Chapter 3 - Research Methodology Chapter Contents

Research Methodology
CHAPTER 3 – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER CONTENTS
 Chapter Introduction
 Research Questions
 Structure of the Research Study
 Statement of the Research Problem and Description
 Hypothesis Development
 Research Design
 Sources of Data and Tools for Data Collection
 Sampling Plan
 Research Variables and Framework
 Tools for Data Analysis
 Pilot Study Outcomes
 Limitations of the Research Study
 Chapter Conclusion
3.1 CHAPTER INTRODUCTION
Accomplishments of a business firm require that human resource be treated asa strategic
factor. Every business firm has strategic human resource intent at its core. The issue of
human resource management is a crucial issue and leveraging optimum performance
from talent and avail high profits is most challenging task. Use of technology, in the form
of HRIS, supports towards this endeavor.
This chapter lays down about methods used for the study. It contains description about
appropriate methods used in order to lead this research study to its cogent outcome. The
chapter contents are sequenced interlinking individual research methods within a string as
stated at the beginning of this chapter. The presentation of the contents of this chapter has
been done encompassing three dimensions which have been outlined in the following
figure.
A study of HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness of it in large scale

organizations in Western India. Page 51
Figure3.1 –Research Methodology Scope
Analysis of
principles
employed
Presentation of
process and
approach
Description of
methods
3.2 Research Questions
A Research Question is a nucleus of the entire research process. A Research

Question triggers thinking phenomena of the researcher. It helps researcher to be always
focus on the research problem. Research problem attracts attention of the researcher on
relationships present between different variables. Research questions open the door for
developing a framework or model or theory to solve the current research problem.
Drafting of research question is a very skillful task. There is no definitive recipe for
drafting of a perfect research question. However, the following recommendations
highlight some of the features of good questions which have been adopted for this
compendium.

Figure3.2 – Recommendations for Research Questions
Relevant
Manageable in terms of research and in terms of your own academic abilities
Substantial and with original dimensions
Consistent with the requirements of the assessment
Clear and simple
Interesting
The above chart explains importance of regressive thinking which results in defining
correct and focused research question. This acts as a base for defining problem statement
and hypothesis. The researcher was benefited while drafting research question by the
above said process.
An empirical study to investigate the process of acquiring, employing, and establishing

HRIS software solutions for organizational functions can enable one to understand the
difference that has been made in the efficiency of operations. It is vital to study and
document the experience of users of HRIS, so as to provide learning and knowledge
sharing for all stakeholders. It is necessary to assess and present all that is needed to
know when dealing with the pressure of selecting an HRIS solution. The following are
some common research questions that make it necessary for the conduct of a
comprehensive research exercise on the subject.

 How difficult or easy is HRIS to use?
 How effectively has HRIS convert data into meaningful information for
supporting organizational decision?
 What resources are a pre-requisite to the installation of the system? What is the
training requirement for incorporating use of system?
 Is the system generic or customized to organization need?
 Which is a better system – on-premise or cloud based?
 What have been the up-front costs? What are the implicit costs?
 Are there any standard options on choosing a system? Are there any add-ins?
 What has been the experience of individual employees in using the system?
 Has the use of HRIS has enhanced the sense of equity and fairness among
employees?
 How has HRIS enabled the organization power of analytics and business
optimization?
 What has been the vendor support in installation and efficient running of the
system?
 What has been an individual organization’s journey into data-driven decisions and
smarter reporting?
 Has the organization use of the system adapted to the changing landscape of the
technology incorporated in HRIS design and solutions?
 What are the challenges that an organization faces at various levels in the system
use – at employee level, department level, organization level?
 What are the pitfalls in the acquisition and use of the system?

