METHODOLOGY

3.0 INTRODUCTION

After reviewing the literature in the previous chapter, the researcher came up with methods which were used in the data collection exercise. This chapter therefore presents the methods and processes that the researcher used in the study. The description of the selected methodology included the sample size, research design and procedure of the study

3.1 THE RESEARCH DESIGN

In carrying out the research, the researcher used descriptive methods to analyse the data about the assessment of information and communication technology in logistics management efficiency. The data was analysed manually which allowed the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Qualitative data was used to analyse in narrative form, then interpretations related to the study questions were obtained and then conclusions were drawn.

Quantitative data was in tabular format, graphs, measures of correlation based on percentages to point out the salient relationships and trends.

3.2 Area and population of the study

The study was conducted from Spedag Interfreight Uganda limited. This population mainly comprised of managers, heads of departments, the procuring and disposal entity and other staff members from the related fields in the organisation.

methodology

3.3   Sample size and population

3.3.1 Population Sample

The study was carried out in Spedag Interfreight Uganda Limited located in Nakawa Industrial Area Plot M284. The company has a population of over 35 employees of both the staff and the managers. In order to have a balanced view of the stakeholders, the entire stake holders were interviewed both directly and indirectly especially those involved in making logistics a feasible and profitable department. Because of that, basically people from the logistics and the procurement departments were consulted.

methodology

3.3.2 SAMPLE SIZE

The sample size comprised of 35 respondents taking considering  issues of procurement and logistics- stores management at Spedag Interfreight Uganda Limited in Nakawa Industrial Division.

Table 1: Categorization of respondents

methodology

3.4 SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

The researcher used stratified random technique which emphasized obtaining appropriate sample size. In this case the researcher derived the study population into groups (strata) according to their titles giving each group of personality equal opportunity of representation in the study. The researcher used stratified random sampling because it was cheap, reduces the level of biases, time saving, improves on the level of accuracy and enhanced cooperation in the field.

3.5 DATA COLLECTION SOURCES

The researcher collected data using both the primary and the secondary sources.

methodology

3.5.1 Primary sources

This helped to obtain data in its raw form from the field. This was done by use of questionnaires to collect people’s views, opinions and perspectives about the study. With this kind of source of data collection method, first hand information was obtained.

3.5.2 Secondary sources

This was obtained through the review of internal documents of Spedag Interfreight Uganda Limited. For example reports on the subjects under the study that showed the past performance. Also information was got from the external records which include journals, magazines, newspapers reports and research papers relevant to the topic at hand. This helped the researcher to make informed judgement about the study since it was compared with the primary source

3.6 DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENTS AND TOOLS

The researcher used various methods of data collection and they included direct observation, questionnaires and interviews as presented below.

3.6.1    Questionnaires

These were designed with appropriate questions for managers and heads of departments and members of staff enough to make sure the objectives of the study were met, since these people have little time for interviews with the researcher because of their tight schedules in nature.

The researchers personally administered questionnaires because they were cheap and easy to administer, they saved much time compared to focus group discussion and they also required less skills to administer them.

3.6.2 Interviews

Here the researcher asked questions and at the same time recorded the responses. A semi- structured Interview guide was used for reasons like; Provision of first-hand information, Rich data was collected, it is less costly and speedy, it has the ability to clarify questions, it cleared doubts and allowed addition of new questions where necessary among others.

3.6.3 Direct observation

This was used to confirm the availability of the information technology systems in place and read through facial expressions, feelings of pleasantness and unpleasantness or stress which was expressed in emotions or vocalization.

3.7 PROCEDURE OF THE STUDY

The researcher picked an introductory letter from the Dean of School of Management and Entrepreneurship. The researcher then used the letter to introduce her to the area of study. Then the researcher then identified the respondents and proceeded to distribute questionnaires or interviewing them.

methodology

3.8 DATA PROCESSING, ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

After gathering the data from both sources (primary and secondary), the data was edited first for accuracy and completeness, organized by use of tabulations and percentages thereby creating a platform for summarization of data. Appropriate analytical methods were applied so as to manipulate the data, its relationship and quantitative meanings were then derived.

methodology

3.9 DELIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The researcher met the following challenges while carrying out her research.

• Unwillingness by some of the respondents to provide information thus rendering the questionnaires improperly answered. Also some respondents felt bothered and uneasy to let certain company facts and details to the researcher. The researcher ensured that all respondents were assured out confidentiality in relation to the information provided by them and also rendering one personally responsible for the consequences in case such happens.
• There were also threats of time limits and deadlines that the researcher needed to work against, considering the fact that the study was conducted alongside other activities like lectures, course works, and tests. The researcher drew a plan to ensure that these questionnaires were administered to before the deadlines.
• The researcher was faced with financial constraints since data collection involved transport costs, stationery, printing, feeding, and fear of some officials whom the researcher thinks asked some money before giving out some information.
• A lot of money was spent on internet access and other e- communications. This was compounded by travel costs, secretarial expenses and other costs related to booking of appointments with respondents. The researcher must however put some money aside to fund all her activities from the employer.