new advance assignment.docx

8/10/2019 New advance assignment.docx

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ASSIGNMENT 1 REPORT

New Advances in Business

WRITTEN AND SUBMITTED BY:

THE ANH NGUYEN1318768

BA (HONS) BUSINESS STUDIES (MARKETING)

DATE: 15-01-2014


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UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE

New Advances in Business |The Anh Nguyen - 1318768 2

Contents

1 Part A .................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Sampling ....................................................................................................................................... 3

1.2.1 Key concepts ......................................................................................................................... 3

1.2.2 Strengths and weakness of sampling methods...................................................................... 4

1.2.3 Advantages and disadvantages.............................................................................................. 5

1.2.4 Sample size ........................................................................................................................... 5

1.3 Collecting primary data by using questionnaire ........................................................................... 6

1.3.1 Questionnaire design ............................................................................................................. 6

1.3.2 Advantages and disadvantages of questionnaire................................................................... 6

1.4 Ethical Issues ................................................................................................................................ 7

1.5 Analyzing quantitative data .......................................................................................................... 8

1.5.1 Types of data ......................................................................................................................... 8

1.5.2 Types of quantitative data analysis ....................................................................................... 9

1.5.3 Advantages and disadvantages............................................................................................ 10

2 Part B Case studies .............................................................................................................................. 11

2.1 Case 3a: The development of discount warehouse clubs............................................................ 11

3 Case 8a: The involvement of auditors in preliminary profit announcements..................................... 12

3.1 Case 10b: Students use of work-based learning in their studies................................................ 13

4 Reference ............................................................................................................................................ 14

5 Appendix ............................................................................................................................................. 16

5.1 UK grocery market share 2010 ................................................................................................... 16

5.2 Students score in exam: ............................................................................................................. 17

5.3 Comparing the time spent on cardiovascular equipment by reasons for going to the gym ........ 17


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1 Part A

1.1 Introduction

The research purpose is to produce the information from the target market. It must be

quality to generate knowledge and applicable for researcher. There are many types of

research methods; however, quantitative research method is usually conducted because it

provides an overview and options of the large population. By understanding two popular

types method: sampling and questionnaire as well as knowing how to analyze the

quantitative data, this will provide an effective and efficient tool for the researchers to

achieve their goals.

1.2 Sampling

Sampling is the most popular research method. It can clarify the adequate results from the

target population so sampling is very effective when generalizing the finding to the target

market in market research. From a limited number of the sample, they can represent forthe whole population in terms of trends and characteristics. In order to cover this method,

we will address some main key points: the key concepts, the application of the sampling

method, its strengths and weaknesses.

1.2.1 Key concepts

Sampling is mainly focus on generalize the finding from the sample to the targeted

population. There are ten basic terms and concepts in sampling (Bryman and Bell, 2011)

Population: the total units where the samples are collected.

Sample: a selected part from the population which may be based on different

approaches depended on the purpose of the research.

Sample frame: units list of the population

Representative sample: units standing for the population

Probability sample: random selected sample based on random selection method

(low rate of sampling error)

Non-probability sample: units selected without using random selection method

Sampling error: the variance between the sample and the population

Non-sampling error: the difference between the samples and the populationappearing after the selection

Non-response: The samples (usually are people) cannot be contacted or in-

cooperate.

Census: the data related to all units in a population.


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Sampling is easy to conduct, economical and fastest way to collect information from the

target market, thus it is applied widely across the globe. Most of TV networks and news

use sampling method to find out the number and the interested of audience. For example,

BBC used this method to determine the effect of digital devices on peoples news

consumption habits (Culshaw, 2013). How can government collect the information onunemployment in their countries? How can manufactures know whether customers

satisfied about their products? How can newspapers, magazines and journals know what

are the readers interested in? They all need to conduct surveys by using sampling method.

With all the examples above, sampling seems to be an effective and useful tool for

collecting information from the large population.

1.2.2 Strengths and weakness of sampling methods

According to Bryman and Bell (2011), there are many types of samples included in two

main types: probability and non-probability samples. However, I just want to focus on

some popular types, in my opinion, which are simple random sample, cluster sampling

and snowball sampling.

Type Definition Application

Simple

random

sample

Each unit in the population has an equal chance to

be selected (Texas, 2012).

Survey on nutrition

consumption trends in

Canada by using random-

digit dialing process to

select sample

Cluster

sampling

The technique which is usually applied when the

population is large and widely spreads and can be

divided into groups (clusters). The sample will be

selected randomly from the cluster (University,

2012).

