Investigating Coal Price Fluctuation in Queensland: Research Methods

This report outlines the research methodologies employed to investigate the critical factors influencing thermal coal price fluctuations in Queensland, Australia. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quasi-experimental, time series, and qualitative methodologies. The quasi-experimental method will employ questionnaires, interviews, and surveys to collect quantitative data, with a sample size determined using a proportion method. Ethical considerations such as adherence to the law and integrity of respondents will be strictly followed. Qualitative methodologies, including existing records, in-depth narratives, and grounded theories, will analyze how various factors impact coal prices. Time series techniques will be used to analyze data and forecast future coal price trends. The research aims to identify macro and micro elements affecting coal prices and assess their impact, with the goal of providing insights into economic trends within the Queensland coal market. The report also includes a justification of the research, its significance, objectives, and the philosophical assumptions underpinning the study.

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Research methodologies: investigating the critical factors of thermal coal price fluctuation of
Queensland in Australia.
Student’s name
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The methodology of the study
This paper majorly brings out a brief outline of the different methodologies to be used for
data collection. The data collected will be both qualitative and quantitative. Three major
techniques are to will be used in the research study. These will include quasi-experimental, time
series and qualitative methodologies. To begin with, quasi-methodologies will majorly be used
for collecting quantitative data about the study. Tools such as questionnaires, interviews,
individual surveys will be used under this particular methodology. These tools will provide a
reliable basis for collecting primary data about the study. Some of the advantages involved in
this methodology are that it limits on the level of personal bias (Gaille,2018). One of the
disadvantages is that these methodologies involve numerous statistical procedures. The sample
size of the study will be determined by the use of a simplified method of proportion. That is n
=N/ (1+N ( e2)). Where n is sample size, N is the population size, and e is the level of precision.
The level of significance is predetermined at 5%. This implies that the data will be 95% accurate
and representative (Bhat, 2019). Throughout the general study, the researcher will pay close
attention to both the general and specific ethical considerations. These will include adherence
with the law, integrity of respondents, conflict of interests and so many others. From the above
technique, the researcher intends to use a total population of 100 respondents. A population of
100 participants will generate a sample size of 80 respondents for the research. That is 100/
(1+100(0.05^2)) =80.
The other type of methodology that will be used for the study will involve the
qualitative methodology. This particular methodology will be best applied to assessing the third
research question of the study. The methodology will be analyzing the ways through which coal
prices in Queensland is affected by the identified factors in the quasi-experimental methodology.

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The qualitative approach will be based on techniques such as existing records, in-depth
narratives, and grounded theories (Sauro, 2015). These techniques such as the grounded theories
will be used to analyze the relationship between the dependent ad independent variables of the
topic of study. For example, how does the price of coal vary with changes in the macro and
micro elements within Queensland? The sample required for qualitative methodology will be
chosen based on focus groups, in-depth interviews, and ethnographic studies. These will
particularly involve specific individuals to avoid saturation of the study. They will be aimed at
obtaining unique information from the qualified categories of individuals. This particular
methodology of the study will enable the researcher to evaluate data with more detail. The
qualitative data will not focus on the quantifiable factors r but rather on the reliability and
effectiveness of information gathered. The other advantage associated with this particular type of
research is that data will be obtained from experienced and knowledgeable individuals. This type
of data is important as it reduces the level of deviation from the actual results intended or
objective. It, therefore, facilitates the production of valuable results. The limitations associated
with qualitative methodologies can arise from the small sample size. Basing on small sample size
for data collection increases the level of error. Unrepresentative conclusions can be generated
such information is not analyzed and assessed in the best optimum manner. Additionally, the
information generated under this methodology tends to be misleading in nature. The ethical
considerations under this methodology will include data protection, the researcher will as well
ensure that sources are kept anonymous and confidential and consent of the respondents will
have to be sought before any data is collected.
For the time series technique, the researcher will use techniques to analyze the
information to generate and obtain meaningful representations. Therefore after all the

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quantitative and qualitative data has been obtained, the researcher will apply time-series
technique for data analysis. Therefore, the researcher will use times series to answer the three
identified research questions. This will involve assessing the degree of how the macro and micro
factors influence coal prices in Queensland. The researcher will use the dynamic models for
analyzing the raw data generated from the field. Because coal prices are said to be varying with
critical macro and micro factors, the dynamic models will be more efficient to use in the study.
For example changes in coal prices will be analyzed with trend analysis. This approach will
compare and contrast the past coal prices to create a future forecast in those prices. Because time
series data analysis looks at both the past and present, the researcher will be in a position to
forecast the future trend in coal prices in Queensland. The techniques will as well be used to
determine whether these micro and macroeconomic factors have an impact on coal prices within
Queensland. The technique is limited by the nature of conclusions drawn as they are in most
cases not perfect (Cross, 2017). Additionally, factors that influence changes in a variable may
not be constant and therefore future forecasts based on prevailing factors are not representative
of future trends. Concerning the issue of ethical considerations under time series, the research
will ensure that the decisions made are recommendations from the study are based on the facts of
the report. Therefore all the conclusions about the future trends in coal prices will be backed by
the fats as per the field report.
Justification of the research study
A) Statement of the rationale for the research
Over the recent past period, the prices of coal in Australia have gradually risen by about
25% to an estimated $115 per ton of coal. This has been one of the major reasons behind the

