Research Methodology Overview

This assignment provides a comprehensive overview of research methodologies. It delves into descriptive research as a conclusive research design and examines the inductive approach within the broader context of research methods. Furthermore, it introduces interpretivism as a qualitative research philosophy.

Managing Successful Business
Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
PART 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Aims and objectives for project........................................................................................1
P2 Project management plan..................................................................................................2
P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt Chart.....................................................................3
PART 2............................................................................................................................................5
P4 Applying qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for meeting project
aims and objectives.................................................................................................................5
M2 and D1..............................................................................................................................9
LOG BOOK.....................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
In the current era of globalization, CSR and sustainability have been considered as one of
the main issue being faced by businesses at international level. Thus, in the present scenario, the
impact of CSR and sustainability helps in building effective brand image so that support from
government could be obtained (Brand, Croonen and Welsh, 2016). It is essential for all the
businesses to identify the challenge and thus recognise CSR activities so that appropriate
outcomes could be attained. In the current study, it is essential to identify the impact of CSR
activeness in regard to meet sustainable objectives in relation to Sainsbury.
PART 1
P1 Aims and objectives for project
Topic- To assess the implementation of coporate social responsibility activities within business
in regard to achieve the sustainable objectives.
Research background-
As per the current competitive market, it is significant for organization to obtain
competitive edge among firms and provide best products and services to clients. Within the UK
retail sector, there has been high rivalry being faced among firms. It is due to the main reason
that they need to retain loyal customers within firm and satisfy their needs. Therefore, in regard
to attain such objective it is essential for businesses to undertake corporate social responsibility
and meet sustainable objectives within firm (Veit and et. al., 2014). Here, Sainsbury UK has
been selected which is a retail firm and thus undertakes all the concept of CSR activities to meet
sustainable objectives. Sainsbury faces tough competition from Tesco, Morrison and Waitrose
etc. However, all such firms are effectively performing their CSR activities in regard to
undertake competitive edge in market. It is also essential for firm to influence customer attention
and thus retain clients for long term. Therefore, Sainsbury is required to perform CSR activities
so that sustainability objectives could be met.
Aim- To assess the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility in regard to achieve sustainable
objectives- a case reference on Sainsbury.
Objectives-
 To identify the significance of CSR activities for Sainsbury.
 To assess the impact of CSR activities to meet sustainable objectives.
1

 To evaluate the relationship between CSR and sustainable objectives within Sainsbury.
 To provide recommendation the ways through which CSR activities need to be performed
in order to attain desired results.
Research questions-
 What is the significance of CSR activities for Sainsbury?
 What is the impact of CSR activities to meet sustainable objectives?
 What is the relationship between CSR and sustainable objectives within Sainsbury?
 What are the ways through which CSR activities need to be performed in order to attain
desired results?
P2 Project management plan
2

P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt Chart
Work breakdown structure
It is essential for business to develop work breakdown structure that helps in carrying out
the business activities within firm. Therefore, it helps business to undertake effective break down
within the roles and responsibilities provided to individuals so that they could carry out the
desired results in an effective and efficient way. Through preparing appropriate structure, scholar
assists to plan the activities which are going to be carried out to assess the impact of CSR
activities in regard to meet sustainable objectives (Smith, Gonin and Besharov, 2013). Here, the
study is being carried out upon retain business i.e. Sainsbury so that desired operations could be
carried out in an effective way. Management of firm develops effective work breakdown
structure structure and allocates the tasks among different workers as per their interest and
expertise. It helps them to accomplish the work in effective and efficient manner. Further, it also
helps in managing the work so that tasks could be accomplished in systematic and appropriate
manner. Following is the work breakdown structure that helps scholar to plan appropriate roles
and responsibilities in relation to conduct the activities and thus attain desired results.
3

