A data dictionary is a collection of descriptions of the data objects or items in a database. The purpose of the data dictionary is to ultimately create an understanding of the data within a system. Data entry is the process of putting in data gathered into a database for manipulation, storage and analysis. Data cleaning is an important means of quality control, it allows the researcher to verify that all values collected are correct or that they conform to certain rules.

Data modification is the alteration of the data. It is done for the following reasons (1) the researcher can combine several indicators to create an index and to rearrange the numerical order of categories.

A frequency table can be used to present numerical data. It is easily read and understood when put in a table form. There are a lot of graphs and charts that the researcher can use to analyse data. Some example of these are bar charts which is use to display frequency for discrete categories and groups and pie charts are used to display categorical or grouped data. The charts or graphs can be used to present data in reports during the presentation stage of research as a means of summarizing results.

Our group went against the moot “Quantitative data provides for a more sound analysis and interpretation of a research problem as well as less subjectivity in comparison to qualitative data”. Qualitative data typically consists of words while quantitative data consists of numbers. However, all qualitative data can be coded quantitatively. Anything that is qualitative can be assigned meaningful numerical values. These values can be manipulated to achieve greater insight into the meaning of the data and examine specific hypotheses. On the other side of the coin, all quantitative data is based on qualitative judgment. Numbers cannot be interpreted without understanding the assumptions which underlie them.

Qualitative research makes it easy for researcher to gain clearer understanding about the targeted market. The types of questions asked during the process usually starts with “Why”, which is more powerful and easy to deal with than those questions that focus on what, when and how much. Evidently, with clearer understanding, researchers can reach out to people even more

The strengths of the qualitative method include:

·         Obtaining a more realistic feel of the world that cannot be experienced in the numerical data and statistical analysis used in quantitative research;

·         Flexible ways to perform data collection, subsequent analysis, and interpretation of collected information

·         Provide a holistic view of the phenomena under investigation 

·         Ability to interact with the research subjects in their own language and on their own terms

·         Descriptive capability based on primary and unstructured data

The weaknesses of the quantitative method include:

 

 

This was a very interesting topic, I learnt so much about qualitative data analysis is the numerical examination and interpretation of observing underlying meanings and patterns of relationship. Some of the qualitative data analysis process are transcription which involves converting data from one form to another, usually from audio to text and coding involves assigning words or short phrases to portions of data for example field notes to capture the essence of the data.

Quantitative data analysis is the analysis of data that is converted to numerical form. There are two branches of statistics (1) descriptive allows the researcher to simple describe what the data shows. (2) Inferential statistics is used to make inferences or draw conclusions about a population beyond the immediate data based on the sample. Inferential statistics can be invaluable in making generalizations about the population.

Estimation statistics are used to make statistical inferences about a population based on sample data. Two types of estimation statistics are confidence interval which is used to establish a range that has known probability of capturing the true value of a population and parameter estimation is used to make inferences about how a model might describe the relationship between variables in a population.

Hypothesis testing statistics are used to make statistical inferences about whether or not data support a particular hypothesis.

5 Steps in the Hypothesis Testing Procedure are:

1.       State the null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis 2. Select the appropriate test statistic 3. Determine p-value associated with the test statistic 4. Decide between the null and alternative hypotheses 5. Interpret the decision 

Descriptive data analysis can be done using univariate analysis and bivariate analysis. Univariate analysis is used when you need to examine the characteristic of one variable at a time. When conducting univariate analysis there are three major characteristic, they are (1) frequency distribution (2) central tendency (3) dispersion.

Bivariate analysis is used when you need to examine the relationship between two variables. Correlation is the most of these statistics.

The final presentation was done by using a power-point slide first then using a recording site called screen-o-matic which was then uploaded and presented. The title of my final presentation was “What are the effects of maintaining a healthy and safe work environment on the employees. It was mentioned in the final presentation that having and maintaining a healthy and safe work environment can increase employees’ insistency on safety standards and give employees the peace of mind so that the employees can focus more time on improving the quality and quantity of their jobs. Also it boost morale which doubles as increased efficiency. Employees who felt like their employers called their safety were more likely to be loyal. Overall when employers invest in the safety of employees, the employees will feel appreciated, and will greatly benefitted and the domino effect leads to greater productivity, efficiency and loyalty.

When employees see potential safety problems, they should be trained to avoid trying to handle the problems on their own. Employees should be aware of the safety reporting process and immediately report safety issues. When the employees knows how to report safety concerns, it will keep everyone more vigilant on looking out for problems. This creates a culture of safety within the company that can help the company maintain a safe work environment.  

Health and safety of the work environment should be an initiative that is deeply rooted in the culture of the company. Employees are to adhere to the directions given by employers to guarantee health and safety. So therefore it is the onus of everyone in the workplace to look out for the safety of each other. The employees are to work as a team which will boosts productivity to achieve the overall goal of the company, the less injuries on the job the better it is for the company and money will be saved. :re�Ŵ��I.

I have learnt a lot from the start of Unit 1 which tells me what a research is, it’s a process of systematic inquiry that is designed to collect, analyse, interpret and use data and for a business to be successful it must rely on research to keep up market trends and maintain a competitive edge over the other businesses.

Communication plays a vital part in the research process because it helps the researcher to report findings whether good or bad. This course was very informative in that it helped me to better understand the process involved in a research, how to do the research proposal and using the proposal to do the report. The report was very tedious but with a lot of sleepless nights, good help I did the best I can. Also drawing the concept map was the most difficult thing I have ever done in this class, it took me hours to complete but I did it. All the topics covered were very relevant to me as, it has mole me and shaped me to try new things, explore and gain insight and apply them in the real world. Now I can volunteer to share knowledge learnt from this course to help those who don’t fully understand about business research and the processes involved. 

The journey was long bumpy but through it all, I made it, the topics covered and activities done was vital to everyone who is doing their studies in the field of business.

How could I forget about qualitative and quantitative data, information on these topics stood out for me because I always hear those terms but did not know much but now I can tell anyone what they are and the differences between the two without having to look it up on the internet.

This course was very complex and full of activities, one after the other, we covered questionnaires, debates, graphs, concept maps and video presentation and so much more. With all this, I am better able to understand, comprehend and put the best forward in my future endeavours.

Thanks to all my classmates who contributed to my post and Mrs. Charles and Ms. Mohammed a big thank you. l͵G�I�

When employees see potential safety problems, they should be trained to avoid trying to handle the problems on their own. Employees should be aware of the safety reporting process and immediately report safety issues. When the employees knows how to report safety concerns, it will keep everyone more vigilant on looking out for problems. This creates a culture of safety within the company that can help the company maintain a safe work environment.  

Health and safety of the work environment should be an initiative that is deeply rooted in the culture of the company. Employees are to adhere to the directions given by employers to guarantee health and safety. So therefore it is the onus of everyone in the workplace to look out for the safety of each other. The employees are to work as a team which will boosts productivity to achieve the overall goal of the company, the less injuries on the job the better it is for the company and money will be saved. $�mZ,mQǴq�I