https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn Made with a stroke of good luck en-us 2017-09-07 02:38:04 UTC 2017-11-13 04:25:09 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Balance.png dennica_mckie https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/188159378 One of the most critical components of learning is reflection, or the intentional attempt to synthesize, abstract, and articulate the key lessons taught by experience. Unit one introduced us to the importance of research in the success of businesses as a means of maintaining a competitive edge which they employ by understanding existing and potential customers’ needs and wants; setting realistic targets to make decisions using effective strategies to examine and solve business problems while identifying business opportunities and growth potential for expansion. Some of these areas were familiar as I had encountered them in the marketing and international business courses. Secondly, in the area of research methods three major philosophies were identified as epistemology, ontology and axiology. Qualitative, Quantitative and mixed methods of research strategies were discussed and the role of theory in research was also examined briefly to establish its relationship with research as being mutually dependent. These philosophies and their concepts were somewhat new to me as they were discussed in a bit more detail which distorted my attention , causing me to stray from the topic with all the "ologies" involved. Finally, the issues that can threaten the integrity of research outlines the ethical concerns a researcher must consider when conducting research to avoid distorted findings. The relationship between the sponsor and researcher can lead to controversies and unethical practices as is the same with technology in research and hence the researcher must be careful with regards to accessibility of certain data which may be accessible by third parties.]]> 2017-09-16 16:09:58 UTC https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/188159378 dennica_mckie https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/188159507 2017-09-16 16:11:41 UTC https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/188159507 dennica_mckie https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/195863419 2017-10-11 02:43:25 UTC https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/195863419 dennica_mckie https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/195865138 Prior to the commencement of the research method modules, my perception of research was limited in scope in terms of the strategies employed, the impacts and its connection to everything within our daily lives. This unit introduced data collection, its sources and the preparation and management of field processes. It distinguishes between primary and secondary data sources as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. It also emphasizes the characteristics that determine the value of data such as relevance, timeliness, completeness and quantity which is to be considered by the researcher.
Secondly, the appropriate methods of data collection was discussed as a critical area in the research project since the quality and quantity of data collected is dependent on the planning and management of the process. The most common methods of data collection are surveys, interviews and observation. The advantages and disadvantages were also propounded briefly via video and the concept of triangulation was defined as” the use of several different research techniques in the same study to confirm and verify data gathered in different ways. The three types of triangulation outlined were investigator triangulation, theory triangulation and methodological triangulation.
Finally, the preparation and management of field processes involves gathering data from respondents or participants outside the organization by field workers. The qualities possessed by the field worker such as honesty and integrity; good listening skills; ensuring confidentiality of the study and respondents responses etc. are essential but they must also undergo training to minimize errors and remain consistent in data collection with proper management by superiors. I’ve gathered an appreciation towards the importance of developing a global mindset for modern researchers as a result of becoming closely familiar with the differences in data collection.

]]> 2017-10-11 02:56:31 UTC https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/195865138 dennica_mckie https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/196340090 The second unit of the course introduced us to the research process and its importance in the business context to solve issues, as well as to explore opportunities that exist. It also identified the steps involved in the research process as problem definition, research design, measurement , results and findings, data analysis and data collection which does not follow the same sequence.
The process of problem definition was defined as determining the destination before beginning your journey. This means that the researcher has to understand the business environment and all the factors contributing to the problem through research in order to provide a solution. The literature review is used to aid in this area and was discussed briefly as both a product and a process. The former, a journey of explanation through literature by systematically searching, analysing and evaluating on a specific topic while the latter, results in a written review of this literature. The literature reviews purpose and sources of data for an effective review were expounded upon.Throughout the unit, there were learning activities, quizzes, videos and discussions that were posed which geared towards my understanding of the information. 

]]> 2017-10-12 10:07:53 UTC https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/196340090 dennica_mckie https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/196342116 2017-10-12 10:18:23 UTC https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/196342116 dennica_mckie https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/206089946 The focus of this unit is data preparation and presentation. It examined the editing and coding of data which involves checking for omissions, consistency, legibility and errors to ensure the integrity of the data; the data dictionary that is a collection of data objects in the database used for analysis; and the displaying of the data. 

The process of inputting data, assessing errors and modification were also briefly discussed. Moreover, the different techniques used for the displaying of the data were distinguished. These included frequency tables, graphs and charts; histograms, pie charts, scatter plots and stem and leaf plots. While each graphical display is important in the representation of data, it must be known that they are unique to the type of data displayed. For e.g. bar charts are used to display number and frequency for discrete categories or groups. It is useful for ungrouped data and not grouped data, likewise bar charts cannot be used to present continuous data like histograms which represent continuous random variables.

Finally, the two previous sessions of this unit enlightened me in the area of data presentation. The data dictionary was new to me and the amount of work that goes into editing, cleaning and modifying where necessary appears to very tedious. The exposure to this new information has given me a deeper appreciation in my development as a well- rounded individual.

]]> 2017-11-13 04:12:31 UTC https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/206089946 dennica_mckie https://padlet.com/dennica_mckie/c1clye5g3ezn/wish/206090021  The unit focused on questionnaire design and examined the importance and impact of administering questionnaires to collect data from respondents. The two modes of administering questionnaires comprised of interviewer - Administered which includes telephone interviews and personal or face to face interviews; and self-administered, which consists of mails through post and online via the internet. 

Additionally, the design of the questionnaire was considered to be relevant for data collection as a well designed questionnaire allows the researches to meet the objectives of the study whereas a poorly designed will do the opposite and lead to errors. Five questions where placed at the forefront as being relevant in the construction of questionnaires;

1. What should be asked?

2. How should questions be placed?

3. What sequence should the questions be arranged?

4. What questionnaire layout will best serve the research objectives?

5. How should the questionnaire be pretested and revised?

Finally, the types and sources of errors in relation to poor questionnaire design were examined and two types of errors were propounded to be interviewer error and respondent error, the latter caused by the interviewee and the former by the interviewer. It further stated that errors can be minimised by increasing the response rates through advertising; creating incentives and by pretesting the questionnaire to assess its weakness using a small population sample.

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