research methodology

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the methodology which consists of the research design, area of study, study population, sample population and selection, sampling technique, data collection method, data quality control, data collection procedures and limitations of the study.

3.1 Research design

The study adopted a descriptive research design because of the nature of the variables that at hand; to produce data required for quantitative and qualitative analysis and to allow simultaneous description of views, perceptions and opinions at any single point in time (White, 2000).

Descriptive research enabled the researcher to obtain in-depth information on interests and opinions of the respondents concerning the study variables. This design yielded rich data that led to important recommendations.

3.2 Area of the study

The study was carried out at UNRA at plot 95 Kampala road.

3.2 Study Population and Sample Size

The study targeted UNRA top management (administration), the accounting staffs of UNRA, accounting officers of the organization, and suppliers of UNRA (UNRA employee records, 2015).

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 have equal chances of being selected.

The sample comprised of 30 respondents that were selected in a way that 3 respondents were from the accounting department, 10 from administration, 10 from Accounting and 7 respondents who are top management. While carrying out research, purposive sampling was be applied to the above different categories of respondents.

Table 1 below shows the summary of the sample size of the respondents and the sampling techniques that was used in the study.

Table: Sample size of the respondents

3.4 Data Collection Methods

Source of data was 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 influence of ethics on the financial management at UNRA.

• 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 influence of ethics on the financial management at UNRA 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, administration, accounting, accounting and disposal, 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.