Strategies and Barriers to Internationalization of SMEs in Nigeria's Agricultural Sector

The research report emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, validity, and reliability in conducting a study on small and medium enterprise internationalization and barriers to export performance of local agricultural businesses in Nigeria. The report highlights that ethics play a crucial role in ensuring that participants are not harmed or coerced into providing their opinions. Additionally, the report underscores the significance of establishing the trustworthiness of data through validity and reliability, which helps in achieving the research objectives.

STRATEGIES FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE INTERNATIONALIZATION AND BARRIERS OF
INTERNATIONALIZATION AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES
IN NIGERIA

Chapter 3: Research Methodology
3.1 Introduction
Research is systematic along with the scientific search for the relevant information. It also
includes the careful investigation for exploring the ideas as well as searching new facts about
the knowledge. It is a way to resolve the problem of research in a systematic way and used to
identify, select, process as well as examine the information about the topic. In a dissertation,
the methodology section provides permission to the reader in examining the overall validity
and reliability of the study. The selection of methodology to use will be based on the research
questions, a formulation which is informed by the research perspective (Mackey & Gass, 2015).
Methodology helps in understanding the products of scientific inquiry and the process itself. It
having the aim of describing as well as examining the methods, by offering lights on the
limitations and resources, clarify the presuppositions along with the consequences. Moreover,
they are associated with their capabilities in front of the experts who have the effective
knowledge (Taylor et al., 2015). This assists in developing a critical and scientific attitude
disciplined thinking as well as observe the things effectively. The methodology section helps in
enriching the practitioner and their practices which provide chances to effective study. As the
consumers of research output assist in inculcating the capability to examine as well as utilize
the results of earlier research with the reasonable confidence and also help in making the
rational decisions (Flick, 2015).

The current chapter describes the research type, research design, approach, philosophy,
sampling technique, collection and analysis of data, validity and reliability and ethical
consideration in the study.
3.2 Research Objectives
• To analyze the meaning of internationalization
• To evaluate the internationalization of SMEs
• To examine the strategies for the SME Internationalization
• To investigate the barriers and challenges that SME local agricultural production in
Nigeria may use to internationalize.
3.3 Research Question
• What are the barriers and possible strategies that SME of local agricultural production in
Nigeria can use to internationalize?
3.4 Research Method.
Research method refers to the strategy which is used in implementing and executing the plan.
It is necessary that researcher need to select an appropriate research method which help in
conducting the research effectively and proficiently. Research methods are the strategies which
are utilized in the collection of data in order to uncover the new information (Lewis, 2015).
Two types of research exist. They are;

1. Qualitative: It is a logical technique for perception in social affair the non-numerical
information. This sort of research portrays the implications, ideas definitions, attributes,
images alongside the depiction of things yet not to their tallies or measures. The three
normal subjective strategies are member perception, inside and out meetings, and
center gatherings. Every technique is explicitly suited for acquiring and gathering an
explicit kind of information (Ary et al., 2018).
2. Quantitative: In this research method is emphasizing on the objective measurements
along with the statistical or numerical examination of a collection of information
through a questionnaire and survey. Some distinctive characteristics of quantitative
research include structured tools and it helps in collecting in-depth along with the
actionable data from the survey respondents. It is affiliated with the ideas from the
scientific method that is theories and hypotheses. It is necessary to include the
experimental control and manipulation of variables for measurement (Bryman, 2017).
The researcher will use qualitative research to move forward with the research as this type of
research in conducting the individual interviews which help in exploring the experiences, ideas,
perspectives and situations with the small number of respondents. …. The methodology helps
in the research process that can be adapted to collect resources that can help in investigating
the strategies that can be used by the SMEs to adopt internationalization.
3.5 Research Design
The research design incorporates the arrangement of techniques and systems which is utilized
in gathering and looking at the proportions of the factors which is determined in the

exploration issue. A research design refers to the arrangement of conditions and collections
that is descriptive, correlational, semi-experimental and experimental. In the research design
method, both the variables are included whether it is dependent or independent. This will help
in attaining the goals and objectives (Lewis, 2015).
Descriptive: It is a logical strategy which incorporates the watching and depicting the conduct of
the subject without effect on its way. It is a sort of study which is structured in portraying the
members in a precise way. This examination helps with depicting the general population who
partake in the investigation.
Exploratory: This plan of research is extremely productive. It gives examination so present
deterrent can be inspected in an appropriate way (Meyers et al., 2017). This exploration helps
in doing a successful examination with the goal that advancement or enhancement of pleasing
so compelling choice can be made.
Experimental: This plan is exceptionally powerful and the scientist is utilized based on enhanced
quantitative techniques. In this examination, an in-depth investigation is performed for quite a
while with the goal that objectives can be cultivated. It includes the set of factors are kept
steady while the other arrangement of factors are estimated as the subject of the examination
(Marczyk et al., 2017).
A descriptive design in which a survey process will be used by the researcher to collect the
information on the topic. Descriptive research design refers to the scientific method which
include observing as well as describing the behavior of a subject without influencing it in an