 What has been the impact of HRIS on employee performance, both in the HR
department for HR functions and employees of other departments on account of
overall improved work environment?
 How has HRIS contributed to organizational bottom lines?
 Given experience with existing HRIS use what is the way forward from user
perspectives?
3.3 STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND ITS

DESCRIPTION
A problem statement is like lighthouse in the sea of the research. It is prescriptively

descriptive in nature. It always helps researcher to focus on the research problem.
Statement of the problem does not allow researcher to move out from the track. If any
deviation from the track by the researcher will create problem of non-addressing of
current issues. The underlying thread of this research is the research statement. The
research statement is as follows.
“A study of Human Resource Information Systems processes and performance to identify

effectiveness of it in large scale organizations in Western India.”
The statement of the research problem attempts to understand HRIS processes and
performance and its impact on organizational effectiveness by using a descriptive
research design framework in large scale Organizations in Western India. Population for
the purpose of the research is large scale companies in Western India, which after
analysis will show the way to tackle the research problem. The solutions which
researcher will propose after detail analysis will help organization to tackle the problems
related to effectiveness of HRIS processes. The following table gives brief idea about the
statement of the research problem.

Table3.1 – Description of the Research Problem
Unit of Analysis Large Scale Organizations
Characteristics of Interest HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness
Time and Space

Western India
Boundaries
5W approach is very popular because it benefits to the researcher for describing the
research problem, systematic enquiry and validation of the results. This 5W approach was
adopted by the researcher for this study. 5W approach is as follows.
Figure3.3 - 5W Approach for Research Problem Description
Who?
• Who does the problem affect in terms of specific groups, organizations, customers,
etc.
What?
• What are the boundaries of the problem, e.g. organizational, work flow, geographic,
customer, segments, etc. What is the issue? What is the impact of the issue? What
impact is the issue causing? What will happen when it is fixed? What would happen
if we didn’t solve the problem?
When?
• When does the issue occur? When does it need to be fixed?
Where?
• Where is the issue occurring? Where will the researcher studying the research
variables, in certain locations, processes, products, etc.
Why?
• Why is it important to fix the problem? What impact does it have on all stakeholders,
e.g. employees, suppliers, customers, shareholders, etc.
The researcher also described the problem using 5W approach in the following table.
Table3.2 - Problem Description using 5W approach
Who? Large Scale Companies
What? HRIS processes and performance
When? In contemporary competitive business scenario
Where? Western India
The emergence of greater sophistication in management of human resources

has given the functions of human resources valuable position within strategic
decision making. Because of this development refined information related to
Why? human resources becomes the essential need. This research derives stimulus
from the prolific advances made in the available HRIS products to carry out a
first-hand study in order to observe their actual use and effectiveness in the
management of human resources.
The next section tells about objectives of the research study.
3.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Research problem needs research efforts from the researcher’s side for the solution. The
process of the research efforts comprises of collecting answers from the questions like
What, When, Where, Who, and Why. This process will take researcher to the answers of
the research problem. These answers will be descriptive in nature while objective will
prescriptive in nature. They are précised and explained by using minimum wards.
Objectives of the study will clearly state a premise of the research. By keeping these
thoughts in the mind the researcher has framed following objectives for this study.
1. To study operational usage of HRIS in various organizations.

2. To study applicability of HRIS modules concern with type, size and need of the
organizations.
3. To study technical expertise of the HRIS users.
4. To study perspective of HRIS users concern with processes improvement.
5. To study the perspective of Human Resource professionals concern with various

performance features of HRIS.
Researcher focused on keywords of the different objectives of the research. These

keywords are nothing but variables. These variables are described in the following
diagram.
Figure3.4 – Research Objectives
Study use in
day-to-day
operations
Explore HRIS Analyze

perspectives processes and perspectives of
regarding performance HR professionals
performance to identify on process
features improvement
effectiveness
Investigate
users technical
expertise

The next part explains about hypothesis of the research. There is backward linkage with
objectives and research problem.
3.5 STRUCTURE OF THE RESEARCH STUDY
Every research study should have a structure or a well-defined format. This helps in
achieving the research objectives within available resources. In addition it not only helps
the researcher carry out the study methodically, also when presented appropriately, it
enables the maximum understanding for future use. The structure also enables the
researcher an opportunity to present the work carried out in the most lucid fashion, in a
scientific way. This research accordingly progressed within the structure that was
rendered to it at the beginning. The structure that was adopted has been presented in the
following figure.
Figure 3.5 – Structure of the Research study
Review of Data Presentation

