Research Methodology: Logistics and Supply Chain Management Analysis

This report details the research methodology employed in a study focused on customer satisfaction within the context of logistics and supply chain management, specifically at Hamad International Airport. The study utilizes a positivism philosophy and a deductive approach, employing a des...Read More

Running head: LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
Research methodology
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author Note:

2
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Research Outline..............................................................................................................................4
Research Philosophy........................................................................................................................5
Justification for the selection of Positivism Philosophy..................................................................6
Research Approach..........................................................................................................................7
Justification for Selecting Deductive Approach..............................................................................7
Research Design..............................................................................................................................8
Justification for selecting Descriptive Design.................................................................................9
Research Strategy............................................................................................................................9
Justification for selecting survey Research Strategy.....................................................................10
Sampling Technique and Sample Size..........................................................................................11
Justification for selecting the systematic sampling technique.......................................................11
Information collecting technique...................................................................................................12
Justification for selecting primary data collection technique........................................................12
Data Analysis Technique...............................................................................................................13
Justification for selecting SPSS.....................................................................................................13
Ethical Considerations...................................................................................................................13
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................14

3
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
References......................................................................................................................................15

4
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
Introduction
Research methodology is one of the most key elements of a project which is constructed
by the researchers while carrying out a particular research. Methodology provides a systematic
approach that describes the different types of methods adopted by the researcher in completing
the research (Alvesson & Sköldberg, 2017). Apart from the above importance the methodology
section of the project has special significance in deducing a special phenomenon of the research
with the help of a number of different research tools. In the following research proposal the
researcher has deduced a number of different research tools that is helpful in the completion of
the research. This may include philosophical stances, research design and method of collecting
the research information, research approaches, different approaches that led to the research along
with the proper and effective analysis of the data collected. The researcher has also justified the
selection of the different research tools that he used in this particular research.
Research Outline
Methodology Chosen Main Methods
 Descriptive Research Design
 Positivism Philosophy of the Research
 Deductive Approach to the Research
 Sampling Technique (Systematic) Sampling Technique Undertaken
 Customers and Employees of Hamad
International Airport
Size of the Sample
 Questionnaire Process of Information Collection
 SPSS Technique Process of Analysis of Data

5
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
The researcher in this particular research has used deductive approach, philosophy of
positivism, descriptive design and the systematic collection of data from the different sources.
The use of both the profitability and the non-profitability sampling techniques has added an extra
dimension and increased the scope of the research. This has been possible just because of the use
of the open ended as well as close ended questions in the questionnaire part. The aim of the
research is to find out the customer satisfaction levels in Hamad International Airport after the
implementation of the new supply chain management policy of the airport. The researcher has
conducted the survey upon 100 customers of the airport and has analyzed the results with the
help of the SPSS method. Apart from the SPSS method the use of the cross tabulation method
has also been helpful to make the research flawless.
Research Philosophy
Research philosophy can be basically divided into three different types namely
positivism, interpretivism and pragmatism (Chakrabarti, 2015). The philosophy of positivism
depends on the observations which are quantifiable by nature and on which the statistical
analysis is conducted. The following philosophy can be tested only by means of scientific testing
because it is the only possible way to verify and identify the truth. On the other hand the
positivism philosophy has some main disadvantages that limits the scope of the research and
limits the effort of the researcher to collect different data and analyze them accordingly. The
pragmatism philosophy on the other hand is a combination of the interpretivism and the
positivism philosophy. Therefore it can be said that pragmatic philosophy is both the
combination of scientific testing as well as the consideration for the various perspectives of the
following research of a research. Intervretivism philosophy is used in many researches which

6
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
helps the researcher to take into careful consideration of the different perspectives people in
regards to the research topic. This also makes the researcher capable of considering the
perspectives of the different people in regards to the research topic. This philosophy thus
deviates itself from the scientific methods of analysis and concentrates more on meaningful
observations and studies the nature of the different human beings who are considered for the
survey in the research (Chandra & Shang, 2017). The consideration of the different perspectives
and a number of different opinions of the people helps the investigator to establish a broad scope
and idea on the particular topic of the research based on the information from the past and the
present.
Justification for the selection of Positivism Philosophy
In the following research on the identification and analysis of the customer satisfaction
levels of the service users of Hamad International Airport, the researcher has decided to use the
positivism philosophy to complete the research. As mentioned earlier the use of the positivism
philosophy will help the researchers to analyze each and every data scientifically. The scientific
analysis of the different data will help the research to be flawless and will help to deduce the
exact result. A statistical analysis is always preferred as because it helps the research to be
trustworthy (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). The research to identify the exact levels of customer
satisfaction in Hamad International Airport can be identified by the use of both the statistical and
scientific process. The positivism philosophy is the best preferred way to critically analyze the
customer satisfaction levels. The researcher has not chosen the interpretivism philosophy as
because it would have limited the scope of the research and the results from such a research will
also fail to identify the actual picture. The same applies for the pragmatism philosophy as well

