HI6008 Business Research Project Report: Research Methodology Analysis

This business research project report provides a detailed overview of research methodology, focusing on the selection and justification of appropriate research philosophies, approaches, and designs. It emphasizes the use of positivism as a suitable philosophy and the deductive approach for quantitative and qualitative research. The report discusses exploratory research design, data collection methods (primary, quantitative, and qualitative), sampling techniques (probability and non-probability), and questionnaire design. It includes examples of qualitative questionnaires used to gather insights from activity supervisors in Australian schools, addressing challenges faced by students and factors promoting a healthy educational environment. The study utilizes a sample size of 53 participants, including students and activity supervisors, to analyze data and draw conclusions.

Business Research Project Report
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Executive summary
The prime focus of the study is to perform the research methodology and state appropriate
research approach, philosophy and design for conduction of the primary data collection method.
The study also highlights the required process for the quantitative and qualitative questionnaires.
Sample size and technique has also been mentioned in the study.
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Table of contents
1. Research Methodology................................................................................................................3
2. Summary of the findings...........................................................................................................12
3. Conclusion.................................................................................................................................13
References......................................................................................................................................14
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1. Research Methodology
Introduction
Research methodology can be coined as a systematic plan for conducting a research on a proper
basis. Quantitative and qualitative research methods can be derived from the research methods,
surveys and experiments. This can also be a theoretical analysis that is associated with different
principles and methods of the research as a branch of knowledge. The research methodology
consists of research onion, research philosophy, design and approach. Along with this, the study
would also encompass of different methods of data collection, sampling size, ways and
interpretation of the findings of the study.
Research Onion
Figure 1: Research Onion
(Source: Saunders et al., 2009)
Research onion is based on three different types of philosophies of Ontology, Epistemology and
Axiology. Choosing the most appropriate philosophy is the major concern for carrying out a
research on a smooth basis. These three mentioned units are above the first layer of the research
onion. The first layer encompasses of positivism, realism, interpretivism, pragmatism and
objectivism (Saunders et al., 2009). The second layer is all about the approaches including
deductive approach and inductive approach. In order to conduct a general research, there are
different strategies like surveys, case study, experiments, grounded theory or action research.
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For the conduction of the research, there are different methods inclusive of mixed methods, mono
methods and multi-methods. Cross-sectional and longitudinal are two different time horizons for
the research and lastly the data collection and analysis methods are data integration techniques
and procedures (Onion.derby.ac.uk, 2019).
Research Philosophy
Research philosophy can be the most significant way through which a research can be conducted
on a fluent basis. The phenomenon consists of data gathering and analysing it. The term
epistemology states about the true facts opposite to doxology that is believed to be a true fact.
There are different research philosophies including interpretivism, positivism, objectivism and
pragmatism (Saunders et al., 2015). For conduction of qualitative and quantitative research, the
most suitable philosophy is Positivism.
Justification
Positivism caters to adhere the factual knowledge with the information that is gained through
observation. Positivism depends on the quantifiable observations that can lead to observational
statistical analysis. In this study, in order to conduct primary research, this is the most suitable
philosophy as this philosophy is inclined towards concentrating on the facts and figures where
there are provisions for human interest. The major reasons for selection of this research
philosophy are that it inclines towards explaining and predicting and it is empirically observable
for the researcher.
Research Approach
Research approach is a planned and organised steps for the conduction of the research and this
helps to find out a possible outcome from the research. This is also useful for acquiring broader
assumptions for the research, data collection and analysis of the findings. There are different
categories for the research approach. This is used as an effective approach towards data
collection and data analysis or reasoning. However, there are huge differences in different forms
of the research approach, this is the most vital part for the conduction of the research as this can
be useful for breaking down the components of the research and accordingly select the most
appropriate research approach for further conduction of the research.
For the qualitative research, transformative knowledge is assumed along with post-positivist
knowledge for the quantitative approaches. For the former approach, open-ended questions are
prepared along with different image and for the quantitative research; close-ended questions are
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prepared. However, there are two main categories of research approach, inductive and deductive.
For the conduction of quantitative and qualitative research, deductive approach is the most
suitable and applicable research approach (Research-Methodology, 2019).
Justification
For conduction of this study, deductive research approach can be referred as the most appropriate
approach for acquiring a great knowledge with true conclusion. The general information are also
aligned with specifications. The data collected through this approach is used for evaluating
propositions or hypotheses that are related to the information integrating. This state about
integrating information from the existing theory and developing hypothesis and observe the data
acquired.
