Example of data collection methodology research paper

Data Collection Methodology In answering the research questions how does the implementation of the Six Sigma Training Program affect costs? and how does the implementation of the Six Sigma Training Program affect the quality of the outputs of an organization?, the survey design will used to collect information. Although there is information available on sigma six training program, the research will still exploratory in that it will do specifically for the organization.
In addition, the study will utilize quantitative data collection methodology this is because this method relies on random sampling method which is the research design to be utilized in the study as discussed above. The data collection process will begin with stating and describing participants—these are the units of analysis. This was followed by sampling strategy, data collection methods, research instruments, ethical issues concerning the study, and data management issues. The researcher developed a questionnaire for each group. That is for the organization’s employees, customers, managers and the shareholders. Face-to-face interviews will be conducted with the management and employees with an aim of establishing whether the Six Sigma program was creating changes in reducing the costs of production of the organization. In addition, face to face interviews will be conducted to the customers of the organization to establish whether there is any change in the organization’s quality of the products. Questionnaire will be presented by the researcher in a face to face interview where interviewees will be asked questions and the researcher will fill their responses (Johnson, 2010).
The advantage of such an interview approach include the number of unfilled questionnaires would be reduced, since the researcher fills them from the responses given. Secondly, the researcher was able to clarify any queries concerning the questions. The advantage of this method is that the presence of researcher may impede on the respondents ability to answer freely especially on sensitive information. Another disadvantage is that researcher may introduce biasness when explaining queries arising from the interview.
The data from each questionnaire will then be transferred to the spread sheet after the interview, and because the questionnaires will be administered by the researcher, all the data fields will be complete. Generally, quantitative data collection method is suitable for this study because it is cheaper to implement thus it ensures efficiency in collecting the data. Nevertheless, it is standardized thus it will enable the researcher to make comparisons more easily and also measure any change with easy (Johnson, 2010).

Survey Questions

1. What challenges did you face during the implementation of six sigma training program?
2. Did the employees welcome the six sigma training program?
3. Has the six sigma training program brought any change to the quality of your products?
4. What is the impact of the six sigma training program on your cost of production?
5. What factors did you also incorporate or took control of during the implementation of the program?
6. What other programs did you incorporate to the six sigma training program to ensure its efficiency?
7. Do you think businesses should make use of the six sigma management program?
8. What recommendations do you have towards the improvement of the six sigma training program?
9. What costs implications did you incur during the implementation of the six sigma training program?
10. What are the overall contributions of the program towards your organization’s financial performance?

References

Johnson, G. (2010). Research Methods for Public Administrators. 2nd Edition. New York: M. E. Sharpe.