Literature Collection of Findings
Research Data Analysis

Plan and
Interpretation
At the outset the researcher conducted an extensive literature review. The literature
review attempts to carry out general and specialized discussion in the circumference of
research problem. Additionally a sound literature review –
 States proposed research relationship with prior researches

 Exhibits originality and relevance of the research problem
 Justifies methodology
 Demonstrates researcher preparedness to complete the research

It is well known that a particular research exercise is always carried out twice, the first
time on paper and then on executed on field. The first time here refers to an elaborate
research plan, which should mirror every action that needs to be taken for the successful
completion of the research. Accordingly, a research plan was laid out based on the review
of literature. The details of the plan have been presented in this chapter under various
sections.
Once the meticulous plan was put on paper, the researcher implemented the plan. Tools
for data collection which were designed were used to gather data. A field plan determined
the process of data collection. It helped in optimizing researcher resources to connect
with the respondents for data collection.
Collected data was subsequently analyzed using statistical techniques, both descriptive
and inferential. Descriptive statistics helped to describe collected data and elucidate
trends and patterns. Inferential statistics supported in establishing hypothesis set out in
the plan.
This entire effort has been presented as findings in this compendium. This compilation
attempts to systematically present the research effort so that the users of the information
can gauge maximum information from the researcher’s efforts. The researcher has
aspired to present empirical analysis based on facts and figures using simple,
straightforward written communication.
3.6 HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT
Hypothesis framing is a very crucial state in the process of research. Generally hypothesis
is an assumption made about a phenomenon which explain the relationship between
dependent and independent variables. This hypothetical statement plays the role forms a
platform for research enquiry. Generally hypothesis is a statement explaining the
relationships between variables which is based upon researchers or someone else
observation. For testing these hypotheses generally standard procedure is used.
Following figure shows procedure followed by the researcher in the research.

Figure3.6 – Procedure for Hypothesis Testing
State the Calculat

Collect
Null e Test
Data
Hypothesis Statistic
State the Construct

acceptance/ Draw
Alternative Set α Conclusion
Hypothesis rejection
region s
To apply statistical tests, first step is to frame the hypothesis. These hypotheses will be
basis for enquiry in this research. Following are the hypotheses of the study in this
research.
Hypothesis 1:
H1: Usage of HRIS Practices is marginally correlated with type of organization, Size of
organization and available HRIS modules.
Further divided in to three sub hypothesis as:
H1.1: HRIS usage is significantly related with organization size
H1.2: Organizations are not using all the modules of HRIS implemented.
H1.3: HRIS usage depends on type of Organization
Hypothesis 2:
H2: The impact of HRIS is significant on performance in organizations in terms Cost,

time and Decision making
Further divided in to three sub hypothesis as:

H2.1: HRIS has significant impact on decrease in process cost.
H2.2: HRIS has significant impact on decrease in process time.
H2.3: HRIS has significant impact on effective decision making.
Hypothesis No.3:
H3: HRIS has significant impact on processes improvement concern with type of
organization.
Hypothesis No.4:
H4: HRIS users are acquainted with technical details of HRIS system.
Above hypothesis covers the relationship between dependent variables and independent
variables as well as unit of an analysis. Summary of the hypotheses are given in the
following table.
Table 3.3 – Description of Hypothesis
Unit of Dependent Independent

S.N. Hypothesis
Analysis Variable Variable
Usage of HRIS Practices is marginally correlated with Type of organization, Size
H1
of Organization and available HRIS modules.
HRIS usage is
significantly related Sample Extent of Use of Size of the
H1.1
with organization Organization HRIS Organization
size.
Organizations are not
Sample Uniformity of
H1.2 using all modules of HRIS Modules
Organization Use
HRIS implemented.
HRIS usage depends Sample HRIS
H1.3 Industry Type
on type of Organization Implementation

organization.
The impact of HRIS is significant on performance in organizations in terms Cost,

