RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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 Contents

1 QUESTION A1 ....................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Type of research with examples ....................................................................................... 3

1.2 Classification of research and examples .......................................................................... 6

2 Question A2 ........................................................................................................................... 10

2.1 Research Process ............................................................................................................ 10

2.2 Diagram of research process .......................................................................................... 10

2.3 Explanation of steps in Research Process with Applied Example ................................. 11

2.4 Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 18

3 QUESTION A3 ..................................................................................................................... 18

3.1 Hypothesis definition ..................................................................................................... 18

3.2 Explanation for 3 Types of Hypothesis .......................................................................... 19

3.3 Examples of Hypothesis: ................................................................................................ 20

3.4 Functions of hypothesis .................................................................................................. 21

3.5 Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 22

4 Question A4 ........................................................................................................................... 23

4.1 Problem discovery and Definition.................................................................................. 23

4.2 Research technique ......................................................................................................... 24

4.3 Research Questions ........................................................................................................ 25

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 4.4 Research Objectives ....................................................................................................... 25

4.5 Literature review ............................................................................................................ 25

4.6 Sampling Method and Size ............................................................................................ 27

4.7 Research Schedule.......................................................................................................... 28

4.8 Conclusion...................................................................................................................... 29

5 References ............................................................................................................................. 30

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1 QUESTION A1
1.1 Type of research with examples

Descriptive vs. Analytical: Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of
different kinds. The major purpose of descriptive research is description of the state of affairs as it
exists at present. In social science and business research we quite often use the term Ex post facto
research for descriptive research studies (Cooper, Schindler, & Sun, 2006). The main characteristic
of this method is that the researcher has no control over the variables; he can only report what has
happened or what is happening. Most ex post facto research projects are used for descriptive
studies in which the researcher seeks to measure such items as, for example, frequency of
shopping, preferences of people, or similar data. Ex post facto studies also include attempts by
researchers to discover causes even when they cannot control the variables. The methods of
research utilized in descriptive research are survey methods of all kinds, including comparative
and correlational methods. In analytical research, on the other hand, the researcher has to use facts
or information already available, and analyze these to make a critical evaluation of the material
(Kothari, 2004).

Applied vs. Fundamental: Research can either be applied (or action) research or fundamental (to
basic or pure) research. Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem
facing a society or an industrial/business organisation, whereas fundamental research is mainly
concerned with generalisations and with the formulation of a theory. “Gathering knowledge for
knowledge’s sake is termed ‘pure’ or ‘basic’ research.” Research concerning some natural
phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics are examples of fundamental research. Similarly,
research studies, concerning human behaviour carried on with a view to make generalisations
about human behaviour, are also examples of fundamental research, but research aimed at certain
conclusions (say, a solution) facing a concrete social or business problem is an example of applied
research (Cooper, Schindler, & Sun, 2006). Research to identify social, economic or political
trends that may affect a particular institution or the copy research (research to find out whether
certain communications will be read and understood) or the marketing research or evaluation
research are examples of applied research. Thus, the central aim of applied research is to discover
a solution for some pressing practical problem, whereas basic research is directed towards finding

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information that has a broad base of applications and thus, adds to the already existing organized
body of scientific knowledge (Kothari, 2004).

Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or

amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. Qualitative
research, on the other hand, is concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating
to or involving quality or kind. For instance, when we are interested in investigating the reasons
for human behaviour (why people think or do certain things), we quite often talk of ‘Motivation
Research’, an important type of qualitative research. This type of research aims at discovering the
underlying motives and desires, using in depth interviews for the purpose. Other techniques of
such research are word association tests, sentence completion tests, story completion tests and
similar other projective techniques. Attitude or opinion research i.e., research designed to find out
how people feel or what they think about a particular subject or institution is also qualitative
research. Qualitative research is especially important in the behavioural sciences where the aim is
to discover the underlying motives of human behavior (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Through such
research we can analyse the various factors which motivate people to behave in a particular manner
or which make people like or dislike a particular thing. It may be stated, however, that to apply
qualitative research in practice is relatively a difficult job and therefore, while doing such research,
one should seek guidance from experimental psychologists (Kothari, 2004).

Conceptual vs. Empirical: Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory.
It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing
ones. On the other hand, empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often
without due regard for system and theory. It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions
which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment (Cooper, Schindler, & Sun,
2006). We can also call it as experimental type of research. In such a research it is necessary to get
at facts firsthand, at their source, and actively to go about doing certain things to stimulate the
production of desired information. In such a research, the researcher must first provide himself
with a working hypothesis or guess as to the probable results. He then works to get enough facts
(data) to prove or disprove his hypothesis. He then sets up experimental designs which he thinks
will manipulate the persons or the materials concerned so as to bring forth the desired information
(Malhotra, 2008). Such research is thus characterised by the experimenter’s control over the

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variables under study and his deliberate manipulation of one of them to study its effects. Empirical
research is appropriate when proof is sought that certain variables affect other variables in some
way. Evidence gathered through experiments or empirical studies is today considered to be the
most powerful support possible for a given hypothesis (Kothari, 2004).

