Research consultancy

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This will bring a detailed description of the selected methodology that will be used in achieving the objectives of the proposed research. This will include the tools, techniques and methods that will be employed in the data collection, data analysis, presentation of findings and recommendations to how GIS can be used to solving the challenges within road planning and maintenance works.

3.1 Research Design

According to Bless & Higson (1995), a research design has two meanings that is to say it can be understood as the planning of any scientific research from the first to the last step. In this sense, it is the programme to guide a researcher in collecting, analyzing& interpreting observed facts. A second and more specified definition of a research design relates directly towards testing the hypothesis. Research design can also be defined as the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure (Kothari, 2004).

The study will employ a cross-sectional survey design to establish the role of GIS in effectiveness of highway planning and maintenance by UNRA. This design is considered appropriate owing to the fact that it can collect quantitative data from a sample population at a particular time in order to obtain information about preferences, practices, or interest of a group of people (Popper, 2016). A cross-sectional survey design is to be employed because its results can be generalized to a large population within defined boundaries and also its suitability for data collection from the target population at one point in time (Creswell, 2019). In addition, this method is also chosen because it will help to examine record, analyse and interpret the variables that exist in this study (Unegbu, 2013). While using the cross-sectional survey research design, this study will focus of the quantitative research method. This research design is seen to be the most desirable because the study seeks to investigate the role of geographic information systems (GIS) in effectiveness of highway planning and maintenance. Surveys are well-known instruments that will be used to gather a lot of information in a short period of time. Given the time constraints and the financial resources available, the researcher will use the survey research design. Quantitative data will help the researcher in gathering information using constructive questions in which both close and open ended questions will be used. This method will help in gathering and evaluating data on respondents, references, interpretations, attitude, opinion and behavior.

3.2. Description of the geographical area

The study will be conducted from Kampala Northern Bypass Highway since was planned by UNRA using GIS technologies. Kampala Northern Bypass Highway, often referred to as the Northern Bypass, is a road in Uganda. It forms a semicircle across the northern suburbs of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. The Kampala Northern Bypass Highway stretches from Bweyogerere to the east and to Busega in the north.

3.3. Description of the population

The study will mainly focus on, top authorities, Transport officials, GIS Engineers of UNRA and residents of Kampala. However, the researcher will randomly target a population of 183 respondents from the selected respondents since they are easily accessible in Kampala.

3.4. Sample size

Sample size determination is the act of choosing the number of observations or replicates to include in a sample in an empirical study in which the goal is to make inferences about a population from a sample. The nature of data that has been generated required different techniques for better understanding of the research problem under investigation. Besides, the approach is also commonly known for achieving higher degree of validity and reliability as well as eliminating biases as per (Amin, 2015). The study will use Sloven’s formula to determine the sample size of the actual respondents.

Sloven’s formula states:

Where;

 respondents

Table 1: Research Population and Sample Size

Source: Primary Data (2022)

3.5. Sampling Techniques

According to Orodho (2005), sampling is the process of selecting a sub-set of cases in order to draw conclusions about the entire population. The study will employ a purposive and random sampling technique.

3.5.1 Purposive Sampling

According to Neuman (2007), “Purposive sampling” refers to an acceptable type of sampling for social situations in which a researcher collects a small sample of specific cases/events for in-depth investigation of the problem being studied. The researcher will use purposive sampling to select a number of Top authorities, Transport officials and GIS Engineers of UNRA because they are believed to have vital information regarding the study topic. This technique will be appropriate because the sample selected comprises of informed persons who will provide data that will be comprehensive enough to gain better insight into the problem.

3.5.2 Random Sampling

Random sampling will be used in selecting respondents from the target population. Residents of Kampala will be randomly selected so as to get equal chances of representation of the respondents. In that way, every member would have an equal chance to be selected.

3.6. Data sources

The researcher will mainly obtain data through the use of primary sources of data collection and primary data will be the major source of data. In addition, the researcher will also obtain some data from secondary sources.

3.6.1    Primary data

Primary data will be raw data collected from the field with the help of data collection tools like questionnaires. Pre-tested self-administered structure questionnaire will be used in order to obtain data from the selected number of respondents. Primary data will be collected from the respondents through self-administered questionnaire. Primary data are important in answering questions about the study variables.

3.6.2    Secondary data

Secondary data is a data that has already been collected, organized and ready for analysis. This form of data will be obtained from recorded documents and some publications on study topic such as books, journals and policy documents. Other information will be obtained from the electronic sources such as the internet.  Secondary data will be obtained from recorded documents, earlier studies and some publications on study topic. Other information will be obtained from the internet.

3.7. Research Approach

According Enon, (2000), a research approach is the procedure selected by the researcher to collect, analyze, and interpret data. There are three approaches to research: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. The research will make use of the quantitative approach for the study. Quantitative research is the collection and analysis of numerical data to describe, explain, predict, or control phenomena of interest. The analysis of numerical data is complex and must be addressed systemically. Quantitative research uses deductive reasoning. Quantitative methods will be used in data collection and analysis and general information on the subject matter will be collected from the different stakeholders involved in the study.