H2 time and Decision making.
HRIS has positive

Sample
H2.1 impact on decrease Process Cost HRIS
Organization
in process cost.
HRIS has positive
Sample
H2.2 impact on decrease Process Time HRIS
Organization
in process time.
HRIS has positive
Sample
H2.3 impact on effective Decision-making HRIS
Organization
decision making.
HRIS has significant
impact on processes HRIS Enabled
Sample Organization
H3 improvement concern Process
Organization type
with type of Improvement
organization
HRIS users are
acquainted with Sample Technical
H4 HRIS users
technical details of Organization Details
HRIS system.
The next part explains about the process of preparing research plan. The objective of the
research plan is to collect the data as per the time schedule and after validations used
same data for analysis purpose to fulfill research objectives. The detailed process of the
research design is as follows.

3.7 RESEARCH DESIGN
A systematic analysis of the method used in a research study is nothing but research
methodology. It contains information related to the concepts, phases and quantitative or
qualitative techniques. This procedure will help researcher for selection of correct method
or set of methods for cracking research problem.
Following figure is a description of scientific methods, tools and techniques used by the
researcher for the collection of the data. The analysis of the data will help researcher to
propose logical research findings for this study.
Figure3.7 – Research Methodology
Research Design
Sources of Data
Tools for Data Collection
Field plan
Sampling Plan
Tools for Data Analysis
Each method has been explained in separate section. It has helped researcher to create
link between them. These methods are now treated as integrated steps in the process of
research methodology. From another view point the summation of all these methods are
research methodology adopted or used in the research.

The design of a study contains type of the study and methods of data collection and a
plan of statistical analysis. Answer of the research question is result of the research
design and its framework. There are different types of research designs. But the selection
of appropriate research for the study will be depending upon the research question and
objective of the research. The research design selected by the researcher should cover all
the variables of the study.
Figure 3.8 – Types of Research Design
Type of Research Design
Based on objectives Based on type of information sought
Exploratory Quantitative
Descriptive Qualitative
Experimental
Each of the above design has a significant impact on the reliability of the research effort.
Choosing an appropriate design is important because smoothness in carrying out research
activities is depending upon correct research design. Therefore effectiveness of research
is depending upon research design. Good research design will provide quality
information with minimum efforts in quick time.
The research problem requires quality research design for collection and analysis of data.
Therefore while preparing research design researcher should be careful and he/she must

avoid mistakes. The research design organizes ideas of researcher in such way that faults
can be easily identified.
When researcher prepares research design he should prepare it in context of the research
goals. Data gathering methods and data analysis methods should be suitable for research
objective and hypothesis. Many factors plays vital role in selection of research methods
which will be help by researcher. Following factors generally researchers used in
selection of appropriate research method for their study. Following figure explains about
factors determining research design.
Figure3.9 – Factors Determining Research Design
Resources available
Research objectives
Existing body of
knowledge on the
subject
Suitability of
research instruments
Theoretical beliefs
of the researcher
Research design was selected in the view of above mentioned factors. For this research,
researcher selected Descriptive Research Design as most appropriate approach to
complete the research work. Descriptive studies are also referred as observational studies.
This type of studies helps in enquiry of units of analysis and factors playing significant
role in research problem.

The simplest descriptive study reports data on specific subject. Descriptive research use
details about existing situation by providing facts about the research problem. It also
helps to uncover the hidden facts. The objective of descriptive research is to observe,
describe and document various dimensions of the research problems. The following
figure shows the above approach.
Figure 3.10 – Descriptive Research Design Approach
Document
Describe
Observe
The data collection in descriptive type of research will be done through questionnaire, in
depth interview and observation during field survey. As it is a descriptive research there
will be no experimental manipulation in terms of selection of sample or group of
samples. In experimental research generally as per the requirement of the research study
selection of sample will be done. Individual and group characteristics will be the area of
analysis for the researcher in the descriptive research.
For this study primary data was collected from large scale companies of Pune and Nashik
city. Data was collected as per the requirement of the study. Cross sectional format and
variables of the interest were the two parameters considered for the data collection
process. This attempt of the researcher provides detailed information about research
units.

