what an overall research methodology is

what an overall interrogation methodology isThis section discussed what an overall look methodology is and wherefore and what research tools and methods has been pick break to gain and canvass results. The chapter begins with the research de barrierination which is followed finished the research philosophy, research salute wherefore research strategy and info collection method. There is a fixed aim and objectives in this research which put on to be response hence it is concretely important to categorize approaches and procedures which is used by a police detective for the research accomplishment.3.2 Research purpose fit in to Burns, R. (2000) researches atomic number 18 methodical and organize investigation to solve problem. Saunders, M. et al., (2003) stated that studies can be classified by purpose or an employed strategy and Yin, R. (2003), Neuman, W. Kreugar, L. (2003) distinguished research purpose as exploratory (explore a invigorated topic), descriptive (desc ribe a social phenomena) and explanatory (explain why something happen). Saunders, M. et al., (2003) add that it is likely to puzzle to a greater extent than one purpose and approach for research intentions and that purpose possibly change in the course of an investigation.In the suppose of Cooper, D. Schindler, P. (2003) researches are dissimilar to theories because research techniques could non be correct or wrong but they may be more or lesser rich in research procedure. The Literature has been establish in likeness to knowledge management such as knowledge hierarchy, what is knowledge, types of knowledge, SECI model, elements of knowledge management and its barriers, thus the occupy have attempted to explain this social phenomenon primarily in a descriptive bearing in like manner this get is partly exploratory and explanatory because it explored new review and defined the problems within the research area, by revealing how knowledge is transfer and managed and why com ponents of knowledge management set nearlys barriers to particular organization. Furthermore compared to developed countries, the term knowledge management is relatively fresh to the third world countries like Pakistan therefore it is sited as exploratory.Saunders, M. et al., (2003) described the focal point in gathering selective information, rests in the heart of research onion which is encircled by diverse layers (see below figure 3.1)Figure 3.1 Saunders, M. et al., (2003, 2007)3.3 Research PhilosophySaunders, M. et al., (2007), explained key research philosophy scratch positivist approach n which tecs prefer to use current theories to build up hypothesis. Research is underinterpreted as value free way that means researcher cannot do alter the substance of information collection. It is also distressed with facts not impressions. Second realism, it is part of epistemology, alike to positivism and believes a scientific approach to the victimisation of knowledge. The core of realism is that what the senses prove us as reality in truth. Saunders, M. et al., (2007) believed that realism is relevant for business and management research. And third interpretive approach, conducts research amongst muckle rather than objects.As the research topic itself greatly complex in nature and cover social aspects therefore it is not possible to answer research question by only yes or no responses. Therefore this research adopted interpretive approach where researcher interpreted the social roles of individual and have-to doe with with middle and senior managers initiatives of knowledge management which boost performance of individual and group. The underpins of interpretive approach is gathering of data and then understanding of these data which is influenced by societal forces, individuals behavior and attitude.3.4 Research ApproachDifferent approaches can be use for research for instance deductive or inductive. Deductive research begins with quick theories, c one quantifypts and formulates hypothesis that are later tested and confirmed (Gummesson, E. 2000, Saunders, M. et al., 2003). An inductive research begins with the real world data, it deals with anthology of data and then theory is erected from it (Gummesson, E. 2000, Saunders, M. et al., 2003). According to Blumberg, B. et al., (2005) we can neer be confident in an inductive approach because it cannot be considered as faultless. This research adopt a deductive approach as the research result progress from the general theories to a more precise observation of the research topic and question. That means overall end result of this research cannot be generalised because observation is totally stand on item organization and in specific period of metre also deductive approach offering prospect to confirming validity and dependableness of facts.Deductive approach = Theory Observations/findingsInductive approach = Observations/findings Theory3.5 Research StrategiesSaunders, M. et al., (2007) described various research strategies which are useful to apply when gathering and analyzing empirical facts such as experimentation, survey, grounds study, grounded theory, ethnography and action research. Which research strategy should apply depends on the nature, central point, scope, admittance, restrictions and existing sources for research, nonetheless Yin, R. (2003) provides three conditions to be relevant in regularise to elect which strategy to employ for research purposeThe kinds of research question asked.To what extent researcher has pick up over actual behavioral affairs or events.The degree of focus on contemporary, as apposed to historical, events.3.6 Case studyThe appropriate strategy for this research is teddy study because the kind of research questions universe asked how (they were implemented), why (they were taken) with what (results) forms, although what and how questions tend to be more the distress of the survey strategy. The case study strategy is mainly a lot used in explanatory and exploratory, and this research