effective way. This research design help in understanding the specific situation with the
identified population over a period of time.
3.6 Research Approach.
It is a plan along with the procedure which comprises of various strides of expansive
presumptions to the definite technique for accumulation and social occasion of information,
analysis as well as interpretation. The approaches related to research based on the nature of
the research problem which needs to be addressed.
Research approaches should be classified into two parts that are inductive and deductive. The
deductive method works from the more general to the specific as it is said to be a top-down
approach. This approach starts with a big picture. It assists in breaking down from there into
different and smaller segments. This approach is simple as well as not data-intensive as it relies
mainly on the historical data and it is opposite to bottom up approach.
(Marshall et al., 2017). In this, the researcher made the hypothesis from the theory, then
according to the hypothesis, an observation made and at last made the confirmation. The
inductive approach works also an ineffective way by moving from specific observations to the
broader generalizations and theories and said to be a bottom-up approach. In an inductive
approach, first need to make an observation, then according to observation patterns need to
prepare. Then with the patterns, the hypothesis needs to prepare and at last, the theory can be
prepared. Deductive method assists in deriving the new conclusions from the fundamental
assumptions as well as from the truth which is established by the other methods (Sekaran &
Bougie, 2016). It includes the procedure of reasoning from certain laws which are assumed to

be true. Inductive method expecting the economists to be an economic historian which assist in
collecting the materials made the generalizations and verify the conclusions by applying it into
different events.
An inductive research approach will be followed as the researcher will induce the data directly
from the source. It is an effective method of reasoning in which premises are viewed as
supplying the effective evidence for the truth and honesty of conclusion. With the conclusion of
deductive argument is certain, truth may be probable and it is depending on the given
evidence. While selecting the inductive approach by using the thematic examination for study
which determine the objective of study to obtain an understanding on phenomenon. It does
not provide focus on testing the hypothesis.
3.7 Research Philosophy
Research philosophy refers to the manner by which data related to marvel should assemble. In
this, data should be established on doubts and that should be considered by the expert.
Research philosophy is the belief which helps in identifying and examining the information. This
assist in conducting the effective research and research can be conducted as per the
assumptions. It ought to be isolated into two sections which incorporate interpretivism and also
positivism (Hughes & Sharrock, 2016).
Interpretivism is a type of subjective system as it depends upon both the prepared specialist
alongside the human subject as the instruments need to quantify each and every phenomenon
and includes both observation and interviews (Hughes & Sharrock, 2016). It prefers the

humanistic qualitative method and includes the researchers to interpret the elements of study
which integrates human interest.
Positivism depends on logical research and dependent on the fund and also factual. Positivism
includes the control of reality with the assortments in only a lone free factor which help in
recognizing regularities and besides need to outline associations between some constituent
components of the social world (Padilla-Díaz, 2015). Positivism has a long and in addition rich
chronicled convention. It is embedded in the overall population that instances of data are not
grounded in positivist by essentially rejected as logical thus it is invalid.
In this research, interpretivism philosophy need to be used as it has a tradition that is no less
glorious than that of positivism, nor it is shorter. Interpretivism philosophy is selected because
it is associated with the philosophical position of idealism and also used to group together
diverse approaches which include social constructivism, and phenomenology as it rejects the
objectivist within the world of consciousness.
3.8 Sampling Technique
It is a procedure which is utilized in the statistical analysis in which predetermined numbers of
observations need to be taken from the large population. The methodology which is utilized in
sampling from the larger population depends on the type of analysis being performed but it is
categorized into different parts that are random as well as systematic sampling.
In front of the researcher, there are diversified kind of sampling techniques which incorporates
irregular, stratified and non-stratified sampling. In this research, researcher is using random
sampling as is the basic technique where researcher select the group of subjects for study from

a larger group. Each individual is selected by chance and each member has an equal chance of
being included in sample (Yang et al., 2018). The goal of this investigation is to identify the
strategies for small and medium enterprise internationalization and barriers of
internationalization and export performance of local agricultural businesses in Nigeria.
Sampling helps a lot in conducting the effective research as it is the important factors which
determine the accuracy of the survey result. If the researcher goes wrong in selecting a correct
sample, then it reflects the final result. There are a lot of techniques which assist in collecting
the samples which rely on the needs and situations (Etikan et al., 2016).
In this research, criteria for selecting the individuals is random sampling by obtaining the
exhaustive list of a larger population and then select as it includes the certain number of
individuals to comprise the sample. It describes the unbiased representation of total population
and if the sample does not represent the population then the variation said to be as sampling
error. The participants of the survey will be the agricultural production companies that have
already internationalized over the years to know the strategies they have used. Agricultural
production companies will be surveyed that has taken internationalization and has been
successful.
3.9 Data Collection Technique
Data collection helps in portraying the device alongside the system and that ought to be utilized
to gather data alongside this, they need to distinguish the factors and that should be estimated.
This strategy is isolated into two techniques which incorporate the primary and secondary

