Research Methods: Analyzing Entrepreneurs Performance in French SMEs

This assignment focuses on selecting appropriate research methods to study the performance of entrepreneurs within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in France, requiring a sample size of 150. It contrasts probability and non-probability sampling, advocating for simple random sampling due to the defined research population. The paper also highlights the significance and features of literature reviews in academic research, emphasizing their role in providing context, identifying research gaps, and critically evaluating existing studies. It outlines a plan for conducting a literature review, including developing search terms and selecting relevant databases based on the research subject. This resource is ideal for students looking for solved assignments and past papers, and it is available on Desklib.

Running head: RESEARCH METHODS
Research methods
Name of the student:
Name of the University:
Author’s note

1RESEARCH METHODS
Answer 1
There is a need to conduct research to investigate about the performance of entrepreneurs
within SMEs in France. There is a need to collect 150 response for this. There are two options to
choose from before deciding on the specific research methods for this scenario. The two options
are probability sampling and non-probability sampling. The former is chosen when each member
has equal chance to belong to the sample, where as the latter is chosen when participants are
selected on the basis of their availability. As the research population has been already defined,
hence probability sampling will be appropriate for the study. There are several specific methods
in probability sampling such as systematic sampling, random sampling, cluster sampling,
multiphase sampling and multistage sampling. Systematic sampling is ruled out because no
specific interval in which the samples needs to be chosen. Stratified sample cannot be taken too
as there is no specific population characteristics that needs to be chosen (Uprichard 2013).
Hence, the best method suitable to the scenario is simple random sampling. According to this
process, random sample of entrepreneurs can be selected from SMEs in France. As the sample
size has been already decided, 150 samples can be selected from total number of SMEs in
France. This approach is useful to get samples from a large population.
Answer 2
1. Literature review is an important component of academic paper as it gives clear update
regarding current research that has been done on a topic and the significance of those
literatures for practice area. Another important role of literature review in an academic
paper is that it gives clear insight regarding current knowledge in the topic and any

2RESEARCH METHODS
limitations or shortcomings in previous literature. Hence, literature review establishes the
context and clarifies regarding the limitations or new areas of research in chosen topic. In
this way, literature review helps to validate the significance of the research topic to
inform chosen practice area.
2. The main features of literature review in academic paper are as follows:
 Its provides short description about research done by an author or multiple authors
 Its explains the rational for research
 It evaluates the study results and critically evaluates research findings
 It identify transferability or methodological issues in research
 It defines core concepts and ideas (Machi and McEvoy 2016).
A literature review can be critical by focusing on identifying both strength and weakness
of literature and comparing them with previous research articles. The focus should not just on
summarizing the study, but critical analyzing the published source (Booth, Sutton and
Papaioannou 2016).
3. While trying to search relevant literature related to the research topic, the plan is to first
develop specific search terms and then put those search terms in useful database. The
selection of database will depend on subject chosen for literature review. If the literature
review is for health care related research, then databases like CINAHL, MEDLINE,
PubMed and Cochrane will be reviewed. If the research is on business or management
related topic, then databases like ABI and IBISWorld can be selected. Search strategy
and selection criteria will also be important to plan a literature review (Garrard 2016).

3RESEARCH METHODS
Reference
Booth, A., Sutton, A. and Papaioannou, D., 2016. Systematic approaches to a successful
literature review. Sage.
Garrard, J., 2016. Health sciences literature review made easy. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Machi, L.A. and McEvoy, B.T., 2016. The literature review: Six steps to success. Corwin Press.
Uprichard, E., 2013. Sampling: bridging probability and non-probability designs. International
Journal of Social Research Methodology, 16(1), pp.1-11.