Methodology
In this section, the Saunders research onion is employed to infer on different research methodology fundamentals. The Saunder's research onion provides essential insights into the procedures involved when undertaking any study. The Saunders research onion portrays progression through which a research methodology can be designed (Saunders et al., 2018). This section underscores the research methodology elements, which include philosophy, method, sample, data analysis methods, limitations, and ethical considerations.
Philosophy
Generally, there exist three paradigms of conducting a qualitative study, that is, interpretivism, positivism, and critical inquiry (Pham, 2018). Based on the nature and objectives of this particular study, the interpretivism paradigm is the best choice to meet the needs of the qualitative research that will be performed. Interpretivism philosophy is founded on the basis that a single research phenomenon may have several interpretations rather than an actuality that can be elucidated by a measurement procedure. Furthermore, Creswell (2007) notes that with the interpretivism perspective, a researcher tends to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon and its complexity in its unique context rather than trying to generalize the base of understanding for the whole population. This paradigm offers a more centralized approach in meeting the objectives of this qualitative study by shedding more light on the Airbus and Boeing phenomenon.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Method
In the method section, the study opts for a more qualitative approach rather than a quantitative design. This is because the study aims to uncover the impact Boeing and Airbus have had on the aviation market. Since there are no specific biases that the study aims to uncover, shedding more light on the issue will involve a more exploratory research strategy that only a qualitative design can offer. Additionally, Hammarberg et al. (2016) note that qualitative methods have been used to reveal experiences and perspectives from the respondent's view, which is what the study aims at finding out.
Population and Sample
When it comes to the issue of population, the study is directly aimed at the aviation industry. Usually, regulation on the American aviation industry is made by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). With this in mind, the study will focus on the FAA subsidiaries near the university and narrow down to the employees thereafter, in which the sample shall be drawn. This particular study will seek to target a population of 50 with the desired sample of between 5 and 10 respondents. For sample size calculation, the study will adopt the principle of saturation, whereby, the interviewed participants are assumed to be adequate, thus deeming further data collection unnecessary. This principle has been recommended for various interview-based qualitative studies, though with a few caveats (Saunders et al., 2018). Nevertheless, this principle has been used frequently in many significant studies and has provided reliable results on the phenomenon under study.
Data Analysis Method
Usually, when analyzing qualitative studies, the researcher is faced with the dilemma of coding the data for useful analysis. The analysis approach will endeavor to evaluate data from previous research studies by undertaking a thorough analysis in a qualitative manner. However, statistical data is also core in enhancing the credibility and reliability of qualitative studies. As such, the study will be keen to infer statistical information from previous research, as well as those provided by the respondents. For this study, SPSS software shall be used to conduct necessary statistical calculations based on the findings of each observation. However, comments supporting the findings shall be provided to explain more on the phenomenon under study.
Limitations
The study is quite extensive, and some of the phenomena under study may fail to be investigated further. Additionally, the study is entirely subjective and relies on the honesty of the respondents, which, if wrong, can jeopardize the whole research. To overcome these limitations, the study will only focus on the significant elements once a pattern has been noticed. Additionally, informing the respondents of the actual value of their honesty might convince them to provide more honest answers.
Ethical Issues
When it comes to studies that involve respondents, the primary ethical issue is maintaining respondent confidentiality. Assuring the respondent of complete anonymity is something that the researcher should be keen on. Additionally, before interviewing a participant, having informed consent is key in ensuring the answers given are relevant. Sanjari et al. (2014) note that confidentiality and informed consent are critical determinants for the success of any qualitative study.
References
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches . Sage publications.
Hammarberg, K., Kirkman, M., & de Lacey, S. (2016). Qualitative research methods: when to use them and how to judge them. Human Reproduction , 31 (3), 498-501.
Pham, L. T. M. (2018). Qualitative Approach to Research A Review of Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Paradigms: Positivism, Interpretivism And Critical Inquiry. University of Adelaide .
Sanjari, M., Bahramnezhad, F., Fomani, F. K., Shoghi, M., & Cheraghi, M. A. (2014). Ethical challenges of researchers in qualitative studies: The necessity to develop a specific guideline. Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine , 7 .
Saunders, B., Sim, J., Kingstone, T., Baker, S., Waterfield, J., Bartlam, B., Burroughs, H., & Jinks, C. (2018). Saturation in qualitative research: exploring its conceptualization and operationalization. Quality & Quantity , 52 (4), 1893-1907.
