Answer ALL the questions in this section. Question 1 Study the information provided below on the research background, the aim and research objectives of a proposed study and answer ALL questions that follow. Research background Octopus Limited, a technology company, began its operations sixteen years ago in a suburban garage in the West Rand. The founder, Theo Thebe, grew the enterprise rapidly in the first eight years of the companys existence. At the end of the tenth year, with annual revenue topping R500 million and profit after tax exceeding R50 million, the business went public by issuing 5 million shares at R100 a share. The following year, Mr Thebe vacated the CEO position and assumed the Executive chairmanship position of Octopus Limited. Mr Max Oliphant, the incumbent financial director was appointed as the new CEO to replace Mr Thebe. Three years after Mr Oliphants appointment as CEO, Octopus Limited experienced a significant decline in the companys revenue and operating margin. A preliminary investigation revealed that the companys competitive priorities were not aligned to the requirements of the market. Mr Oliphant and his top management team developed a brand new corporate strategy using a balanced scorecard (BSC) approach, believing that a BSC approach is a more pragmatic strategic management tool to turnaround the companys fortunes. The resultant corporate strategy prioritised quality customer satisfaction as a means to regain lost market share and was approved by the board of directors of Octopus Limited. Motivation for the proposed study Six years after Mr Oliphants appointment as CEO, the board of directors of Octopus Limited has requested that an evaluation of the impact of the strategic shift at Octopus Limited be undertaken as part of a strategic review. The aim of the proposed study and the research objectives of the proposed study are shown in the box below. The aim of the proposed study: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the change in corporate strategy on organisational financial performance and on employee job satisfaction at Octopus Limited. The research objectives: To determine whether there is a significant difference in Octopus revenue generation under the old and the new corporate strategies To assess whether the change in corporate strategy has resulted in a significant improvement in monthly operating margin of Octopus Limited To determine whether the change in corporate strategy has produced a significant improvement in aggregate employee job satisfaction at Octopus Limited and To make practical recommendations to the management of Octopus Limited on the appropriate steps to be taken regarding the companys future strategic direction. Source: case study was synthesized by the examiner. REQUIRED: Please answer the following questions about the proposed study described above: Formulate a suitable title for the proposed study and, on the basis of the 5Ws framework, assess the appropriateness of the title you have formulated. 1.1 (7 marks) 1.2 Formulate FOUR (4) research questions for the proposed study. (4 marks) 1.3 Formulate the null and alternative hypotheses for each of the first three research questions in 1.2. (6 marks) 1.4 Motivate an appropriate research design for the proposed study. (3 marks) 1.5 Specify the purpose of the research design for the proposed study. (2 marks) Based on the design you have chosen in 1.4, discuss the methodology you would follow with regard to: 1.6 1.6.1 Sampling Methodology: 1.6.1.1 Identify the target population of the proposed study. (2 marks) The board has decided to retrieve data from the companys database for the proposed study. Discuss the implications of the boards decision for sampling in the proposed study. 1.6.1.2 (4 marks) Method of Data Collection: From the database of Octopus Limited, monthly data on revenue (Rm), Operating margin (%) and aggregate employee job satisfaction (%) over the past six years has been retrieved, representing the last three years of old 1.6.2 strategy and the first three years of the new strategy (see Table 1.1, below).