Research consultancy

Research consultancy

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

Research methodology refers to the systematic procedures employed to achieve the research objectives. It is a crucial aspect of any research as it outlines the approaches and techniques the researcher will utilize to collect data and investigate the research problem. These include the research design, study population, sample size and selection, sampling techniques, data collection methods, data collection instruments, data quality control (validity and reliability), data collection procedure, data analysis, and measurement of variables.

3.1 Research Design

This study will adopt a case study design to allow for an in-depth examination of a specific situation. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be employed for data analysis. As defined by Kothari et al. (2005), research design provides a blueprint for data collection, measurement, and analysis. The study will utilize a correlation research design, which facilitates the identification of relationships between the variables under study (Sekaran et al., 2019). A quantitative data collection method will be applied to minimize restriction to purely statistical results while accounting for human behavior. This approach will enable a description of current conditions and the investigation of established relationships between the identified variables (Olver et al., 2011).

3.2 Target Population

According to Amin-Hanjani et al. (2005), a population is the total set of individuals or objects sharing common characteristics that are of interest to the researcher. This study will be conducted at the Send A Cow head offices in Uganda, with the population categorized into key and non-key respondents. The key respondents will include top and middle management, while non-key respondents will consist of the technical team, implementation team, and selected beneficiaries. The total population will comprise 100 individuals, identified with guidance from the HR office. These respondents are chosen because they are integral to Send A Cow and are directly affected by the organization’s funding.

3.3 Sample Size and Selection

A sample represents a subset of a population and is chosen to fully reflect the characteristics of the entire population (Shukla, 2020). The sample size for this study will be determined using Krejcie and Morgan tables (Krejcie et al., 1970). From a population of 100, a sample of 80 will be selected based on the respondents’ knowledge, experience, and the researcher’s discretion, as detailed in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Population, Sample Size, and Sampling Techniques

Source: Primary data based on the Krejcie and Morgan table (1970).

3.4 Sampling Techniques and Procedures

The study will use both probability and non-probability sampling techniques, narrowing down to simple random sampling and purposive sampling as explained below:

3.4.1 Probability Sampling

Probability sampling involves selecting samples where each element of the population has a known probability of being chosen (Ragin et al., 2011). This includes techniques like simple random sampling, cluster sampling, and stratified sampling. One advantage of probability sampling is its cost-effectiveness compared to non-probability sampling.

3.4.1.1 Simple Random Sampling

Simple random sampling ensures that every unit of the population has an equal chance of selection (Shukla, 2020). This technique will be used to select non-key respondents, including the technical and implementation teams, as it minimizes subjectivity and errors (Palinkas et al., 2015).

3.4.2 Purposive Sampling

Purposive sampling involves selecting participants based on the researcher’s judgment (Etikan et al., 2017). This method will be used to identify knowledgeable individuals from key respondent groups, including top and middle management.

3.5 Data Collection Methods

Data collection refers to the systematic gathering and measurement of information on variables of interest to answer research questions, test hypotheses, and evaluate outcomes. Both primary and secondary data will be collected using questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews.

3.5.1 Questionnaire Survey

A questionnaire is a research tool consisting of a set of questions to gather information from respondents (Kabir et al., 2018). It is practical for collecting large amounts of data, can be easily quantified, is cost-effective, and covers a large group in a short time. In this study, questionnaires will be used to collect data from non-key respondents.

3.5.2 Close-Ended Interviews

Close-ended interviews involve structured questions aimed at gathering information on specific topics (Kothari et al., 2005). These face-to-face interviews will be conducted with key respondents. Interviews allow for in-depth probing and clarification while capturing non-verbal cues (McCain, 2015).

3.5.3 Documentary Review

Documentary review entails examining published and unpublished documents as a source of secondary data (Musinguzi, 2016). Documents such as journals, reports, and articles related to the research topic will be reviewed to complement primary data and provide a comparative baseline.

3.6 Data Collection Instruments

The main instruments for data collection will include questionnaires, interview guides, and a document review checklist.

3.6.1 Close-Ended Questionnaire

A questionnaire is a structured set of questions to which respondents record their answers (Kothari et al., 2005). In this study, a 5-point Likert scale will be used to measure variables, with responses ranging from “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree.” The questionnaire will be self-administered to the technical and implementation teams, as well as beneficiaries.

3.6.2 Interview Guide

Key informant interviews will follow a structured interview guide to facilitate data collection from top and middle management. This method allows for further probing and the clarification of responses (Ragin, 2018).

3.6.3 Document Review Checklist

A document review checklist will be used to guide the review of secondary data sources such as journal articles, reports, and other documents relevant to the study (Olsen, 2011).

3.7 Quality Control of Data Collection

To ensure the validity and reliability of the data, the instruments will undergo testing and validation before data collection begins.

3.7.1 Validity

Validity refers to how accurately the instrument measures what it is intended to measure (Lub, 2015). The Content Validity Index (CVI) will be used to test the validity of the instruments, with expert judgment ensuring that only variables scoring above 0.7 are accepted (Amin-Hanjani et al., 2005).

3.7.2 Reliability

Reliability measures the consistency and stability of the instrument (Hair et al., 2007). A pilot test will be conducted, and the results will be analyzed using Cronbach’s Alpha Reliability Coefficient to ensure consistency in the instrument.

3.8 Procedure of Data Collection

After defending the research proposal, the researcher will obtain a cover letter from Uganda Technology and Management University authorizing data collection. The cover letter will be presented to participants, and surveys will be collected the following day. No incentives will be offered for participation.

3.9 Data Analysis Techniques

Data analysis involves examining, cleansing, and modeling data to uncover meaningful insights (Creswell et al., 2011). The collected data will be coded, edited, and analyzed for completeness and accuracy. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be used.

3.10.1 Quantitative Data Analysis

Data will be processed using SPSS, which offers a user-friendly interface for statistical analysis (Musinguzi, 2016). Pearson correlation and regression analysis will be used to explore relationships between variables. Descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, mean, and standard deviation will also be utilized.

3.11 Measurement of Study Variables

Variables will be measured using a 5-point Likert scale, where respondents will rate their agreement with specific statements. This method is widely used to measure attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors (Bill, 2011).