Impact of COVID-19 on Hospitality: Research Methods Report

This report presents a research study investigating the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry in the UK, using Travelodge as a case study. The research aims to identify the pandemic's effects, challenges faced, and potential strategies for mitigation. The methodology employs a deductive approach and a descriptive research design, utilizing quantitative research methods with a sample of 30 participants selected through probabilistic sampling. Ethical considerations, including respect for autonomy, privacy, scientific integrity, social responsibility, and maximizing benefits while minimizing harm, are thoroughly addressed. The report includes a detailed table of contents, a discussion of the research approach, design, and method, participant selection, and ethical considerations, along with a research ethics checklist form. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the hospitality sector during and after the pandemic.

Research Methods

Table of Contents
AIM OF YOUR RESEARCH ........................................................................................................3
OBJECTIVES OF YOUR RESEARCH..........................................................................................3
METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................................3
Research Approach.....................................................................................................................3
Research Design..........................................................................................................................3
Research method.........................................................................................................................4
Participants..................................................................................................................................4
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS.....................................................................................................4
Respect for the autonomy............................................................................................................4
Privacy and dignity of individuals and communities..................................................................4
Scientific integrity.......................................................................................................................5
Social responsibility....................................................................................................................5
Maximising benefit and minimising harm..................................................................................5
appendix...........................................................................................................................................7
Research Ethics Checklist Form RE1.........................................................................................7

AIM OF YOUR RESEARCH
“To identify the impact of Covid-19 on the hospitality industry of the UK”. A case study of
Travelodge.
OBJECTIVES OF YOUR RESEARCH.
 To evaluate the importance of the hospitality industry for a country?
 To determine the negative impact and challenges that Travelodge has faced due to Covid-
19?
 To determine potential strategies which will help Travelodge to reduce the negative
impacts of COVID-19?
METHODOLOGY
Research Approach
Research approach is considered as the plan and procedure which is associated with
broad assumptions within research so that in detailed manner research can be exerted. There are
two types of research approaches such as inductive and deductive. In the current research
deductive approach is used as this is aligned with positivism research philosophy and would
assist the researcher in confirming statistical significance of the research (Alase, 2017). As the
current research is based on determining the impact of COVID-19 on hospitality industry so that
using deductive approach significant relationship can be made in terms of two variables within
research. The deductive approach also assists the researcher in measuring concepts of the
research in which leading observations can be made which helps in taking out prominent
outcomes.
Research Design
Research design is considered as the techniques which are chosen by the researcher in
order to design the research in proper manner. These are the methods which are used for the
process of collection and evaluation. There are different types of research design such as
descriptive, experimental and exploratory. Each of the research design is helpful in gaining
attention of the researcher in which proper results can be acquired (Hammarberg, Kirkman and
de Lacey, 2016) Descriptive research design is related with quantitative research choice, whereas
exploratory research is related with qualitative research methods. In the current research, the

researcher have used descriptive research design so that to manage the whole research in
quantitative manner. This research design is helpful in describing the population and situation so
that in systematic manner research can be executed.
Research method
Research method is defined as the tool which is majorly used by the researcher in order to
execute the overall research. There are two types of research methods such as quantitative and
qualitative. For the current research, researcher has chosen quantitative research methods so that
overall research can be managed in statistical manner (Beins, 2017). In the context of qualitative
research methods the researcher is emphasised over gathering of in-depth information related
with research topic whereas quantitative research methods are associated with examining
statistical information.
Participants
Under the current research using probabilistic sampling methods participants are selected.
30 respondents are selected using random sampling method.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Respect for the autonomy
Under the current research I have respected the autonomy of the individuals so that their
action would not violate any rights of individuals. In this every respondent make their own
decision in the context of any interventions (Greenwood, 2016). By undertaking this principle
right of self-determination is given to respondents so that without facing any interruption they
can make their own decision in respect of taking participation within the research.
Privacy and dignity of individuals and communities
The current research is based on analysing the impact of COVID-19 on business
functions of hospitality industry in which the researcher has used quantitative methods of data
analysis. Under the current research response from third party is obtained so that this is
mandatory that to manage their privacy and dignity. In the current research I have used principles
of privacy and dignity so that their given responses can be kept confidential (Feister and et. al.,
2016). In this manner the researcher is needed to store gathered data in confidential manner so
that dignity of respondents can be protected.