7
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
and thus the limitations of both these philosophies in the practical world have led the researcher
to select the Positivism philosophy approach for the research on the mentioned topic.
Research Approach
Similar to the research philosophies there are two main approaches to each and every
research. They are Inductive and deductive approach. The inductive approach to a research is
based on the identification of new designs and approaches (Henriques, 2014). A number of new
theories and concepts are identified by the investigator of the research in the following approach
after careful observations. Therefore such a technique forces the researcher to concentrate more
on observations and analysis of the observations in contrast to questions and descriptions. On the
other hand deductive approach to research helps the researcher to create a proper and effective
hypothesis that focuses on the concepts and theories of any other previous researches. This helps
the one who undertakes the research to easily get an idea of the different aims and objectives of
the research and the questions of the research to be completed. It also transforms the generalized
information to be specific and precise in nature. However the most important point that makes
the particular approach much more acceptable is that it goes quite well with the positivism
philosophy.
Justification for Selecting Deductive Approach
The following approach has been chosen for the following research. As mentioned earlier
the deductive approach goes well with the positivism philosophy which has been the main reason
for selecting it. The approach has also helped the researcher to identify whether the new supply
chain management has been able to produce the desired results amongst the travelers who avail
the services of Hamad International Airport. The deductive approach has also been helpful to

8
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
gather the different data, concepts and theories used in the past and relate them with the latest
research (Kahn, 2015). In the particular case the investigator of the research has taken the help of
different models, frameworks and theories of customer satisfaction for any services. The
statistical and scientific perspective of the research that was attained from the use of the
positivism approach is an added advantage. The generalized information was also converted to
specific and precise information because of the use of the approach. This has only been possible
because of the use of the deductive approach. On the contrary the use of inductive approach was
avoided because of some serious limitations from the part of such a research. The use of the
inductive approach would have led the researcher to emphasize on the creation of new theories
and concepts all in a different way. This might lead to the shift of the researcher’s attention from
testing of the hypothesis to the development of new theories and concepts based on the different
observations. Thus it is more appropriate to use the deductive approach in the following case as
because it is important for the creation of a new hypothesis in such a case.
Research Design
The three different designs of research are namely exploratory, explanatory and
descriptive (Lewis, 2015). An exploratory research design is said to be formulated by the
researcher when he is able to undertake a proper test on the research hypothesis, different aims
and objectives and the questions of the research. The use of this particular research method helps
in the clarification of the various topics and the concepts in the terms of the research design. The
descriptive design enables the researcher to provide importance to the characteristics of a
selected group of individuals within the community which is best described by the collection of
different information. The descriptive design is said to be the combination of both the
exploratory as well as the explanatory research design. The combining factors of both the

9
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
explanatory as well as the exploratory design makes the particular research design to be the most
favored design amongst all the designs. The explanatory design is the particular design of a
research which enables the researcher to explain the reasons for a particular characteristic of the
research topic. It also helps to properly judge and predict any future occurrences of the research
characteristic that is linked to the particular research.
Justification for selecting Descriptive Design
The descriptive research design has been used in the following research as it perfectly
suits the needs of the following investigation. First of all the descriptive design helps in the
formulation of the research hypothesis and also clarifies the hypothesis (Lundgren & Jansson,
2016). The design also helps to provide a proper clarification for choosing the particular research
topic. The use of the selected research design has made the researcher capable to develop a deep
understanding of the cause and effect of the research rationale along with the prediction of the
future happenings to the rationale of the research. It is quite difficult to clarify the future
occurrences as well as predict their occurrences in the same time by using the other two research
designs. The researcher has identified a number of different problems and issues that has been
encountered in the past as well as some of the problems that the people using the services in
Hamad International Airport recently. It was easy for him to find out the following easily with
the use of the descriptive research design. Therefore the best possible research design in the form
of the descriptive way has been used in the following research to get the best results.
Research Strategy
A proper strategy is always needed to gain success in each and every field. Similarly it is
important for the researcher to plan a proper research strategy to enable the success of the