Some Other Types of Research: All other types of research are variations of one or more of the
above stated approaches, based on either the purpose of research, or the time required to
accomplish research, on the environment in which research is done, or on the basis of some other
similar factor. Form the point of view of time, we can think of research either as one-time research
or longitudinal research. In the former case the research is confined to a single time-period,
whereas in the latter case the research is carried on over several time-periods. Research can be
field-setting research or laboratory research or simulation research, depending upon the
environment in which it is to be carried out. Research can as well be understood as clinical or
diagnostic research. Such research follows case-study methods or in-depth approaches to reach
the basic causal relations. Such studies usually go deep into the causes of things or events that
interest us, using very small samples and very deep probing data gathering devices (Bryman &
Bell, 2015). The research may be exploratory or it may be formalized. The objective of exploratory
research is the development of hypotheses rather than their testing, whereas formalized research
studies are those with substantial structure and with specific hypotheses to be tested. Historical
research is that which utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc. to study events or
ideas of the past, including the philosophy of persons and groups at any remote point of time.
Research can also be classified as conclusion-oriented and decision-oriented. While doing
conclusion oriented research, a researcher is free to pick up a problem, redesign the enquiry as he
proceeds and is prepared to conceptualize as he wishes. Decision-oriented research is always for
the need of a decision maker and the researcher in this case is not free to embark upon research
according to his own inclination (Malhotra, 2008). Operations research is an example of decision
oriented research since it is a scientific method of providing executive departments with a
quantitative basis for decisions regarding operations under their control (Kothari, 2004).

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1.2 Classification of research and examples

Different research designs can be conveniently described if we categorize them as: (1) research
design in case of exploratory research studies; (2) research design in case of descriptive and
diagnostic research studies, and (3) research design in case of hypothesis-testing research studies.

1. Research design in case of exploratory research studies: Exploratory research studies are
also termed as formulative research studies. The main purpose of such studies is that of formulating
a problem for more precise investigation or of developing the working hypotheses from an
operational point of view. The major emphasis in such studies is on the discovery of ideas and
insights. As such the research design appropriate for such studies must be flexible enough to
provide opportunity for considering different aspects of a problem under study. Inbuilt flexibility
in research design is needed because the research problem, broadly defined initially, is transformed
into one with more precise meaning in exploratory studies, which fact may necessitate changes in
the research procedure for gathering relevant data (Yin, 2013). Generally, the following three
methods in the context of research design for such studies are talked about: (a) the survey of
concerning literature; (b) the experience survey and (c) the analysis of ‘insight-stimulating’
examples.

The survey of concerning literature happens to be the simplest and fruitful method of
formulating precisely the research problem or developing hypothesis. Hypotheses stated by earlier
workers may be reviewed and their usefulness be evaluated as a basis for further research. It may
also be considered whether the already stated hypotheses suggest new hypothesis. In this way the
researcher should review and build upon the work already done by others, but in cases where
hypotheses have not yet been formulated, his task is to review the available material for deriving
the relevant hypotheses from it. Besides, the bibliographical survey of studies, already made in
one’s area of interest may as well as made by the researcher for precisely formulating the problem.
He should also make an attempt to apply concepts and theories developed in different research
contexts to the area in which he is himself working. Sometimes the works of creative writers also
provide a fertile ground for hypothesis formulation and as such may be looked into by the
researcher (Kothari, 2004).

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Experience survey means the survey of people who have had practical experience with the
problem to be studied. The object of such a survey is to obtain insight into the relationships
between variables and new ideas relating to the research problem. For such a survey people who
are competent and can contribute new ideas may be carefully selected as respondents to ensure a
representation of different types of experience (Cooper, Schindler, & Sun, 2006). The respondents
so selected may then be interviewed by the investigator. The researcher must prepare an interview
schedule for the systematic questioning of informants. But the interview must ensure flexibility in
the sense that the respondents should be allowed to raise issues and questions which the
investigator has not previously considered. Generally, the experience collecting interview is likely
to be long and may last for few hours. Hence, it is often considered desirable to send a copy of the
questions to be discussed to the respondents well in advance. This will also give an opportunity to
the respondents for doing some advance thinking over the various issues involved so that, at the
time of interview, they may be able to contribute effectively. Thus, an experience survey may
enable the researcher to define the problem more concisely and help in the formulation of the
research hypothesis (Malhotra, 2008). This survey may as well provide information about the
practical possibilities for doing different types of research.

Analysis of ‘insight-stimulating’ examples is also a fruitful method for suggesting hypotheses

for research. It is particularly suitable in areas where there is little experience to serve as a guide.
This method consists of the intensive study of selected instances of the phenomenon in which one
is interested (Malhotra, 2008). For this purpose, the existing records, if any, may be examined, the
unstructured interviewing may take place, or some other approach may be adopted. Attitude of the
investigator, the intensity of the study and the ability of the researcher to draw together diverse
information into a unified interpretation are the main features which make this method an
appropriate procedure for evoking insights. Thus, in an exploratory of formulate research study
which merely leads to insights or hypotheses, whatever method or research design outlined above
is adopted, the only thing essential is that it must continue to remain flexible so that many different
facets of a problem may be considered as and when they arise and come to the notice of the
researcher (Kothari, 2004).

2. Research design in case of descriptive and diagnostic research studies: Descriptive research
studies are those studies which are concerned with describing the characteristics of a particular

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individual, or of a group, whereas diagnostic research studies determine the frequency with which
something occurs or its association with something else. The studies concerning whether certain
variables are associated are examples of diagnostic research studies (Meyers, Gamst, & Guarino,
2006). As against this, studies concerned with specific predictions, with narration of facts and
characteristics concerning individual, group or situation are all examples of descriptive research
studies. Most of the social research comes under this category (Bryman & Bell, 2015). From the
point of view of the research design, the descriptive as well as diagnostic studies share common
requirements and as such we may group together these two types of research studies. In descriptive
as well as in diagnostic studies, the researcher must be able to define clearly, what he wants to
measure and must find adequate methods for measuring it along with a clear cut definition of
‘population’ he wants to study. Since the aim is to obtain complete and accurate information in the
said studies, the procedure to be used must be carefully planned. The research design must make
enough provision for protection against bias and must maximise reliability, with due concern for
the economical completion of the research study (Stake, 1995). The design in such studies must
be rigid and not flexible and must focus attention on the following:

(a) Formulating the objective of the study (what the study is about and why is it being
made?)

