Methodology
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This study aims to investigate the impact of the E-logistics system on supply chain performance. This chapter outlines the research methods that will be employed to conduct the study. It includes details on the research design, area of study, target population, sample design and size, research instruments, variable measurement, data collection procedures, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations.
3.2 Research Design
The study will adopt a cross-sectional survey research design, which is suitable for the nature of the variables under investigation. This design allows for the generation of data needed for both quantitative and qualitative analysis and enables the description of views, perceptions, and opinions at a single point in time (White, 2000). Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies will be utilized to analyze the E-logistics system’s impact on supply chain performance. Quantitative research involves data that can be analyzed numerically, while qualitative research scientifically describes events or individuals without relying on numerical data. Quantitative research is more structured and allows for easier analysis, whereas qualitative research is more flexible and responsive to its subjects (Christina Hughes, 2006).
3.3 Study Population
The study population consists of all individuals the researcher intends to investigate (Sekaran, 2003). The population includes 239 employees of Spedag Interfreight, comprising 1 Executive Director, 12 managers, 40 division heads, 5 regional heads, and 181 staff members, all of whom influence the E-logistics system’s effect on supply chain performance.
3.4 Determination of the Sample Size
Due to the impracticality of studying the entire population, a sample will be selected. As Mugenda and Mugenda (2003) suggest, a subset of the target population should be used for research. A sample size of 181 respondents will be selected from the population of 239 employees, following Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) approach to sample size determination.
3.5 Sampling Techniques and Procedure
The study will use purposive sampling, a non-probability method where the researcher selects respondents based on their knowledge and relevance to the study (Palys, 2008). Managers, division heads, and regional heads will be selected using this method due to their expertise on the subject. Simple random sampling, as described by Amin (2010), will be used to select staff members, ensuring that every individual has an equal chance of being chosen.
3.6 Data Collection Methods
The following data collection methods will be used:
- Questionnaire Survey: Questionnaires will be used to gather opinions from respondents, offering them ample time to provide considered responses (Onen & Onen, 2013).
- Interviews: Face-to-face interviews will allow for in-depth discussions and the gathering of factual information, attitudes, and preferences (Polak & Green, 2015).
- Documentary Review: This will complement the data collected through interviews and questionnaires by analyzing reports, journals, and newspapers related to the study.
3.7 Data Collection Instruments
Different data collection instruments will correspond to the methods deployed:
- Self-Administered Questionnaire: Structured with both close-ended and open-ended questions, including a Likert scale (1–5), to measure respondents’ levels of agreement.
- Interview Guide: This tool will be used to collect qualitative data and gain insights into how respondents perceive the E-logistics system’s impact on supply chain performance.
- Document Review Checklist: This will guide the researcher in analyzing relevant documents and publications.
3.8 Data Quality Control of Instruments
- Validity: Validity will be assessed using the Content Validity Index (CVI) by subjecting the research instruments to expert review. Items deemed invalid will be adjusted or removed.
- Reliability: The reliability of the research instruments will be tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, with a threshold of 0.7 for reliability (Amin, 2005). This ensures consistent results across repeated tests.
3.9 Data Collection Procedure
The researcher will obtain an introductory letter from the department to facilitate access to information from Spedag Interfreight. Once permission is granted, data collection will commence.
3.10 Data Analysis
Data will be analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Quantitative Analysis: Data will be entered into SPSS version 24.0 for statistical analysis, generating frequency tables, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Spearman’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis will be used to test the strength, degree, and direction of relationships between variables.
- Qualitative Analysis: Content analysis will be employed, involving reading through raw data to become familiar with it. Data will then be organized, evaluated, and analyzed to determine its accuracy and usefulness in addressing the research hypothesis.
3.11 Measurement of Variables
A five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) will be used to measure the variables. This scale has been widely used by scholars conducting similar studies (Bowling, 1997).
3.12 Ethical Considerations
The researcher will ensure that participants provide informed consent before completing the questionnaires. Confidentiality will be maintained, and participants will be informed that the data collected is for academic purposes only. Only selected respondents will be given questionnaires and interviewed.
