Research approach and strategy

Research approach and strategy Chapter 3: Research Methodology 3.1. Introduction: The purpose of this chapter is to present the research philosophy, approach and strategy that are used in this project. The choice of research design and data collection methods is justified by indicating their advantages and limitations compared with other available methods. 3.2. Research philosophy: This study reflects the principles of the positivist philosophy. This paradigm is concerned with testing theories and providing material for the development of laws (Bryman and Bell, 2003, p.14). It assumes that â€Å"reality is objectively given and can be described by measurable properties, which are independent of the observer [†¦] and his or her instruments† (Myers, 2009, p.37). The positivist research philosophy involves â€Å"highly structured methodology to facilitate replication† (Gill and Johnson, 1997, cited in Saunders et al., 2003, p.83). Therefore, reliability is likely to be high (Collis and Hussey, 2003). One limitation of the positivistic paradigm is that validity is low when measures do not reflect the phenomenon that is being investigated (Collins and Hussey, 2003). 3.3. Research approach and strategy: There are two methods of data collection and analysis that are available to researchers, qualitative (inductive) and quantitative (deductive). In order to achieve its aims and objectives, this study employs a deductive approach, which involves the testing of hypothesis deduced from theory (Bryman and Bell, 2003). The rationale for this choice is that the quantitative approach is appropriate when collecting data related to the frequency of occurrence of a variable (determinants of FDI in Bulgaria) and provides the researcher with the opportunity to â€Å"explain casual relationships between variables† (Saunders et al., 2003, p.86). However, by adopting an inductive approach the researcher is able to gain more in-depth understanding of the research context and allows a more flexible structure of the research (Saunders et al., 2003). On the other hand, qualitative research makes it difficult to generalise results to a larger population (Myers, 2009) and findings are often subjective since they rely on the judgement and interpretation of the researcher (Collis and Hussey, 2003). 3.4. Research design: In order to achieve its aims and objectives, this study will employ a cross-sectional design. This framework requires examination of more than one cases and collection of data on the variables of interest at a single point in time (Bryman and Bell, 2003). The present project will use it to establish variation in respect of the different determinants of FDI, suggested in the Dunnings eclectic theory, by obtaining data from major investors in Bulgaria. The choice of this research design is backed up by the assumption that the investigated variables could not be manipulated by the business research in contrast to experimental design (Bryman and Bell, 2003). * Reliability: The probability that research findings would be the same if the study is repeated using cross-sectional design is high, given the same conditions and clear explanation of the procedures involved (Bryman and Bell, 2003). * Validity: Internal validity of cross-sectional research design is likely to be weak since it is â€Å"difficult to establish causal direction from the resulting data† (Bryman and Bell, 2003), whereas external validity is usually strong if the sample under investigation is appropriately selected (Lee and Lings, 2008). 3.5. Data collection methods: This study involves the collection of both primary and secondary data. 3.5.1. Secondary data: Secondary data involves both raw and published data collected for other purposes (Saunders et al., 2003). The project made use of online academic databases to obtain relevant academic journals and articles within the area of international business and FDI in emerging economies. Qualitative data was sourced out from books, as well. It was used to establish the basis for the literature review. Raw secondary data, which involves the most recently available statistical information about the FDI inflow in Bulgaria during the last 11 years, is obtained from the Bulgarian National Bank. This kind of data gives a researcher the opportunity to analyse it for the purposes of a longitudinal study, aiming to â€Å"chart trends over time and perhaps to relate these to wider social changes† (Bryman and Bell, 2003). Although secondary analysis provides a number of benefits, including time and cost saving and access to high quality data, there are some considerable limitations such as subjectivity; hence, disputable reliability (Bryman and Bell, 2003). 3.5.2. Primary data: The questionnaire: Primary data is collected by self-administered online questionnaires. A number of similar studies, looking for causality, have adopted this method which is easy and less time-consuming to conduct (Collis and Hussey, 2003). However, it lacks flexibility one of the advantages of semi-structured and unstructured interviews (Bryman and Bell, 2003). The problems of missing data and low response rate that are associated with the self-completion questionnaire are other limitations of the method (Saunders et al., 2003). The physical distance and the limited time prevented the employment of interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire includes three sections of both closed and open-ended questions (see Appendices). The questions are pre-coded, in order to ease the analysis of answers. The first section involves questions about the MNC characteristics (industry, home country, year and size of investment). The second section includes questions about the motives of MNCs to enter the market in Bulgaria. This section is based on the Dunnings location-advantages theory. The final section of the questionnaire considers the impediments to investment in Bulgaria. The sample: The sample is randomly selected from an official document of the Bulgarian Foreign Investment Agency (BFIA) enlisting the major foreign investors in Bulgaria. This study assumes the 100 companies included in this list as the population under consideration. The size of the sample is 30 MNCs which is relatively representative. A total of 30 MNCs were approached to take part in the survey via e-mails. Then, a link to the online questionnaire was sent to all participants, accompanied by a cover letter (see Appendices). The low response rate (7%) necessitated the follow-up emails to organisations that had not responded. Eventually, 25 companies completed the survey (83%).The sample is representative for three of the industrial sectors that receive FDI, i.e. manufacturing, electricity, gas and water supply and IT sector. 3.6. Data analysis methods: Since positivistic philosophy is usually associated with quantitative research methods and statistical analysis (Saunders et al., 2003), this study obtained primary data and analysed it using quantitative research strategy. This approach is adopted by most business researches and involves the collection and analysis of numerical data (Bryman and Bell, 2003). In order to establish relations and to analyse an economic phenomenon (Barrow, 2001), this study applies statistical methods when analysing the data obtained from the survey. Initially, the project adopts exploratory data analysis approach or descriptive statistics. This approach is normally associated with the use of tables and diagrams to summarise and present quantitative data (Collis and Hussey, 2003). The rationale for adopting this strategy is that it provides an appropriate instrument to establish a trend and to examine the dynamics and determinants of investment inflow in Bulgaria for the period between 1998 and 2009, which is the objective of this project. 3.7. Ethical issues: Diener and Crandall (1978, cited in Bryman and Bell, 2003) identify four principles, with regard to ethics in business research: whether there is harm to participants, a lack of informed content, an invasion of privacy, and whether deception is involved. This study is going to address each of the indicated areas. First, confidentiality and anonymity of participants would be maintained. Second, all participants would be given detailed information for the purpose of this research and their involvement in the study. Third, personal data would be protected by the relevant data protection legislation. Finally, all participants would be given the right to withdraw from answering any question that they might consider as potentially deceptive or harming their dignity. 3.8. Conclusion: The purpose of this chapter was to outline the research methodology that is adopted in order to achieve the aims and objectives of this project. The selected research approach, strategy and data collection methods are critically reviewed and compared with alternatives. Finally, sample features are discussed and ethical issues are considered. The following chapter deals with the analysis of the collected data.

