Approaches to Research Methodology

Approaches to enquiry Methodologyenquiry regularityological analysisINTRODUCTIONThis section allow for framingulateulate the concept of look methodology, including an popline on the main methodological begines and philosophies that comprise following this, the search strategies that go forth serve to address the physical objects of this search thing allow for be explained. jibe to Saunders et al. (2009), three characteristics exist for carrying out seekSystematic compendium of selective information.Systematic adaptation of entropy.A clear contend for investigation exists.Therefore, individuals generally abridge enquiry because they want disc all over tender things in a systematic demeanor, and hence expand their knowledge more or less a particular subject. look for in the business and management bailiwick is crucial as it serves to provide solutions to problems that exist in businesses. There be particular qualities that atomic number 18 required for carrying out substantially question including good communication, intellectual, organizational and IT skills. The enquiryer whitethorn already have these skills, or may need to develop them over the course of the research (Collins and Hussey, 2003).Research methodology is the process used to provide solutions to research problems in a systematic manner (Kumar, 2008). It is multidimensional and is the rationality behind the research methods chosen for the investigation. Research methodology provides the platform for the researcher to explain and evaluate the research strategies implemented.APPROACHES TO METHODOLOGYOne can choose to take either a deductive or an inductive tone-beginning to undertaking research, both of which would charm the manner information and results atomic number 18 collected and distributed. The deductive approach to research involves evolution a theory based on knowledge and recording which is already in place, therefore is scrutinised and faces the risk of being unaccepted. Whereas the inductive approach begins with data collection followed by analysis of results and forming conclusions and theories based on the results (Saunder et al, 2009). In this attractive of research approach, the flow of processes begins with observation and ends with findings and forming theories, which can be further interconnected into knowledge that already exists. From this, it is planned that this current research will undertake an inductive approach, which will first involve data gathering, and following analysis, form conclusions as to how to enhance the management of information systems in NHS hospitals.In research methodology, research can be undertaken over two different condemnation periods, using a cross-section(a) or longitudinal method for data collection. Cross-sectional relates to research carried out and is based on the current cartridge clip and place. Longitudinal, on the other hand, concerns research carried out over a definite lon g period of epoch (Kumar, 2008). Judging from the payoff area and the time constraints, this research will adopt a cross-sectional style.RESEARCH PHILOSOPHIESAccording to Saunders et al. (2009), there are three main categories of research philosophies, which are positivism, interperpretivism and pragmatismPositivism this assumes that knowledge has a free value and is directly reach outed from experience. An fundamental aspect of this viewpoint is that research is carried out in an independent and objective manner away from any kind of influences, and is based on quantifiable data from the utilisation of a incorporate methodology.Interpretivism this adopts a naturalist approach which places emphasisim on social constructionism and focuses on the underlying multiple social structures of knowledge. It is implicated with the attitudes of research subjects and views on the world. This type of philosophy supports the adoption of received(p) research techniques such as observati on and interviews which in turn would enable to get together knowledge from different perspectives.Realism this is similar to the positivist theory, as it alike adopts a scientific approach to the concept of knowledge development. It argues that a humankind exists independent of the human mind, and that there are authorized social forces that influence their behaviours and interpretations therefore the intention of such approach is to be aware and understand these social forces.Collis and Hussey (2003) state that the choice of research philosophy to adopt largely depends on the nature of the research, therefore there is no correct schema. Having delimitate the three main philosophies, it is clear that one would be able to combine the three of them into one research strategy. However, the philosophy that will be follow for this research is the realist approach, which is requiremently a combination of the positivism and interpretivism philosophies. This would involve the co llection, interpretation and analysis of data, and establishing any social processes that might influence the behavior and actions of individuals.RESEARCH STRATEGIESIn monastic order to address the objectives of the research topic, one has to implement certain research strategies that will enable the collection of the necessary data. Numerous research strategies are available including experiment, illustration force field, survey, grounded theory, action research, ethnography and archival research (Saunders et al., 2009). The choice of the research strategy must take into consideration certain of the essence(p) aspects well-nigh the research topic, including the research questions and objectives, existing knowledge