Research Methods

Read the case study below and answer ALL question that follow.

Real Time Shop CEO Ventures into A Research Methodology Program

Real Time Shop is a company that was established in 1995. It offers online clothing to customers that are not interested in physically going into stores but opt to rather shop in the comfort of their homes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the store experienced a higher turnover than it had ever experienced since inception. As a result, the CEO Mr Phillips Bunda opted to further his studies as an upskilling initiative to ensure that he properly manages the organisation under complex COVID-19 dynamics as means to maintain the profits that they were experiencing.

As Mr Bunda progressed with his studies he excelled in all the modules with an exception of research methodology. In spite a concerted effort to ensure that sufficient understanding of the module is acquired it was still impossible for Mr Bunda to comprehend some aspects of the module. It was established that most of the problems were centred around the following aspects:

- Negotiating access and research ethics - Understanding research philosophies and approaches - Critically reviewing the literature - Formulation of a research topic - Collection of primary and secondary data - Distinction between quantitative and qualitative data - Writing and presenting a project report

It was after intense frustration and confusion that Mr Bunda decided to appoint Prof Thato Masilo to provide him with the relevant support and mentorship so that he can manage the research methodology module. Nonetheless these difficulties did not deter Mr Bunda from finding the module interesting. He specifically liked the fact that in research one chooses a topic of choice, intensively reviews literature about that topic, decides on the methodology or an approach to the study and makes conclusions about the findings. Mr Bunda is accustomed to difficulties in his role as a CEO so the problems encountered when undertaking the research module were not going to demoralise him. (Source: http://www.kemang.com/research-consultancy-center/kemang-corporation)

QUESTION 1 [25 Marks]

1.1)The fact that there is a close connection between the research subject and research problems is a significant concept for Mr Bunda to grasp. In light of this, provide an interpretation of the important considerations to be made when formulating the research problem. (12 marks)

1.2) Understanding the characteristics of a successful research topic is critical when designing a research study. Discuss the main characteristics that Mr Bunda should be aware of when coming up with a research topic (13 marks)

QUESTION 2 [25 Marks]

2.1) One of Mr Bunda's challenges was a lack of understanding of the role of a literature review. Explain the approach to critically reviewing literature. (5 marks)

2.2) One of the lessons Mr Bunda learned was that literature contains a variety of sources that must be evaluated critically. Advise Mr Bunda with relevant examples about such literature sources.

(20 marks)

QUESTION 3 [25 Marks]

3.1) In consideration to the case above Mr Bunda found it difficult understanding research philosophies and approaches. Assuming you were the tutor for Mr Bunda, explain the following concepts to him. (10 marks)

-Pragmatism

-Ontology

-Objectivism

- Subjectivism

-Epistemology

3.2) It is self-evident that once Mr Bunda has a thorough understanding of all aspects of research methodology, he would need to establish a strategy that is appropriate for his research. Determine the various research methods that are available to him. (15 marks)

QUESTION 4 [25 Marks]

4.1 It is essential for Mr Bunda to select the most appropriate sampling technique to obtain a representative sample after he has selected a suitable sampling frame and determine the actual sample size required. Evaluate the most appropriate sampling technique and the sample. (10 marks)

4.2 In an effort to collect data, Mr Bunda needed to learn the significance of primary and secondary data. Taking this into consideration, justify why secondary data is significant. (10 marks)

4.3 If Mr Bunda intends to undertake quantitative analysis. Recommend some of the considerations he should make. (5 marks)