Introduction
This chapter discusses the methodology used in the research. The first two sections; 3.2 and 3.3 introduce the research problem and the research objectives respectively. Section 3.4 describes the research design utilized during the research. The advantages and disadvantages of each data collection method used are discussed as well. In addition, justification as to why a particular method was used is provided, while the last section 3.5 offers several limitations to the research and solutions to such limitations will be provided and discussed as well.
Research Problem
In the manufacturing of glass great caution has to be taken since glass is very fragile and brittle. Recently, the standard for glass production has gone down and accidents have also increased in the line of production. One of the possible causes for the decline in standards is the lack of proper training and orientation of employees when joining the industry. According to Cushway (2009), introduction of Induction Training Problem in such an industry would ensure that all the employees are familiar with all the operations within the company. The program also helps the employees in understanding the performance standards required from them. The project discusses the methods of introduction of an induction training program as well as the benefits of a proper induction training program.
Research Objectives
The objective of the current research is to evaluate the induction training programs being applied in various companies. The particular research objective statements were as follows: the first objective statement was to evaluate the different method of induction training; the second research statement was to explore the most appropriate method of induction training. The research statement is to investigate the importance of induction training while the last statement is to identify the limitations of the current induction training program.
Research design
Both descriptive and explanatory research designs were applied in the research (De Vaus, 2001). The descriptive research was applied to evaluate the different methods of induction and to explore the method that was more effective, while the explanatory research design was applied to investigate why the induction training program is important to a company as well as in identifying the limitations of the current program (Palgrave, 2008).
Data Collection
Survey method is believed to be the best method to apply in data collection. Kelley et al (2003) noted that survey research entails both analytical research and descriptive research. This method of research also allows the use of more reliable methods of data collection such as the questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The method was selected since unlike other data collection methods it gives data that is based on what is currently happening in a particular field. In addition, surveys produce a lot of information in a short span of time. However, the data collection method has its own limitations. For instance, carrying out a survey can be very demanding both in time and money. Additionally, it might be difficult to get respondents to interview face-to-face.
Questionnaires
The self-administered questionnaires were preferred for this research. According to the University of Johannesburg (2006), despite the mode of delivery used, questionnaires have various advantages. First, they are very cheap to administer compared to other methods. Data collected through questionnaires is very easy to analyze as well. Secondly, it is the most popular survey method. Therefore, most respondents are familiar with it and little or no introduction to the research question is required. Unlike telephone interviews, this method was preferred because the respondent could complete them at their own time without interfering with their work schedule. However, the questionnaire was kept short to reduce lack of interest by the respondents. The only notable limitation to this method is that it is hard to control the person who fills the questionnaire, and as such senior managers may assign junior employees to fill the questionnaires.
Personal Interviews
Personal interviews are very important in acquiring firsthand information (Valenzuela and Shrivastava, 2006). It was the best method to gain information on the current Induction Training Programme being used. The employees in company XYZ provided valuable information on the induction method being used through personal interviews. Personal interview is far much better than other research methods. The use of this method of research allows the interviewer to ask for clarification from the interviewee (Doyle, 2006) and as such the interviewer gains a lot of data through this method. For instance, the current limitations on the Induction Training Programme being used were identified through this method. The interviewer is also able to observe the reactions of the interviewer. However, personal interviews method of survey is very expensive and time consuming (Super Survey, 2007).
Limitation of the study
The study involved travelling and scheduling interviews with various employees of company XYZ. This was very costly and required a lot of time. In addition, very few materials are available on the research problem identified. Very few researches have been conducted in this field hence the study lacked enough comparison materials.
Conclusion
This chapter focused on the research methodology and the research design used to attain the objectives of the study. First, the research problem and the objectives were stated and discussed in details. The research design was discussed including the various methods used to collect data for the study. Lastly, the limitations of the study were noted and analyzed.
References
Cushway, B. 2009. The Employer’s Handbook: An Essential Guide to Employment Law, Personnel Policies and Procedures. UK: Kogan Page Publishers.
De Vaus, D.A, 2001. Research Design in Social Research. London: Sage.
Kelley, K, Clark, B, Brown, V & Sitzia, J. 2003. Good Practice in the Conduct and Reporting of Survey Research, Web.
Palgrave, 2008. Understanding Research. Web.
Super Survey, 2007. Personal Interview Surveys vs. Web Surveys: A Comparison, Web.
University of Johannesburg, 2006. Questionnaire Design, Web.
Valenzuela, D. & Shrivastava, P. 2006. Interview as a Method of Qualitative Research, Web.