MBA GROUP 1

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS PRESENTATION 11

1. LOCADIA NYOKA  R178067N
2. ANGELO  BERENJENA R213029J
3. TALENT  GWAZA R141382M
4. PRINCE  PEYISAI  R211712W
5. GAMUCHIRAI MBIRIRI R112117X
6. MUNYARADZI  NHIRA R211777H
7. PATIENCE  CHAKWENA R212342B
8. TSITSI WISIKESI R171576P
9. MOREBLESSING MAWEDZE R211958Q
QUESTION 11
Question: What are the functions of a research
design?
Preamble

1.2 Taxonomy of 1.3 Framework for 1.4 Functions of

1.1 Introduction
research designs research design research design

1.5 Summary of the

major functions of 1.6 Conclusion 1.7 References
research design
 1.1 Introduction

 A research design is a roadmap that documents procedures utilised to collect, analyse and interpret data with the aim
of addressing the research problem (Stephen, 2016.
 A research design is considered appropriate if it assists the researcher to understand as far as possible the
phenomenon under study (Tunarosa and Glym, 2017).
 This is supported by Madzimure (2018) who submitted that the research design is “the basic plan for a piece of
research and includes four main ideas: strategy, conceptual framework, the question of who or what will be studied
and the tools and procedures to be used for collecting and analysing empirical materials” (p. 105).
 Therefore, from these definitions, the authors conclude that the research design is a plan regarding how a research is
to be carried out.
 1.2 Taxonomy of research designs

 Pursuant to examining the functions of research design, it is imperative to examine the basic types of research designs as
highlighted in Table 1.1:
Descriptive Exploratory Explanatory Experimental

Objective Describe characteristics To establish whether a Explain relationships A carefully controlled study in
certain phenomenon exists between variables which the researcher
manipulates a proposed cause
and observes any corresponding
change in the proposed effect.

Characteristics Formulate and focus questions Formulate and focus Prior formulation of Manipulation of one or more
for future research questions for future research specific hypothesis independent variables

Methods Surveys, panels, observational Case studies, in depth Survey methods Experimentation and survey
interviews methods.

Source: Adapted from Cresswell and Poth (2017)

 1.3 Framework for research design

 Design, in the sense discussed in Section 1.1 and 1.2, concerns the various things which should be thought about and kept
in mind when carrying out a research project. Many models have been put forward and Figure 1.1 is a simple one by
Robson and McCartan (2017) who examined the utility or functions of research design in terms of its role in guiding the
following aspects:

Figure 1.1: Framework for research design

Source: Adapted from Robson and McCartan (2017)
 1.4 Functions of research design

 The research design’s function is to ensure that all aspects in Figure 1.1 are interrelated and kept in
balance (Robson and McCartan, 2017). The diagram suggests that there is some directionality about
the whole process.
 Both the purposes and the conceptual framework feed in to, and help one specify, the research
questions (Babin and Zikmund, 2016).
 When the researcher knows the research questions they want to be answered, then they are able to
make decisions about the methods and the procedures to be used when sampling (Bryman and Bell,
2015).
 However, unless one is dealing with a fixed design which is tightly pre ‐specified, this should not be
taken to imply a once‐only consideration of the different aspects (Robson and McCartan, 2017).
 1.4 Functions of research design

The research design enables the generation of solutions to the research problem through the alignment of the following aspects
(Robson and McCartan, 2017):
 Purpose(s). What is this study trying to achieve? Why is it being done? Is the researcher seeking to describe something, or to
explain or understand something? Is the researcher trying to assess the effectiveness of something? Is it in response to some
problem or issue for which solutions are sought? Is it hoped to change something as a result of the study?
 Conceptual framework. What are the various aspects or features involved, and how might they be related to each other?
 Research questions. To what questions is the research geared to providing answers? What does the researcher need to know
to achieve the purpose(s) of the study? What is it feasible to ask given the time and resources that you have available?
 Methods. What specific techniques (e.g. semi‐structured interviews, participant observation) will the researcher use to
collect data? How will the data be analysed? How will the researcher show that the data are trustworthy?
 Sampling procedures. Who will the researcher seek data from? Where and when? How will the researcher balance the need
to be selective with that of collecting the data required?
 1.4 Functions of research design