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27% increase in share prices among the different Australian coal exporters. The need to need to
create a distinction between the low and high-quality coal in Australia has been another element
for the price increases. However, are underlying factors such as environmental concerns within
Australia that have resulted in such price fluctuations over time. It is upon such economic trends
and events that this paper will assess the degree of impact on the coal price changes within
Queensland, Australia. The paper will as well identify these individual factors and further
categorize them between the macro, micro and critical factors affecting coal price changes.
B) Significance of the study
It is hoped that the research findings will provide additional assistance in the following
areas as explained below:
To the researcher, it is anticipated that the study will provide a more informed
understanding and application of the different techniques of research methodologies. This will
further be important in conducting more successful and relevant studies for the benefit of
interested information users within Queensland, Australia.
Depending on the research questions of the study, it is anticipated that the general
community of Queensland, Australia will draw constructive information from the study. The
report will include important information about factors influencing coal prices changes. Such
information is aimed at providing the major macro factors causing coal prices increments. The
report will as well show the need to ensure how high-quality coal can promote environmental
conservation.

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Further significance of the report will be generated out of the ability to provide and
educate the researcher on the different categories of factors that affect coal prices within
Queensland, Australia. Therefore this research study will play a vital role in availing more
relevant information about the economic trends in coal prices.
c) Description of the research objectives
The general objective of the study
The general objective of the study is to assess and investigate the critical factors of
thermal coal price fluctuations of Queensland in Australia.
Specific objectives
The specific study objectives will include the following:
 To investigate the different micro and macro elements affecting thermal coal price
fluctuations of Queensland in Australia.
 To assess the most critical factors affecting thermal coal price fluctuations oof
Queensland in Australia.
 To assess the different ways in ways in which each of those identified factors
affects thermal coal price fluctuations of Queensland in Australia.
d). Research design and methodology
Research design can be defined as a framework or system by which the researcher carries
out a research project. It involves both qualitative and quantitative research designs. These

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designs are however determined by the nature of the problem at hand. This project or study will
be based on two important types of research designs. On these types will be the quantitative
research design. In this particular type, the researcher will collect quantitative data that is
required for the study. The other type of research design that the study will use is the qualitative
research design. Under the qualitative design, the researcher will be in a position to assess and
analyze the level of reliability of all the collected data. Therefore different tools will be utilized
for each type of design. However, some of those tools may be used for both types of designs.
E). Significance of philosophical assumptions
Philosophical assumptions of academic research have a significant role in formulating the
research problem of the study. This includes the ways through which j research questions are
formulated to answer the current problem statement at hand. These philosophical assumptions
also play an important role in assessing the dependent and independent variables that the
researcher is interested in for investigations.
Additionally, philosophical assumptions enable researchers to communicate their
intentions about a given study. The assumptions further help researchers to get into personal
contact with respondents through what is known as (epistemological) assumptions. This personal
contact, therefore, generates reliable and substantive information for the study.
f). Structure of the research design
The research design of the project will follow two types. That is the quantitative and
qualitative design. Under the quantitative design, the researchers will tools such as
questionnaires on a random basis. The participants will be selected from thermal coal investors,

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Queensland authorities, and other individuals that operate within the coal mining industry. The
participants will be required to answer both open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires to
collect relevant data. For qualitative research design, in-depth interviews and narratives with coal
firm owners and businessmen within Queensland. The researcher will personally conduct these
interviews to assess the impact of the problem at hand.
The data obtained will be analyzed with the use of time series techniques of data analysis.
The dynamic approaches of data analysis will be utilized for purposes of forecasting future coal
prices concerning the past and prevailing trends.
G). Research design and the theoretical orientation
With regards to the theoretical orientation, the research design fulfils the requirements of
enforcing personal contact with the respondents. Because the researcher will utilize techniques
such as in-depth interviews, there is a clear attempt to adhere to epistemological assumptions of
academic research (Carnahan, 2019). Additionally, the inductive methodology of the design is a
significant representation of the theoretical orientation of the study. This is through the use of the
different methodologies for data collection throughout the research study on factors influencing
coal price fluctuation Queensland.

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References
Bhat. A. 2019. Qualitative Research: Definition, Types, Methods, And Examples. Retrieved from
https://www.questionpro.com/blog/qualitative-research-methods/
Carnaghan. I. 2019. Philosophical Assumptions For Qualitative Research. Retrieved from
https://www.carnaghan.com/philosophical-assumptions-for-qualitative-research/
Cross.V. 2017. The Advantages And Disadvantages Of The Time Series Method Of Forecasting.
Retrieved from https://bizfluent.com/info-8610535-advantages-time-series-method-
forecasting.html
Gaille. B. 2018. 25 Advantages And Disadvantages Of Qualitative Research. Retrieved from
https://brandongaille.com/25-advantages-disadvantages-qualitative-research/
Sauro.J. 2015. Five Types Of Qualitative Methods. Retrieved from https://measuringu.com/qual-
methods/