(b) Designing the methods of data collection (what techniques of gathering data will be
adopted?)

(c) Selecting the sample (how much material will be needed?)

(d) Collecting the data (where can the required data be found and with what time period
should the data be related?)

(e) Processing and analysing the data.

(f) Reporting the findings.

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In a descriptive/diagnostic study the first step is to specify the objectives with sufficient precision
to ensure that the data collected are relevant. If this is not done carefully, the study may not provide
the desired information.

Thus, the research design in case of descriptive/diagnostic studies is a comparative design

throwing light on all points narrated above and must be prepared keeping in view the objective(s)
of the study and the resources available. However, it must ensure the minimisation of bias and
maximisation of reliability of the evidence collected. The said design can be appropriately referred
to as a survey design since it takes into account all the steps involved in a survey concerning a
phenomenon to be studied.

3. Research design in case of hypothesis-testing research studies: Hypothesis-testing research

studies (generally known as experimental studies) are those where the researcher tests the
hypotheses of causal relationships between variables. Such studies require procedures that will not
only reduce bias and increase reliability, but will permit drawing inferences about causality.
Usually experiments meet this requirement (Cooper, Schindler, & Sun, 2006). Hence, when we
talk of research design in such studies, we often mean the design of experiments. Professor R.A.
Fisher’s name is associated with experimental designs (Fisher, 1937). Beginning of such designs
was made by him when he was working at Rothamsted Experimental Station (Centre for
Agricultural Research in England). As such the study of experimental designs has its origin in
agricultural research. Professor Fisher found that by dividing agricultural fields or plots into
different blocks and then by conducting experiments in each of these blocks, whatever information
is collected and inferences drawn from them, happens to be more reliable. This fact inspired him
to develop certain experimental designs for testing hypotheses concerning scientific investigations.
Today, the experimental designs are being used in researches relating to phenomena of several
disciplines. Since experimental designs originated in the context of agricultural operations, we still
use, though in a technical sense, several terms of agriculture (such as treatment, yield, plot, block
etc.) in experimental designs (Johnson, R. B; Onwuegbuzie, A. J., 2004).

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2 Question A2
2.1 Research Process

Before embarking on the details of research methodology and techniques, it seems appropriate to
present a brief overview of the research process. Research process consists of series of actions or
steps necessary to effectively carry out research and the desired sequencing of these steps (Kothari,
2004).

However, the following order concerning various steps provides a useful procedural guideline
regarding the research process: (1) formulating the research problem; (2) extensive literature
survey; (3) developing the hypothesis; (4) preparing the research design; (5) determining sample
design; (6) collecting the data; (7) execution of the project; (8) analysis of data; (9) hypothesis
testing; (10) generalisations and interpretation, and (11) preparation of the report or presentation
of the results, i.e., formal write-up of conclusions reached.

2.2 Diagram of research process

Source: Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. (p.12).

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2.3 Explanation of steps in Research Process with Applied Example

1. Formulating the research problem: There are two types of research problems, viz., those
which relate to states of nature and those which relate to relationships between variables. At the
very outset the researcher must single out the problem he wants to study, i.e., he must decide the
general area of interest or aspect of a subject-matter that he would like to inquire into. Initially the
problem may be stated in a broad general way and then the ambiguities, if any, relating to the
problem be resolved. Then, the feasibility of a particular solution has to be considered before a
working formulation of the problem can be set up (Bryman & Bell, 2015). The formulation of a
general topic into a specific research problem, thus, constitutes the first step in a scientific enquiry.
Essentially two steps are involved in formulating the research problem, viz., understanding the
problem thoroughly, and rephrasing the same into meaningful terms from an analytical point of
view (Kothari, 2004). The best way of understanding the problem is to discuss it with one’s own
colleagues or with those having some expertise in the matter. In an academic institution the
researcher can seek the help from a guide who is usually an experienced man and has several
research problems in mind. Often, the guide puts forth the problem in general terms and it is up to
the researcher to narrow it down and phrase the problem in operational terms. In private business
units or in governmental organisations, the problem is usually earmarked by the administrative
agencies with whom the researcher can discuss as to how the problem originally came about and
what considerations are involved in its possible solutions (Cooper, Schindler, & Sun, 2006).

Example: High level of employee turnover in Maldives Port Limited. Maldives Ports Limited is
a state corporation of the Maldives, created to be the sole port authority of the ports of
the Maldives. It is 100% owned by the government of Maldives and is located in Malé, the
principal port, major city and capital of the archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean. The Port of
Malé comprises an Inner Harbour, used by pleasure craft, the fishing industry and coastal trade;
and an Outer Harbor where larger ships may port (MPL, 2017). Since all the ports are controlled
by the MPL, employee turnover will affect the production as well as the operation which is directly
related to organizational performance (Moch & Fitzgibbons, 1985). Hence understand the real
issues behand the employee turnover will help the MPL management to fix the major issue that
company is facing now.

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2. Extensive literature survey: Once the problem is formulated, a brief summary of it should be
written down. It is compulsory for a research worker writing a thesis for a Ph.D. degree to write a
synopsis of the topic and submit it to the necessary Committee or the Research Board for approval.
At this juncture the researcher should undertake extensive literature survey connected with the
problem. For this purpose, the abstracting and indexing journals and published or unpublished
bibliographies are the first place to go to. Academic journals, conference proceedings, government
reports, books etc., must be tapped depending on the nature of the problem. In this process, it
should be remembered that one source will lead to another. The earlier studies, if any, which are
similar to the study in hand should be carefully studied. A good library will be a great help to the
researcher at this stage (Kothari, 2004).