Scientific integrity
Integrity is defined as the aspect of the research in which transparency and quality within
research can be managed. Under all the researches this is significant for researcher that not to use
false data so that misappropriation of data can be prevented. Under this misconduct within
research can be prevented so that accurate results can be drawn (Fields, 2020). Under the
research I have collected all the information by keeping into the mind regarding not using false
practices which may lead into data fabrication. This has helped me into supervise all the research
findings and upkeep sake of every involved party.
Social responsibility
Social responsibility is related with managing dignity and integrity of every single
involved party so that value can be given to respondents in which potential research outcomes
can be taken out. At the time of carrying out the research this is requisite that to include society
and their benefit so that negative elements from the research can be eliminated (Astaneh and
Masoumi, 2018). In this manner within the research I have focused in avoiding any type of
emotional torture within potential respondents so that respondents do not hesitate by taking
participation into the research.
Maximising benefit and minimising harm
This study is free from any physical damage or harm of the respondents in which privacy
and dignity is maintained in high manner. On the other hand, the respondents are assured that
using such measures their safety and privacy is increased by which possible risks within research
can be minimised. Using the responses of respondents overall benefits are maximised and such
practices are used by which harm can be minimised (Ratheesh and et. al., 2017). Such practices
are helpful in gaining true research results and involvement of respondents in such a way that
their responses can be aligned with overall research results.

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Alase, A., 2017. The interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA): A guide to a good
qualitative research approach. International Journal of Education and Literacy
Studies, 5(2), pp.9-19.
Astaneh, B. and Masoumi, S., 2018. From paper to practice; indexing systems and ethical
standards. Science and Engineering Ethics, 24(2), pp.647-654.
Beins, B.C., 2017. Research method: A tool for life. Cambridge University Press.
Feister and et. al., 2016, June. Integrating ethical considerations in design. In 2016 ASEE Annual
Conference & Exposition.
Fields, B.G., 2020. Regulatory, legal, and ethical considerations of telemedicine. Sleep Medicine
Clinics, 15(3), pp.409-416.
Greenwood, M., 2016. Approving or improving research ethics in management journals. Journal
of Business Ethics, 137(3), pp.507-520.
Hammarberg, K., Kirkman, M. and de Lacey, S., 2016. Qualitative research methods: when to
use them and how to judge them. Human reproduction, 31(3), pp.498-501.
Ratheesh and et. al., 2017. Ethical considerations in preventive interventions for bipolar
disorder. Early intervention in psychiatry, 11(2), pp.104-112.

APPENDIX
Research Ethics Checklist Form RE1
This checklist should be completed for every research project which involves human participants. It is
used to identify whether a full application for ethics approval needs to be submitted.
Before completing this form, please refer to the University Code of Practice on Ethical Standards
for Research Involving Human Participants. The principal investigator and, where the principal
investigator is a student, the supervisor, is responsible for exercising appropriate professional judgment in
this review.
This checklist must be completed before potential participants are approached to take part in any
research.
Section I: Applicant Details
1. Name of Researcher (applicant):
2. Status (please click to select): Active
3. Email Address:
4a. Contact Address:
4b. Telephone Number:
Section II: Project Details
5. Project Title: “To identify the impact of Covid-19 on
the hospitality industry of the UK”. A case
study of Travelodge.
Section III: For Students Only:
6. Course title and module name and
number where appropriate
Business Management
BMP6001 Dissertation

7. Supervisor’s or module leader’s name:
8. Email address:
9. Telephone extension:
Declaration by Researcher (Please tick the appropriate boxes)
✓ I have read the University’s Code of Practice
✓ The topic merits further research
✓ I have the skills to carry out the research
✓ The participant information sheet, if needed, is appropriate
✓ The procedures for recruitment and obtaining informed consent, if needed, are appropriate
✓ The research is exempt from further ethics review according to current University guidelines
✓ Where relevant, I have read the ethical guidelines of the regulatory body that is relevant to
my discipline and verify that the research adheres to these guidelines