Article Review Format Guide Essay

The article discusses whether the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the subsequence laws were the correct solution for the problems that arose from the Enron and WorldCom bankruptcies. The article illustrates how the different rules and legislature affect different size business, and the ramifications that resulted for companies that must follow the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The authors of the article also conducted a study on whether or not fraud of the financial statements was in direct correlation of businesses filing bankruptcy (Nogler & Inwon, 2011, p. 68) like in the cases of Enron and WorldCom. The results found that the larger the company that filed bankruptcy the more likely that securities fraud litigation and general overstatement of the revenue and assets of the company occurred (Nogler & Inwon, 2011). LEGAL ISSUE Legal issues were rampant in the article. For instance, with the issuance of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, companies chose to â€Å"go dark† to â€Å"no longer trade publically,† (Nogler & Inwon, 2011, p. 67) in order to not have to comply fully with SOX. The article also address whether it is fair or just to make smaller companies follow the same exact rules and fines of such articles as Article 404 of the SOX Act. MANAGERIAL PERSPECTIVE Fraud is a real threat to the financial stability of a corporation and even the country. The legal issues presented in the article show how damaging fraud truly is. Of the over 1,200 companies that filed for bankruptcy in the study, 77.8% had some sort of fraud (Nogler & Inwon, 2011). These numbers show that laws like Sarbanes-Oxley are justified in trying to stop the illegal actions within the finances of a corporation by making people responsible for their actions and the actions of those around us. The creative reporting methods that people use in ponzi schemes and recording of financial information needs to be highly monitored to prevent losses for stakeholders. Realistic solutions include more laws for the betterment of the corporate world. Laws that protect individual employees like auditors and Certified Public Accountants, because as it stands now all liability falls to only a few people like the CFO or CEO, when in fact there are instances when they too need protection. Smal l businesses that wish to go public should have similar laws designed for their size and not just an umbrella law that might prevent the company from growth. Reference: Nogler, G., & Inwon, J. (2011, May/June). Sarbanes-Oxley Act: Was the ’one-size-fits-all’ approach justified? Journal of Corporate Accounting & Finance (Wiley), 22(4), 65-76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jcaf.20691