10
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
research. The main strategies in a scientific and statistical based research are case study, research
action, conducting an interview and survey (Marshall Coleman & Reason, 2017). The idea of the
case study strategy of the following research highlights the study of the real life factors by the
evaluation of the different individual behaviors related to the particular topic of the behavior.
The use of secondary resources is the main highlight of this particular study. The secondary
analysis helps to analyze and determine the behaviors of different individuals that are related to
the particular research. In this particular research, the surveyed sample or the persons who uses
the service of Hamad International Airport are considered and analyzed. The action research
helps the researcher to identify and sort out the issues that arise and thus easily solve it out. The
interview session and the use of the survey is utmost important to gather the raw information
regarding the related topic. The survey undertaken by the researcher determines what, who, how
and when of the research topic undertaken. It provides a much clear and transparent picture and
statistical information of the particular characteristic of the research topic.
Justification for selecting survey Research Strategy
The selection of survey r4esearch is useful for determining the customer satisfaction at
Hamad International Airport as because the survey is perhaps the only option where one can get
a clear picture of the actual satisfaction levels and also the different issues that concern them.
The researcher has selected only the survey strategy for the following research as because it
allows him to collect and gather information the original data regarding the topic and not any
other unwanted information (Meyers, Gamst & Guarino, 2016). Survey research also allows the
researcher to determine and analyze the impact of the new logistical management change upon
the users of the Airport. The customers of the Airport are the best people who can determine the
latest development of the Airport.

11
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
Sampling Technique and Sample Size
An appropriate sampling technique must be used by the researcher to conduct the survey
properly. The best sampling techniques that are used by most of the researchers nowadays are the
probability and non-probability techniques (Mingers & Willcocks, 2017). The sample has been
determined according to a varied demography that includes age, frequency of travelling from the
airport, regular and non regular service users, gender and many more as such. The use of the
probability sampling technique has been defined as the equal chances for all the different
participants to be selected for the process of collection of information. All the candidates gets
proper and equal chances to voice their opinion in this particular technique. On contrary the non-
probability sampling technique can be defined as the unequal or uneven chances for the
participants to get selected or provide their opinions regarding the particular topic of the
research. The researcher has the final say in the selection of the participants in this particular
technique. He must select the participants according to their ability and compatibility in the
following research. Thus some of the participants are left out from participating in this particular
research. A sample size of 100 participants was selected by the researcher for conducting the
research.
Justification for selecting the systematic sampling technique
The researcher has used the probability sampling technique for conducting the following
research. The probability sampling technique was used in the research because it helped to

12
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
deduce the exact opinions of the people who used the services in the airport. As mentioned
earlier the sample size of 100 participants was fixed by the investigator to carry out the following
survey. The following technique was also helpful to maintain transparency in the research. The
information was collected from the different travelers who availed the services of the airport.
The Airport has recently implemented a new logistics policy and has created a new supply chain
management which will be beneficial to serve the customers in a better way. The selection of just
100 people was justified as sample size must always be kept smaller in size which will help
deduce the exact results.
Information collecting technique
Data is collected by following two main techniques namely the primary method and the
secondary method. Primary data collection methods on the other hand include the use of both
qualitative as well as quantitative information collection technique (Neuman & Robson, 2014).
Quantitative data collection involves an interview session whereas qualitative involves the
conduction of a survey. The following method includes the collection of opinion and viewpoints
of the people regarding the new services provided by the Airport. Data has been collected both
by interview and also by survey. Secondary analysis of the data on the other hand refers to the
different information collected from other sources on the same topic. It also helps the researcher
to get a deep and strong analysis of the research topic.
Justification for selecting primary data collection technique
In the case of the following research the investigator has used both the primary as well as
the secondary data collection methods. The researcher in this particular research took the help of
the secondary data collection methods while conducting the interview. The use of different