Collecting the statistic of

Living costs and Food

sample for Great Britain

(UNS, 2013).

Snowball

sampling

The technique is used when the information of

members of the population are hard to access.

Research members will be asked to recommend

other members who are suitable for the survey

(Crossman, 2013).

Venter, Boshoff, and

Mass (2005) research

about the factors which

affects the successful of

small and medium-sizebusinesses (Bryman and

Bell, 2011).

Source: (FAO, 2012)


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1.2.3 Advantages and disadvantages

Type Advantages Disadvantages

Simple random sample No human bias

Highly representative

Low sampling error

Require detail information

and access to all units of the

population

Approach time could be too

long and the sample could

change

Costly when the population

is too large and hard to

access

Cluster sampling An area sampling which is

very effective and

economical when the

population is large and

scatterLarge sample size allow

researchers to decide which

to take sample from

Low representative

(members of different

clusters may have same

characteristics)

High sampling errorClusters must be equal on

each level

Snowball sampling Allow researchers to access

to members of the

population, which is hard to

collect information, cheaply

and easily

Require little work andplanning

Representative level of the

sample is unsure

Rely on the previous sample

to collect new ones

May ignore different sample

because most members willrecommend the new one

with same characteristics

and traits

Source: (Explorable.com, 2009)

1.2.4 Sample size

One of the most issues which need to be considered when using sampling method is the

sample size. In general, there are four factors affecting the sample size (Smith, 2013):

Population size: It is usually unknown or approximated

Margin of error: the amount of error should be allowed.

Confidence level: the rate of unsure you can accept

The response distribution: the expectation of the result


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1.3 Collecting primary data by using questionnaire

As well as sampling method, questionnaire is widely used to collect information due to

its cost-efficiency. There are two main types of questionnaire: Self-completion and

interviewer-administered questionnaire. I will focus mainly on self-completion

questionnaire because it is shorter and easier to conduct, cheaper and quicker to control.

In order to set up a successful questionnaire, we must consider some key points: its

design as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the self-completion questionnaires

(UoZ, 2013).

1.3.1 Questionnaire design

The questionnaire needs to be designed logically and cohesively to get the best result

because there is no observation. Researchers will have to consider:

The information we want to collect and how we going to analyze the results

Target populationthe sample size and how it affects your questionnaire structure

The supply resources - time, money and other support

Questionnaire layout and content:

Creating a clear and attractive layout by using appropriate word type and space

Grouping the related question, keep the questions are as short as possible

Giving clear instruction on how to complete the question

Using general question on the opening

Using same type format for all the closed questions if possible (vertical or

horizontal)

Source: (Strathclyde, 2013)

1.3.2 Advantages and disadvantages of questionnaire

a. Strengths

Low administration cost: Using one sample, you can spread it over a large region

or even more. This saves the cost and time of travel for both the researchers and

the interviewees.

Eliminate the interviewer bias: When an interview is conducting, the answers of

the interviewees maybe affected by the interviewers and reduce the answers

accuracy.

The results are on the same form and framework and hence they are easy to

manages and analysis the results by using software


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Respondents can answers freely, which reduces the error causes by inconvenient

answers conditions

Large amount of infromation: a great deal of questionnaire can be sent out to many

places at remarkable low cost

b. Weaknesses No instructions for interviewers: Although most the questions are well-design,

some may be unclear for the interviewers to answers, which is usually resulted in

wrong answers.

Limit in terms of elaboration answers and number of questions, especially open

questions.

Questionnaire maybe answered in incorrect order: The question order may have a

great impact on the results (PewResearch, 2013).

No control of who will answers the questions

Limit information: No additional data can be add to the questionnaire

High risk of missing data: respondents usually skip the questionnaire which they

are not interested in or the fault when delivering and receiving the questionnaire.

Low response rate: This is the biggest problem when doing self-completion

questionnaire. There are several steps to improve it:

Include covering letter to explain the reasons of the research and the important of

the response

Include return postage

Send a remind letter Clear and attractive questionnaire layout

Design interesting question to the receivers

The reliability and validity of the questionnaire the ability of giving same results from

people with same characteristics in particularly condition and the measuring rate of the

questions

Source: (Bryman and Bell, 2011)and (UoL, 2013)

1.4

Ethical IssuesEthical issues are unavoidable when conducting the research. Researchers always have to

try to reduce the risk to individuals and communities while still ensuring gather

maximum information from them (Gillespie, 2010). Ethical code provides general rules

for researchers in order to minimize the risks, which includes:


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Honesty: honestly collect data, generate result, methods and process as well as

publication status.

