Approaches to Research Methodology

Approaches to Research Methodology RESEARCH METHODOLOGY INTRODUCTION This section will explain the concept of research methodology, including an outline on the main methodological approaches and philosophies that exist; following this, the research strategies that will serve to address the objectives of this research topic will be explained. According to Saunders et al. (2009), three characteristics exist for carrying out research: Systematic collection of data. Systematic interpretation of data. A clear reason for investigation exists. Therefore, individuals generally undertake research because they want discover new things in a systematic manner, and hence expand their knowledge about a particular subject. Research in the business and management field is crucial as it serves to provide solutions to problems that exist in businesses. There are particular qualities that are required for carrying out good research including good communication, intellectual, organizational and IT skills. The researcher may already have these skills, or may need to develop them over the course of the research (Collins and Hussey, 2003). Research methodology is the process used to provide solutions to research problems in a systematic manner (Kumar, 2008). It is multidimensional and is the rationality behind the research methods chosen for the investigation. Research methodology provides the platform for the researcher to explain and evaluate the research strategies implemented. APPROACHES TO METHODOLOGY One can choose to take either a deductive or an inductive approach to undertaking research, both of which would influence the manner information and results are collected and distributed. The deductive approach to research involves developing a theory based on knowledge and understanding which is already in place, therefore is scrutinised and faces the risk of being unaccepted. Whereas the inductive approach begins with data collection followed by analysis of results and forming conclusions and theories based on the results (Saunder et al, 2009). In this kind of research approach, the flow of processes begins with observation and ends with findings and forming theories, which can be further integrated into knowledge that already exists. From this, it is planned that this current research will undertake an inductive approach, which will first involve data gathering, and following analysis, form conclusions as to how to enhance the management of information systems in NHS hospitals. In research methodology, research can be undertaken over two different time periods, using a cross-sectional or longitudinal method for data collection. Cross-sectional relates to research carried out and is based on the current time and place. Longitudinal, on the other hand, concerns research carried out over a certain long period of time (Kumar, 2008). Judging from the topic area and the time constraints, this research will adopt a cross-sectional style. RESEARCH PHILOSOPHIES According to Saunders et al. (2009), there are three main categories of research philosophies, which are positivism, interperpretivism and realism: Positivism this assumes that knowledge has a free value and is directly gained from experience. An important aspect of this viewpoint is that research is carried out in an independent and objective manner away from any kind of influences, and is based on quantitative data from the utilisation of a structured methodology. Interpretivism this adopts a naturalist approach which places emphasisim on social constructionism and focuses on the underlying multiple social structures of knowledge. It is concerned with the attitudes of research subjects and views on the world. This type of philosophy supports the adoption of certain research techniques such as observation and interviews which in turn would enable to gain knowledge from different perspectives. Realism this is similar to the positivist theory, as it also adopts a scientific approach to the concept of knowledge development. It argues that a reality exists independent of the human mind, and that there are certain social forces that influence their behaviours and interpretations; therefore the intention of such approach is to be aware and understand these social forces. Collis and Hussey (2003) state that the choice of research philosophy to adopt largely depends on the nature of the research, therefore there is no ‘correct strategy. Having defined the three main philosophies, it is clear that one would be able to incorporate the three of them into one research strategy. However, the philosophy that will be adopted for this research is the realist approach, which is essentially a combination of the positivism and interpretivism philosophies. This would involve the collection, interpretation and analysis of data, and establishing any social processes that might influence the behavior and actions of individuals. RESEARCH STRATEGIES In order to address the objectives of the research topic, one has to implement certain research strategies that will enable the collection of the necessary data. Numerous research strategies are available including experiment, case study, survey, grounded theory, action research, ethnography and archival research (Saunders et al., 2009). The choice of the research strategy must take into consideration certain important aspects about the research topic, including the research questions and objectives, existing knowledge about the topic, the amount of time available and also the availability of other useful sources (Saunders et al., 2009). PRIMARY RESEARCH This involves the use of different techniques to collect current information. This is an important way to gain an insight into the research topic and it enables the addition of certain information and ideas to the available literature surrounding the topic. This is done using a variety of methods, as illustrated below: SECONDARY RESEARCH This involves collecting relevant information relating to information systems in the NHS, including details about their roles, impacts and management, with particular reference to the London Ambulance Computer Aided Dispatch system. This requires the review and examination of a number of materials including journals, books, the internet and newspapers. The researcher will undertake both primary and secondary research to thoroughly investigate the research topic. For primary research, the case study strategy will be chosen as the research strategy for this study, which is explained in more detail as follows. CASE STUDY STRATEGY Given the nature of the research topic, a case study has been chosen as the research strategy to be implemented in this research. According to Robson (2002), a case study enables the researcher to focus on a specific situation and explore a single phenomenon, by collection of data using a variety of methods. This research strategy has the ability to provide answers for the ‘why?, ‘what and ‘how? questions (Saunders et al, 2009), and it will enable the researcher to gain a thorough understanding of the chosen topic area. RESEARCH METHODS For the purpose of this research topic, both qualitative and quantitiative measures will be used for collection and analysis of data. The research methods chosen will be in the form of questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires are an effective technique of collecting data in which individuals are asked to answer a pre-set list of questions in a specified order (Creswell, 1994). The questionnaire will be structured, predetermined and standardised; it will contain a mixture of closed and open-ended questions that will serve to address the research objectives. An advantage of using such research method is that it enables access to a great number of people over a large area. Furthermore, a questionnaire is a reliable research method as the questions are structured and predetermined, which means that they cannot be altered and consequently minimizing bias. However, at the same time, this structured approach will also mean that respondents are unable to answer freely and expand on thei r responses. Additionally, there is the potential of a threat to validity as respondents may not understand the question clearly and therefore give an answer to a question which is not intended by the researcher. Still, however, it is important to ensure that the questionnaire is well-constructed and easy to follow; because one needs to ensure a good response rate from the sampled population which is essential for gaining accurate information that would be helpful for the research. The second research method that will be used is a semi-structured interview. This will be carried out face to face with certain staff members working for the NHS, such as hospital managers and paramedics. The aim of the semi-structured interviews is to provide more focus on the research topic by gaining reliable information from key staff members who are familiar with the topic area, and hence generate valuable information for the research. The semi-structured approach to questioning will enable the researcher to alter the style of questions appropriately depending on the individual being interviewed. Therefore, interviews provide greater flexibility compared to questionnaires, and are a relatively better tool in ensuring higher response rates. Nevertheless, both of the research methods when combined will enable the researcher to explore the complexity and gain valuable insight into the research area. For the purposes of this research, a specific sampling method will be utilised, in which the researcher will select key people to include in the research study provided that those chosen can offer relevant information related to the topic; a technique called ‘purposive sampling (Saunders et al., 2009). The sample will be selected from three Northwest NHS Foundation Trusts, including St. Marys hospital, Chelsea and Westminister hospital and Hammersmith hospital. The key staff who will be included are hospital managers, paramedics, doctors and nurses. The researcher will aim for a combined sample size of 70 individuals based on questionnaires and interviews. ETHICAL ISSUES The main ethical considerations that must be acknowledged by the researcher when conducting the methods for data collection are centered on the periods of gaining access to the hospitals and interviewing the staff. The researcher will need to respect certain ethical values such as the anonymity, confidentiality and personal privacy of the person being interviewed when collecting information during interviews. Moreover, the researcher must obviously gain an informed consent from every person prior to starting the interview or handing over the questionnaire. SUMMARY In summary, this research of management of information systems in the NHS will assume an inductive and realist approach, to be implemented in a cross-sectional method, using a case study strategy employing both semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. In addition, secondary research will be undertaken in order assist in addressing the research objectives.