 The research design acts as an operational plan guiding the structure of the study in terms of certain aspects such
as those summarized by Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill’s (2016) in the research onion model.
 The components of the research onion outlines the research philosophy, research approaches, research strategies,
time horizons and data collection methods followed by researchers when conducting research. The utility of the
research onion as a research methodology framework lies in its adaptability to different research designs, be it
descriptive, exploratory, explanatory or experimental (Saunders et al., 2016). Figure 1.2 illustrates the research
onion framework.
 1.4 Functions of research design

• The research design’s function is to develop an operational plan to undertake various steps of the research Cresswell and Poth,
2017. The research design constitutes the following aspects as highlighted in the research onion:

Figure 1.2: Research Onion

Source: Adapted Saunders
et al., (2016).
 1.4 Functions of research design

 In line with the research onion alluded to in Figure 1.2, the research design’s function is to inform
the aspects highlighted in Table 1.2 that follows over leaf:
 1.4 Functions of research design (Table 1.2)
Research Design Paradigm Ontology Epistemology Methodology Axiology
What is reality? How can I know How do you go about What is the influence of values in understanding
reality? finding reality? reality?
Experimental Positivism There is single reality or truth. Reality is constructed Experimentation and survey Reality and knowledge is value-free and etic. The
Reality is external and objective and using valid and methods. researcher allows the data to speak for itself.
the laws that govern it can be govern reliable tools. Objective quantitative Objective research, truth and reason are valued.
it can be discovered. The only valid methods are used.  
knowledge is  
knowledge produced
through empirical
observation.

Explanatory Post-positivism Reality is tentative and propositions Reality is constructed Survey methods. Reality and knowledge is value-free and etic. The
used to explain the nature of reality using systematic researcher allows the data to speak for itself.
may either be confirmed or falsified. procedures
Exploratory Constructivism There is no single reality or truth. Reality is interpreted. Ethnography Reality and knowledge is value-bound. The
Reality is fluid and subjective and is Grounded Theory researcher is immersed in the research process.
created by human interaction. Heuristic inquiry
 
Exploratory Critical realism Reality is what we perceive it to be. Reality and knowledge Discourse theory Reality and knowledge is shaped by societal norms
Reality changes over time and is is purely a matter of Postmodernism and values.
governed by underlying structures. perspective.
Descripto- Pragmatism Reality is negotiated. The best method is one Mixed methods. Reality and knowledge construction is both value-
explanatory/ that addresses the bound and etic-emic.
Exploratory research problem.

Source: Researchers’ derivative based on Creswell and Poth (2017, p.20).

 1.4 Functions of research design

 The research design’s function is to ensure reliability, validity, credibility and trustworthiness in each step of
the research (McLaughlin, Bush and Zeeman, 2016).
 (a) Ensuring reliability: refers to the extent to which a scale or a questionnaire produces consistent results if
repeated measurements are made (Madzimure, 2018).
 Test-retest reliability: Here respondents are administered identical sets of scale items at two different times under
nearly the same conditions.
 Internal consistency reliability is made up of two types, namely split half and Cronbach alpha. In split half reliability
the scale items are divided into halves. Reliability is then calculated to examine correlations. High correlations
indicate high internal consistency.
 Spilt-half method- the data set is spilt into two halves and reliabilities are computed for the two halves and an average
is taken as over reliability coefficient.
1.4 Functions of research design

 (b) Ensuring validity: Validity is the ability of a measuring instrument to measure what is
supposed to measure. Four forms of validity are considered in a research design,
specifically, face, content, convergent and predictive validity (Madzimure, 2018).
 Face validity speaks to the representative nature of the research in terms of whether it is good or
not at face value as per the perceptions of expects.
 Content validity is the extent to which the instruments are well structured in terms of phrasing
and detail. This is done through pilot testing.
 Convergent validity is the ability of the scale items to correlate with other scales that claim to
measure similar aspects. Pearson’s correlation is utilised to measure
 Predictive validity is the effectiveness of research results as a predictor of future results
(generalizability).
 1.4 Functions of research design

 C) Ensuring credibility and trustworthiness in qualitative studies:

Quality criterion Provisions made by researcher

   The research design will ensure suitable research methods to collect primary data for the research are employed
   Frequent debriefing sessions were held between the researcher and the study supervisor to clarify thoughts, approaches and
Credibility expectations.