Objectivity: reduce or eliminate human bias when conducting research

Integrity: responsible for all promises and agreements

Carefulness: reduce the number of errors which can appear during the procedure,

secure collected data as well as the results

Openness: welcome all criticism and ideas

Respect for Intellectual Property: make sure be authorized for all collected data

and access right.

Confidentiality: protect all the data and records

Responsible Publication and Mentoring

Respect for colleagues

Social Responsibility

Non-Discrimination: treat all participant in an equal way

Legality: obey government laws and policies

Human Subjects Protection: minimize the risk which may harm to human subjects

Source: (Shamoo and Resnik, 2009)and (Resnik, 2011)

1.5 Analyzing quantitative data

When doing a research, no matter we are working with primary or secondary data,

analyzing the quantitative data is unavoidable. By understanding this method, we can

easily understand the results and see the issue from many angels because quantitative

data can be analyzed in many different ways to provide the most suitable outcome. There

are several things we need to understand in order to achieve the best result by using this

method which is included: main types of quantitative data, types of quantitative analysis

(univariate and bivariate analysis) as well as it strengths and weaknesses.

1.5.1 Types of data

There are four main types of data that we will analyze during the research:

Nominal data (categorical data): is the data that cannot be arranged in order. For

example: male and female.

Ordinal data: is the data that can be rank ordered but the difference between the values is

not equal. For example: the clothing size (small, medium, large)


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Interval data: is the data can be rank ordered and has the same differences between the

categories within the whole range. For example: the difference between 30 and 31 ages is

equal with the difference between 45 and 46 ages.

Ratio data: is the continuous data that can be ordered, has the same difference between

the categories and a natural zero point. For example: the height or weight, the inch scale.

Source: (ET, 2013)and (Bryman and Bell, 2011)

1.5.2 Types of quantitative data analysis

a. Univariate analysis

It is used to analyze one data at a time including some popular types below:

Frequency table: It is the table in which the values are marked and shown the

number or the percentage in relation to the question. As on appendix 4.2, we can

see that the most frequency value is group 76-80 scores with 14 times.

Diagram:This is the most popular univariate method. It provides a clear vision to

the relation of each value. The regular form of diagram is pie chart and bar chart,

which works very well with nominal and ordinal data. As can be seen on appendix

xxx, Tesco is the market leader with 24% of the market share.

b. Bivariate analysis

This method evaluates two categories at a time to determine if they are related or not.

Comparing to other techniques in this method - contingency tables, pearsons r and the

likecomparing means and eta is the best to observe the relationship between to values.

On appendix 4.3, it is clear that people who come to the gym for fitness and lose weight

spend much more time on equipment than the rest. In this method, we have the test called

eta, which identify the possible relation between two values. It is useful as it can apply

even when the two values are in different type.


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1.5.3 Advantages and disadvantages

a. Advantages

Provide a great deal of information: the specific values, trends, values rank, promotions,

distributions and relationship between values

Be able to apply in chart and table for easier understand

Can analyze large population

Provide a summary of data and the research phenomenon

Can apply to similar research

Prevent personal preconception by using only statistic

b. Disadvantages

Do not suitable for some kinds of research which requires a specialistic information

Validity of data is usually changed in period of time

Limited administration

High error level (sample error, missing data)

Limit information due to using form and questionnaire


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2 Part B Case studies

2.1 Case 3a: The development of discount warehouse clubs

a. How might Jane have overcome the problems of only finding relevant articlesin trade journals and newspaper?

She could have tried difference sources instead of using only one library. She could also

ask for advices from someone which has experience or worked on this project before.

Using variable keywords or paraphrase the questions might work as well.

b. Why did Jane type all the items she had in her files into her word processor

rather than just those she had referred to directly in the text?

Jane did not sure about which files was necessary for her report and by marking all ofthem, she would not have to search it again. More to the point, Jane had to prepare a

bibliography instead of references.

c. What lessons can you learn from Janes experience?

