FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 2 [100 MARKS] Answer ALL questions in this section: Exploring Research methods: Scenario: Assuming you are a member of research team that has been given a task to investigate the National E- Government Strategy and Roadmap, and how it has shaped overall outcomes of governance in South Africa. Your role is in the next meeting is to discuss possible research method and recommend one for the study. The idea of e-government and research methods are respectively highlighted below: E-Government refers broadly to the innovative use of communications technologies which include websites, applications, mobile devices, and other Information and communications technology (ICT)services and platforms to link citizens and the public sector and facilitate collaborative and efficient governance. A digital government uses ICTs and digital technologies to make governance more efficient, strengthen public service delivery and enhance participation of citizens in governance process. Research methods are the strategies, processes or techniques utilise in the collection of data or evidence for analysis in order to uncover new information or create better understanding of a topic. Three broad research methods include: Quantitative Research Method, Qualitative Research Method, and Mixed Methods Research. Question 1 (45 Marks) Provide a critical review of the characteristics, uses, advantages and disadvantages of the following research methods Quantitative Research Method Qualitative Research Method, and Mixed Methods Research. Question 2 (25 Marks) Examine the potential sources of data in a research that involves and investigate the National E- Government Strategy and Roadmap, and how it has shaped overall outcomes of governance in South Africa. Question 3 (30 Marks) Identify the research method that best suits the above research, and Justify how your method of choice is best suited for the research in question.

REFERENCE THE ANSWERS