Research Methodology and its Applications

This assignment delves into the realm of research methodology, examining different approaches used to investigate social phenomena. It analyzes specific studies across various disciplines, such as social work, child psychology, business management, and education, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each methodology employed. The emphasis is on understanding how researchers choose appropriate methods based on their research questions and objectives, ultimately contributing to a deeper comprehension of research processes and findings.

DISSERTATION PROPOSAL
(Explore motivational factors that impact on worker's performance: A study on
Marks and Spencer in Oxford Circus)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
a. Research background..........................................................................................................1
b. Research problems..............................................................................................................1
c. Research purpose................................................................................................................2
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................2
Aim.........................................................................................................................................2
Objective.................................................................................................................................2
RESEARCH QUESTIONS.............................................................................................................2
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................3
Significance of motivation.....................................................................................................3
Motivational theories..............................................................................................................3
Various motivational factors that impact on worker's performance ......................................4
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................4
Research philosophy...............................................................................................................4
Research design......................................................................................................................5
Research approach .................................................................................................................5
Data Collection.......................................................................................................................5
Sampling.................................................................................................................................5
Data analysis...........................................................................................................................5
Ethical considerations.............................................................................................................5
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH.........................................................................................6
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS..........................................................................................................6
PROJECT SCHEDULE...................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER OUTLINE.....................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
a. Research background
One of the main objectives of every business unit is to maximize profit and to sustain in
the market for longer duration. In the increasing competitive era companies, a have intensified
need to improve working performance of their workers so that they can contribute well in
accomplishing goal of the entities. Corporate environment is changing rapidly thus,
organizations have to pay more attention on managing their workers well. It is only possible by
motivating the staff members (Weingarten, Pagell and Fynes, 2013). Motivation is the way that
can enhance confidence and loyalty of the workers and can retain them in the workplace for
longer duration. Human resource is the most valued assets of the company that can support
organization in achieving their goals and objectives. Main responsibility of the human resource
department is to hire skilled employees and to retain them in the workplace for longer duration.
This is only possible by encouraging the staff members and making them loyal towards the firm
(Shields, Brown and Plimmer, 2015).
Present study is based on Marks and Spencer in Oxford Circus which is fashion retailer
and operates its business across the world. Oxford Circus is the location in London which is
famous for shopping (Stanley, 2013). Main agenda of the cited firm is to motivate its employees
so that they put their hard efforts and contribute well in accomplishing goal of the entity. It is
fact that by encouraging the staff members companies can improve their productivity and quality
of products as well. Dissertation will explore motivational factors that can impact on worker's
performance and can encourage them to work better (Torres and Sidorova, 2015).
b. Research problems
Marks and Spencer is operating its business in the fashion industry. It provides quality
and stylish clothes to the consumers as per their requirement. Companies want to increase its
revenues and want to gain attention of mass audience. On daily bases cited firm has to deal with
many customers. Employees deal with them directly, they have to understand their requirements
and have to provide them products as per their requirements. For achieving this objective M&S
require appropriate manpower and effective team (van Nunspeet, Ellemers and Derks, 2015).
Currently employees of the Marks and Spencer in Oxford Circus are not performing their work
efficiently. They feel demotivated due to corporate culture, hard practices. It decreases their
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motivation level and they feel disheartened and think to leave their jobs. This study will help
M&S in identifying factors that can motivate the workers and can improve their work
performance. This dissertation will be beneficial for other companies as well, by this way they
will get to know issues faced by employees, their needs and firms will be able to make effective
strategies that can encourage their workers.
c. Research purpose
The main aim of the study is to explore motivational factors that impact on worker's
performance of Marks and Spencer in Oxford Circus. Objective of the investigation is to identify
significance of motivation in the organization . Furthermore, another objective of the dissertation
is to investigate various motivational theories that can support companies in encouraging their
workers and improving their work performance.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Aim
“To Explore motivational factors that impact on worker's performance; A study on Marks and
Spencer in Oxford Circus”.
Objective
 To assess significance of motivation in organizations.
 To investigate motivational theories that can encourage workers of Marks and Spencer.
 To explore various motivational factors that impact on worker's performance and their
work.
 To suggest ways to enhance motivational level of the employees in Marks and Spencer.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
 Why motivation is important in organizations?
 What are the various motivational theories that can encourage workers of Marks and
Spencer?
 What are the main motivational factors that impact on worker's performance and their
work?
