An exploratory study into the public procurement challenges faced by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) Operating in the uMgungundlovu Region

9. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

9.1 Research Philosophy

A research philosophy is a framework that guides how research should be conducted based on ideas about reality and the nature of knowledge. Essentially, there are two schools of thought about science and knowledge. These are positivism and interpretivism. In positivism, reality is independent and researchers can therefore remain objective. In interpretivism, reality is seen as highly subjective because it is shaped by the researcher's perceptions.

Provide a discussion on the chosen research philosophy for the study. Use appropriate theory and explain why you have chosen it. If you have chosen another research philosophy, for example, postmodernism, critical realism or pragmatism, please ensure that you have adequately explained your choice.

9.2 Research Methodology

In this section the researcher must identify the research design that underpins the research and provide a rationale for the chosen approach. All research choices must be explained (using references) and motivated.

There are two approaches to research - qualitative and quantitative.

• For a quantitativestudy, the type of research design to be used must be specified, for example, explanatory, correlational, quasi-experimental or other.
• For a qualitative study, the type of research design to be used must be specified, for example, exploratory, evaluation, investigation, or other.

Remember: You are only required to indicate the research method that you have chosen for this study (qualitative or quantitative) and thereafter indicate the appropriate research design (examples: explanatory, descriptive, exploratory design).

9.3 Target Population and Sampling Strategy

The target population must be defined. Who comprise the population? For example, provide some information about the composition of the company, institution, department, and so on. Indicate the size of the target population.

Thereafter, a representative sample must be drawn from the population. The sample size must be explicitly stated. Ensure that you justify why the sample size was chosen.

• For the quantitative research approach the sample size is generally calculated by setting the confidence level and margin of error. However, due to time and resource constraints, you may use a sample size of a minimum of 50.
• For the qualitative research approach the sample size should be 8 - 10 participants. State the specific size chosen and motivate the choice.

There are two broad types of sampling - probability (quantitative) sampling and non-probability (qualitative) sampling. You are required to state which sampling method was chosen and thereafter provide a discussion on the different types of sampling techniques within the chosen method and indicate which one you have chosen. Ensure that the sampling technique that you have chosen is in line with the type of sampling you have chosen. Refer to the information below on the different types of sampling and the corresponding sampling techniques:

Probability Sampling:

Examples of probability sampling include the following:

1. Simple Random: Each population element has an equal chance of being selected into the sample. Sample drawn using random number table/ generator.
2. Systemic: A type of probability sampling method in which sample members from a larger population are selected according to a random starting point and a fixed periodic interval (every kth element). This interval, called the sampling interval, is calculated by dividing the population size by the desired sample size.
3. Stratified: Divide population into sub-populations or strata and use simple random sampling on each stratum.
4. Cluster: Population is divided into internally heterogeneous sub-groups, and entire groups are thereafter chosen.

Non-probability Sampling:

Examples of non- probability sampling include the following:

1. Haphazard/ convenience: The research selects a sample that is convenient/ easy to access.
2. Quota: A sample in a predetermined group is selected, i.e. 5 males and 5 females.
3. Purposive/ judgemental: The researcher will select individuals from the target population that hold vital information, e.g. managers.
4. Snowball: The researcher will select an element (participant), that is connected to another element. The first will refer the researcher to the next and so on. Hence, the reference to a snowball.
5. Maximum variation: The researcher identifies the categories of interest in relation to the research topic and then intentionally seeks out subjects or settings which represent the greatest possible range of differences in the phenomena being studied.

Remember: You are only required to discuss the kind of sampling and sampling techniques that you have chosen for your study. For example: If you have chosen the qualitative research method then you will choose non-probability sampling and an appropriate non-probability sampling technique. You will then need to define and discuss the chosen sampling technique using relevant theory and then justify why you have chosen the specific technique.

9.4 Data Collection Instruments

The research instrument that will be used should be indicated and described. These generally include a questionnaire or interview schedule. Thereafter, provide a discussion on how the selected instrument was developed and structured (number of questions, the different sections and so on).

For each research objective there should be at least:

• 3 questions for a qualitative study (excluding the demographics)
• 5 questions for a quantitative study (excluding the demographics)

9.5 Data Analysis

This section must include a short discussion on how the data will be analysed.

For a quantitative study:

• Discuss descriptive and inferential statistics.
• If you wish to incorporate inferential statistics, please state the specific tests and measures that will be used to analyse the raw data.
• The statistical tools must be stated, e.g., Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)/ Microsoft Excel.

For a qualitative study:

• Specify which data analysis technique will be used, for example, content analysis, thematic analysis, and so on. Thereafter, provide a justification for the choice.
• The statistical tools, where used, must be stated, e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti etc.

9.6 Pilot Study

• Define the term pilot study and explain the benefits/ importance of conducting a pilot study.
• Discuss how many participants will be targeted for the pilot study.
• For a quantitative study, it is recommended that the survey is piloted on 10% of the sample size for the main study. For example, if the main study sample size is 50, then the pilot study will have 5 participants (not included in the sample of the main study)
• For qualitative studies, it is recommended that the interview question is piloted using 1-2 participants. State the exact number of participants you seek to use.