Research Design
Research design is adhered towards explorating and concluding data that is integrating through
the conduction of the research. This is beneficial for exfoliating the issues and problems of the
research and thus, accordingly adopts the most significant and appropriate research design for
further conduction of the study. The primary research involves, the surveys, interviews,
questionnaires, visit to competitor’s locations and focus groups. The primary research takes a
pretty long time and hard work to complete (Creswell and Poth, 2017). The research design
ensure about understanding the type and nature of the study. It can be beneficial to describe the
data and its correlation and adherence to the facts and information. This is a framework of
different techniques and methods that can be combined with different other components of the
research.
Justification
From the conduction of the study, exploratory research design is the most appropriate research
design. This design can be useful for identification of the issues and problems of the study and
develop a better and proper understanding of the problem of the study. Here, researcher starts
with the generic ideology and take up initiatives to mitigate the identified issues and focus on the
future prospects. The direction of the conduction of the study can also be changes as per the
guidance and requirement to conduct the study and acquire knowledge. This is preliminarily
carried out in the first stage of the problem of the study. The grounded theory approach can be
used for interpreting the findings of the research. This can be done through surveys and
questionnaires.
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Data collection methods
Data collection process is useful for collecting data and information from relevant sources and
takes initiatives to find answer for the problem of the research. There are different types of data
collection method, primary and secondary. Secondary data collection method is all about
collecting information and data from relevant articles, journals and newspaper. The respective
data collection method is useful for business research areas (Taylor et al., 2015). Another
method is the primary data collection method and it is divided into two different methods that are
qualitative and quantitative.
Justification
For this study, primary data collection has been conducted, where quantitative and qualitative
data collection methods are taken into consideration. The quantitative data collection
encompasses of the close ended questions whereas, qualitative data collection involves
calculations and graphical representation.
Sampling size
Sampling size is a significant feature of a research that states about the population or the
participants who took part in the survey. For this study, the sampling size taken is 53. 50 students
were selected for participating in the survey and 3 activity supervisors of different institutions
were selected for participating within the interview process.
Sampling techniques
Sampling can be referred to the process through which the number of participants can be
analysed by using a specific principle. This can also be an effective way to analyse the interest of
the targeted population towards the questions that are asked to them. This is the most significant
process through which integrating viewpoints of people can be known and adequate information
can also be integrated. For conduction of the research, both, non-probability sampling and
probability sampling techniques have been used. The probability sampling technique has been
used for the quantitative data collection and non-probability sampling technique has been used
for the qualitative data collection (interviews) (Research-Methodology, 2019).
Questionnaire design
Questionnaire design can be stated as the process of designing and processing different questions
within the survey conducted. This can be useful for collecting data and information regarding a
specific and particular phenomenon and analyse the findings on a proper basis. The findings of
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the study are not biased. Questionnaires can be classified as qualitative and quantitative, both.
This depends on the nature of the question that has been prepared. The close-ended questions
with various options can be stated as the quantitative questions and the answers can also be
depicted through graphical representation. This can help to acquire a proper ideology about the
questions asked and information gathered through the survey. Qualitative questionnaires do not
require any calculations or use of numbers instead; it requires discussion and critical analysis of
the answers that are gained.
The questions that are formed are made on the basis of unbiasness and unambiguous state so that
the participants do not face any ethical hurdles in answering the questions. There are different
types of questionnaires that include computer questionnaires, mail questionnaires, telephone
questionnaires, in-house survey, along with these open-ended questions, multiple-choice
questions, scaling questions and dichotomous questions are also prepared. These can be useful
for completing the survey on an informative basis. There are certain preliminary decisions that
are involved in the questionnaires, this includes the decision of the information required,
defining the target respondents, choosing target respondents, making and developing question
content, putting questions, checking the length of the questionnaires and also developing the
final survey form (Krosnick, 2018). In many cases, there is an intense requirement for filling the
ethical form through which the researcher can acquire permission for conducting their survey in
a better way. Under laid are the questionnaires prepared for quantitative and qualitative research:
Qualitative Questionnaires
1. What are the challenges that are faced by Australian students?
A. Financial Hardships
B. Cultural differences
C. Differences within education system
D. Workplace Harassments
The above questions were asked to the activity supervisors of different schools of Australia. In
response to the above stated question, First supervisor stated that the most common challenge
faced by the schools is the financial hardships. However, the second supervisor contradicted
that cultural differences is the most commonly faced issues for different schools. From the
perspective of thirds supervisor, he agreed to both of the above supervisors and apart from that,
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he also stated that workplace harassments which also results in inappropriate recruitment and
selection procedures are also one of the major concerns for the Australian candidates. Due to
this inappropriate selection and recruitment process, there are less skilful candidates who are
efficient enough for tackling the responsibilities.
