RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGIES
3.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Design was based on a gap analysis (hard issues) and interviews (soft issues) The next step in the process flow was that of accumulating the data. This was achieved by observation by the researcher, carrying out a gap analysis and finally by interviews.
Once the data has been captured it then needs to be analysed and interpreted to ensure understanding of the captured data.
Table 3-1, association between disciplines, research strategies and research methods
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- - - - - - - ---~--- - - - - - - - - - - - - ._- -
Discipline/field
Anthropology V- V-
Psychology V-
Sociology V- V- V-
Management V- V- V- V- V-
Research Method
Sampling V-
C
Interview.J V- V- V- V-C
Questionnai~ V- V- V-Tests V-
Non-participant V- V- V- V-
obs
~articipant observati~ V- V- V-
J)ocuments, records V- V-
muantitativeanalysi~ V- V- V- V-
l OLualitativeanalysis~ V- V- V-
The methodology followed for the research was qualitative and quantitative in nature and was based on six interviews and a gap analysis respectively.
The reasoning and motivation for using both methods is discussed in 3.2.3.
Interviews
Three were conducted with the sections within the Industry Association Resource Centre that already have attained ISO 9001 :2000 certification, (Information Centre, Standardisation and ESI GIS). The other three were conducted with manufacturers that supply equipment to Distribution,
Gap analysis (questionnaire).
A gap analysis was undertaken at the start of the project to identify the perceived gaps between the current system and the proposed system, (quantitative).
"Once the researcher has decided to collect information/data through primary sources, s/he has to decide what kind .of data collection method to use."
(Ghauri, P. and Gmnhaug,K.2002)
The primary data was acquired from semi structured interviews, questionnaires and workshops. The secondary data came from reports, books, journals and periodicals made available by the subjects of the literature review.
3.2.1 Qualitative Research Design
Qualitative research according to Patton, M.Q. "transforms data into findings. "
He however warns that there are no prescribed formulae that exists for that transformation. (2002).
According to Ghauri,P. & Gmnhaug, K. a qualitative study "data are attractive for many reasons: They are rich, full, earthly, holistic and real. (2002). Becker, 1970; Miles and Huberman, 1994; Straus and Corbin, 1990 (as cited in Ghauri,P. & Gmnhaug, K. 2002) are of the opinion that there are three major components of qualitative research;
"Data: often collected through interviews and observations.
Interpretive or analytical procedure: the techniques to conceptualise and analyse the data to arrive at findings or theories.
Report: written or verbal. In case ofstudents, the report is written in the form of a thesis or project".
Qualitative data in conclusion can be viewed as very subjective in nature which can be interpreted differently by different people. This design can therefore be considered as"Soft /Mess" information and is subject to one's "World view and Perspective". Soft as explained by Broadbent, M. includes a large amount of human involvement, consists of relationships between people and involves problems of organisational structures. (2004)
3.2.2 Quantitative Research Design
"Quantitative research is typically associated with the process of enumerative induction". (Brannen, J. 1992)
Wagner (as cited in (Srivastava, U.K. Shenoy, G.V. and Sharma, S.C. 1994).has defined operations research as Ha scientific approach to solve problems for executive management. "
Quantitative data in conclusion can be viewed as objective in nature as it works on statistics. This design can therefore be considered as "Hard / Difficulty"
information and is factual. Hard as explained by Broadbent, M. problem or opportunity is well defined and there is a lot of factual information.. (2004)
3.2.3 Mixing the methods: Quantitative and Qualitative research
Brannen. J. discusses mixing the methods, "pre-eminence of the quantitative over the qualitative, pre-eminence of the qualitative over the quantitative and the qualitative and quantitative are given equal weight". (1992) The use of multiple methods "triangulation" is not an uncommon practice according to Brannen. There are however several factors that need consideration:
• Relative importance of each method within the overall project,
• Time ordering - extent to which methods are carried out consecutively or simultaneously,
• Stage in the research process where the respective methods come into play and
• Division of skills in research team, (Brannen.J1992)
When considering the above factors for this research paper, the factors were handled as follows. Both methods were given the same importance as they both complimented each other. The gap analysis was conducted firstly and then the interviews were conducted. The reason being that ISO 9001 :2000 certification was a requirement and the gaps had to be identified first of all. At this stage the why and how was considered secondary. The gaps identified the areas that needed priority. The Work Group "Research Team" learnt along the way. The use of a consultant helped with the implementation strategy and was used tactically. My role in the team over and above helping with the implementation was that of the interviewer. Based on the literature available, our implementation process, the gap analysis and the information gathered from the interviews, an optimum implementation plan will be documented.
The research sought to identify, describe and evaluate the practices of the implementation of ISO 9001:2000 within the Industry Association Resource Centre. A qualitative and quantitative paradigm based on the writings of the authors above was therefore applied.
The reason being for both methods being adopted was that the quantitative method identified the so called "gaps" in the existing system and the qualitative method queried the reasons for ISO 9001:2000 certification and how the certification was achieved "process".
3.2.4 Research strategy
Action research as defined by Thomas "means ofintegrating social science with social practice." (2004) Thomas further states "action research strategy is simultaneously to promote changes in organised social practices and to develop knowledge ofthese change processes and practices. "
An"action research " approach as seen in Table 3-1, association between disciplines, research strategies and research methods considered by Thomas as most suited for management studies was adopted (2004).Six interviews and a gap analysis were performed with the intention of creating a picture on how best to implement ISO 900 1:2000.
Action research according O'Brein, R. "requires the development of a cadre of people working in the field who accept the responsibilities of becoming co- researchers in the project. " (1998). This statement reinforces the decision to go with action research as a strategy as
IARe
have created a"design team. "As the paper was based on qualitative and quantitative studies the creation of the picture evolved around the characteristics associated with both methods:
• The data was empirical and both textual and numerical.
• Questions of why implementation was sought and how it was achieved were asked during informal interviews and then categorised into themes.
(qualitative).
• A gap analysis was undertaken to hi light the gaps that were present between the current system an the proposed ISO QMS system. The information was in turn analysed and categorised into graphs.
(quantitative.) a literature review of the relevant topics was undertaken both primary and secondary data were used