Example: Since this research is about employee turnover and organizational performance. This
part explains detail literature survey. Most work on turnover starts with the conventionally
accepted (but largely untested) assumption that turnover is bad, and then treats it as a dependent
variable, as something to be minimized (Meier & Hicklin, 2007). Many studies examining turnover
as an independent variable and offered a theoretical challenge to the notion that all organizational
turnover is dysfunctional (Abelson & Baysinger, 1984). Rest their theory on a simple but crucial
premise that organizational turnover should be evaluated on the costs that it imposes on the
organization in relationship to the benefits that are gained (Bluedorn, 1982). For employees who
are underperforming significantly, so that the costs of replacement and retaining can be quickly
compensated by higher performance by a new employee, turnover benefits the organization
(McElroy, Morrow, & Rude, 2001). In addition to replacing low performers, benefits can come in
two indirect ways: replacing poor performers can (a) serve as a motivational signal to others
remaining in the organization and stimulate them to perform better (McElroy, Morrow, & Rude,
2001), and (b) provide a source of new ideas for innovation and reform (Kellough & Osuna, 1995).
Even for highly productive employees that the organization would like to retain, at some level of
compensation a good employee returns less to the organization than his or her costs (Abelson &
Baysinger, 1984). In the public sector with its less flexible pay scales, this problem might be more
acute (Bluedorn, 1982). These trade-offs suggest that it might be more efficient for the
organization to manage the turnover process than to try to minimize the level of turnover.

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3. Development of working hypotheses: After extensive literature survey, researcher should state
in clear terms the working hypothesis or hypotheses. Working hypothesis is tentative assumption
made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences. As such the manner in
which research hypotheses are developed is particularly important since they provide the focal
point for research (Kothari, 2004). They also affect the manner in which tests must be conducted
in the analysis of data and indirectly the quality of data which is required for the analysis. In most
types of research, the development of working hypothesis plays an important role. Hypothesis
should be very specific and limited to the piece of research in hand because it has to be tested. The
role of the hypothesis is to guide the researcher by delimiting the area of research and to keep him
on the right track. It sharpens his thinking and focuses attention on the more important facets of
the problem. It also indicates the type of data required and the type of methods of data analysis to
be used (Bryman & Bell, 2015).

Example: Thus, working hypotheses arise as a result of a-priori thinking about the subject,
examination of the available data and material including related studies and the counsel of experts
and interested parties. Working hypotheses are more useful when stated in precise and clearly
defined terms. For the given examples the following hypothesis was developed based on the
research problem and literatures.

H0: There is no significant impact of employee turnover on organizational performance.

H1: There is a significant impact of employee turnover on organizational performance.

4. Preparing the research design: The research problem having been formulated in clear cut
terms, the researcher will be required to prepare a research design, i.e., he will have to state the
conceptual structure within which research would be conducted. The preparation of such a design
facilitates research to be as efficient as possible yielding maximal information. In other words, the
function of research design is to provide for the collection of relevant evidence with minimal
expenditure of effort, time and money. But how all these can be achieved depends mainly on the
research purpose (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Research purposes may be grouped into four categories,
viz., (i) Exploration, (ii) Description, (iii) Diagnosis, and (iv) Experimentation. A flexible research
design which provides opportunity for considering many different aspects of a problem is

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considered appropriate if the purpose of the research study is that of exploration (Cooper,
Schindler, & Sun, 2006). But when the purpose happens to be an accurate description of a situation
or of an association between variables, the suitable design will be one that minimises bias and
maximises the reliability of the data collected and analysed (Kothari, 2004).

Example: The preparation of the research design, appropriate for a particular research problem.
Based on the means of obtaining the information and availability, skills of the researcher, time and
cost, the research plan to use descriptive types of research design.

5. Determining sample design: All the items under consideration in any field of inquiry constitute
a ‘universe’ or ‘population’. A complete enumeration of all the items in the ‘population’ is known
as a census inquiry. It can be presumed that in such an inquiry when all the items are covered no
element of chance is left and highest accuracy is obtained (Malhotra, 2008). But in practice this
may not be true. Even the slightest element of bias in such an inquiry will get larger and larger as
the number of observations increases. Moreover, there is no way of checking the element of bias
or its extent except through a resurvey or use of sample checks. Besides, this type of inquiry
involves a great deal of time, money and energy. Not only this, census inquiry is not possible in
practice under many circumstances. For instance, blood testing is done only on sample basis.
Hence, quite often we select only a few items from the universe for our study purposes. The items
so selected constitute what is technically called a sample (Bryman & Bell, 2015).

Example: for the present research problem, we plan to select samples from the MPL employees.
Population: All employees working in Maldives port limited. Sample: 50 employees from MPL,
Male’ head office. Sampling method: Simple random sampling (Probability sampling)

6. Collecting the data: In dealing with any real life problem it is often found that data at hand are
inadequate, and hence, it becomes necessary to collect data that are appropriate. There are several
ways of collecting the appropriate data which differ considerably in context of money costs, time
and other resources at the disposal of the researcher (Johnson & Turner, 2003). Primary data can
be collected either through experiment or through survey. If the researcher conducts an experiment,
he observes some quantitative measurements, or the data, with the help of which he examines the
truth contained in his hypothesis (Kothari, 2004).