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LITERATURE REVIEW
Significance of motivation
As per the view of Smith, (2015) motivation is the correlated activity which energises
and arouses behaviour. Author has stated that motivation is the intensity of action that influence
individual' behaviour. Real, Roldán and Leal, (2014) has argued that motivation is the Latin
word which means to move. It is the psychological process that act as driver for satisfying needs
of persons. All persons have different needs and requirements. Some has monitory and others
have non-monitory needs. Companies have to identify their employee's requirement and have to
fulfil those. That supports in encouraging their workers and make them loyal towards the brands.
As per the view of Rui, (2013) motivation is set of processes that direct and arouse human
behaviour and make them able to attain company's goal.
Motivation is the essential tool and beneficial for the welfare of the companies.
Wiengarten, Pagell and Fynes, (2013) has stated that motivation is helpful for the organization
that supports entities in earning higher profit. Higher authorities allocate responsibilities to the
staff members as per the capabilities and motivated person is able to perform their work
effectively. This supports organization in earning higher profit and increasing their brand image
(Pfefferbaum, Newman and Nitiéma, 2014).
According to Real, Roldán and Leal, (2014) high level productivity is the main advantage
of motivated employees. It brings confidence among the staff members and put their hard efforts
in order to improve production quality. It gives opportunity to the business unit to expand their
business across the world. Smith, (2015) has stated that motivation is the important tool that
helps the companies in increasing satisfaction level of their staff members. It is the process by
which workers deal with clients effectively and try to fulfil their needs. That makes people loyal
towards the brand and they do not move to other brands (Stanley, 2013).
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Motivational theories
According to Shields, Brown and Plimmer, (2015) Maslow's hierarchy is the major
motivational theory which explains various needs of the human being. Abraham Maslow
explains that people have physiological, safety, belongingness, self-esteem and self-actualization
needs. Companies have to understand their requirements and have to fulfil their needs. That leads
to encouraging staff members and help in improving their working performance (Torres and
Sidorova, 2015).
As per the view of Wiengarten, Pagell and Fynes, (2013) Herzberg's two factor is the
great motivational theory that supports entity in identifying various needs of the human being.
This theory explains that hygiene and motivation are two major factors that impact on the work
performance of the employees. If companies deal with these elements effectively then they will
be able to encourage their staff members. Hygiene factor includes salary, status, job security,
benefits elements.
Various motivational factors that impact on worker's performance
Motivation is the main process that influence the mind of individuals and make them
loyal towards the brand. Shields, Brown and Plimmer, (2015) has stated that reward system is the
main element that impact on the worker's performance. Companies offer monitory and non-
monitory rewards to their staff members. That fulfil their desires and help them in encouraging
their workers. This reward system boost energy of employees and make them loyal towards
company. As per the view of Rui, (2013) structure of the company is the major element that
encourages the employees and increases the performance level of their workers. Author has
stated that if companies involve their employees in decision making process and give them
power then they feel motivated and put their hard efforts to accomplish goals of the organization
(Wiengarten, Pagell and Fynes, 2013)..
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is the detail planning for gathering in-depth information about the
subject matter. Researcher has to take support of various tools and techniques so that individual
can develop better understanding about the subject matter.
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Research philosophy
It is one of the essential tool that defines the belief of researcher in respect to collection
of data (Vasilevsky and et.al, 2015). Scholar has to analyse information effectively so that
individual can develop their knowledge in respect to the subject matter. In the present study
researcher will use interpretivism philosophy that would help in getting realistic outcome. In this
tool scholar can take support of theories, models in order to develop their understanding about
the topic .
Research design
It is another part of research methodology in which researcher can get factual information
about the topic (Hooper and Gunn, 2014). In the present investigation on motivational factors
and its impact on worker's performance scholar will take support of descriptive research design.
It is great tool that supports in carrying out the investigation in theoretical manner. With the help
of this method individual will be able to highlight issues..
Research approach
It is the best technique that supports in identifying the way of conducting the
investigation. In the present study on motivational factors and impact on worker's performance
researcher will use inductive approach. It will support in identifying link between motivation and
work performance of employees in the organization .
Data Collection
There are two main sources of data collection; primary and secondary (Hooper and Gunn,
2014). In the present investigation scholar will use questionnaire technique to gather information
about the subject matter. Questionnaire will support in getting realistic information about the
corporate market. With the help of this researcher will be able to identify to which extent
motivational factors impact their performance (Smith, 2015).
Sampling
It is the most important part of research methodology in which scholar has to select
participants from the population those who can participate in the investigation. Researcher will
select 20 managers of Marks and Spencer in Oxford Circus. They will be suitable respondents
because they can be able to give information about importance of motivation in the organization
and its impact on employee.
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Data analysis
After collecting information researcher has to analyse data (Baldwin, 2016).. In the
current investigation scholar will use thematic analysis tool to analyse information in effective
manner. Through charts and graphs individual can present the results impressively.