about the topic, the amount of time available and also the availability of other recyclable sources (Saunders et al., 2009).PRIMARY RESEARCHThis involves the use of different techniques to collect current information. This is an important way to gain an insight into the research topic and it enables the addition of certain information and ideas to the available literature surrounding the topic. This is done using a variety of methods, as illustrated belowSECONDARY RESEARCHThis involves collecting applicable information relating to information systems in the NHS, including details about their roles, impacts and management, with particular quality to the London Ambulance Computer Aided Dispatch system. This requires the review and examination of a number of materials including journals, books, the internet and newspapers.The researcher will undertake both native and secondary research to thoroughly investigate the research topic. For primary research, the case bring strategy will be chosen as the research strategy for this study, which is explained in more detail as follows.CASE sketch STRATEGYGiven the nature of the research topic, a case study has been chosen as the research strategy to be implemented in this research. According to Robson (2002), a case study enables the researcher to focus on a specialized situation and research a single phenomenon, by collection of data using a variety of methods. This research strategy has the ability to provide reacts for the why?, what and how? questions (Saunders et al, 2009), and it will enable the researcher to gain a thorough understanding of the chosen topic area.RESEARCH METHODSFor the usage of this research topic, both qualitative and quantitiative measures will be used for collection and analysis of data. The research methods chosen will be in the form of questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires are an effective technique of collecting data in which individuals are asked to answer a pre-set list of questions in a specified order (Creswell, 1994). The questionnaire will be coordinate, predetermined and standardised it will contain a mixture of closed and open-ended questions that will serve to address the research objectives. An advantage of using such research method is that it enables admission to a great number of people over a large area. Furthermore, a questionnaire is a reliable research method as the questions are structured and predetermined, which means that they cannot be altered and consequently minimizing bias. However, at the same time, this structured approach will also mean that respondents are unable to answer freely and expand on their reactions. Additionally, there is the potential of a little terror to validity as respondents may not understand the question distinctly and therefore give an answer to a question which is not think by the researcher. Still, however, it is important to ensure that the questionnaire is well-constructed and easy to follow because one take to ensure a good response rate from the sampled population which is essential for gaining accurate information that would be helpful for the research.The second research method that will be used is a semi-structured interview. This will be carried out fa ce to face with certain staff members working for the NHS, such as hospital managers and paramedics. The postulate of the semi-structured interviews is to provide more focus on the research topic by gaining reliable information from key staff members who are familiar with the topic area, and hence generate valuable information for the research. The semi-structured approach to questioning will enable the researcher to alter the style of questions fitly depending on the individual being interviewed. Therefore, interviews provide greater flexibility compared to questionnaires, and are a relatively better tool in ensuring higher response rates. Nevertheless, both of the research methods when combined will enable the researcher to explore the complexity and gain valuable insight into the research area.For the purposes of this research, a specific sampling method will be utilised, in which the researcher will select key people to include in the research study provided that those chosen c an offer relevant information related to the topic a technique called purposive sampling (Saunders et al., 2009). The sample will be selected from three Northwest NHS Foundation Trusts, including St. Marys hospital, Chelsea and Westminister hospital and Hammersmith hospital. The key staff who will be included are hospital managers, paramedics, doctors and nurses. The researcher will aim for a combined sample size of 70 individuals based on questionnaires and interviews.ETHICAL ISSUESThe main ethical considerations that must be acknowledged by the researcher when conducting the methods for data collection are centered on the periods of gaining access to the hospitals and interviewing the staff. The researcher will need to respect certain ethical value such as the anonymity, confidentiality and personal privacy of the person being interviewed when collecting information during interviews. Moreover, the researcher must obviously gain an informed hope from every person prior to startin g the interview or handing over the questionnaire.SUMMARYIn summary, this research of management of information systems in the NHS will assume an inductive and realist approach, to be implemented in a cross-sectional method, using a case study strategy employing both semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. In addition, secondary research will be undertaken in order attention in addressing the research objectives.