sources. The primary source includes a questionnaire, survey or interview but secondary source
involves books, journals or articles.
Primary sources include the original materials on which research is based. Primary sources are
said to be as first-hand testimony along with the direct evidence which assists in concerning a
topic under the consideration (Miksza et al., 2018). In the primary source, they are presenting
the data in its unique shape neither deciphered, consolidated and analyzed by alternate
essayists. Regardless of whether the source if essential as it tends to be dictated by the viable
way which is utilized by the specialist.
Secondary sources assist in offering the interpretation as well as analysis depends on primary
sources. It assists in offering the effective support on the specific thesis as well as argument and
persuade the reader in accepting to the certain the point of view (Townsend, 2016). Such works
are included in the different steps which are removed from the event which assist in attaining
the benefits.
The data collection method used by the research will be the primary method in which a survey
will be conducted through a questionnaire. The survey will be done in an ethical manner with
required confidentiality and bias-free responses.
3.10 Data Evaluation Technique
The information or data which is gathered through research by utilizing a poll or different
systems. Data evaluation and analysis technique refer to the process which assists in
determining the final products which aid in meeting the original objectives of the statistical
activity, in terms of the reliability from a correctness, timeliness and different point of view. It

provides the permission to the users to better the decipher review results alongside the office
which assists in improving the quality of its surveys (Peters et al., 2015). This will help in making
the effective decisions and techniques of examining the data or information in the absence of
collecting the primary information by the diversified patterns.
Qualitative: It incorporates the point which isn't cover and also comprehend the master plan by
embracing the fitting information which portrays the data.
Quantitative: It is a piece of information examination strategy as it is a deliberate methodology
which helps with doing examination amid the numerical gathering of information and in
addition specialist changes that what is gathered and watch the numerical information (Dotoli
et al., 2015).
In this research, the researcher is using the qualitative technique as in this researcher need to
be done thematic analysis which assists in conducting effective research and collect the
appropriate information. It is the effective and common forms of analysis in qualitative research
as it emphasizes the examining and recording the patterns within the data. As themes are
patterns across the data sets which are essential and important to the description of
phenomenon as well as associated to the specific research question.
3.11 Ethical Consideration
In ethical considerations the exploration is basic as morals are the standards or gauges for
direct which assist in creating the difference between the right or wrong as well as aid in
determining the difference between the behaviors whether it is acceptable and unacceptable.
The ethical considerations describe to the methodology in which the populace is not hurt and

are not commandingly requested to fill the survey. The ethical consideration of the research
report is demonstrated with the entire morals and standards pursued by analyst while directing
examination and no unlawful action are done in such manner. The ethical consideration in this
examination report is that the exploration is led in the moral route inside the standards and
controls of the school and no individual is hurt or compelled to give their conclusion on the
research questions (Bennett & Panicker, 2016). It is essential or important that need to identify
the effective ways by providing and considering the effective focus which is identified with the
moral as well as targets with the validity with the capable way. This is principal correspondingly
as data is correct and also with no outside effect then degree for the trustworthiness enough
pushed forward. In the research, good morals should be kept in the exploration which assists in
accomplishing the fitting outcome along with the issues may get unraveled through this.
3.12 Validity and reliability
Reliability said to be a degree to which assessment tool can produce effective results whether it
is stable and consistent. Validity and reliability are the concepts which are important and
essential for defining and measuring the bias as well as distortion. Validity, as well as reliability,
is an effective feature as it needs to take into consideration at the time of conducting effective
research. It is essential for the researcher to gather or assemble solid and also legitimate
information. The information can be gathered through a study by setting up a survey and that
ought to be genuine. The information and data ought to be utilized by the examination with the
goal that objectives and destinations can be set as they are having a limit (Noble & Smith,
2015). The validity and reliability help in delivering the effective and appropriate information
about the strategies for small and medium enterprise internationalization and barriers of

internationalization and export performance of local agricultural businesses in Nigeria.
According to the objectives or targets, employees need to examine the potentiality which
assists in resolving all the issues and need to identify the barriers to the improvement as well as
development. In this research, the researcher needs to adopt effective and innovative ideas due
to the shortage and loss of diversified things. As researcher need to adopt both the sources
whether it is primary and secondary so that researcher can conduct effective research.
3.13 Limitation of study
Each examination is led under a few requirements and this exploration isn't an exemption.
Limitations are the impacts that the investigator can't control. They are the shortcomings,
conditions or effects which can't be controlled by the expert that put the repressions on the
framework and closures. Any impediments that may affect on the results.
Research is employed in establishing or confirming the facts reaffirming the outcomes of
research work, solve the issues, support theorems or develop new theories.
Some limitations of a research include:
• Random sampling was selected by the researcher so the individuals from the different
classes that are business, professional, services and so on had offered their own view which
contains educational impact also.
• People in case of reluctant to go in details because of their busy schedules along with
the fear whether their details would be disclosed.

• Because of the continuous variations in the environment, what is relevant today and
may be irrelevant tomorrow.
• In research, the lack of training to give report is there.
• In this research, there is the absence of the code of conduct as there is no specific code
of conducts exists for the researchers which assist in rivalry whether it is inter-departmental.
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