In this unit, the nature of the research process was discovered. It is said to be a systematic approach acquiring, analyzing, interpreting and disseminating data and information to decision makers (Jackson 2011, November 18). In the process of research, it suggests that one will move in a linear format but it was actually discovered that it takes a more cyclical and iterative process (Wilson, 2013).

It was highlighted that during research it may sometimes follow a six-stage process namely; problem definition, research design, measurement, data collection, data analysis and results and findings it was also noted that not all research projects take this said format.

Finally, the literature review of research is based on research conducted by others whereby conclusions are drawn as a result of the research. The purpose of a literature review to name one “justify further research on the topic based on identified problems, flaws or gaps…” and how to conduct a review were also captured.

Therefore research is done for present and for future perusal and also allows for the purpose of literature reviews in order to pinpoint any flaws of such. Research is creating new knowledge (Neil Armstrong)

 

The research proposal and the research report thou the names are different both elements are part and parcel, very similar in nature. Both papers contain similar content and are close in writing patterns. However the proposal communicates what will be done future tense and reporting on the other hand is a study of what was done past tense.

The research proposal deals with specific problems that companies may face and should be communicated with the ability to convince the reader and also find solutions to the problems identified. The reporting provides management with results/findings of the study undertaken.

Information can also be communicated orally in this form it helps the audience to visualize and absorb key information shared through this form, there is immediate feedback where questions can be posed and answered.

As stated communicating business research can be done through research proposals, research reports and oral presentations. All three components provides information whether stating what is to be done, what was done or by orally presenting the findings. Each component carries its own benefits.

In doing a research you can gather a series of data using qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. Qualitative method deals with reasoning, opinion, and motivation exploratory data while on the other hand quantitative method deals with numerical data.

Research design also deals with sampling. Sampling is a procedure which uses a portion of the population to come up with a conclusion. A population can be anything from persons to business to cars. The sampling process includes probability and non-probability sampling;

Probability sampling includes

-          Simple random

-          Systematic

-          Stratified

-          Cluster

Non probability sampling

-          Convenience

-          Judgment

-          Quota

-          Snowball

In sampling it was realized convenience sampling is one of the easiest forms but don’t always conclude with factual or rather accurate information of the population.

When dealing with the sampling design accuracy requirement, time constraints and availability of resources must be taking into consideration. It was outlined in data collection the researcher should be mindful of sampling error.

To close researchers now have all avenues at their disposal including modern technology; gathering information through internet sampling.

This unit was very informative as it dealt with sampling. It also brought out our creativity in the ability to formulate a concept map on sampling.

There are three types of data primary data, secondary data, and tertiary data. Primary data would be original information from diaries, letters, surveys…. an advantage of such data is the research has more control of its quality.

Secondary data is information retrieved from search engines, reports, articles…. an advantage for using this type of data is it saves time.

It was outlined that all data collected is to be used according to Zikmund et al the data must be timely, possess quality, completeness, and relevance.

Gaining this type of information it steered you to the type of information need for various assignments, thou the research proposal was challenging I hope I made it through. The overall unit for the week was good.

I must say getting the information and presenting gave a sense of accomplishment despite the obstacles. It was a pleasure working with my group Eagles: Looking beyond each person held their own which was a plus. Working in different spaces can be challenging but we pulled through.

The Presentation to the entire BBC on the topic “Impact of customer service on telephone companies in Ghana” was very informative; the research was broken down and presented by all three members. The presentations by other groups were all very informative and creative. Even thou I got mixed up with the dates seeing that presentation was on the 13th I didn’t realized that was the same date for the to be asked, this week was very compacted.

I participated in the midterm quiz fingers cross for results… the quiz of 30mins was done Friday 14th October  completed at 9:21pm like I said fingers crossed.

This unit brought out the skills of a researcher in me and I believe in the other students as well. This is my reflection of this week’s unit.

Questionnaires can be interview-Administered and self-administered. It is stated that using the self-administered mode respondents tends to be more comfortable.

The design is very important it should be done to ensure the collection of data is relevant and accurate. Having a proper design will allow the researcher to meet their objectives.

One should be mindful when carrying out questionnaires errors can occur. It can be interviewer error or respondent error. In order to minimize errors one should avoid questions that tax the respondents' memory, avoid making assumptions, avoid order bias and avoid complex questions just to name a few.

The activity carried out this week with the questionnaire was very informative creating questions for a business namely pizzeria and also gave the opportunity to view other peers questions and how they formatted their questions open your eyes to different views.

This week overall was very informative. 

Throughout unit seven the information given explains many factors in collecting data. Due to the many errors, one can be faced with after the collection of data; one can make use of editing and coding. This process includes checking data for omissions, consistency, and legibility.

 

Given the responsibility of a researcher in this course according to Zikmund we have to make intelligent, experience and objective decisions. The material has assisted me as a researcher to handle data collected in a professional manner. For example checking data collected from my report questionnaire for errors.

 

In this unit I came across data dictionary that was somewhat new but it proves to be valuable as it brings clarity to information. The presentation of data for example frequency tables, graphs, pie charts and stem and leaf not forgetting the scatter plot polished the information in my mind. Having this allowed me to make accurate decisions when it came to presenting data. I also appreciated the discussion when students further informed each other by different points of view on the various methods and reasons for presenting data.

 

Overall the material presented in this unit was valuable and informative it assisted me in presenting data for the various activities and assignments also it reignited my interest to use visual displays at work and at my various clubs.