Research consultancy
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 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 role of computerised accounting systems on organizational performance. 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 study will be carried out at Spedag Interfreight.
3.2 Study population and sample size
The study will target, 600 respondents from whom only 240 will be selected , this will help in ensuring that a total representative sample is chosen, the category of the population chosen will specifically include, the procurement staffs, accounting officers of the organization, information technology officers, and administration.
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 will comprise of 240 respondents that will be selected in a way that respondents will be from the procurement department, from administration, from information technology department and respondents who administrators.
The study will use solvin’s formula
It is computed as n = N / (1+Ne2).
whereas:
n = no. of samples
N = total population
e = error margin / margin of error
Spedag Interfreight has 600 employees using solvin’s formula,
n= 600/(1+600(0.05)2
n = 600/2.5
n =240
There researcher will therefore choose a total of 240 employees
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 role of computerised accounting systems on organizational performance.
- 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 role of computerised accounting systems on organizational performance 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 methods
Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established systematic fashion, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes (Amin, 2005).
3.5.1 Focus group discussion
A focus group is a small, but demographically diverse group of people whose reactions are studied especially in market research or political analysis in guided or open discussions about a new product or something else to determine the reactions that can be expected from a larger population. It is a form of qualitative research consisting of interviews in which a group of people are asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards a product, service, concept, advertisement, idea, or packaging. Questions are asked in an interactive group setting where participants are free to talk with other group members.
Methodology studies the sampling of individual units from a population and the associated survey data collection techniques, such as questionnaire construction and methods for improving the number and accuracy of responses to surveys.
3.5.2 Interview Method
An interview is conversations were questions are asked and answers are given, (Amin, 2009), in this study interviews will be used because it gives accurate answers to the study and it helps the respondents answer the questions asked.
The interviews will also be used by the researcher because it is deemed cheap and there are easily answered by the respondents since booth illiterates and literates can respondents to the researchers questions.
3.6 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, information technology officers and accounting 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 guides
Qualitative data will be collected from the informants using interviews. The interview guide will be structured. The interviews will be held with administration, 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
Respondents may delay in filling the questionnaire and fear to give information, but they will be persuaded that the information will be kept secret.
Some respondents may complain that they don’t have time to answer the questions but researcher will budget for time appropriately.