has already claimed it in the research purpose (see section 3.2) (Saunders, M. et al., 2007). The case study strategy, as acknowledged by Robson, C. (2002) preferable because researcher do not have control over events and it permits researcher to achieve strong viewpoint surrounding the research area and its development, it also occupies an empirical depth psychology of a particular phenomenon within its actual life context by several sources of evidence. Sauder, M. et al., (2007) suggested that if you are employing case study strategy you are probably involve to use and triangulate several sources of data. Triangulation refers to the use of diverse data collection methods within one study such as interviews, observations, objective analysis, questionnaires etc. in sequence to make certain that the data are telling you what you think they are telling you.In this research the qualitative data collected by using semi-structure interviews which is precious way of triangulating decimal data collected by other means such as a questionnaire (details of data collection techniques discussed in section 3.8). According to Neuman, W. Kreugar, L. (2003) the majority of case studies entail qualitative data and nearly all qualitative research seeks to build illustrations establish on it depth, detailed knowledge of cases, the qualitative and quantitative research approach discussed in the section 3.8.1 and 3.8.23.7 Time horizonsTime scopes to research design are free lance of which research strategy and method follow. Saunders, M. et al., (2007) proposed that while planning your research it is vital to know that whether the research is to be a cross-sectional (complete at a specific time) or longitudinal (complete in a prolong time period). Due to the time constrain this study has helped researcher to assemble questionnaire results and conduct interviews at once and these cannot be repeate d, so the information collected by this manner will correspond to declaration of research over that time period which means that this research is Cross-sectional or immaculate on specific time.3.8 Research methodResearch method or research design refers to organized, determined and rationally accretion of data not only for analyzing purpose but for attaining information to resolve research questions. The preference of methods depends upon research problem and purpose and those methods cannot be worded as more suitable or appropriate. There are two fashionable methods qualitative and quantitative. In the view of Ghauri, P. Gronhaug, K. (2005) the differentiation between qualitative and quantitative research has postcode to do with quality but it is related to procedure.3.8.1 Qualitative methodQualitative research is one in which researcher frequently formulates knowledge claims based on constructivist perspective i.e. various meaning of individual experiences and measuring soci ally. Densombe, M. (2003) emphasizingd that qualitative research in the main focus on description, it employs words or experience as unit of analysis and when the study connected with small scale studies. Often the analysis phrase does not begin, although not always begins as soon as data collection starts. Strauss, A. Corbin, J. (1990) defined key elements of qualitative research areData gather by interviews.logical practices to conceptualize and assess data toward conclude findingsReport written by researcher.According to Cooper, D. Schindler, P. (2003) qualitative data perceive as rich, complete, earthly, holistic and genuine, their face validity looks perfect and it also offers far more accurate method to assess. The drawbacks of qualitative data include they are irrelevant to wider population and not statistically checked.3.8.2 Quantitative methodThe nature of the quantitative approach is objective and focus on determining phenomenon (Hussey, J. Hussey, R. 1997). Questionn aires and surveys constitute quantitative research in which all questions are laid down in arrangement of Yes or No or likert scale and then assessed by statistical methods. Naude, P. et al., (1991) stated that quantitative methods are mathematical and statistical form, relates to numerous variable and their relationship. In quantitative research it is possible to analyze data when the data collection has been finished. The key advantage of quantitative approach it is produces quantifiable and reliable data which is by and bighearted relevant for vast population. It is more applicable for carrying out needs evaluation or for estimations contrasting conclusions with baseline records. The main cons of quantitative method it is expensive and time consuming procedure but according to Robson, (C. 2002) softwares developed in modern world have made analysis of complex calculations easy to perform.3.8.3 Mix mannerIn this research, researcher adopted both qualitative and quantitative met hods because the research accumulated both types of data, that is minimized the limitations of each other. Data were collected from the questionnaires and interviews. It is crucial to have questionnaire in this research to explore individual working pattern in organization and their approaches to knowledge management. An additional positive characteristic of questionnaire it is supported researcher in studying how individual employs theory into practice. Denscombe, M. (2003) declared that the combination of methods permit superior understanding of research problem as it helps retrieval of quantitative results from questionnaires which followed qualitative halt like semi-structured interviews of senior managements which further revealed organizational and individual behavior and social functions.3.9 Data collection methodsIn this research, the overall data collection process began from amass secondary data in the form of literature review to the primary data which was gathered by researcher via survey questionnaires and taken interviews. Secondary data searched in the University of Glamorgan, Learning Resources Centre by typing the