3.8. Data Collection Methods

Data collection methods are specific techniques for collecting and analyzing data in order to uncover new information. Data collection methods provide a strategy by which the researcher can plot out a systemic process to understand a phenomenon through data gathering (Enon, 2000). When trying to understand a problem or phenomenon, different methods need to be used depending on the data available as well as how relevant available data may be. If there is limited data about a topic, a researcher may need to use different research methods to ensure rigor. During this study, the researcher will make use of questionnaire and observation methods of data collection;

3.8.1 Self-administered Questionnaire

The researcher will make use of the Questionnaire method of data collection as the main method for gathering primary data from the selected respondents. Enon, (2000) refers to a questionnaire as a set of written questions which respondents or subjects respond to individually in writing. This tool is chosen because it is convenient and information was collected within a short period of time as questions can be answered at any time by the respondents. It will be used in a way that questionnaires are issued to respondents individually who will then fill in the spaces with relevant answers and then the researcher will collected them after some times.

Close ended questionnaires will be used in the collection of data and these will be distributed to the respondents to provide answers. The instrument will be purposely selected because it seeks personal views of the respondents and thus will enable the respondents to use their knowledge in providing a wide range of data as they will never shy away in any way.

The questionnaires had both open end and closed ended questionnaires. Close ended questions included all possible answers response categories and respondents were asked to choose amidst them. Open ended questions allowed respondents to answer in their own words. The advantage of questionnaires is that the responses are gathered in a standardized way so questionnaires are more objective. In addition, they will quicken the data collection process.

3.8.2. Observation

This is a method in which a researcher observes what is occurring in the area or situation under study and then takes not of what was happening or what is observed. The advantage of this method is that it is accurate compared to other methods. This method involves application of non-sampling techniques such as individual judgments of how events are seen or appear and run at that particular time of conducting the research. Therefore a keen eye is required to critically analyze events in the shortest possible time.

3.9. Procedure for data Collection

Upon approval of the research proposal and data collection tool (Questionnaire), an introductory letter will be obtained from the researcher coordinator which will act as a research data collection permit. This letter will be taken as an introduction to various respondents to seek their permission in allowing the researcher to gather research data from them. After granting permission, the researcher will proceed with collect data by administering questionnaires to the respondents after getting their informed consent.

During the data collection period, the researcher will keep track of the collected data by reviewing what will be recorded, organized in order by sorting it using themes and codes to ensure accuracy in data collection and easy identification of errors. The researcher will proceed with data presentation, analysis and interpretation and then drafting a report which will be taken for review and approval.

3.10. Data quality control

This is one of the most crucial components of quality assurance because data collection introduces significant opportunities for human error to undermine the integrity of data. At every stage of data collection in which a researcher records, transforms, or analyses data, there is the potential for simple mistakes. Identifying those stages in data collection where errors are more likely to occur, and putting preventative measures in place can minimize those errors

3.11. Data Analysis and Presentation

3.11.1. Quantitative data analysis

The quantitative data will involve information from the questionnaires only.  Data from the field will be too raw for proper interpretation.  It will therefore be vital to put it into order and structure it, so as to drive meaning and information from it.  The raw data obtained from questionnaires will be cleaned, sorted and coded.  The coded data will be entered into the Computer, checked and statistically analyzed using the statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) software package to generate descriptive and inferential statistics.

3.11.2. Data Presentation

The data after analysis will be formulated into meaningful information through the use of frequency tables. Data will also be edited to detect errors and omissions for collections and later will coded by assigning numerals for putting responses into limited number of classes using pre-recorded questionnaires. The results of the findings will be presented with the aid of figures, graphs and tables and conclusion will be made from those presentations.

3.12. Data Validity and Reliability

Shiu et al (2019) postulated that, validity is the degree to which a research instrument serves the purpose for which it was constructed; it also relates to the extent to which the conclusions drawn from an experiment are true. Validity determines whether the research truly measures that which it intended to measure or how truthful the research results are. Therefore, to establish the validity of this research, the researcher will seek opinions from experts in the field of study especially the research supervisors which helped in the modification of the research instruments in order to enhance validity.

Reliability refers to consistency of measurement and is frequently assessed using test and re-tests reliability methods. Reliability will increase by including many similar items on a measure by testing diverse sample of individuals and using uniform testing procedures.

3.13. Ethical Considerations

The researcher will carry out the study with full knowledge and authorisation of the top authorities of UNRA in Kampala. The researcher first of all will acquire an introductory letter from Makerere University which she will use to eliminate suspcion.  The researcher thereafter will go  ahead to select respondents, and arrange for dates upon which he will deliver questionnaires as well as pick them. The researcher will be charged with a task of ensuring that she will assure the respondents of their confidentiality as this is paramount to research.

3.14. Anticipated limitation and delimitations of the study

Best and Kahn (1998) noted that in research, limitations are conditions that are beyond the control of the researcher which may place some form of restrictions when concluding and applying the study to other situations. The study limitations with corresponding delimitation may include:

• Lack of flexibility: This is because it consumes time to look up for the required records that may be needed to put together in case particular assessment have to be done.
• Isolation of data as it’s separated into different files which are not easily accessed. Duplication of data is very common with this approach and this is tasteful as it takes up additional storage space and this leads to loss of data integrity.
• Failure to provide information to the researcher: The respondents especially staffs may ethically chose to keep certain material/ information confidential as a good practice demand. However, the researcher will use the introduction letter to guarantee the participants that information needed is for academic purposes only.
• Time limitation, the time allocated for conducting the research and analyzing findings is limited due to the tight university schedule. However the researcher will critically do everything possible so as to give the most reliable and efficient data.
• Non-response: The researcher expects to get non-responses from some of the respondents but this will be solved by using a larger sample size, motivating the respondents and explaining to them that their identity was not to be revealed.