Gantt chart
It is stated as the graphical representation that showcases the schedule of activities and
thus conduct the research in an appropriate manner. Here, the main aim of the study is to identify
all the activities in the form of horizontal lines so that different tasks are being identified as well
as duration so that best results could be accomplished. Gantt Chart is the horizontal presentation
that showcases the beginning and end dates of every activity and thus help scholar to perform the
end outcomes (Pollock, Wick and Jefferson, 2015). Here, with the help of present Gantt Chart all
the activities are tracked in regard to identify the implementation of CSR activities so that
sustainability objectives could be met.
4

PART 2
P4 Applying qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for meeting project aims
and objectives
Research methodology is considered as the process which is being used in regard to
collect information and data for the purpose of making suitable business decisions. However,
methodology involves publication research, interviews, surveys and other different research
techniques so that both present and historical information could be collected in terms of carrying
out the desired study. It also involves different tools and techniques that could be used by
researcher for the purpose of attaining desired aims and objectives (Massingham, Massingham
and Diment, 2012). Research methodology is the process through which researcher collects the
information based upon the particular study and then analyse and interpret the collected
information so that desired outcomes could be attained. Further, scholar aims to carry out the
study in an effective way and thus give proper recommendations that depends upon the end
5

results. However, in regard to carry out the process of research methodology, scholar uses
different methods so that study could be conducted effectually. Here, in the current study, upon
implementing Corporate Social Responsibility for sustainability and competitive advantage
within Sainsbury different research tools and techniques could be used so that desired objectives
could be met. Following are the different research tools used in the current research are described
underneath-
 Research design- It is considered as the overall strategy that researcher chooses to
integrate the different components of study. Thus, it is essential to ensure that it helps in
effectually addressing the research problem so that proper blueprint is prepared for
collecting, measuring and analysing the data (Descriptive Research. 2016). Scholar
prepares blueprint of the research framework so that study could be carried out in an
effective way. There are different types of research design such as descriptive, casual and
exploratory. In the current study, descriptive research design will be used to analyse the
implementation of CSR activities within Sainsbury to meet its sustainable objectives in
the study (Miller and et.al., 2012). However, adopting such design tool helps scholar to
carry out in-depth information so that better results could be attained. Descriptive
research design is considered as the statement of affairs in which scholar do not have any
control over the variables and thus help them to understand the current issue so that data
could be collected and describe the same in detailed way.
 Research philosophy- It is another tool which is considered as the belief about the way
through which data about a phenomenon should be collected, analysed and used.
However, scholar undertakes effective research philosophy so that it helps in
encompassing believe to be true (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2012). There are
different research philosophy such as interpretivism, positivism and realism. In the
current study, interpretivism research philosophy will be used that helps in interpreting
different elements of study (Interpretivism (interpretivist) Research Philosophy. 2016). It
is the best way through which researcher implement the CSR within Sainsbury in regard
to attain sustainable objectives. However, such philosophy proves to be effective as
scholar could integrate human interest within the study upon the basis of which end
results could be attained. Also, focus of researcher aims to carry out the meaning so that
6

multiple methods could be employed in regard to reflect upon the different issues
(Bernard, 2011).
 Research approach- It is considered as the relevance of hypotheses to the study so that it
helps in contributing to the emergence of new theories and generalizations. There are two
main types of research approach i.e. inductive and deductive approaches (Yin, 2011).
Deductive approach is stated as the tests that assesses the validity of assumptions while
inductive approach helps in contributing to the emergence of new theories and
generalizations. Moreover, researcher identifies the use of both these methods and its
usefulness so that best method could be adopted. In the current study, scholar implements
inductive approach which could be termed as inductive reasoning as per which,
researcher would make observations and theories upon the basis of which data has been
collected in regard to implement CSR activities within Sainsbury in regard to meet
sustainable objectives (Inductive Approach (Inductive Reasoning). 2016). However, the
selected topic is theoritical and for that inductive research approach is being selected that
helps in explaining the same so that best results could be attained. Also, no theories or
hypothesis will be applied as according to this approach, scholar will be free to alter the
directions of their study and thus carry out the process (Hussain, 2011). Thus, it helps in
obtaining specific and detailed information so that researcher concludes the study wiitu
generalised information and ideas.
 Data collection- Such tool is considered as the process of collecting and measuring the
information based upon targeted variables in an systematic order so that it enables
researcher to obtain relevant information in regard to evaluate the outcomes. There are
two types of data collection methods that helps in gathering information related to
implementing CSR activities within Sainsbury so that sustainable objectives could be
attained. Both these methods are used in regard to obtain final results and make effective
conclusion (Ibnouf, 2011). Primary research method involves interviews which will be
done using questionnaire tool that comprises of both open and close ended questions. In
such type of research, data will be collected for the first time and thus carry out the
research in an effective way. While, researcher also uses secondary data collection
methods that helps them to involve different sources such as online articles, journals,
newspapers, internet sources etc. Secondary sources are considered as the already
7

