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implement qualitative data analysis. It has been observed that most qualitative data analysis methods follow similar patterns which include reduction, organization, interpretation, and subtraction of data (Storey et al., 2015). For the process of analysis, the researcher followed the interview procedure with participants. All interviews were recorded after permission was granted by participants. Recordings were transcribed to a hard copy for easy analysis. The transcripts were than analyzed according to themes that emerged from the participants’ transcripts.
4.3.3 Informed Consent
The four elements approach to informed consent process was implemented (formal notification, information, understanding and decision making ability) to ensure that participants’ freedom to participate is preserved. These elements ensure that adequate information is provided to participants about the study and enhance the understanding of the participants of the study being conducted. They also look at decision making capabilities of the participants to ensure that they possess capacity to make such decisions as to participate or not to participate. Voluntariness is the last element to ensure that all participants participate voluntarily (Snelson, 2016).
In this study, all participants were made aware about their participative role in the research study.
The process of formal notification to the participant was implemented by means of email and telephonic confirmation. The requirement from each participant was clearly explained and the level of protection was discussed with participants. The nature of the study was also explained to participants and all documents relating to approval to conduct the study were shared with participant to ensure that they had enough information about the study. All participants gave their consent to participate in this study.
The strategy was to select participants based on the level of understanding and expertise of the subject. This approach ensured that participants understood the topic being researched.
The ability of participants to take effective and impactful decisions was considered during the selection process. At the level in which all participants operate within the organization is the proof of possession of capacity to take effective decisions. The researcher purposively selected participants based on knowledge, expertise and level of decision making within the marine services’ department.
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To maintain voluntariness, participants were afforded the freedom of choosing to participate or not to participate in the study. Participants were asked to confirm their choice to participate by signing the informed consent form. According to Mayer (2015), ethical conduct is about ensuring that participant interest is not harmed as a result of research being done. The above ethical aspects were employed to avoid harm to participants.
4.3.4 Limitations of the Research Process
According to Du Plooy (2014) limitations can be described as constraints of a study which are out of one’s control. Such limitations include time, finance, and access to required information. Such limitations may cause the scope of research to be redefined. The study was delimited to the port of Durban for the purpose of simplicity. The sample was purposively chosen within marine services in the port of Durban. The application of this study’s findings to other environments outside the port of Durban should be done cautiously. As much as the system of marine services is identical throughout the ports’ systems, caution should still be exercised.
4.3.5 Validity and Reliability
The researcher employs qualitative approach to explore operational challenges faced by marine services’ department within the port of Durban. According to Snelson (2016) qualitative research utilizes trustworthiness to measure the level of validity and reliability. Validity is the process of illustrating whether the study measured exactly what was meant to be measured. The study tested two elements of validity, i.e., internal and external validity. Internally, the researcher looks at the study’s ability to answer the research questions, while external validity illustrates the ability of the study outcomes to be generalized to the larger population. The ability of the research study to be applied to the population and produce similar results is vitally important. The consistency of research findings affords the comfortability that, if the study were to be repeated elsewhere, similar results can be achieved. The researcher ensures trustworthiness through obtaining statements from participants and quotations from documents as well as observations of the process. Trustworthiness is achieved on the bases of the following elements of trustworthiness. Below bulletin expand on elements of trustworthiness:
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Credibility: relates to confidence in the 'truth' of the findings. This was achieved through the process of recording interviews, and producing the transcript which was sent to the interviewed participants to confirm and agree on the content;
Transferability: was achieved through the process of ensuring data saturation, which is the process of interviewing until respondents repeat the same themes and nothing new emanates from the interviewees;
Dependability: was achieved through the target population and the sampling technique for selecting participants. Selection was based on knowledge and experience in the field, and the expertise that participants have in the field. Highly qualified and knowledgeable participants were selected. Analyses of themes, conducted from the transcripts, were confirmed by participants; and
Conformability: thematic analyses were done confirming the literature review findings.
Observations were done to confirm the themes that emerged during the interview process.
4.3.6 Ethical Considerations
Ethical clearance was sought and approved by the University of KwaZulu-Natal Ethics Committee (See Appendix 02). Throughout the study, the researcher ensured that ethical standards were upheld. The researcher took full consideration of the fact that the study involved interviews during the data collection phase. In this process, confidentiality was maintained and the protection of information was fully implemented. This was achieved through ensuring participants were not referred to by their names. Written documents, including interview transcripts, were not divulged to anyone. The recordings were stored in a password-protected computer device to which no one, except the researcher, has access. All other hard copy documents were destroyed. The study report is coherent and holistic and ensured anonymity and confidentiality.