Understanding the Methodology - Example

METHODOLOGY SECTION by Name Instructor Institution Course Code// Title Date Methodology Section 3.0. Introduction The methods section in the research paper defines the rationale of applying specific procedures or approaches in identifying, selecting, and analyzing information applied to conceive the research problem hence allowing readers to generate critical evaluation on the validity and reliability of the study. The methodology section of any research paper also provides a perspective to two major questions; how the data was collected or generated and the mechanism of analysis that was adopted (Yin 2003). The writing must be precise and direct. In dissertations, this section is written in the past tense while in research proposals, it should always be written in the future tense to inform the reader about what will be done during the research process. Understanding the methodology is an important aspect of promoting concrete understanding of the entire top of analysis and constitutes the framework for undertaking a thorough preview of the research undertaken by the team of researchers in reference. The adoption of a given form of research must be informed by the desired outcomes of a study which increases the propensity for undertaking rigorous research or otherwise to resolve a problem at hand or generate the required insights. The study methods provide an informed view of the path followed in conducting a research process. This study will consider case study form of research method. 3.1. Research Philosophy This study was carried out based on the believe the case studies offer special insight to specific issue that is important for providing analytical perspective of a given phenomenon. In essence, a case study is one of the fundamental approaches to research processes. Studies indicate that case study approach allows for the understanding and exploration of complex matters of study. This approach may be considered robust in nature particularly when holistic and in-depth investigations are needed. The approach is also a recognized tool useful across multiple disciplines. Case studies approach becomes prominent when the issues regarding education, community Based challenges and sociology including unemployment, illiteracy and drug addictions are raised. It is therefore an integral perspective to defining the role of diversity in mediating between organizational trust and knowledge sharing in MNEs within the Gulf region. The outstanding recognition of case studies in research methods is that researchers are more concerned about shortcomings of qualitative approaches to generate holistic and in-depth explanations on social-behavioral challenges. Case studies also enable researchers to go past quantitative statistics results and comprehend the behavioral scenario via the perspective of the actors. The inclusion of both qualitative and quantitative data in case study also assists both the outcome and the processes of phenomenon through complete observations, analysis, and reconstructions of cases under preview. Case study method also allows the researcher to make a close examination of the data in particular contexts. A case study approach often selects samples of data based on a small area or a few people as subject of study. MNEs in the Gulf region are faced with numerous challenges including economic, social diversity and the choice of entry modes among the new entrants. In some instances, in-depth longitudinal focus on the single cases is used in a research. Longitudinal examination creates a systematic approach to the observation of events, collection of data, information analysis and reports the results over a long span of time. 3.2. Research Design This study was organized through case studies of certain MNEs and their capacity to manipulate their resources for sustainable growth. Case study methods are criticized with regard to lack of robustness as far as their use as research tool is concerned. Researchers may use single case or multiple-case designs to study the issues considered in a study. In instances where the case involved is single or occurs alone or no available cases for replication, researchers may use single designs. For example, in the study of the impacts of tsunami in the Acheb of 2004, the study may be conducted through the use of single-case design as the study focus is lonely in existence. One of the challenges associated with the single-case designs in it being unable to pose a generalizing end conclusion particularly, when events are rarely spread. The MNEs from the highly finacialized Liberal Market Economies like the Gulf region are associated with high reliance on formal control mechanism. Subsequently, this study chose to execute case study reviews of the MNEs in particular to provide critical understanding of the sector advances that has been leverage the performance of MNEs in the Gulf region. One of the approaches in overcoming this setback is through triangulation of the study with other approaches aimed at confirming the validity of the entire process (Yin 2013). On the other hand, the multiple case designs may be adopted when real-life scenarios indicating numerous sources of evidence via replication as opposed to sampling logic are adopted. The generalization of the results from the case study research methodology from either multiple designs or single designs provides the theory as opposed to the population. On the other hand, the replication of the case via pattern matching, used to link different data from similar cases to a theoretical supposition, the multiple-case designs promotes and support previous findings. This perspective assists in raising the levels of confidence at the peak of research method used. The case study philosophy is a critical focus as it constitutes the mechanism for effective data collection, analysis, and presentation based on specific insights. Careful simulation of case studies is very essential. In essence, the case study method via interviews or the journal entries should prove that it is the single-most viable approach to generate implicit as well as explicit data form subject elements. Similarly, the design should be appropriate to the research questions adopted for research. It follows a set of processes that encompasses proper applications. Besides, there must be a chain of evidence, quantitative and quantitative that are systematically recorded or archived especially, when the direct observations and interviews by researchers constitutes the main sources of data. Case studies should also be linked to the theoretical framework used. Combined cases formed the basis of evaluating the MNEs’ in the region. 