According to Bryman & Bell (2007) a research design provides a structure for the collecting and analysing of data. van Wyk (2012) stated that the research design articulates what data is required, and what methods to be used to collect and analyse data. Similarly, De Vaus (2014:182) stated that “the purpose of a research design is to ensure that information obtained from the data collection process allows the researcher to address the research questions in an analytical manner and as clearly as possible”. Rajasker et al., (2013) stated that research answers questions that the ordinary person may not know. Without research very few discoveries would have been made and the world would not have evolved as fast as it has done and which it continues to do..
Based on the research onion, the research design or research choice is located on the fourth layer of the research onion. The researcher has to identify whether the study is mono method, mixed method or multi method. Quite often researchers adopt one method which uses one method to analyse data, either qualitative or quantitative methodology (Al-Zefeiti &
Mohammad, 2015). According to Thomas (2010) qualitative and quantitative research are common research method classifications. Qualitative and quantitative research looks at the different elements in the nature of data. These two research methods can be differentiated by the ways data is collected and analysed (Thomas, 2010).
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3.5.1. Qualitative research
According to Myers (2013), qualitative research is intended to assist researchers to understand people‟s social and cultural conditions within which they live. Qualitative research includes observations, fieldwork, interviews, texts, documents and the researcher's impressions (Myers, 2013). According to Rajasekar et al., (2013) qualitative research is concerned with the phenomenon concerning quality. Some of the features of qualitative study are:
Non-statistical: use of expressive words, applying intellect;
The intention is to get the meaning, emotion and to define the situation;
Qualitative information cannot be graphed;
It is experimental; and
It examines the how and why of making decisions (Rajasekar et al., 2013).
A qualitative research approach was adopted as the methodology for this study. The choice was informed by the need to explore broadly on the research topic and build additional knowledge on this study subject matter. According to Thomas & Magilvy (2011) to develop understanding of the subject matter qualitative researchers gather more information on the focus area of the research and familiarise themselves with the topic. According to Baxter and Jack (2008) a qualitative case study enables the researcher to examine a complex phenomenon within their studies‟ context. If this approach is applied correctly the researcher can develop a theory, and develop an intervention (Baxter & Jack, 2008). This study was conducted as a qualitative case study with an exploratory approach as no research has been done on the challenges affecting the implementation of Project Management practices in the Msunduzi (EPWP) clearing project.
3.5.2. Quantitative research
According to Myers (2009) quantitative research is data in numerical form or data that can be interpreted using numbers; it is numerically or statistically assessed. In agreement with Myers (2009), Muhambe (2012) stated that quantitative research is identified on an arithmetical
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scale. Quantitative research is often used in the natural sciences and is said to be more reputable. Quantitative data is used to study common trends in a population and uses statistical approaches to determine magnitude, quantity or scope (Myers, 2009). Rajasekar et al., (2013) stated that quantitative research is centred on amount or quantity. A quantitative method is conveyed or defined in terms of measures. Some of the features of quantitative study are:
Non-descriptive, arithmetical, applies figures or calculation and uses amounts;
Evidence is evaluated using numerical values‟
The outcomes are regularly displayed in diagrams and tables;
It is decisive; and
It examines the where, when, what of making decisions (Rajasekar et al., 2013).
According to Thomas (2010), quantitative researchers quantify variables and display the relationship between the variables using inferential statistics such as differences between means, correlations, or relative frequencies. The main focus is on testing a theory (Thomas, 2010). Below Table 3.2 displays the difference in qualitative and quantitative data. It gives a clear understanding of the contexts in which that these two research methods can be used.
Table 3. 2. Qualitative v. Quantitative
Qualitative Quantitative
Data collected in words and images Deals with numbers
Data can be observed Data can be measured and listed
Studies relationships Examines a phenomenon
Focuses on the narrative and text from the respondents
Uses statistical analysis
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Quality= Qualitative Quantity= Quantitative
Source: Brief (2012:12 )
3.5.3. Mixed methods
According to Thomas & Magilvy (2011) researchers can use a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. This helps discover information that they could have missed having used only one approach. For instance, one approach can be used for finding information; the other can be used to confirm the first approach used (Thomas & Magilvy, 2011). The mixed method enriched the depth of the scientific discovery. In one phase of the study the researcher may choose to use a qualitative approach, a quantitative approach can then be used for the last phase of the study. In a mixed method, the two types of data are gathered in sequence or synchronously. For example, some researchers may use a focus group or an interview which is qualitative, and also use an experiment which is quantitative (Thomas & Magilvy, 2011). Creswell & Clark (2011) also stated that a mixed method is advantageous for projects with several phases or for preliminary results that need to be further elaborated on.
3.5.4. Multi-method
In contrast to mixed methods, multi-methods include gathering data using both qualitative and quantitative data. However, the main focus lies in only one data source. For example, collecting quantitative data and analysing it using more than one type of quantitative data analysis.