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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.
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(Saunders et al., 2009). Research strategies are found in the third layer of Saunders et al., (2009) research onion. This layer consists of seven strategies which can be used to collect data namely, experiment, survey, case study, action research, grounded theory, ethnography and archival research.
3.6.1. Experiment
Experiments use a group of people to test phenomena. These people are neutral, and not effected by the phenomena. This strategy is complex and not easy to replicate. This type of strategy gives the researcher data which can be analysed statistically. The purpose of this type of research is to have variables which can be measured, calculated and compared (Al-Zefeiti
& Mohammad, 2015).
3.6.2. Survey
This strategy in the research onion is commonly associated with the deductive approach. This strategy is easy to conduct and is the most economical. It allows the researcher to collect huge amounts of rich and reliable data which answer the what, who, when and how questions of the research (Al-Zefeiti & Mohammad, 2015).
3.6.3. Case Study
Simons (2009:21) defined a case study as an in-depth assessment from different perceptions of the intricacy and inimitability of a specific project, program, strategy, organization, or system in an „actual life‟ context. Cousin (2005) stated that case studies allow for improved understanding of the subject matter. According to Merriam (2009), Creswell (2013:93) maintains that this qualitative approach studies a real-life, contemporary confined structure (a case) or multiple confined structures (cases) in a specified timeframe, through exhaustive, detailed data collection. Similarly, Gerring (2004:342) defined a case study as a concentrated study of one unit, the intention is to understand a larger class of comparable units which are observed over a specific period.
A case study research is justified by the element of analysis, the process the study takes, and the result of the study, all these elements are fundamentally the case (Merriam, 2009).
According to Thomas (2011) a case study does not have a comparative approach; its aim should not be to produce generalised outcomes to all populations. Stake (2013) defined a case study as a rigorous, methodical analysis of a group, community or organisation where the researcher analyses detailed data relating to several variables.
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This study was case study based, the case study allowed the researcher to study this real life challenge affecting the implementation of Project Management in detail and to get accurate findings. According to Stake (2013) a case study allows the researcher to capture information in a more explanatory manner by answering the ‟what‟, „why‟ and how' questions. The researcher used a qualitative case study method as it contributed to the larger study of challenges affecting the implementation of Project Management in the EPWP projects. It also allowed the researcher to understand the current Project Management status in the Msunduzi project in greater depth. According to Gerring (2004) there are several types of case studies in research; exploratory, descriptive and explanatory. This study adopted an exploratory case study approach.
Exploratory case study
This case study is primarily used for theory building; it may be conducted preceding the definition of the research questions and hypotheses (Gerring, 2004). According to Yin (2009) exploratory case studies attempt to discover any phenomenon which is identified by the researcher as a point of interest. The questions asked in the case study open up the floor, allowing the researcher to probe further. It promotes further investigation of the subject matter (Yin, 2009). In this case study the researcher can conduct small scale data collection before the hypotheses and research questions are proposed. The pre-data collection assists in formulating a framework for the study. A pilot study is generally used in an exploratory case study (Yin, 2009). According to De Massis & Kotlar (2014) an exploratory case study is used when the purpose of the study is to find out and understand how a certain occurrence takes place. This study adopted an exploratory case study approach.
Descriptive case study
According Gerring (2004) a descriptive case study attempts to define diverse characteristics of the research phenomenon. This type of case study is also used for theory building. It identifies the different single case studies with the aim of possibly establishing a framework.
According to Yin (2009) a descriptive case study describes a certain occurrence in the context in which it happened. McDonough & McDonough (2014) stated that this case study is generally in a narrative form. A challenge that was identified is that this case study needs to have a descriptive theory to support the phenomena or occurrence. Should it fail to be supported by descriptive theory, then this case study is regarded as lacking rigor.
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Explanatory case study
Based on Gerring‟s (2004) study, an explanatory case study seeks to examine causal relationships amongst data. This case study is primarily used for theory testing. This type of case study is supported by why and how questions as they examine the relationship between dissimilar theories (Gerring, 2004). According to McDonough & McDonough (2014) an explanatory case study observes data carefully and in detail in order to explain the phenomenon at an in-depth level. Yin (2009) asserted that this kind of case study attempts to find the link between the „case‟ and its context in a real life setting.
3.6.4. Action research
The purpose of this research strategy is to attempt to identify and resolve a particulate issue.
This type of research can be conducted by an organization to identify the problem through research so that they can mitigate the problem. Action research consists of the following processes:
1. Having an objective;
2. Identifying a solution to the problem; and
3. An action plan on how to deal with the problem (Al-Zefeiti & Mohammad, 2015).
3.6.5. Grounded theory
This research strategy relies on building theory from observations. Inductive methods are used by forecasting and explaining the behaviour and social relationships. Grounded theory seeks out social patterns. Predictions made from observations are then tested. New theories are discovered, these theories are grounded due to existing literature and theory on the topic (Al-Zefeiti & Mohammad, 2015). This is a complex research strategy which requires extensive data analysis and repeated re-analysis in order to find new theory; it is best suited for unexplored research projects (Gabriel, 2013).
3.6.6. Ethnography
Ethnography stems from anthropology which is the study of human behaviour. To conduct research using this method, the researchers would have to immerse themselves in that
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community or environment. This research strategy is time consuming due to the slow process of adaption and change (Al-Zefeiti & Mohammad, 2015).
3.6.7. Archival research
This type of research strategy consists of using existing information as well as archive documents. Archival research allows the researcher to do an analysis and explanation of changes taking place over a long period of time, this analysis can be done in a descriptive manner (Al-Zefeiti & Mohammad, 2015). It should be noted that this type of research can lead to incorrect results, which tarnishes the credibility of the research (Saunders et al., 2009).