3.8 SOURCES OF DATA AND TOOLS FOR DATA COLLECTION
Data collection is a very important chapter in the process of research. It is very tough job
for researcher. It requires proper planning, hard work and patience to complete the data
collection tasks successful. Data collection process is depend upon two factors
1. Type of data required

2. Selection of sample.
Certain instruments can be used for collection of data from sample unit.
A researcher has to finalize sources of data which should be based on need of the
research problem. Researcher can use primary as well as secondary data sources for
collection of data. This part throws light on sources and tools of data collection which
was used by the researcher and subsequent section details on sampling.
Primary data is type of data which the researcher collect by using primary data sources
while secondary data is collected from secondary data sources. This has been
summarized in the following figure.
Figure3.11 – Data Sources
Secondary Primary Data

Data Data Sources
Primary data is collected from original sources. Researcher may collect this data under
controlled or uncontrolled environment. In experimental research researcher collects data
in controlled environment. Tools like questionnaire, observation and schedule used for
collection of data under uncontrolled environment.
Sources of Secondary data are as follows.
1. Reports

2. Books
3. Journals
4. Documents
5. Magazines
6. Web sources etc.
Both the data sources have their own limitations. The selection of the data sources was
done by considering all below mentioned benefits of the data sources. The weightge was
given to the data sources according to the need of the data which requires for the study.
Table3.4 - Benefits of Secondary and Primary Data Sources
Benefits of Primary Data

Benefits of Secondary Data Sources
Sources
Save time and money Targeted Issues are addressed
Access to historical data Data interpretation is better
Applied to prove or disprove an argument or

Data is more contemporary/recent
theory
May be used to offer general background
Reverence for proprietary information
information
Useful to set the scene of the research and
Greater researcher control
findings
May be useful for putting the research into
Coupling of Observation Technique
context
Appropriate secondary and primary data sources were selected by the researcher.
Following secondary data sources were used for this study.
1. Reports
2. Books

3. Journals
4. Documents
5. Magazines
6. Web sources etc.
These data sources helps researcher for identifying the gap, preparation of research
problem and finalization of the objective.
For primary data collection researcher has designed structured questionnaire and in-
depth personal interviews.
Following table is a snapshot of data sources used by researcher for data collection
process.
Table3.5 – Secondary and Primary Data Tools
Secondary Data Tools Primary Data Tools
 Theoretical constructs and  Structured Questionnaire and In-

conceptual framework depth Personal Interviews
 Research work and compendiums
on HR domain
 Company publications including
manuals, policy statements,
circulars and other communications
 Periodical publications reflecting
beliefs, points of views and
submissions from experts and
stakeholders.
The next part gives detailed explanation about the sampling plan.

3.9 SAMPLING PLAN
Information collected from the sample will be act as input for analysis. Conclusions are
based upon analysis result. That means information collected from sample unit
significantly contribute in the process of drawing conclusions for the study. Selection of
the sample from the population becomes very critical task. Sample is a section of
population having same characteristics. It is impossible to study entire population or to
consider entire population for the research. It will be time consuming as well as
expensive. But the prerequisite is the sample units selected for the study should be
representative of population in its nature. It should be adequate in number and no bias
should be done at the time of selection of sample.
Decisions regarding sample, size and techniques are important factors in sample design.
Following figure shows the three parts of sampling decisions.
Figure3.12 – Sampling Decisions
Who will be surveyed? - THE SAMPLE
The researcher must determine what type of information

is needed and who is most likely to have it.
How many people will be surveyed? - SAMPLE
SIZE
Large samples give more reliable results than small
samples. However it is not necessary to sample the
entire target population.
How should the sample be chosen? -
SAMPLING
All members of the population should be given equal
chance (Probability Sample) or unequal chance (Non-
probability Sample) to appear in the sample