researched articles which is being used to conduct the current research. In the present
study, both these data collection sources are being used so that CSR could be
implemented in order to attain sustainable objectives.
 Sampling- It is considered as the way through which sample is being collected from the
whole universe. There are two sampling techniques i.e. probability and non-probability so
that suitable sample is being collected from the large number of population. Here, in the
current study, researcher uses probability sampling within which simple random
sampling is being selected and thus provide equal chances of being selected. Thus, it
helps researcher to implement CSR activities within Sainsbury to meet sustainable
objectives (Khan, 2011). Here, customers of Sainsbury are being selected as target
audience and thus sample size of 30 customers will be interviewed in order to obtain the
outcomes of present study.
 Data analysis- It is the process that helps in evaluating, analysing and transforming data
with the goal of discovering useful information and suggesting conclusion in regard to
make decision making. Researcher evaluates the collected data and thus interpret the
same in regard to obtain desired results. There are two type of method such as qualitative
and quantitative method in regard to implement CSR activities and meet sustainable
business objectives (Kothari, 2004). However, concerned to this study, there is no
numerical study, therefore, no statistical software is being selected in regard to analyse
the collected data. Hence, qualitative data analysis method is being used that helps in
preparing thematic analysis and thus prepare different themes so that study could be
carried out effectively. Also, appropriate justification of themes would be useful in terms
of achieving desired outcomes.
 Validity and reliability- Both these aspects are considered as effective and thus it helps
in ensuring that whether the research is valid or not. Validity is stated as the surety that
information collected for the research is true and thus researcher collected information
from authentic sources (Kuada, 2012). Further, reliability is another element that helps in
ensuring that if the same research topic is being studied which helps in obtaining desired
outcomes. Thus, it can be stated that if the information used within the study is valid,
than it would reliable in any case. While, reliability do not ensure regarding the validity
of the information.
8

 Ethical consideration- Researcher is required to conduct research in an ethical manner
so that desired results could be attained. At the time of conducting interviews, it is
essential for scholar to inform respondents about the study being carried out. Thus, no
respondents should be unaware about the research topic. Also, another ethical
consideration that needs to be kept into mind is that researcher needs to keep the study
confidential and do not share the personal information of respondents with other person.
Thus, such ethical consideration helps in obtaining crucial results at the time of
conducting the study (Kumar, 2010).
 Limitations of research- There are various limitations to the research faced by the
scholar and thus it affects the study. Such limitations are majorly in terms of time, money
and knowledge. Thus, researcher is required to overcome the research at the time of
collecting data and thus obtain useful information. Researcher might face issue regarding
restricted sites as there are some sites which are restricted at the time of obtaining useful
information (Modell and Humphrey, 2008). Thus, it involves risk in regard to obtain
accurate results. Also, researcher possess limited period of time in regard to accomplish
the study and thus limitation faced by researcher in the form that limited data sources
available.
M2 and D1
LOG BOOK
Week 1
1.1 Weekly research updating Obtaining information given upon Corporate
Social Responsibility
1.2 Different risk and problems Threat faced in not attaining the objectives
through using irrelevant information.
1.3 Problems faced Communication of information
1.4 Innovative ideas and Change within
direction of project
Use of new tools and techniques
1.5 Learnings Framing objectives
1.6 To plan for Next Week Formulate better objectives that could be used
9