keyword knowledge economy, knowledge management, barriers to knowledge management and components of knowledge management etc. These secondary data mostly reflects from textbooks, journal articles, magazines and websites to facilitate research objectives. As compare to primary data the most important benefit of exploiting secondary data is the gigantic saving in time and money resources (Ghauri, P. Gronhaug, K. 2005).3.9.1 QuestionnaireQuestionnaire is one of the data collection methods where all respondents are required to respond similar questions in a specific order provided to them moreover Saunders, M. et al., (2007) declared that questionnaire supports to analyze of individual responses more comprehensively. The key purpose of designing questionnaire in this research was to get substance of knowledge management approaches a nd current component of knowledge management in the organization. The questionnaire was based on particular subject matters such as knowledge management with its basic components (People, Process, Technology and Culture) and barriers to knowledge management. According to Dillman, D.A. (2000) three kinds of data variable collected via questionnaire.OpinionBehaviorAttributeFirst the way the research questionnaire was design in this research, is to get opinion what respondents aroma about something or what they think or believe is true or false, second to record respondents behavior and experiences by what they did, do and will do through their attribute. Attribute include data about the respondents characteristics.Saunders, M. et al., (2007), classified two way of administer research questionnaire(i) Interviewer-administered (the responses are recorded by researcher for e.g. market research).(ii) Self-administered (usually completed by respondents).This research employed self-admi nistered questionnaire because the researcher has less amount of contact with the respondents and questionnaires simply filled by respondents. These questionnaires were administered via electronic web masking (www.surveymethods.com). Various advantages have been experienced by using electronic web survey tools such as ease of automatic data entry, set occasional reminders for respondents, easy to analyze data through pie chart, line or bar chart etc. moreover respondents can complete questionnaires by multiple sitting or hold their unfinished response. Yin, R. (2003) suggested that questionnaires diminish bias due to uniform question, even researchers own opinions does not influence respondent to answer questions in a certain manner which turn into actual facts. Although there are number of disadvantages associate to questionnaire as well for e.g. it take immense time to prepare questions, questionnaire possibly opt out or partially submit, it might redirect to subordinates or fel low employees to fill out. Particularly in this research there is no opportunity for researcher to restate the phrases or further explain once the survey launched.The entire respondents were given guaranteed of anonymity (Easterby-Smith, M. et al., 2008). Respondents were given 20 days time to complete questionnaire and on an middling it took 10-15 minutes to fill one questionnaire. Each questionnaire contains 25 questions including three different forms of questions (i) agree disagree statement, (ii) multiple ticks and (iii) open end questions.3.9.2 InterviewsAn interview is an intentional intercourse between two or more people. In the view of Saunders et al., (2007) interviews may be highly structured (based on predetermined and identical set of questions which is oftentimes called interviewer-administered questionnaire) or unstructured (informal and in depth-interview to explore a general idea) or semi-structured. Another types of interviews described by Healey, M. Rawlins on, M. (1993) standardized interview which is subject to quantitative analysis and non-standardized interviews that is subject to qualitative analysis.3.9.2.1 Semi-Structure InterviewsFor this research, semi-structure interviews used as a device for exploring and collecting qualitative data in which interviewer ask questions to interviewee to draw self-reports of their opinions, attitudes, or behaviors in relation to knowledge management. Three interviews were taken from different departments with managerial position. All interviews were recorded with the consent of respondents. Key themes were note down by the researcher as interviews were being conducted and the analogous questions asked to all interviewees in slightly different packaging, although the overall essence of questions did not change. The researcher conducted all the interviews by himself and further amplification provided during an interview when respondents construe the questions. This clarification was necessary to lift respondents on right track for exploring research topic and research question. The duration of the interview was set up-to maximum 30 minuets.The hollo interviews were employed which is appropriate specifically in this research because of the geological distance and limited time. Also there are no sensitive matters involved which need to discuss via only face-to-face. Various other advantages such as good physical appearance of the interviewer is not require, however Babbie, E. (1995) suggested that interview can be prospered if the interviewer is pleasant and kind during an interview. Simultaneously there are several disadvantages associated to telephone interview for example interviewees may lie and hide information. Visual cues and body languages become more difficult to observe.3.10 Pilot workThe reason behind piloting is to spot imperfections in research questions and then rectify it. Before launching questionnaire to real respondent, these questionnaires were initi ally piloted by sending web link to three classmates. Two problems were identified apart from questionnaire structure and the language used in questionnaire. First respondents got netmail in their junk or trash folder instead of