The requirements of the research will have an impact on above three decisions. This
process should be followed stepwise. If any step has been missed then it will have very
serious impact on data collection process. Any small error wills results into large
deviations. That’s why there is a need to carry out the sampling process step by step with
at most precaution. The following figure shows the step by step sampling process.
Figure3.13 – Sampling Process
Define the Target Determine the Select a Sampling

Population Sampling Frame Technique
Execute the Sampling Determine the Sample

Process Size
The population decided as per the need of data requirement and problem statement. The
researcher has taken the population of large scale companies in Pune and Nashik cities.
The population has been explained in terms of
1. Unit of Analysis
2. Time availability.
3. Research
The decision about sampling technique which is very crucial to get proper representation
will be finalized during this phase. Researcher has selected simple random sampling
method for drawing the sample unit from the population.
Sample size – 62 companies where selected for the study by using simple random
method.
Sampling plan was described with all details in the following figure.

Figure3.14 – Sampling Plan for the Research
Population Definition - Large Scale Companies of Pune and Nashik
Sampling Frame - Company Database
Sampling Unit - Business Firm
Sampling Technique - Simple Random Sampling
Sample Size - 62 Companies and 620 employees
Sample Profile
As the previous part explains about sample size which consists of 62 companies,
researcher briefly describes the profile of respondent companies. This exercise was
carried out to understand the background of sample and to logically prove the value of
their inputs in research finding.
At the outset the researcher sought to profile the respondent companies according to the
number of employees, which is indicative of the size of the companies. The table below
presents the decomposition of the sample based on the number of employees in three
categories – less than 300 employees, between 300 to 2000 employees, and more than
2000 employees

Table3.6 - Number of Employees in Respondent Companies

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Less than 300 4 6.5 6.5 6.5
Vali
> 300 and < 2000 34 54.8 54.8 61.3
d
2000 and more 24 38.7 38.7 100.0
Total 62 100.0 100.0
The table shows that maximum respondent companies, i.e., 54.8%, have between 300 to
2000 employees. 38.7% of the respondent companies have more than 2000 employees
and only 6.5% have less than 300 employees. This has been presented in the following
figure.
Figure3.15 - Number of Employees in Respondent Companies
Less than 300

6%
2000 and
more
39%
> 300 and <

2000
55%

The researcher also profiled the respondent organizations on the basis of the sector to
which they belonged. Referring to it as the type of organization, the frequency count in
each category is presented in the following table.
Table3.7 – Type of Organization
Organization Type Frequency Frequency %
Manufacturing 18 29
Financial 6 10
Agri-business 8 13
IT 25 40
Service Sector 4 6
Other 1 2
Total 62 100
The above table exhibits that 29% respondents are from manufacturing, 10% are from
financial sector, 13% are from agri-business, 40% are from IT sector, 6% are from
services sector, and 2% are from other sectors. This classification of respondent
companies has been presented in the following figure.

Figure 3.16- Type of Organization

Other
Service Sector
2%
6%
Manufacturing
29%
IT
40%
Financial
10%
Agri-business
13%
3.10 RESEARCH VARIABLES AND FRAMEWORK
In a good research study concepts are measurable in nature which controls variations in
respondents understanding in significant way. Controlling variability in respondents
understanding is very important and depend upon techniques used for converting
concepts in terms of variables to make them operational. Clarity about these techniques
becomes important ingredients in fine tuning the research problem. This section
describes the variables that have been tested to arrive at the research findings.
In unit number unit one the detailed information about HRIS software with their
evolution is given. Generally HRIS systems are flexible in nature and helps HR mangers
to analyze the data related to employees in planning and decision making. HRIS
improves efficiency of HR department by saving man hours and provides systematic
analysis which results into organizational as well as employee development.
From employee point of view HRIS is a platform where with full ease employees can
enter the data which is related to their job. Company policies and announcements related
to employees communicated through Human resource Information Systems. HRIS