Ethical considerations
It is most important part of every study, scholar has to meet ethical criteria in conducting
the research. In the present investigation researcher will follow ethical aspects and will take
permission of higher authorities of Marks and Spencer before starting this research. In addition,
individual will send concern form to all participants before sending them questionnaire. Once
they will give their positive response then only individual will send them questionnaire .
Investigator will not copy and paste any information from website, individual will read the
article and will write it in his own words so that issue related with plagiarism will not take place.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH
With the help of research, it has been observed that staff turnover is increasing in the M&S in Oxford
Circus, company has to hire new candidates frequently those who can perform well for the
welfare of the organization (Shields, Brown and Plimmer, 2015). It is increasing cost of the firm
to great extent. This study will be beneficial for the cited firm in motivating the employees and
reducing staff turnover. This study will help in identifying factors that impacts on individual
performance. thus company can be able to make effective strategies that can improve working
performance of the staff members .
Present research will be beneficial for other researchers also because they will get
interesting topic for further research. With the help of this study companies can get effective
ways that will help in increasing performance level of their workers and can make them loyal
towards the brands.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS
Researcher has limited financial resources, while conducting the investigation on this
topic. Furthermore, limited time period will be another research limitation because motivation is
the vast topic and there are many factors that can impact on performance of individuals. It is very
difficult to cover all these elements in such limited time duration.
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PROJECT SCHEDULE
Activities 1th
Week
2nd
Week
3rd
Week
4th
Week
5th
Week
6th
Week
7th
Week
8th
Week
9th
Week
10th
Week
Topic selection
and framing of
aims and
objectives
Literatures
review
Data
collection from
primary and
secondary
sources
Recording of
data
Data analysis
Discussion
and conclusion
Edition as per
feedback of
client and
final
submission of
report
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CHAPTER OUTLINE
Chapter 1: Introduction: It will be the first chapter in which researcher will give background of
the study.
Chapter 2: Literature Review: It will be second session of the study in which scholar will review
other scholar's articles on the same topic.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology: In this chapter, scholar will use various tools and techniques
for conducting this study in effective manner.
Chapter 4: Data analysis: It will be next chapter in which collected data will be analysed by the
investigator through thematic technique.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation: In this part, scholar will summarize whole study
and will give related recommendation.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Baldwin, M., 2016. Social work, critical reflection and the learning organization. Routledge.
Hooper, C. A. and Gunn, R., 2014. Recognition as a framework for ethical participatory
research: developing a methodology with looked after young people. International Journal
of Social Research Methodology. 17(5). pp.475-488.
Pfefferbaum, B., Newman, E. and Nitiéma, P., 2014. Research methodology used in studies of
child disaster mental health interventions for posttraumatic stress. Comprehensive
psychiatry. 55(1). pp.11-24.
Real, J. C., Roldan, J. L. and Leal, A., 2014. From entrepreneurial orientation and learning
orientation to business performance: analysing the mediating role of organizational
learning and the moderating effects of organizational size. British Journal of Management.
25(2). pp.186-208.
Rui, S., 2013. Creating Innovative Behavior among R&D Professionals: the effect of Innovative
Climate and Employee Motivation in Chinese Firms. Advances in Information Sciences
and Service Sciences. 5(4). p.432.
Shields, J., Brown, M. and Plimmer, G., 2015.Managing Employee Performance & Reward:
Concepts, Practices, Strategies. Cambridge University Press.
Smith, E., 2015. the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic rewards on employee motivation at a
medical devices company in South Africa. Kuwait Chapter of the Arabian Journal of
Business and Management Review. 5(1). p.39.
Stanley, L., 2013. Feminist praxis (RLE feminist theory): Research, theory and epistemology in
feminist sociology. Routledge.
Torres, R. and Sidorova, A., 2015. The effect of business process configurations on user
motivation. Business Process Management Journal. 21(3). pp.541-563.
van Nunspeet, F., Ellemers, N. and Derks, B., 2015. Reducing implicit bias: How moral
motivation helps people refrain from making “automatic” prejudiced associations.
Translational Issues in Psychological Science. 1(4). pp.382.
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Vasilevsky, N. and et.al., 2015. Curriculum development of a research laboratory methodology
course for complementary and integrative medicine students. Medical science educator.
25(2). pp.171-175.
Wiengarten, F., Pagell, M. and Fynes, B., 2013. ISO 14000 certification and investments in
environmental supply chain management practices: identifying differences in motivation
and adoption levels between Western European and North American companies. Journal of
Cleaner Production. 56. pp.18-28.
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