activity. The firm is having a positive affect of the health and safety initiatives but it is unable to
reduce the number of accidents. Thus the cited organization is provided with the below stated
recommendations which would prove fruitful in implementation of health and safety initiatives
as a part of CSR activity:
 Firstly, the chosen organization is recommended to be serious towards health and safety
practices. With the survey conducted it is showing that is does not focuses much on the
health and safety initiatives as a part of its CSR program.

 Then the firm is advised to provide appropriate training sessions for its staff regarding
health and safety practices. When employees are having proper training then only they
would be able to take use of safety equipment when they face any accident or emergency
situations.
 The architect company is recommended that whenever any incident happens, after that a
proper interrogation should be done so that faults and bottlenecks can be identified and
then plans can be formulated in accordance with it. This will also help in preventing
future mishaps in the enterprise.
 The management of the quoted firm should share the experiences and lessons gained by
employees who faces any accident or bad event at the workplace with the stakeholders.
Through this ideas and solutions to reduce these type of situations can be taken from the
stakeholders.
P7 Reflecting own learning and ability which is associated with such project
By conducting the present research study, I have improved my understanding, skills and
knowledge to a great extent. During the study, I have been able to assess that to conduct an
investigation, it is essential to segregate the main aim of research into distinct objectives of study
so that valid outcomes can be gained. There are number of ways from which data and
information can be assembled for achieving desirable results. Moreover, primary information can
be accumulated by taking help of a questionnaire. While carrying out the study, I also gained
knowledge regarding the style of framing the tasks and activities for making an appropriate
Project management plan and further making a Gantt chart. It is helpful to complete the activities
and tasks within set time frame and so delays can be avoided. Withal, after the Gantt chart is
prepared it becomes necessary to monitor all the activities. This is because if there is a need of
any modification or changes in the tasks, then it can be done. Including this, during the study I
also attained knowledge and understanding to design an effective questionnaire as per the
research aims and objectives. Also, there are two methods to gather data which are known as
qualitative and quantitative methods. I have taken use of both these methods in the present
investigation. Furthermore, quantitative tools should be only applied in the study when research
is based upon numeral form. On the flip side, qualitative tools are used by taking aid of themes,
graphs, diagrams and charts which I have given preference in the current research. This is due to

the fact they are very supportive in analyzing the collected information in form of bar charts,
graphical representations, pie charts and then interpret the data in accordance with it. Along with
it,while conducting the research I discovered that there are two distinct approaches which are
essential for the study. These approaches are named as Inductive approach and Deductive
approach. In the recent study, both the approaches are applied because they support to carry out
the research in an impelling manner. There were certain difficulties which I faced to make Gantt
chart. But I manager to design it by taking support of sample and through practicing it. Along
with this, evaluating data and information and then find out appropriate solutions was also a
tough task for me. But with the assistance of consultants and rigorous practice, I was capable to
make findings, do their analysis and showcase them in an efficacious style.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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