supports organizations to carry out paperless transaction. One of the unique features of
HRIS is centralized database which reduce redundancy within the organization.
Taking cue from this premise that entails effectiveness of HRIS on organizational
processes and performance, the researcher created a research framework. This included
dependent and independent variables, in order to test the validity of the stated constructs
on sample organizations. The following figure describes the framework used in the
research.
Figure3.17 – Research Variables and Framework
Organisational
Goal
Effective
Process
Decision-
Improvement
making
Effective HRIS
Process Cost Process Time
Statistical techniques have been used to test the relationship between these variables and
outcomes presented in subsequent chapters in this compendium.

3.11 TOOLS FOR DATA ANALYSIS
When we discuss the concept of Data analysis it becomes very clear that it is process of
gathering the data from the selected sample units, modeling and transforming data with
the objective of getting useful information which will contribute in framing suggestions,
conclusions and decision making. Data analysis are having multiple dimensions because
of diverse techniques are available for researcher to do the analysis. The research study
used the following statistical techniques for data analysis:
 Frequency Count and their diagrammatic presentation

 Correlation, Regression and Scatter Plot
 Kruskal-Wallis H test
 Mann-Whitney U Test
A frequency count was done to enable numerical tabulation of the collected data for
which Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS version 15.0 was used. While it is possible to
present numerical information in tabular form, it is frequently far more effective to
present the data in a graph. There are many different ways to do this. This research uses
the following kinds of graphs using Microsoft Excel Worksheet, namely,
 Line Graphs which display trend over time or categories.

 Pie charts which display the contribution of each value to a total.
 Horizontal Bar Graphs which compare values across categories.
 Clustered Column Graphs which also compare values across categories.
 Stacked Area Graphs which display the trend of the contribution of each value
over time or categories.
 Doughnuts which are like pie charts but can contain multiple series.

3.12 PILOT STUDY OUTCOMES
A pilot study was designed and conducted to gather information on the research problem,
prior to the final data collection exercise, in order to improve the latter’s quality and
efficiency. The purpose of the pilot study was,
 To explore and understand the evidence of HRIS effectiveness and its impact on
individual respondent companies at micro level.
 To obtain information on logistical issues to be incorporated into the final study.
 To reveal deficiencies in the design of the modus operandi of the research so that
they can then be addressed before time and accordingly time and resource
allocation can be done.
 To collect preliminary data in order to define clearly the parameters and variables
that best explained the nature and magnitude of the research questions.
 To design and test the adequacy of research instrument, i.e., the Questionnaire.
 To arrive at an appropriate sampling technique, adequate sample size as well as to
figure out the suitable sampling frame.
 To improve and finalize the research plan.
 To identify potential practical problems in the decided upon research procedure
The study was conducted in three stages. Each stage contributed significantly to the
conduct of the final survey. A description of the tasks performed in these stages is as
follows:
Stage I – The first stage involved collection of qualitative data through in-depth
interviews. The outcome of this stage was a revelation of the parameters and variables
which described the research problem. These parameters were incorporated in the
Questionnaire which was finally used as the primary instrument for data collection.
Stage II – In the second stage the formulated Questionnaire was tested for validity,
reliability and adequacy. Changes suggested by technology industry experts were
incorporated and Questionnaire was finalized. Some of the discussion on this issue and
suggested changes pertained to wording and the order of the questions, the suitability of
the scaling techniques used, and competence of the parameters used in the questionnaire
to measure the impact of attrition.
Stage III – In the third and final stage sampling plan was concluded. Based on the
opinion of experts from the information technology companies selected for pilot study,
following decisions were made
 Simple Random Sampling was chosen as the sampling technique.