standard inbox folder which might lead less response rate and second the pickax to go on next page (next button) does not appear on actual screen which may result in partial response, however at last researcher has been successful to solve these issues by making some setting configurations on web application.3.11 SamplingIn the view of Bell, J. (1987) we do not need to engage each person in relation to study about population. Whereas Gill, J. (1991), described sampling as the population of interest that have been choose for study. Research usually required of those individual who are willing to provide information and these set of individuals known as essay. In this research the research question(s), its objectives, chosen research methodology (quantita tive and qualitative) and research strategy (case study) dictate itself to select non-probability samples. Neuman, W. Kreugar, L. (2003) suggested that the majority of qualitative researches likely to employ non probability samples which means that researchers rarely decide the sample size in advance and they have partial awareness about population from which the sample is taken. Saunders et al., (2003) supported that non-probability sample widely used in case study research with small size samples. This sample would provide rich information of case study in which research question is explored.This research has been conducted on Pakistani company the Company employs almost 150 staffs on several places. It was determined to use Company head office as sample size in this research where nearly 70 employees working on various position including management. Easterby-Smith, M. et al., (2008) stated that the sample selected may possibly bias which might be imitated on end results. To curt ail bias and produce true result from this research, altogether fifty questionnaires were launch for employees working on head office disregarding of their age, genders, experiences and departments. Furthermore researcher conducted three interviews with different departmental managers, two of them are male and one is a female.3.12 stiffness ReliabilityAccording to McNeill, P. Chapman, S. (2005) validity refers to the predicament of whether the information gathered is accurate of what is being studied. Denscombe, M. (2003) clarified that validity in a research signify that the mandatory information is studied and not anything more. Validity is when a theory, model and concept explain reality as it shows and it refers to the accuracy in the case study. This research employed both quantitative and qualitative methods which bring a practical, honest and unbiased account of social life from the point of view of someone who lives it each day (Neuman, W. Kreugar, L. (2003).Yin, R. ( 2003) and Denscombe, M. (2003) point out that reliability in a research reflects on the reality that the study is accomplished consistently and correctly. They suggested that identical conclusions could be attained, if carried out by other observers or under the same conditions. In this research questionnaire and follow up interviews were used to record and analyze data consistently. As the researcher employed telephone interviews which Saunders et al., (2007) believes that take longer time to construct trust between the interviewer and interviewees, visual prompts and non-verbal behavior may also influence the progress of the interview. In the view of Yin, R. (2003) case study strategy enhances the reliability of the research because it enables other researchers to follow the facts or data directly and not be constrained to the printed reports. Furthermore the sample section and methodological in this study may possibly be copied by other investigators to get same results. All the interviewees were consent to record interviews which further interprets our result and conclusion as trustworthy.At last, overall, the following steps were obtained to certify the reliability and validity of this researchThe researcher used continuous guidelines from the supervisor for making survey and interview questions in an order to get most acceptable outcomes.All respondents were informed in advance as regards to take part for accomplishing this research. Questionnaires were completed within 20 days and the interviews were taken within 7 days, during these periods of time no key incident happen or changed with the related subject.Data were collected through web based application (www.surveymethods.com). The researcher has no control over the modification of any answers provided by respondents.After finishing interviews, a brief summary of conversations sent to each interviewee by e-mail to make sure that what exactly they want to say and what the researcher understood. Also i nterviewees were asked if they find any thing which is differing from the point of view of researcher then they can correct it and reply back via e-mail.3.13 Research ethicsBlumberg, et al., (2005) viewed ethics as moral rules and principles, norms, standards or sets of behavior, that lead our relationships with others. Research ethics then narrates to questions about how research topic is plan and elucidate, how data is collected, process and store, how data is analyze and research findings are write up in a moral and answerable way.In this research, number of ethical considerations has been taken into account specially when gathering data through questionnaires and interviews. First the purpose of the study plus respondents participation was clear explained. Second none of the respondents was intimidated to take part in research process and those who agreed to take part their verbal consent was attained. According to Bell, J. (1987), homosexual rights protections for instance autonomy from physical and mental hurt, privacy and confidentiality should maintain throughout research. To retain confidentiality no names were connected to data, however the researcher can recognizes which data belongs to whom and the persons name, who interviewed in this research were not displayed.