 The research design will ensure a systematic and conscientious data analysis methods are implemented.
Transferability  As highlighted in Figure 1.1, one of the functions of a research design is to highlight the study’s purpose. The researcher thus
documents the study’s background information to effectively establish the context of the study for the participants.
Dependability  The research design helps in providing a detailed outline of the research methodology employed in the study to enable replication.

   Informed by the research design, the researcher keeps a reflexive journal where he/she documents all thoughts, plans and other
  pertinent notes for reference during the course of the study.
Confirmability

Source: Adapted from Cresswell and Poth (2017)

 1.5 Summary of the major functions of a
research design
The importance of research design in research methodology is due  Smooth & efficient sailing (sets boundaries & helps prevent
to the following (Madzimure, 2018, Cresswell and Poth, 2017; and blind search)
Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2016):  Maximises reliability of results.
 It may result in the preferred kind of study with helpful  Provides firm foundation to the endeavour.
conclusions that are generalisable.  Averts misleading conclusions & thoughtless useless exercise.
 It cuts down on inaccuracy.  Provides opportunity to anticipate flaws & inadequacies
 Ensures optimum efficiency and reliability. (anticipates problems).
 Reduce wastage of time.  Incorporates by learning from other people’s critical comments
 Reduce uncertainty, confusion and practical haphazard related & evaluations.
to any research problem.
 Of great help for collection of research material and testing of
hypothesis.
 It is a guide for giving research the right path.
 Gets rid of bias and marginal errors.
 Provides an idea concerning the type of resources needed in
terms of money, effort, time, and manpower.
1.6 Conclusion

 The research design and its functions have been discussed herein.
 Design deals primarily with aims, purposes, intentions and plans within the practical constraints of
location, time, money and availability of other resources.
 It is also very much about style, the researcher’s own preferences and ideas (whether innovative or solidly
traditional based on the research onion).
 An efficient research design is dependent first upon the considerate statements of purpose and objectives,
and associated research questions. These essential preliminary steps in turn drive important choices
relating to methodology issues.
 1.7 References

 Babin, B. J. and Zikmund, W. G. (2016). Essentials of Marketing Research. 6th ed. Boston: Cengage Learning.
 Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2015). Business research methods. Oxford University Press: USA.
 Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design, Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, Sage: Thousand Oaks.
 Creswell, J. W. and Poth, C. N. (2017). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage publications.
 Given, L. (2017). It’s a new year so let’s stop the paradigm wars. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16, 1-2.
 Madzimure, J (2018), E-Procurement, supplier integration and supply chain performance in small and medium enterprises in Gauteng province, Thesis submitted
in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor Technologiae in Business in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Vaal University of Technology
 McLaughlin, J. E., Bush, A. A. and Zeeman, J. M. (2016). Mixed methods: Expanding research methodologies in pharmacy education. Currents in Pharmacy
Teaching and Learning, 8, 715-721.
 Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2016). Research Methods for Business Students, (6th ed.) London: Pearson.
 Stephen, G. (2016). Research design: Creating robust approaches for social sciences. UK: Sage Publications.
 Toye, F., Williamson, E., Williams, M. A., Fairbank, J. and Lamb, S.E. (2016). What value can qualitative research design? An example from an adolescent
idiopathic scoliosis trial feasibility study. Qualitative Health Research, 26(13), 1838-1850.
 Tunarosa, A. and Glym, M. A. (2017). Strategies of integration in mixed methods research: Insights using relational algorithms. Organisational Research
Methods, 20(2), 224-242