Claim of Fact Essay Essay

With the biggest GDP, prestigious universities, and a multitude of successful entrepreneurs, the United States has always been considered one of the leading countries in the world. Unfortunately, with other countries outdoing the United States in education, this notion is quickly changing. In recent years, students from other countries have been surpassing the United States academically and have proven that they are the future of the world. Researchers have found many differences in the school systems in foreign countries compared to those in the United States; however, the main reasons America is being trumped by students in other countries are because of the lack of parental support at home and the use of technology in schools. With test scores to prove this change in academic hierarchy, it has become obvious that other countries are outperforming the United States. Each country was compared and ranked based on scores of the 2011 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. Multiple countries, such as Hong Kong, Russia, and Finland, scored above the United States in reading, math, and science. The United States is still one of the top thirteen educational systems in the world; however, they are lagging behind and are being consistently outranked (Khazan). One reason for this differentiation in test scores is the ways in which school systems are set up. For example, in Finland, the country with the â€Å"best performing education system,† â€Å"schools assign less homework and engage children in more creative play,† which is the opposite of schools in America (Dillon). At the rate that these countries are exceeding, with student s ahead of American students by one whole school year, those from places such as Hong Kong, China, and Finland will soon be the top entrepreneurs and leaders of the world. One of the main reasons that students in other countries are more successful academically is because of parent involvement. According to the University of Michigan, â€Å"parental involvement is a critical component to a child’s educational experience† and â€Å"it is proven that greater involvement in a child’s education can foster more positive attitudes toward school, can improve homework habits, increase academic success and can reduce dropout  rates† (â€Å"Comparing). Parents in other countries, such as China, ensure that their children understand and complete their homework, while parents in the United States play a more passive role. This is because many parents in the United States are among the working class and not present when their children return from school. Parent involvement helps children succeed in school, leading them to continue on to college. Today, â€Å"the odds that a young person in the U.S. will be in higher education if his or her parents do not have an upper secondary education are just 29%† (LaRock). This proves that parents in other countries are more supportive of higher education and encourage their children to attend even if they did not have the chance. In order to ensure that the United States can redeem itself and once again be a top nation academically, American parents need to be more involved with their children. Another reason that the United States is being surpassed is because of their lack of use of technology in the classroom. As a nation, America should be placing the newest technology in schools in order to ensure that children are keeping up with the technological advances of the world and progressing at the same or higher pace than other students. As Dr. Michael Mills states, â€Å"‘apart from the engagement aspect of using technology, students must master the digital literacy skills necessary to thrive in today’s society and workplace’† (Lawrence). As technology quickly becomes the basis of the world, children need to be familiar with up-to-date versions. This will ensure that they can compete with other nations when entering the workforce. Schools in countries such as China agree with this idea and â€Å"[have] moved far ahead of almost every country in the world on measures of integrating technology into academic curriculum.† Many American parents believe that if their children are going to use advanced technology, they are more likely to use it at home than in school (Lawrence). With these ideas in mind, American parents are allowing their children to fall behind the rest of the nation; thus, they are contributing to the success of students in other countries. Although the United States needs to spend money on placing the latest technology in schools, there are valid reasons as to why they cannot do this. American school systems are based on standardized testing, which is  what they are forced to spend a majority of their budget on (Lawrence). Also, parents in the United States are not able to be home for their children as often because they are busy at work. Many would agree that this high number of working class parents is a key component to America’s success. However, these are not valid reasons as to why children in America should be allowed to slip so far behind those in other countries. As stated by the University of Michigan, â€Å"mothers in eastern Asian countries for example, will actually attend school in order to take notes for their children when they are ill and unable to attend themselves,† so why can’t mothers in the United States make at least half the effort? (â€Å"Comparing). If society continues to act this way, the future of the world will no longer be in the hands of Americans. With the lack of parental support in the United States and advanced technology in the classroom, America is quickly being outshined. Compared to other countries, their academics are suffering. In order to ensure that the United States remains a leading country in the future, these two aspects need to be changed. If nothing is done, the leaders of tomorrow will not be from the United States, but children who now live in countries such as China or Finland. Works Cited â€Å"Comparing U.S. and Chinese Public School Systems.† University of Michigan. Ed. Tara L. Van Schaack. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2013. . Dillon, Sam. â€Å"Many Nations Passing U.S. in Education, Expert Says.† The New York Times. N.p., 10 Mar. 2010. Web. 16 Apr. 2013. . Khazan, Olga. â€Å"Here’s why other countries beat the U.S. in reading and math.† The Washington Post. N.p., 11 Dec. 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2013. . LaRock, J.D. â€Å"Education at a Glance: OECD Indicators 2012.† OECD. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013. . Lawrence, Julia. â€Å"Chinese Education Technology Efforts May Surpass America’s.†Ã‚  Education News. N.p., 3 Apr. 2013. Web. 15 Apr. 2013. .