Science Cass

For visually impaired students, a Science class could pose as a threat for them because of the different chemicals and many scientific apparatus that can physically harm them. Their functioning senses particularly their sense of touch might be impaired if scientific equipment are not properly positioned or arranged. I think the recommendations mentioned including the rearrangement of desks and maintaining a clutter-free class room were simple but doable. The first-hand experience of the teacher with a blind person gave the teacher an idea of how to make his or her class and the lay out of the room more sympathetic and sensitive to the special needs of visually impaired students.Response No. 2I think space is one of the major factors to consider when designing a classroom that would also accommodate visually impaired students. Having enough room would increase the mobility of visually impaired students and reduce the risks of being bumped into by other students or knocking off things. The suggestion of visually impaired students assisting their fellow students with assignments and interacting through board games are excellent opportunities to hone their social skills. However, these recommendations might not yield positive outcomes because there is always the possibility that other students might take advantage of their disabilities.Response No. 3To effectively draft plans according to the needs of visually impaired students, the nature and severity of their disability should be learned and considered.   The power of knowledge can make a huge difference. By simply knowing the gravity of the visually impaired students’ blindness, a teacher can be able to determine the necessary actions needed to be done to address their needs in a classroom environment.The needs of a severely blind person are different from the needs of a moderately blind person. By considering this, the resources of the school and the efforts of the teacher can be maximize that can yiel d productive results. More so, not only do visually impaired students benefits from this kind of set up but also normal students. The use of auditory-based resources and the adoption of descriptive-based teaching style can enhance a normal student’s creativity while a visually impaired student can have a productive experience in this kind of setting.Response No. 4I think technology have changed the way most people live in the modern age. One of the benefits of technology is its capability to be use as a device for teaching, in which had facilitated easy learning for many students. More so, the availability of advanced gadgets such as the computer program that can transform text into speech and computer had helped visually impaired students to cope up with class discussions and with the class course. Because of science and technology, students with disabilities specifically visually impaired can go through with their studies just like any other normal student. As a result, stu dents with visual impairments will reduce the chances developing low self-esteem or even have the feeling of being alienated.Response No. 5In order for students with disabilities to feel that they are part of a class, the teacher must get to know these students personally in order to determine their personality and expectations. By having a bond, teachers and visually impaired students can easily formulate together plans on how to make the class environment suitable for the students with disabilities and also the teacher can generate new methods or styles of teaching to fit the needs of these students. It is important to note the wants and needs of these special students because sometimes people tend to think that they know better but they do not that

Depression Depression And Depression - 1363 Words

According to a study done by CDC, one out of ten Americans have some form of depression at any given time, and another study by NIH states that over 15 million people have depression in any given year (Depression The Gale). There are many different parts to depression such as: what depression is, what leads up to depression, and the treatment for the depression. Depression is a disorder depicted by sadness, inactivity, having a hard time concentrating (Depression The Gale). Depression is a disturbance of a person’s mood (â€Å"Depressive disorders†). Another way to describe to depression is a time when a person feels sad, hopeless, and is not able to enjoy their daily life (â€Å"Antidepressant†). Depression can differ from grief, mourning, and bereavement which are some emotional responses to the loss of a loved one (Depression The Gale). The majority of people who have depression never seek for help (â€Å"Major Depression†). MRI’s show that the brain of people with depression looks different than someone without depression, but a MRI cannot show how the depression started or the diagnosis (â€Å"Major Depression†). Depression can interfere with daily life and cause pain for not only the person with depression, but the people around them (â€Å"Major Depression†). Depression is an illness t hat causes feelings of sadness and it lasts for a longer time, it is not just â€Å"the blues† (Depression UXL). There are many different types of depression that can occur to different people who goShow MoreRelatedDepression : Depression And Depression927 Words   |  4 Pagesthe word Depression. Now that I am older I know not to use that term so loosely because depression is a disorder that is very serious. According to the Mayo Clinic Depression, also known as major depressive disorder is a mood disorder that causes a feeling of sadness and a loss of interest. 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