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Examples: For the current research, the researcher and the respondents do come in contact with
each other if this method of survey is adopted. Well-structured questionnaires are e-mailed to the
respondents with a request to return after completing the same. It is the most extensively used
method in various economic and business surveys. Before applying this method, usually a Pilot
Study for testing the questionnaire is conduced which reveals the weaknesses, if any, of the
questionnaire. Questionnaire to be used must be prepared very carefully so that it may prove to be
effective in collecting the relevant information.

7. Execution of the project: Execution of the project is a very important step in the research
process. If the execution of the project proceeds on correct lines, the data to be collected would be
adequate and dependable. The researcher should see that the project is executed in a systematic
manner and in time. If the survey is to be conducted by means of structured questionnaires, data
can be readily machine-processed. In such a situation, questions as well as the possible answers
may be coded. If the data are to be collected through interviewers, arrangements should be made
for proper selection and training of the interviewers (Johnson, R. B; Onwuegbuzie, A. J., 2004).
The training may be given with the help of instruction manuals which explain clearly the job of
the interviewers at each step. Occasional field checks should be made to ensure that the
interviewers are doing their assigned job sincerely and efficiently. A careful watch should be kept
for unanticipated factors in order to keep the survey as much realistic as possible. This, in other
words, means that steps should be taken to ensure that the survey is under statistical control so that
the collected information is in accordance with the pre-defined standard of accuracy. If some of
the respondents do not cooperate, some suitable methods should be designed to tackle this
problem. One method of dealing with the non-response problem is to make a list of the non-
respondents and take a small sub-sample of them, and then with the help of expert’s vigorous
efforts can be made for securing response (Kothari, 2004).

Example: All the respondents are asked to answer the e-mail questionnaire that has been sent to
their organizational email id and asked to fill the questionnaire and proper time was given to them.
Questionnaire includes statement related to their demographics, opinion about different factors
that affect employee turnover and organizational performance.

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8. Analysis of data: After the data have been collected, the researcher turns to the task of analysing
them. The analysis of data requires a number of closely related operations such as establishment
of categories, the application of these categories to raw data through coding, tabulation and then
drawing statistical inferences. The unwieldy data should necessarily be condensed into a few
manageable groups and tables for further analysis (Newey & McFadden, 1994). Thus, researcher
should classify the raw data into some purposeful and usable categories. Coding operation is
usually done at this stage through which the categories of data are transformed into symbols that
may be tabulated and counted. Editing is the procedure that improves the quality of the data for
coding. With coding the stage is ready for tabulation. Tabulation is a part of the technical procedure
wherein the classified data are put in the form of tables. The mechanical devices can be made use
of at this juncture (Kothari, 2004). A great deal of data, especially in large inquiries, is tabulated
by computers. Computers not only save time.

Example: Since, we are using Online questionnaire, coding will be very easy and editing process
was done. After that data are included into SPSS software for data analysis purpose. Similarly, the
technique of analysis of variance can help us in analysing whether three or more varieties of seeds
grown on certain fields yield significantly different results or not. In brief, the researcher can
analyse the collected data with the help of various statistical measures.

9. Hypothesis-testing: After analysing the data as stated above, the researcher is in a position to
test the hypotheses, if any, he had formulated earlier. Do the facts support the hypotheses or they
happen to be contrary? This is the usual question which should be answered while testing
hypotheses (Newey & McFadden, 1994).

Example: Various tests, such as Chi square test, t-test, F-test, have been developed by statisticians
for the purpose. The hypotheses may be tested through the use of one or more of such tests,
depending upon the nature and object of research inquiry. Hypothesis-testing will result in either
accepting the hypothesis or in rejecting it. If the researcher had no hypotheses to start with,
generalisations established on the basis of data may be stated as hypotheses to be tested by
subsequent researches in times to come.

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10. Generalisations and interpretation: If a hypothesis is tested and upheld several times, it may
be possible for the researcher to arrive at generalisation, i.e., to build a theory. As a matter of fact,
the real value of research lies in its ability to arrive at certain generalisations. If the researcher had
no hypothesis to start with, he might seek to explain his findings on the basis of some theory. It is
known as interpretation (Kothari, 2004). The process of interpretation may quite often trigger off
new questions which in turn may lead to further researches.

Examples: Based on the hypothesis results, the final results will be generalized to the present
research problem of MPL.

11. Preparation of the report or the thesis: Finally, the researcher has to prepare the report of
what has been done by researcher (Bryman & Bell, 2015).

Examples: the final research report format for the given research problem. The layout of the
report should be as follows: (i) the preliminary pages; (ii) the main text, and (iii) the end matter.
In its preliminary pages the report should carry title and date followed by acknowledgements and
foreword. Then there should be a table of contents followed by a list of tables and list of graphs
and charts, if any, given in the report. The main text of the report should have the following parts:

(a) Introduction: It should contain a clear statement of the objective of the research and an
explanation of the methodology adopted in accomplishing the research. The scope of the study
along with various limitations should as well be stated in this part.

(b) Summary of findings: After introduction there would appear a statement of findings and
recommendations in non-technical language. If the findings are extensive, they should be
summarised.

(c) Main report: The main body of the report should be presented in logical sequence and broken-
down into readily identifiable sections.

(d) Conclusion: Towards the end of the main text, researcher should again put down the results of
his research clearly and precisely. In fact, it is the final summing up.

17
At the end of the report, appendices should be enlisted in respect of all technical data.
Bibliography, i.e., list of books, journals, reports, etc., consulted, should also be given in the end.
Index should also be given specially in a published research report.