Google - 668 Words

Google mission and Business model Google mission statement is very simple and clear. â€Å"Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful†. Their vision for google is to make the search engine commanding so that understand â€Å"everything in the world† (Google) Google’s business model is Business Model Canvas. This model provides key information on the strategy of Google’s business. Google who is recognized as one of the top leading technology company in the world and one of the most widespread search engines on the internet that is used by many. Because Google is one of the most widely used search engine which attracts advertisers to Google services in order for them to reach a higher†¦show more content†¦(Google) Leadership role of the Google members are those that are bubbled down through the organization, entrepreneurship, commitment, creativity and visionaries. This i s what make Google who they are today. Identify two examples of services or amenities that Google provides to its employees, interns, partners, and visitors. Google offers an attractive employee perk package to employees who are looking for employment with Google such as: †¢ Free food cooked by a company chef †¢ Access to company daycare facilities †¢ Exercise gyms These incentives are granted to employees to encourage with a stress free environment and allow a creativity atmosphere. These types of incentives helps with retention, and healthier life styles. The atmosphere that Google has created was well thought out plan when starting Google. They first understand what works in the workplace and how to run a successful business. They cultivate an environment for employees where they like their job and create loyalty, flexible, and transparency. With all the perks and benefits that are offered it inspires you to work hard, stay motivated and creates challenges. With all the incentives and freedom to work independently with very minimum supervision, along with human resources screening for the right candidate to come on board, only allows for their employees to be innovative, clear thinkers, and creative to continue moving the company inShow MoreRelatedGoogle s Objectives Of Google Essay1052 Words   |  5 Pagesanyone seeking information can access. Google has been focusing on providing the best user experience possible. Its key ingredients are relevance, comprehensiveness, freshness and speed providing users with best possible result. Google wants to have an improved infrastructure to make their engineers more productive. They want to expand the workforce for anticipated growth, expand further into international markets, and continue developing new products. Google wants to push their ad system since theyRead MoreGoogle s Model Of Google2329 Words   |  10 PagesIntroduction Google as one of the world most successful and secretive company in Internet industry growth rapidly from an unknown company to world famous company only take around 15 years. Google is an American company established on 1998 as a private company, they started to design and mange a search engine and explore the business for more areas. Google has variety of productsï ¼Å'such as Blogger, YouTube, Gmail, Google Map, and Google Earth. On 2004 Google stock was on the NASDAQ stock market, andRead MoreGoogle s Article On Google824 Words   |  4 Pagesis now what everyone on the planet calls  ¨Google ¨. One may even be reading this essay on Google software. Providing us with Google-powered operating systems from Gmail to driverless cars, it has given us unlimited access to almost anything we desire. The powerhouse makes our lives easier, however, it can also formulate unintelligence by destroying our memory, building our dependence upon it, and limiting our abilities that make us who we are. Google offers organized and complete access withoutRead MoreGoogle, The Founder Of Google Inc.1270 Words   |  6 PagesLarry Page and Sergey Brin are the founders of google. They first met at Stanford University in 1995 and in 1996 they built a search engine called â€Å"BackRub† that used links to determine the importance of individual webpages. After some rough draft brain storming, Larry and Sergey came up with the name Google for their search engine. Google Inc. was started in 1998, when co-founder Andy Bechtolsheim wrote a check for $100,000 to fund the company. Google went viral and public when it made its initialRead MoreGoogle2580 Words   |  11 PagesIntroduction Google is a company that specializes in internet search and online advertising, and an important player in the knowledge-based services industry. Since its very beginnings, this company has focused on innovation and new ways of doing things more efficiently and effectively, and it has paid off for it. Its Human Resources (HR) practices are no exception