Section IV: Research Checklist
Please answer each question by ticking the appropriate box:
YES NO
1. Will the study involve participants who are particularly vulnerable or who
may be unable to give informed consent (e.g. children, people with learning
disabilities, emotional difficulties, problems with understanding and/or
communication, your own students)?
No
2. Will the study require the co-operation of a gatekeeper for initial access to the
groups or individuals to be recruited (e.g. students at school, members of self-
help group, residents of nursing home)?
No
3. Will deception be necessary, i.e. will participants take part without knowing
the true purpose of the study or without their knowledge/consent at the time
(e.g. covert observation of people in non-public places)?
No
4. Will the study involve discussion of topics which the participants may find
sensitive (e.g. sexual activity, own drug use)?
No
5. Will drugs, placebos or other substances (e.g. food substances, alcohol,
nicotine, vitamins) be administered to or ingested by participants or will the
study involve invasive, intrusive or potentially harmful procedures of any
kind?
No
6. Will blood or tissues samples be obtained from participants? No
7. Will pain or more than mild discomfort be likely to result from the study?
8. Could the study induce psychological stress or anxiety or cause harm or
negative consequences beyond the risks encountered in normal life?
No
9. Will the study involve prolonged or repetitive testing? No
10. Will financial inducements (other than reasonable expenses and
compensation for time) be offered to participants?
No
11. Will participants’ right to withdraw from the study at any time be withheld or
not made explicit?
No
12. Will participants’ anonymity be compromised or their right to anonymity be
withheld or information they give be identifiable as theirs?
No

13. Might permission for the study need to be sought from the researcher’s or
from participants’ employer?
No
14. Will the study involve recruitment of patients or staff through the NHS? No
If ALL items in the Declaration are ticked AND if you have answered NO to ALL questions in Section
IV, send the completed and signed Form RE1 to your School/Centre Research Ethics Officer for
information. You may proceed with the research but should follow any subsequent guidance or requests
from the School/Centre Research Ethics Officer or your supervisor/module leader where appropriate.
Undergraduate and taught postgraduate students should retain a copy of this form and submit it with their
research report or dissertation (bound in at the beginning). MPhil/PhD students should submit a copy to
the Board of Studies for Research Degrees with their application for Registration (R1). Work which is
submitted without the appropriate ethics form will be returned unassessed.
If ANY of the items in the Declaration are not ticked AND / OR if you have answered YES to ANY of
the questions in Section IV, you will need to describe more fully in Section V of the form below how you
plan to deal with the ethical issues raised by your research. This does not mean that you cannot do the
research, only that your proposal will need to be approved by the School/Centre Research Ethics
Officer or School/Centre Research Ethics Committee or Sub-committee. When submitting the
form as described in the above paragraph you should substitute the original Section V with the
version authorized by the School/Centre Research Ethics officer.
If you answered YES to question 14, you will also have to submit an application to the appropriate
external health authority ethics committee, after you have received approval from the School/Centre
Research Ethics Officer/Committee and, where appropriate, the University Research Ethics Committee.

Section V: Addressing Ethical Problems
If you have answered YES to any of questions 1-12 please complete below and submit the form to your
School/Centre Research Ethics Officer.
Project Title
Effectiveness of motivation practices on improving employee engagement and business performance
Principal Investigator/Researcher/Student
Supervisor
Summary of issues and action to be taken to address the ethics problem(s)
Please note that it is your responsibility to follow the University’s Code of Practice on Ethical Standards
and any relevant academic or professional guidelines in the conduct of your study. This includes
providing appropriate information sheets and consent forms, and ensuring confidentiality in the
storage and use of data. Any significant change to the design or conduct of the research should be
notified to the School/Centre Research Ethics Officer and may require a new application for ethics
approval.
Signed: Principal Investigator/Researcher
Approved: Supervisor or module leader (where appropriate)
Date:
For use by School/Centre Research Ethics Officer:

No ethical problems are raised by this proposed study - Retain this form on record
Appropriate action taken to maintain ethical standards
The research protocol should be revised to eliminate the
ethical concerns or reduce them to an acceptable level,
using the attached suggestions
Please submit School/Centre Application for Ethics Approval
(Form RE2(D))
Please submit University Application for Ethics Approval
(Form RE2(U))
Signed:
Date:
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