From the situation described below, develop a theoretical framework.

Nuts and Bolts is a large company manufacturing several trillion pieces of nuts and bolts every day. The Vice-President, Mr. John, was looking again at yet another letter of resignation from one of the Foremen. "If this rate of turnover continues, God help this company," he muttered to himself. That evening, quite by accident, he happened to overhear a number of foremen talking about the company in the washroom. Some were complaining about the dampness of the workrooms and some others were narrating how difficult it was for them to supervise sloppy machinists. At least four or five were grumbling about machine breakdowns and a few were discussing how poor in understanding the managers were of their problems. "No wonder we are all so unhappy", shouted several voices among them. "But several of us will have to stay with this company since other companies will not take people over 45 years of age," said another person, and the crowd dispersed.

1. What is the problem statement for the situation above?
2. Develop three hypotheses from your framework (stating them both in the null and in the alternate) one of which should use a moderating variable.
3. If someone were to research the above situation, would this be Basic or Applied Research? Give reasons for your answer.