to obtain reliable information.
1.7 Project plan To target on service user
1.8 Comments of supervisor Implementation need to be done in a proper
manner.
Week 2
1.1 Weekly research updating Results need to be attained in relation to
Corporate social responsibility
1.2 Different risk and problems Risk of loosing data
1.3 Problems faced Technical issues
1.4 Innovative ideas and Change within
direction of project
Requires experience staff
1.5 Learnings Innovative technology is required in regard to
carry out survey
1.6 To plan for Next Week Market research needs to be carried out
1.7 Project plan Carrying out planning activities that helps in
raising the business activities
1.8 Comments of supervisor Improvements needs to be done
Week 3
1.1 Weekly research updating Carrying out results related to CSR
1.2 Different risk and problems Providing inappropriate quality
1.3 Problems faced Staff is facing problems in accomplishing the
project
1.4 Innovative ideas and Change within
direction of project
Research needs to be conducted through
adopting effective techniques
10

1.5 Learnings Using effective data analysis techniques
1.6 To plan for Next Week Analyse the market in regard to find out the
needs and wants of users
1.7 Project plan Questionnaire needs to be prepared in regard to
carry out survey regarding CSR activities.
1.8 Comments of supervisor Improving the work
Week 4
1.1 Weekly research updating Research to be conduct on the basis of needs of
the society.
1.2 Different risk and problems Distributing information through social media
1.3 Problems faced Equally distribution of work within staff
1.4 Innovative ideas and Change within
direction of project
Using effective technology and experienced
workers.
1.5 Learnings Easy question for users
1.6 To plan for Next Week Carrying out study upon social needs
1.7 Project plan Using innovative technology and overcome
issues
1.8 Comments of supervisor Good quality work
Week 5
1.1 Weekly research updating Identifying needs of the people regarding CSR
1.2 Different risk and problems Different views of diverse individual
1.3 Problems faced Discussion based on the targeted audience
1.4 Innovative ideas and Change within
direction of project
Use of staff which are related to the points
11

1.5 Learnings Individual behaviours
1.6 To plan for Next Week Manager need to provide better work so that
best results could be attained.
1.7 Project plan Distributing questionnaire through e-mail to
target audience
1.8 Comments of supervisor Innovative idea
12

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bernard, H. R., 2011. “Research Methods in Anthropology” 5th edition. AltaMira Press. p.7
Brand, M.J., Croonen, E.P. and Welsh, D.H., 2016. Successfully managing chain-wide
transformational change. Organizational Dynamics. 45(2). pp.94-103.
Eckerson
Hussain, T., 2011. Research Methodology in Physical Education. Pinnacle Technology.
Ibnouf, F. O., 2011. Challenges and possibilities for achieving household food security in the
Western Sudan region: the role of female farmers. Food Security. 3(2). pp. 215-231.
Khan., 2011 . Research Methodology. APH Publishing.
Kothari, C. R., 2004. Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Age International.
Kuada, J., 2012. Research Methodology: A Project Guide for University Students.
Samfundslitteratur.
Kumar, R., 2010 . Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. SAGE.
Massingham, P., Massingham, R. and Diment, K., 2012. Q methodology: is it useful for
accounting research?. Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management. 19(1). pp. 66–
88.
Miller, T. and et.al., 2012. Ethics in Qualitative Research. SAGE.
Modell, S. and Humphrey, C., 2008. Balancing acts in qualitative accounting research.
Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management. 5(2). pp.92–100.
Pollock, R.V., Wick, C.W. and Jefferson, A., 2015. The six disciplines of breakthrough learning:
How to turn training and development into business results. John Wiley & Sons.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A., 2012. “Research Methods for Business Students”
6th edition. Pearson Education Limited.
Smith, W.K., Gonin, M. and Besharov, M.L., 2013. Managing social-business tensions: A
review and research agenda for social enterprise. Business Ethics Quarterly. 23(03).
pp.407-442.
Veit, D. and et. al., 2014. Business models. Business & Information Systems Engineering. 6(1).
pp.45-53.
Yin, R., 2011. Qualitative Research from Start to Finish. The Guildford Press.
Online
13