 Sampling Plan was drawn out
 Field Study Plan was drawn out
Outcome of Pilot Study
The pilot study involved,
 Discussions with company executives to seek their views regarding the research
variables
 Discussions with HR professionals, academicians and trainers to identify
parameters to measure the research variables.
 An appraisal of various working papers in the existing literature available on the
subject from time to time to explore the direction followed by companies on the
research subject.
The outcome of such an attempt resulted in,
 An assertion regarding time frame for the research

 Identification of variables
 Questionnaire formulation
3.13 LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH STUDY
The field of human resource management and information technology is constantly

changing. At the same time, an ever-increasing financial integration of economies across
the globe intertwines the happenings in one economy with the others, further obscuring

the findings of research in specific geographical areas. As the researcher compiles this
report major transformations are happening for business and economy across the world
impacting the industry landscape in India. Trends and inferences drawn for the period of
research may, hence, be used for future predictions subject to changes occurring in the
global industry environment from time to time.
3.14 CHAPTER CONCLUSION
Chapter commenced following an introduction to the research study, briefly highlighting

the underlying motivations which provided stimulus to the research in Chapter 1. It
details out the research plan defining the problem, hypotheses, research questions and
objectives. The chapter rationalizes the choice of research design, sources of data and the
tools used for data collection. An elaborate sampling and field study plan was also laid
out in the chapter. Statistical tools that were used for data analysis were identified and
their conceptual underpinnings were cataloged, justifying their suitability to the research
data. The chapter also describes the pilot study, its objectives and its outcome in terms of
time boundaries for the research, description of variables, and questionnaire design and
analysis. The chapter also mentions the limitations which should underlie before
meaningful conclusions are drawn from the study.


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Research Methodology

CHAPTER 3 – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 CHAPTER INTRODUCTION

A study of HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness of it in large scale

Figure3.1 –Research Methodology Scope

3.2 Research Questions

A Research Question is a nucleus of the entire research process. A Research

A study of HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness of it in large scale

Figure3.2 – Recommendations for Research Questions

Manageable in terms of research and in terms of your own academic abilities

Substantial and with original dimensions

Consistent with the requirements of the assessment

Clear and simple

An empirical study to investigate the process of acquiring, employing, and establishing

A study of HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness of it in large scale

 How difficult or easy is HRIS to use?

 Is the system generic or customized to organization need?

 Which is a better system – on-premise or cloud based?

A study of HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness of it in large scale

 How has HRIS contributed to organizational bottom lines?

3.3 STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND ITS

A problem statement is like lighthouse in the sea of the research. It is prescriptively

“A study of Human Resource Information Systems processes and performance to identify

A study of HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness of it in large scale

Table3.1 – Description of the Research Problem

Unit of Analysis Large Scale Organizations

Characteristics of Interest HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness

Time and Space

Figure3.3 - 5W Approach for Research Problem Description

Table3.2 - Problem Description using 5W approach

Who? Large Scale Companies

What? HRIS processes and performance

When? In contemporary competitive business scenario

Where? Western India

The emergence of greater sophistication in management of human resources

The next section tells about objectives of the research study.

3.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1. To study operational usage of HRIS in various organizations.

A study of HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness of it in large scale

4. To study perspective of HRIS users concern with processes improvement.

5. To study the perspective of Human Resource professionals concern with various

Researcher focused on keywords of the different objectives of the research. These

Figure3.4 – Research Objectives

Explore HRIS Analyze

A study of HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness of it in large scale

3.5 STRUCTURE OF THE RESEARCH STUDY

Figure 3.5 – Structure of the Research study

Review of Data Presentation

Research Data Analysis

 States proposed research relationship with prior researches

A study of HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness of it in large scale

3.6 HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT

A study of HRIS processes and performance to identify effectiveness of it in large scale

Figure3.6 – Procedure for Hypothesis Testing

State the Calculat

State the Construct

Further divided in to three sub hypothesis as:

H1.1: HRIS usage is significantly related with organization size

H1.3: HRIS usage depends on type of Organization