2.4 Conclusion

The chart indicates that the research process consists of a number of closely related activities, as
shown through I to VII. But such activities overlap continuously rather than following a strictly
prescribed sequence. At times, the first step determines the nature of the last step to be undertaken.
If subsequent procedures have not been taken into account in the early stages, serious difficulties
may arise which may even prevent the completion of the study. One should remember that the
various steps involved in a research process are not mutually exclusive; nor they are separate and
distinct. They do not necessarily follow each other in any specific order and the researcher has to
be constantly anticipating at each step in the research process the requirements of the subsequent
steps (Cooper, Schindler, & Sun, 2006).

3 QUESTION A3
3.1 Hypothesis definition

Ordinarily, when one talks about hypothesis, one simply means a mere assumption or some
supposition to be proved or disproved (Anderson, Burnham, & Thompson, 2000). But for a
researcher hypothesis is a formal question that he intends to resolve. Thus a hypothesis may be
defined as a proposition or a set of proposition set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of
some specified group of phenomena either asserted merely as a provisional conjecture to guide
some investigation or accepted as highly probable in the light of established facts. Quite often a
research hypothesis is a predictive statement, capable of being tested by scientific methods, that
relates an independent variable to some dependent variable (Bryman & Bell, 2015). For example,
consider statements like the following ones: “Students who receive counselling will show a greater
increase in creativity than students not receiving counselling” Or “the automobile A is performing
as well as automobile B.” These are hypotheses capable of being objectively verified and tested.
Thus, we may conclude that a hypothesis states what we are looking for and it is a proposition
which can be put to a test to determine its validity (Kothari, 2004).

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3.2 Explanation for 3 Types of Hypothesis

The null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis are chosen before the sample is drawn (the
researcher must avoid the error of deriving hypotheses from the data that he collects and then
testing the hypotheses from the same data) (Malhotra, 2008). In the choice of null hypothesis, the
following considerations are usually kept in view:

(a) Alternative hypothesis is usually the one which one wishes to prove and the null hypothesis is
the one which one wishes to disprove. Thus, a null hypothesis represents the hypothesis we are
trying to reject, and alternative hypothesis represents all other possibilities (Bryman & Bell, 2015).

(b) If the rejection of a certain hypothesis when it is actually true involves great risk, it is taken as
null hypothesis because then the probability of rejecting it when it is true is α (the level of
significance) which is chosen very small (Bryman & Bell, 2015).

(c) Null hypothesis should always be specific hypothesis i.e., it should not state about or
approximately a certain value (Newey & McFadden, 1994).

Generally, in hypothesis testing we proceed on the basis of null hypothesis, keeping the alternative
hypothesis in view (Malhotra, 2008). Why so? The answer is that on the assumption that null
hypothesis is true, one can assign the probabilities to different possible sample results, but this
cannot be done if we proceed with the alternative hypothesis. Hence the use of null hypothesis (at
times also known as statistical hypothesis) is quite frequent (Johnson, R. B; Onwuegbuzie, A. J.,
2004).

Other types of hypothesis:

1. Simple Hypothesis: Simple hypothesis is that one in which there exists relationship
between two variables one is called independent variable or cause and other is dependent
variable or effect (Farooq, 2013).
2. Complex Hypothesis: Complex hypothesis is that one in which as relationship among
variables exists. I recommend you should read characteristics of a good research
hypothesis. In this type dependent as well as independent variables are more than two.

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 3. Empirical Hypothesis: Working hypothesis is that one which is applied to a field. During
the formulation it is an assumption only but when it is pat to a test become an empirical or
working hypothesis (Farooq, 2013).
4. Null Hypothesis: Null hypothesis is contrary to the positive statement of a working
hypothesis. According to null hypothesis there is no relationship between dependent and
independent variable (Kothari, 2004). It is denoted by ‘H0”.
5. Alternative Hypothesis: Firstly, many hypotheses are selected then among them select
one which is more workable and most efficient (Bryman & Bell, 2015). That hypothesis is
introduced latter on due to changes in the old formulated hypothesis. It is denoting by “H1”.
6. Logical Hypothesis: It is that type in which hypothesis is verified logically. J.S. Mill has
given four cannons of these hypothesis e.g. agreement, disagreement, difference and
residue.
7. Statistical Hypothesis: A hypothesis which can be verified statistically called statistical
hypothesis. The statement would be logical or illogical but if statistic verifies it, it will be
statistical hypothesis (Farooq, 2013).

3.3 Examples of Hypothesis

In the context of statistical analysis, we often talk about null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis.
If we are to compare method A with method B about its superiority and if we proceed on the
assumption that both methods are equally good, then this assumption is termed as the null
hypothesis. As against this, we may think that the method A is superior or the method B is inferior,
we are then stating what is termed as alternative hypothesis (Bryman & Bell, 2015). The null
hypothesis is generally symbolized as H0 and the alternative hypothesis as Ha.

Suppose we want to test the hypothesis that the population mean (µ) is equal to the hypothesised
mean (µH0) = 100.

Then we would say that the null hypothesis is that the population mean is equal to the hypothesised
mean 100 and symbolically we can express as:

H0: µ = µH0 =100

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If our sample results do not support this null hypothesis, we should conclude that something else
is true. What we conclude rejecting the null hypothesis is known as alternative hypothesis
(Malhotra, 2008) (Kothari, 2004). In other words, the set of alternatives to the null hypothesis is
referred to as the alternative hypothesis. If we accept H0, then we are rejecting Ha and if we reject
Ha, then we are accepting H0.