13
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
books, journals and literature helped in the proper conduction of the research. The use of the
secondary methods also helped the researcher to use different theories and models that examined
the level of satisfaction among the participants. The primary source that was used in the research
was collected from the survey results of the 100 people who participated and voiced their
opinion.
Data Analysis Technique
The information collected from the primary source must needs to be analyzed in order to
prove the null hypothesis or the attractive hypothesis. The collected information has been
presented using different tables, bar charts, graphs and other similar models. The use of
statistical analysis techniques used by the researcher has helped the research to be flawless and
much more accurate in nature. Statistical analysis of the results is thus more preferable than any
other deduction methods of data. The representation of the different statistics of the people using
the services of the airport has been well presented by graphs and charts.
Justification for selecting SPSS
The current research work has been completed by using the SPSS method. The SPSS
method is one of the most preferable forms of statistical calculations (Templin, Bradshaw &
Paek, 2016). SPSS is the statistical calculator based software that is used for different logical non
batched and batched analysis for the selection of the variables of the survey. The following
method helps to analyze data using a cross tabular format. The accuracy of the information
helped in the formulation of a proper and logical hypothesis. Different statistical figures included
are pie charts, bar graphs and tables.

14
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations are one of the most important considerations both before and at the
time of conducting the research. The absence of ethics within the research will nullify the
positive result or the positive outcome of the research. The first and foremost consideration
before starting the research is to take the consent of the participant on whether he is going to
participate in the survey or not. The researcher must ensure the safety of the participants during
the conduction of the research and must not ask any questions that are aimed at insulting the
person. The researcher must also ensure the confidentiality of the information and the opinions
of each of the persons and must not disclose them to the others. He must also not force a person
to participate in the research. Last but not the least he must not use the data for commercial
purpose. Following all these rules will ensure the success of the research.
Conclusion
The researcher in this section has mentioned all the different methodological tools that is
used while conducting the research. The researcher has added an extra dimension to the project
by providing the justification for the use of each and every of the different tools of methodology.
Both the techniques of interview and survey were used for the collection of the information to
find out the results of the following research. A thorough analysis of the total section will
provide the readers with the idea of the different methodological tools and their uses.

15
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
References
Alvesson, M., & Sköldberg, K. (2017). Reflexive methodology: New vistas for qualitative
research. Sage.
Chakrabarti, A. (2015). Methodology for Design Research.
Chandra, Y., & Shang, L. (2017). An RQDA-based constructivist methodology for qualitative
research. Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, 20(1), 90-112.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed
methods approaches. Sage publications.
Henriques, G. (2014). In search of collective experience and meaning: A transcendental
phenomenological methodology for organizational research. Human studies, 37(4), 451-
468.
Kahn, P. (2015). Critical perspectives on methodology in pedagogic research. Teaching in
Higher Education, 20(4), 442-454.
Lewis, S. (2015). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five
approaches. Health promotion practice, 16(4), 473-475.
Lundgren, M., & Jansson, H. (2016). Developing international business knowledge through an
appreciative inquiry learning network: Proposing a methodology for collaborative
research. International Business Review, 25(1), 346-355.
Marshall, J., Coleman, G., & Reason, P. (2017). Leadership for sustainability: An action
research approach. Routledge.

16
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANGEMENT
Meyers, L. S., Gamst, G., & Guarino, A. J. (2016). Applied multivariate research: Design and
interpretation. Sage publications.
Mingers, J., & Willcocks, L. (2017). An integrative semiotic methodology for IS
research. Information and Organization, 27(1), 17-36.
Neuman, W. L., & Robson, K. (2014). Basics of social research. Pearson Canada.
Norlyk, A., Haahr, A., & Hall, E. (2016). Interviewing with or without the partner present?–an
underexposed dilemma between ethics and methodology in nursing research. Journal of
advanced nursing, 72(4), 936-945.
Rudnick, A. (2014). A philosophical analysis of the general methodology of qualitative research:
A critical rationalist perspective. Health Care Analysis, 22(3), 245-254.
Singh, K. D. (2015). Creating your own qualitative research approach: Selecting, integrating and
operationalizing philosophy, methodology and methods. Vision, 19(2), 132-146.
Smith, J. A. (Ed.). (2015). Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods. Sage.
Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R., & DeVault, M. (2015). Introduction to qualitative research methods: A
guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.
Templin, J., Bradshaw, L., & Paek, P. (2016). A comprehensive framework for integrating
innovative psychometric methodology into educational research. Psychometric methods
in mathematics education: Opportunities, challenges, and interdisciplinary collaborations,
97-117.