I can learn a number of lessons from this case, they are:

Prepare the review as soon as possible

Contact with tutor for more advises

Use different databases Chose appropriate quotations and note down all the reference whenever needed

Update the review if it is necessary


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3 Case 8a: The involvement of auditors in preliminary profit announcements

a. Identify data sources used by Tony and Jim in this research?

The prelims: full annual reports and audited accounts.

b. Which of these are secondary data and which are primary data and give yourreasons?

They are all secondary data because they are collected for other purpose initially.

c. What other methods (if any) do you think Tony and Jim could have used to

obtain the data they needed to test their hypothesis and give your reasons?

They could have collect information from the trading from other companies after the

release of the prelims in order to observe the change of the prices.

d. What were the problems faced by Tony and Jim using these secondary data?

The lack of validity and reliability of the data due to the secondary data

Limited information: the reports in the market place are usually required fee

Time consuming

e. What lessons can you learn from Tony and Jims experience?

Always check the validity and credibility of the information resources

Consider between the cost and the benefit when choosing the databases


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3.1 Case 10b: Students use of work-based learning in their studies

a. Why did Jim feel it necessary to analyze reflective material produced by

students rather than just interview final-year students in his research?

They can gather more information than using only one group and hence construct a deep

understanding of the research topic.

b. Why was it important to plan and manage the interviews in the way

described?

It would help Jim focus on students opinion and make them feel comfortable so they

could explore the topic much more detail. Creating a group interview also let the

members criticize others ideas and provide data in different views.

c. How did Jim deal with the ethical issues in his research?

He sought for the permission from the tutor and all members of interview group. He also

arranged the meeting time which is suitable for all students and secured all the

information.

d. Why was it valid for Jim to decide to interview tutors when originally he had

not intended to?

Because the results were very interesting and created a great deal of questions needed to

be answered by tutors.

e. Jim used literature from three distinct areas. What were they and why he

need to use each of them?

Studies and research materials: provide structure for the research and credibility

Books and research publications: provide research methods

Study journal: provide conclusion

f. What were the main strengths and weakness of this research?

Strengths Weaknesses

Provide better way of learning

Apply knowledge to certain research

Gain more experience

Complex topic

Do not take advantage of WBL totally


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4 Reference

BRYMAN, A. & BELL, E. (eds.) 2011.Business research methods, United Stated: Oxford

University Press Inc.

CROSSMAN, A. 2013. Sociology: Snowball Sample [Online]. About.com. Available:

http://sociology.about.com/od/Types-of-Samples/a/Snowball-Sample.htm [Accessed 15

Jan 2014].

CULSHAW, J. 2013.BBC World News [Online]. BBC. Available:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/worldnews/news-consumption.html [Accessed 15 Jan

2014].

ET. 2013.Analyze Quantitative Data [Online]. Evaluation Toolkit. Available:http://toolkit.pellinstitute.org/evaluation-guide/analyze/analyze-quantitative-data/

[Accessed 15 Jan 2014].

EXPLORABLE.COM. 2009. Snowball Sampling [Online]. Available:

http://explorable.com/snowball-sampling [Accessed 15 Jan 2014].

FAO. 2012.Humanutrition: Examples of sampling methods [Online]. Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations. Available:

http://www.fao.org/ag/humannutrition/32428-0613f516cb07eade922c8c19b4d0452c0.pdf [Accessed 15 Jan 2014].

GILLESPIE, D. 2010.Ethical Issues in Research [Online]. The University of North Carolina

at Pembroke. Available:http://www.uncp.edu/home/marson/ethical_issues.html


PETTINGER, T. 2012. UK Grocery Market Share [Online]. Available:

http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/6288/economics/uk-grocery-market-share/