For H0: µ = µH0 =100, we may consider three possible alternative hypotheses as follows:

Alternative hypothesis To be read as follows

Ha: µ ≠ µH0 (The alternative hypothesis is that the population mean
is not equal to 100 i.e., it may be more or less than 100)
Ha: µ > µH0 (The alternative hypothesis is that the population mean
is greater than 100)
Ha: µ < µH0 (The alternative hypothesis is that the population mean
is less than 100)

3.4 Functions of hypothesis

Hypothesis testing is one of the most important concepts in statistics. A statistical hypothesis is an
assumption about a population parameter. This assumption may or may not be true. The
methodology employed by the analyst depends on the nature of the data used and the goals of the
analysis. The goal is to either accept or reject the null hypothesis (Tutorvista, 2017).

Hypothesis testing begins with the hypothesis made about the population parameter. Then, collect
data from appropriate sample and obtained information from the sample is used to decide how
likely it is that the hypothesized population parameter is correct. The purpose of hypothesis testing
is not to question the computed value of the sample statistic but to make a judgement about the
difference between two samples and a hypothesized population parameter (Tutorvista, 2017) .

We illustrate the five steps to hypothesis testing in the context of testing a specified value for a
population proportion. The procedure for hypothesis testing is given below:

Set up a null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis.

21
 1. Decide about the test criterion to be used.
2. Calculate the test statistic using the given values from the sample
3. Find the critical value at the required level of significance and degrees of freedom.
4. Decide whether to accept or reject the hypothesis. If the calculated test statistic value is
less than the critical value, we accept the hypothesis otherwise we reject the hypothesis.

Source: Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. (p.192)

3.5 Conclusion

Hypothesis testing is a core and important topic in statistics. In the research hypothesis testing, a
hypothesis is an optional but important detail of the phenomenon. The null hypothesis is defined
as a hypothesis that is aimed to challenge a researcher. Generally, the null hypothesis represents

22
the current explanation or the vision of a feature which the researcher is going to test. Hypothesis
testing includes the tests that are used to determine the outcomes that would lead to the rejection
of a null hypothesis in order to get a specified level of significance. This helps to know if the
results have enough information, provided that conventional wisdom is being utilized for the
establishment of null hypothesis. A hypothesis testing is utilized in the reference of a research
study. Hypothesis test is used to evaluate and analyze the results of the research study.

4 Question A4

For this section, I have selected employee turnover in Dhiraagu as HR related research
problem

4.1 Problem discovery and Definition

Maldivian telecommunication industry is one of the quickest growing industries and plays a very
vital role in the economy. telecommunication industry has tremendous potential and has become
as engine of growth and development for Maldivian economy. The employment opportunities in
Telecommunication industry are ever increasing and salaries at the entry level highest in industry.
Now the success of Telecommunication industry depends on employees support and contribution
(Morrow & McElroy, 2007). This support and contribution can be achieved if the management of
the organization is able to keep up motivation and team spirit of the employees, non-compliance
of this will lead to high employee turnover and heavy losses. Employee turnover has always been
a sensitive topic with Telecommunication industry even if salaries are highest among all industry
(Stanfield, Haltiwanger, & Syverson, 2008). Inflation and competition has placed extra pressures
otherwise Telecommunication industry riding high on outsourcing wave, featured with the
constant threat of losing the employees. Employee turnover is a crucial problem the industry is
facing. The rate of Employee turnover is above 25% and is uncontrollable problem. High employee
turnover is a challenge faced by all Telecommunication companies. Identifying the reasons and
the remedies for high employee turnover is therefore of great importance (Mobley, 1977).
Telecommunication firms invest huge amount on recruitment, induction, training and retention of
their workforce, thus it is utmost, urgent and important for the firm to reduce such unwanted costs.

23
Thus, it calls for the systematic research in this field and the resultant findings can be applicable
to whole Information Technology industry and other industries as well in Maldives.

Definition

Employee turnover refers to the number or percentage of workers who leave an organization and
are replaced by new employees. Measuring employee turnover can be helpful to employers that
want to examine reasons for turnover or estimate the cost-to-hire for budget purposes. Blanket
references to turnover can be confusing; therefore, specific definitions and calculations for
employee turnover may be useful to human resources practitioners (Mayhew, 2017).

The term turnover is defined by (Mobley, Griffeth, Hand, & Meglino, 1979) as the ratio of the
number of organizational members who have left during the period being considered divided by
the average number of people in that organization during the period. Frequently, managers refer
to turnover as the entire process associated with filling a vacancy: Each time a position is vacated,
either voluntarily or involuntarily, a new employee must be hired and trained. This replacement
cycle is known as turnover (Hom & Kinicki, 2001). This term is also often utilized in efforts to
measure relationships between employees in an organization as they leave, regardless of reason.

4.2 Research technique

The present study will be using a mixed method of the research design (both Qualitative and
Quantitative). The nature of the investigation will be exploratory and descriptive. Mixed methods
research is the branch of multiple methods research that combines the use of quantitative and
qualitative data collection methods and analytic methods and use a deductive and inductive
approach to theory development (Teddlie, 2009).

Sequential mixed methods research involves more than one phase of data gathering and analysis.
In this design, the researcher will follow the use of one method with another to extend or elaborate
on the fundamental set of findings (Johnson, R. B; Onwuegbuzie, A. J., 2004). In a double phase
research design, this leads to two alternative mixed methods research strategies, sequential
exploratory research design (qualitative followed by quantitative). The exploratory study will
cover by the qualitative approach by asking open questions what is happening and gain insights

24
about a factors influencing employee turnover (Qualitative). The purpose of descriptive research
is to obtain an entire outline of issues, persons or positions (Quantitative).