either. Under the motif â€Å"best place to work for†, Google has become one of the best employers to work for, and has won numerous awardsRead MoreGoogle Vs. Google Net Worth1168 Words   |  5 PagesGoogle is a very unique company to say the least. The company was founded by Sergey Mikhaylovich Brin and Lawrence Page, an American computer scientists and en-trepreneurs.The two friends met while attending Stanford University and created Google as their research project in 1996. Although the internet search engines existed before, this one was different. While the traditional search networks determined the page’s relevanc e based on the number of times that the search term was used on the site,Read MoreGoogle Analytics And Google Tag Manager1093 Words   |  5 PagesSummary - 2 - Access to Marketing and Website Assets - 2 - Objective - 2 - Website - 2 - Objective - 2 - Process - 2 - Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager - 3 - Objective - 3 - Process - 3 - adwords - 3 - Objective - 3 - Process: - 3 - Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) - 4 - Objective - 4 - Process: - 4 - Reporting - 5 - Objective - 5 - Proposed reports: - 5 - Appendix 1A: Google Analytics Screenshot - 6 - Appendix 2B: Digital Marketing Lead Generation Report - 7 - SUMMARY This report isRead MoreGoogle Essay1691 Words   |  7 PagesCase Study The rise of Google, now a $6.1 billion company, has been fast and fierce. Founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page met in 1995 as Stanford University graduate students. They created a search engine that combined the technologies of Pages PageRank system, which evaluates a pages importance based on the external links to it, and Erins Web crawler, which visits Web sites and records a summary of their content. Because Google was so effective, it quickly became the search engine of choice forRead More Google Essay1429 Words   |  6 PagesGoogle The name Googol was founded by a gentleman named Milton Sirotta. Mr. Sirotta was the nephew of an American mathematician named Edward Kasner (Google, 2004, 1) The company name Google was created in reference to the actual number googol which is represented by a number followed by 100 zeroes. The meaning behind the company’s name was to reflect the companies mission to organize immense amounts of information available on the web(Google, 1). In 1995 Google was created by two young men,Read MoreGoogle s Organizational Environment At Google Essay874 Words   |  4 PagesGoogle is a global corporate search engine, known for internet-related services, various advertisings, and products. Students of Stanford University, Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google in 1997. The fundamental driving force that shapes this company’s organizational environment at Google is, the innovative influence on the way society thinks, works and behaves. As well as the impact it provides on ed ucation, technical generations, and global businesses within the virtual world. Google Company

How Segregation Was Ruled Illegal in U.S.

In 1896, the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case determined that separate but equal was constitutional. The opinion of the Supreme Court stated, A statute which implies merely a legal distinction between the white and colored races—a distinction which is founded in the color of the two races, and which must always exist so long as white men are distinguished from the other race by color — has no tendency to destroy the legal equality of the two races, or re-establish a state of involuntary servitude. The decision remained the law of the land until it was overturned by the Supreme Court in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954. Plessy v. Ferguson The Plessy v. Ferguson legitimized the numerous state and local laws that had been created around the United States after the Civil War. Across the country, blacks and whites were legally forced to use separate train cars, separate drinking fountains, separate schools, separate entrances into buildings, and much more. Segregation was the law. Segregation Ruling Reversed On May 17, 1954, the law was changed. In the landmark Supreme Court decision of Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson ​decision by ruling that segregation was inherently unequal. Although the Brown v. Board of Education was specifically for the field of education, the decision had a much broader scope. Brown v. Board of Education Although the Brown v. Board of Education decision overturned all the segregation laws in the country, the enactment of integration was not immediate. In actuality, it took many years, much turmoil, and even bloodshed to integrate the country. This monumental decision was one of the most important rulings handed down by the United States Supreme Court in the 20th century.