3.0 Methodology
Methodology refers to a system of methods, principles, and rules used in a particular discipline or field. It encompasses the theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study, as well as the systematic and logical approach to conducting research. Methodology includes the concepts, principles, and procedures that guide researchers in collecting and analyzing data, ensuring the reliability and validity of the results. It often involves various techniques, tools, and frameworks to address research questions, solve problems, or develop new knowledge in a structured and consistent manner.
3.1 Research design
The study will use descriptive research design. The researcher will employ descriptive research design since it provides the opinion of people about the subject knowledge on the impact of physical distribution efficiency on customer satisfaction. The design will avail the researcher with comprehensive information about the research study as a way of getting solutions. Descriptive approach, in this case will be used because the study seeks descriptive analysis of information.
3.2 Area of the study
The area of study will be Crown beverages limited, it’s a soft drinks manufactures that, produces soft drinks like Pepsi, Mirinda orange, Mirinda orange, and mountain dew among others, located at plot M214 Nakawa Kampala, Uganda.,
3.2 Study population and sample size
The study will target crown beverages administrators, the procurement staffs of crown beverages, accounting officers of the organization, accounts, and stores, and distributors.
3.3 Sampling techniques
According to (Amin, 2005) sampling involves selecting a sample of the population in such a way that samples of the same size has equal chances of being selected.
The sample will comprise of 30 respondents that will be selected in a way that 3 respondents will be from the procurement department, 10 from administration, 10 from accounts and 4 respondents who are stores, 3 Distributors. While carrying out research, purposive sampling will be applied to the above different categories of respondents.
3.4 Data sources
Source of data will be from both primary and secondary sources.
- Primary data
Primary data will be obtained from the questionnaires administered on the target respondents to gain opinions and practices on the impacts of physical distribution efficiency on customer satisfaction.
- Secondary sources
Secondary data is data which has been collected by individuals or agencies for purposes other than those of a particular research study. It is data developed for some purpose other than for helping to solve the research problem at hand (Bell, 1997). This will comprise of literature related to impacts of physical distribution efficiency on customer satisfaction in relation to the case study. Secondary data will be sourced because it yields more accurate information than obtained through primary data, and it is also cheaper
3.5 Data Collection Instruments
The major instruments for data collection will be questionnaires and interview guide. Surveys will be just one part of a complete data collection and evaluation strategy. The major method of data collection for the study will be the survey, which will be done using selected instruments like questionnaires. The questionnaire will provide respondents with ample time to comprehend the questions raised and hence, they will be able to answer factually.
3.5.1 Questionnaires
The questionnaire will be used to collect quantitative data. The researcher will administer the questionnaires to respondents in different departments including, procurement, administration, and accounting. Pre-qualified service providers, and suppliers, which will be designed basing on study objectives and questions. Respondents will read and write the questionnaires themselves. The questionnaires will be close ended and will be considered convenient because they will be administered to the literate and its anonymous nature will fetch unhindered responses.
3.5.2 Interviews
Qualitative data will be collected from the informants using interviews. The interview guide will be structured. The interviews will be held with administration and suppliers, and will take approximately thirty to sixty minutes. This will be used since it’s the best tool for getting first-hand information /views, perceptions, feelings and attitudes of respondents. Both formal and informal interviews will be used to get maximum information from the different respondents to participate in the research.
3.6 Data collection procedures
Upon receiving the University permission to carry out research, the area of study will be visited for purposes of familiarization. The researcher will seek permission from staff and once allowed to proceed with research, questionnaires will be issued and interviews will be carried out with the selected staff.
3.7 Quality control of data instruments
The instrument will be taken to the supervisor to check its correctness there after pilot study will be carried out to find out if it measures what it is meant to for.
3.8 Data processing and analysis
The raw data will be coded, edited, and arranged ready for analyzing only completed raw data will be analyzed using statistical tables and graphs.
3.9 Limitations of the study
Financial constraint, cash flow may not flow as expected but this will not affect the study. Respondents may delay in filling the questionnaire and fear to give information, but they will be persuaded that the information will be kept secret.