2. According to you, what the factors that can help in promoting healthy environment for
education?
A. Psychological factors
B. Cultural factors
C. Physical structure
As per the above stated question, the first supervisor claimed that it is necessary for
maintaining a healthy environment of classroom and for that physical appearance and structure
can be the easiest way for doing the needful. The second supervisor agreed to this point and
also added that psychological factors can also affect the students for influencing a healthy
education system. The third supervisor contradicted that cultural factors can be more helpful
for the students to gain excellence without any hassle and maintain a proper work
apprehension.
3. What are the advantages of using advanced technological methods for education in
Australia?
A. Modern learning methods
B. Solving complex problems
C. Improvement in productivity and motivation
D. Developing skills of communication and leadership
As stated in the mentioned question, activity supervisors were questioned about the benefits of
using advanced technologies in response to this, the first supervisor said that solving complex
problems has become much easier for the students and that is making them much more
inclined towards motivation and increases the level of productivity. The second supervisor
claimed that developing leadership and communication skills is also a great reason for
adopting advanced technological methods such as educom smart class. The third supervisor
added that all the above reasons are valid for analysing the benefits of advanced technologies
within the Australian education system.
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Table 1: Template of Qualitative Questionnaires
(Source: Created by Author)
Quantitative Questionnaires:
4. How much do you agree with the fact there is a need for work integrated learning within
the universities for Australian students?
Options No. of Participants Total no. of
participants
% of respondents
Strongly agree 20 50 40%
Agree 10 50 20%
Neutral 5 50 10%
Disagree 10 50 20%
Strongly disagree 5 50 10%
Table 2: Agree with the fact that work integrated learning plays an important role in
Universities
(Source: Created by Author)
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Figure 2: Agree with the fact that work integrated learning plays an important role in
Universities
(Source: Created by Author)
5. Do you agree with the concept of advanced technologies in terms of enhancing the
Australian education system?
Options No. of Participants Total no. of
participants
% of respondents
Strongly agree 10 50 20%
Agree 10 50 20%
Neutral 15 50 30%
Disagree 11 50 22%
Strongly disagree 4 50 8%
Table 3: Agreeing with concept of advanced technologies in terms of enhancing the
Australian education system
(Source: Created by Author)
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Figure 3: Agreeing with concept of advanced technologies in terms of enhancing the
Australian education system
(Source: Created by Author)
6. How much do you agree with the challenges based on the experience of integrated
learning?
Options No. of Participants Total no. of
participants
% of respondents
Strongly agree 20 50 40%
Agree 10 50 20%
Neutral 10 50 20%
Disagree 5 50 10%
Strongly disagree 5 50 10%
Table 4: Understanding the challenges based on the experience of integrated learning
(Source: Created by Author)
Figure 4: Understanding the challenges based on the experience of integrated learning
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(Source: Created by Author)
Analysis and interpretation
The conduction of the research was on a successful note by providing all the relevant
justification for the research philosophy, research design and research approach. However, in
order to have an appropriate ideology for the conduction of the study, proper questionnaires for
the quantitative and qualitative research collection has been indulged in the study. For the
qualitative data collection, 3 activity supervisors were questioned with certain options. The
questions were related to the challenges and factors that influence a healthy education system
with an effective use of advanced technologies and challenges based on integrated learning as
well. In response to these questions, the supervisors stated their answers. Along with this,
qualitative questionnaire has also been prepared where 50 respondents took participation and
there are asked about their viewpoints in respect to the questions that are put forth to them. As
per the first question, it was about the importance of work integrated learning for Universities.
Here, it has been observed that around 20 out of 50 people strongly agreed that work integrated
learning is a crucial part for enhancement of universities. 20% of the people agree to the fact, 5
people were neutral to the concept, 10 people disagreed that integrated learning does not play a
huge role in enhancement of the universities. Lastly, 10% of people strongly disagreed to the fact
of work integrated learning and went for the advanced technological methods that can help the
candidates to prosper in their education.
