Shared Activity

Choosing data collection tools and methods

Methodology

Quantitative research is generally associated with the positivist paradigm. It usually involves collecting and converting data into numerical form so that statistical calculations can be made and conclusions drawn. The quantitative method prefers the accumulation of facts and causes of behavior through careful isolation, measurement, and evaluation of variables, focusing on predictability and control over time, by Park, J, & M. Park, (2016:04).

The method for this research proposal comprise of proposed selected participants, research design, and data analysis. This methodology, I believe could help me to be able to collect the require data with the aid of self-completion surveys questionnaires from the potential respondents and analyze the interpersonal communication skills of managers at all level of Qatalum organization. This in my opinion, could help to draw meaningful findings, as to what production managers and administrators requires to improve in order to improve on their interpersonal communication skills for effective and collaborative healthy environment. This method is one of the "good ways of collecting data about the opinions and behaviour of large numbers of people, as long as they are done well", by Easterby-Smith, et al., (2012:230).

The quantitative approach includes descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental and experimental research (Cormack 1991). The strengths of such methods are that both true experiments and quasi experiments provide sufficient information about the relationship between the variables under investigation to enable prediction and control over future outcomes This IS achieved by the ability of the researcher to manipulate an independent variable in order to study its effects on the dependent variable, by Carr, L.T., (1994). Whereas, the weakness are the practical and ethical, (Easterby-Smith, M., R. Thorpe, & P. Jackson, 2012:41)

Data collection and the source(s)

The managers and administrators of Qatalum organization shall be the target participants of this study, and therefore the primary data collection shall be employed for this research work. The participants for the study will be mainly comprised of AustraliaAluminum Limited's production managers who perform managerial functions in their various departmental compartments. The administrators as well shall be involved in the study. The production managers are simply managers from carbon plant, Casthouse plant and reduction plant which comprises of potline # 1 and potline # 2, fume treatment plant (FTP), and relining compartment. Survey questionnaires shall be sent to them by mail. The administrators i.e. from the Human resource, and secretaries of various group and departmental compartment of the organisation, shall be interviewed separately for their input into this study.

Research methods and tools for this Study

The research will be conducted within Qatalum organization. A quantitative research method will be followed. This method shall be used to describe and analyze the relationship between variables. Data collection will consist of surveys, and interviews. The data will be collected within 21 days by mailing the questionnaire to selected potential respondents and record their response. Further to it the interviewed of the administrators would also be recorded for analysis.

However, in order to raise or improve the response rates in surveys, I will ensure to "make the task easy and short, give assurance of confidentiality and anonymity, and not the least, explain the purpose clearly, so that respondents can see its value", Easterby-Smith, M. et al., (2012:224)

With regards to the Tools for this research, A one personal computer (PC); Microsoft (MS) word, Excel, or SPSS); rim of paper; internet connection; external drive, and an office are the basic resources require for the research work. A personal computer is essential, without which the administrative aspect of the research cannot be completed.

The computer preferably a laptop will be used in conjunction with MS word, IBM SPSS or Excel software for the write-up, design of data collection forms, and the likes such as analyzing the data.

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