A research strategy may, accordingly, be described as a method of how a researcher will go about
answering the research question. The survey strategy is commonly connected with a deductive
research approach. It is a traditional and shared strategy in business and management research and
is most frequently used to answer ‘what’, ‘who’, ‘where’, ‘how much’ and ‘how many’ questions.
It, consequently, tends to be used for exploratory and descriptive research. Survey strategies
applying questionnaires are recommended as they allow the combination of regulated data from a
sizeable population in a highly economical way, allowing easy comparison

4.3 Research Questions

 What are all the factors that affects the employee turnover at Dhiraagu?
 Is there any relationship exist between employee turnover and organizational performance?
 What is the current level of employee turnover at Dhiraagu?

4.4 Research Objectives

This study aims investigating the impact of staff turnover on organizational performance of the
Dhiraagu. As such, this study seeks to achieve the following objectives in the light of the research
aim:

 To identify the level of staff turnover at Dhiraagu

 To examine the effect of staff turnover on the performance of Dhiraagu
 To identify the mitigation strategies that can be adopted by the management Dhiraagu to
reduce staff turnover and stabilize performance.

4.5 Literature review

For this purpose, the abstracting and indexing journals and published or unpublished
bibliographies are the first place to go to. Academic journals, conference proceedings, government
reports, books etc., must be tapped depending on the nature of the problem. In this process, it

25
should be remembered that one source will lead to another. The earlier studies, if any, which are
similar to the study in hand should be carefully studied. A good library will be a great help to the
researcher at this stage.

Organizational source of employee turnover

Employees have a strong need to be informed. An organization with strong communication

systems enjoyed lower turnover of staff (Lee, Mitchell, Wise, & Fireman, 1996). Employees feel
comfortable to stay longer, in positions where they are involved in some level of the decision-
making process (Hom & Kinicki, 2001). That is employees should fully understand about issues
that affect their working atmosphere. However, in the absence openness’ in sharing information,
employee empowerment the chances of continuity of employees are minimal.

(Morrell, Loan-Clarke, & Wilkinson, 2004) points out that a high labor turnover may mean poor
personnel policies, poor recruitment policies, poor supervisory practices, poor grievance
procedures, or lack of motivation. All these factors contribute to high employee turnover in the
sense that there are no proper management practices and policies on personnel matters hence
employees are not recruited scientifically, promotions of employees are not based on spelt out
policies, no grievance procedures in place and thus employees decide to quit (Lee, Mitchell, Wise,
& Fireman, 1996).

(Stanley, Vandenberghe, Vandenberg, & Bentein, 2013) noted that pay and pay-related variables
have a modest effect on turnover. Their analysis also included studies that examined the
relationship between pay, a person’s performance and turnover. They concluded that when high
performers are insufficiently rewarded, they quit. If jobs provide adequate financial incentives with
the more likely employees remain with the organization and vice versa. There are also other factors
which make employees quit from organizations, and these are poor hiring practices, managerial
style, lack of recognition, lack of competitive compensation system in the organization and toxic
workplace environment (Bluedorn, 1982).

26
Effects of employee turnover

Many researchers argue that high turnover rates might have negative effects on the profitability of
organizations if not managed properly. Lee, Hom, Eberly, Li, & Mitchell (2017) nearly twenty
years ago the direct and indirect cost of a single line employee quitting was between $ 1400 and
$4000. Turnover has many hidden or invisible costs, and these invisible costs are the result of
incoming employees, co-workers closely associated with incoming employees, co-workers closely
related to departing employees and position being filled while vacant (Lee, Hom, Eberly, Li, &
Mitchell, 2017). Moreover, all these affect the profitability of the organization. On the other hand,
turnover effects on customer service and satisfaction. (Igbaria & Guimaraes, 1999)argue that
turnover include other costs, such as lost productivity, lost sales, and management’s time, estimate
the turnover costs of an hourly employee to be $3,000 to $10,000 each. This demonstrates that
turnover affects the profitability of the organization and if it is not managed properly, it would
have the negative effect on the profit.

4.6 Sampling Method and Size

Population for the current research is all employees working in Dhiraagu. Dhiraagu has many
functional areas and all the employees from different level are considered for the research. Hence
all those employees are considered as population, and around 20 employees are readily available
by the researcher. Hence all those employees are target population (Vaus, 2013).

We are planning use Probability sampling. Probability sampling compared most regularly with
survey research strategies wherever the necessary to get conclusions from the sample about a
population to answer the research question and to meet objectives. The sampling frame for any
probability sample is a comprehensive list of all the cases in the target population from which
sample will be carried hence the full target population is estimated as a sampling (Saunders, 2011).

For the qualitative study, 20 employees are selected from different department are (Simple
Random) randomly selected for focus group interview. For quantitative study 100 employees are
selected using stratified random sampling method for Survey. The reason for using Stratified
Random Sampling is accurate and easily approachable. It is more suitable because population
size is low (Saunders, 2011).

27
 4.7 Research Schedule

week week week week week week week week week week week week week week week
Activities 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Identification of
research problem
Literature review &
Aim
Conceptual framework
& hypothesis
development
Qualitative research
design
Sampling plan
Qualitative data
collection
Coding & editing
Quantitative research
design
Questionnaire
development
Pilot study & validity,
reliability checkups
Data collection

Coding & editing

Data analysis

Report generation

28
4.8 Conclusion

Workforce optimization, the organization’s success in optimizing the performance of the

employees by establishing essential processes for getting work done, providing excellent working
conditions, establishing accountability and making good hiring choices would retain employees in
their organization. The importance of gaining a better understanding of the factors related to
recruitment, motivation and retention of employees is further underscored by rising personnel costs
and high rates of employee turnover.

This section explains the detail reason for why we are doing this study. This section also explains
about the research question and objectives. Many literatures are discussed based on the research
problem. Research methodological aspects like sampling framework, research schedule and
possible outcome also discussed.

29
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