PEWRESEARCH. 2013. Question Order [Online]. Available:http://www.people-

press.org/methodology/questionnaire-design/question-order/ [Accessed 15 Jan 2014].
http://sociology.about.com/od/Types-of-Samples/a/Snowball-Sample.htmhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/worldnews/news-consumption.htmlhttp://toolkit.pellinstitute.org/evaluation-guide/analyze/analyze-quantitative-data/http://explorable.com/snowball-samplinghttp://www.fao.org/ag/humannutrition/32428-0613f516cb07eade922c8c19b4d0452c0.pdfhttp://www.fao.org/ag/humannutrition/32428-0613f516cb07eade922c8c19b4d0452c0.pdfhttp://www.uncp.edu/home/marson/ethical_issues.htmlhttp://www.economicshelp.org/blog/6288/economics/uk-grocery-market-share/http://www.people-press.org/methodology/questionnaire-design/question-order/http://www.people-press.org/methodology/questionnaire-design/question-order/http://www.people-press.org/methodology/questionnaire-design/question-order/http://www.people-press.org/methodology/questionnaire-design/question-order/http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/6288/economics/uk-grocery-market-share/http://www.uncp.edu/home/marson/ethical_issues.htmlhttp://www.fao.org/ag/humannutrition/32428-0613f516cb07eade922c8c19b4d0452c0.pdfhttp://www.fao.org/ag/humannutrition/32428-0613f516cb07eade922c8c19b4d0452c0.pdfhttp://explorable.com/snowball-samplinghttp://toolkit.pellinstitute.org/evaluation-guide/analyze/analyze-quantitative-data/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/worldnews/news-consumption.htmlhttp://sociology.about.com/od/Types-of-Samples/a/Snowball-Sample.htm


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RESNIK, D. B. 2011. What is Ethics in Research & Why is it Important? [Online]. National

Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences. Available:

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/ [Accessed 15 Jan 2014].

SHAMOO, A. E. & RESNIK, D. B. 2009.Responsible Conduct of Research,New York,Oxford University Press.

SMITH, S. 2013.Determining Sample Size: How to Ensure You Get the Correct Sample Size

[Online]. Qualtrics Blog. Available:http://www.qualtrics.com/blog/determining-sample-

size/ [Accessed 15 Jan 2014].

STRATHCLYDE. 2013. Questionnaire Design [Online]. University of Strathclyde.

Available:

http://www.strath.ac.uk/aer/materials/3datacollection/unit2/questionnairedesign/


TEXAS, T. U. O. 2012. COMMON MISTAKES IN USING STATISTICS: Spotting and

Avoiding Them [Online]. Available:

http://www.ma.utexas.edu/users/mks/statmistakes/StatisticsMistakes.html[Accessed 15

Jan 2014].

TUTORVISTAR. 2013.Frequency Table [Online]. Available:

http://math.tutorvista.com/statistics/frequency-table.html [Accessed 15 Jan 2014].

UNIVERSITY, P. 2012. Cluster sampling. Available:

http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Cluster_sampling.html


UNS. 2013.Food Consumption: Technical Data [Online]. UK National Statistic. Available:

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/people-places/people/food-consumption [Accessed 15

Jan 2014].

UOL 2013. Introduction to Research. University of Surrey.

UOZ. 2013. Structured Interviewing and Self-completion Questionaires [Online]. University

of Zagreb. Available:http://www.unizg.hr/homepage/about-university/[Accessed 15

Jan 2014].
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/http://www.qualtrics.com/blog/determining-sample-size/http://www.qualtrics.com/blog/determining-sample-size/http://www.strath.ac.uk/aer/materials/3datacollection/unit2/questionnairedesign/http://www.ma.utexas.edu/users/mks/statmistakes/StatisticsMistakes.htmlhttp://math.tutorvista.com/statistics/frequency-table.htmlhttp://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Cluster_sampling.htmlhttp://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/people-places/people/food-consumptionhttp://www.unizg.hr/homepage/about-university/http://www.unizg.hr/homepage/about-university/http://www.unizg.hr/homepage/about-university/http://www.statistics.gov.uk/hub/people-places/people/food-consumptionhttp://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Cluster_sampling.htmlhttp://math.tutorvista.com/statistics/frequency-table.htmlhttp://www.ma.utexas.edu/users/mks/statmistakes/StatisticsMistakes.htmlhttp://www.strath.ac.uk/aer/materials/3datacollection/unit2/questionnairedesign/http://www.qualtrics.com/blog/determining-sample-size/http://www.qualtrics.com/blog/determining-sample-size/http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/


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5 Appendix

5.1 UK grocery market share 2010

a. Pie chart

b. Bar chart

Source: (Pettinger, 2012)


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5.2 Students score in exam:

Score (X) Frequency (f)

Below 75 4

76 - 80 1481 - 85 2

86 - 90 8

91 - 95 5

96 - 100 1

Source: (TutorVistar, 2013)

5.3 Comparing the time spent on cardiovascular equipment by reasons for going

to the gym

Time Reasons

Relaxation Fitness Lose

weight

Build

Strength

Total

Mean number of minutes spent on

equipment

18.33 30.55 28.36 19.65 26.47

N 9 31 33 17 90

Source: (Bryman and Bell, 2011)

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