In response to the second question, from the graphical representation, it is clear that 20% of
people strongly agree that advanced technologies plays an important role in enhancing a healthy
education system. 15 people are found to be neutral in this fact, and did not represent any notion
for the stated fact. 22% and 8% of people disagreed and strongly disagreed to the fact that
advanced technologies are essential for the candidates to promote a healthy education system
within the Australian universities. Lastly, the challenges based on integrated learning
environment is responsible for impacting upon the education of Australia has been strongly
agreed by 40% of people, 10 people were neutral to this fact that there are few challenges for this
concept of learning and education as well as, development of certain strategies can mitigate this
challenges which are responsible for this. 10% of people were disagreed and strongly disagreed
to this fact. From above graphical representation for the questions, it is clearly and successfully
depicted about the viewpoint of the people.
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2. Summary of the findings
From the conduction of the above study, it can be stated that qualitative and quantitative
questionnaires has been prepared and accordingly analysis and interpretation has also been done.
However, analysing the positive and negative impact of the questions is also important to be
identified. From the qualitative questionnaire, the first question has its own significance as this
can be helpful for identifying the challenges that are faced by the education system of Australia
so that the supervisors are able to take steps accordingly. This can also be helpful for
understanding the necessity of developing certain strategies that can be useful for overcoming
from the issues that are stated as an option. Issues related to financial hardships, cultural
differences and similar other challenges in context of integrated learning experience can be
handled if the owners have adequate ideology about the concept. This question has its positive
relevance for the business owners. Additionally, identification of factors that are responsible for
maintenance of proper and healthy education system in Australia can also be understood through
this question. This can be helpful for understanding about the factors that are necessary for
stimulating proper work apprehension. This can also be helpful for understanding the necessity
of healthy environment. The supervisors, who were questioned, found this question to be a very
prompt and apt question as this can be useful for understanding the importance of healthy culture
of education. Furthermore, about advantage of advanced technologies was also asked to the
supervisors and this question got a negative vibe as this, only highlighted the advantages of
technological advancements for education. However, this also deals with certain disadvantages
over their benefits.
In response to the quantitative questions, the importance of integrated learning has been asked in
the question, whereas, this might not be affordable by small scale education businesses. This can
only be effective for medium or large scale businesses. From the perspective of the students and
candidates, this question might not have much relevance. Additionally, concept of advanced
technologies in profit maximization does not always have a positive impact over the business.
Facilitating this can require huge capital investment and thus, again this might not be possible for
all the institutions. However, this concept has been disagreed by 22% of people where only 20%
of people agreed to the fact. The question of integrated learning over the fact of education
culture has been actually a major and realistic issue for majority of the organizations. However,
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many people have strongly agreed to the fact that challenges of integrated learning may result in
lower effectiveness of education. This can also harm the proper business proceedings.
Nevertheless, the first research question that is the laws of Australia for protecting the
international students through criminal offence have been mentioned in the third section of
literature review chapter. The second research question that is the financial crisis related to the
students of Australia has been discussed in the second section of the literature review chapter.
However, the third research question that is the ways for dealing with the difficulties of language
has been highlighted in the fourth section of literature review chapter. Thus, these depicts the
challenges that can be faced by the Australian students that might result in facing difficulty to opt
for suitable jobs.
3. Conclusion
From the above study, it can be concluded that in order to conduct primary data collection, it is
necessary to have certain respondents and acquire their viewpoints on the questions that are
asked. The study puts forth the appropriate research approach, research design, research
philosophy along with their justification in order to support the findings of the study.
Appropriate sampling technique and most suitable data collection method has also been taken
into consideration. The relevance and appropriateness of the quantitative and qualitative
questions has also been underpinned in the summary section of the study. The graphical
representation also enhances the relevance of the study.
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References
Creswell, J.W. and Poth, C.N., 2017. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among
five approaches. Sage publications.
Krosnick, J.A., 2018. Questionnaire design. In The Palgrave Handbook of Survey Research (pp.
439-455). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Onion.derby.ac.uk. (2019). Research Onion. Available at: https://onion.derby.ac.uk/ [Accessed
28 May 2019].
Research-Methodology. (2019). Research Approach - Research-Methodology. Available at:
https://research-methodology.net/research-methodology/research-approach/ [Accessed 28 May
2019].
Research-Methodology. (2019). Sampling in Primary Data Collection. Available at:
https://research-methodology.net/sampling-in-primary-data-collection/ [Accessed 28 May 2019].
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A., 2009. Research Onion. Research methods for
business students, pp.136-162.
Saunders, M.N., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A. and Bristow, A., 2015. Understanding research
philosophy and approaches to theory development.
Taylor, S.J., Bogdan, R. and DeVault, M., 2015. Introduction to qualitative research methods: A
guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.
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