3.3. Research Strategies This study adopted the focus on theoretical analysis of the cases. In particular, this study adopted two main theoretical frameworks namely; exploratory, descriptive and the explanatory case models. These aspects are ideal for enhancing the prospective findings from the regional MNEs. The exploratory models of case studies explore any scenarios within the data that serves a point of interest perpetuated by the researcher. For example, researchers undertaking exploratory case studies on the reading processes of individuals may seek information through questions such as; does student employ strategies during their text reading processes? Such general questions are regarded essential as they open up avenues for further examinations of the phenomenon under review. This initial work up assisted in the preparation of a framework of the study. The pilot study is also considered to exemplify exploratory case study. The pilot study may also be regarded an example in the exploratory case studies. It is also an imperative process of determining the protocol to be used in the vast study. On the other hand, descriptive case study describes the natural scenarios that occur within the data under study. For example, this may include the different strategies used by the readers and the manner in which readers employ them. The objectives set forth by researchers are to define the data when it occurs. Descriptive case study is also expressed as a narrative. For instance, descriptive case studies are the description of Watergate Scandal by journalist comprising of two reporters. One of the main challenges associated with descriptive studies is that researchers should start with providing a descriptive theory to enhance the definition of the story or phenomenon. If the descriptive theory fail, it is possible that the description will lack rigor, which may subject the researcher and the final reader into some problems. The descriptive case studies may examine both the scope and depth of a phenomenon. The third category, explanatory cases examines the data effectively at the surface and profound levels aimed at explaining the phenomenon presented in the data. For example, researchers may ask questions regarding why students use freelance in promoting writing capacities. On the basis of data, researchers may also form theoretical perspectives that set to inquire the theory. Besides, the explanatory case studies are also used in causal studies in which pattern matching may be used for the investigation of certain scenarios through a multivariate and complex cases. Such complex and multivariate entities may be explained through a three rival theory perspective namely; problem solving, knowledge-driven, and the social-interaction theories. In essence, the knowledge-driven theory defines the commercial products that are products of discoveries and ideas from basic researchers. Similar aspects may be defined alongside the problem-solving theory. Nevertheless, in the problem-solving theory, the products are produced externally as opposed to research. In the social-interaction theory, overlapping network of professionals may cause researchers to employ frequent communications with one another. Different studies have mentioned matters regarding other models of case studies. For instance, there has been identification of evaluative and interpretive case studies. Through the interpretive case studies, researchers focus to the interpretation of data through the development of conceptual models while challenging or supporting assumptions made on them. On the evaluative case studies, the researchers also add their judgments to the issues identified in the data. 3.4. Time Horizon This study was carried out based on the following schedule: Period Activity Narration 1st – 20th Preparation and determination of Cases 22nd – 29th Presentation of cases for sampling and affirmation 1st – 15th Drafting of the research Questions and Objectives 16th – 15th Data Collection Online data collection 16th – 29th Data Analysis Quantitative data analysis 1st – 21st Presentation of findings Deductions and Recommendations 3.5. Data Collection Methods This study adopted a deductive mechanism of data collection and analysis. The study constitutes of an online study of the chosen cases as far as diversity across selected MNEs in the Gulf region is concerned. This study will focus on secondary sources of data in general by focusing on the specific roles diversity in mediating knowledge sharing and organizational trust. However, the study will also find primary data through questionnaire, for compiling and analysis alongside the study objectives as shown in the appendix (a). 3.6. Ethical Considerations Given the perspective of the robust coverage of online and the internet in general, this study will consider a number of ethical considerations. This study will ensure that the study does not publish the name or entity of the respondent on either online or offline platforms. In this regard, these studies ensure maximum confidentiality of the respondents unless where the respondents’ consent is provided. Besides, the choice of the case study will be done randomly based on the regional placement. In particular, the study will be executed within the confine of both online and offline surveys in the workforce of the MNEs in the Gulf region. These aspects will be essential for safeguarding the successful adoption of neutral perspective to data mining and consolidation of data to enhance resolve for the research problems. Reference List Yin, R.K., 2011. Applications of case study research. Sage. Yin, R.K., 2013. Case study research: Design and methods. Sage publications. Appendix: (a). Questionnaire: i). What do you know about MNEs? ii). What factors influence success of MNEs in the region? iii). Does the society influence MNEs performance? iv). How diverse is MNEs workforce in this region? v). Do you think Diversity influence efficiency? vi). Does diversity influence organizational trust among MNEs? vii). Does diversity influence knowledge sharing of MNEs in this region? viii). What is the role of diversity in bridging organizational trust and knowledge sharing? ix). What lessons can you draw from operations of MNEs? x). What would you recommend for handling diversity in MNEs in the Gulf region? xi). What other factors influence the performance of MNEs in the region? Read More