Exploratory Research Design

Introduction

The research methodology identifies the activity of research; how to proceed, how to measure progress, and what comprise success. It provides us an advancement of affluence of human knowledge, tools of the trade to carry out research, tools to look at things in life objectively; develops a critical and scientific attitude, disciplined thinking (scientific thinking) to observe objectively; skills of research particularly in the age of information. It also defines the way in which the data are collected in a research paper.

(Perez, N., n.d., p:1).

The research design, scope of the study, sampling technique, delimitation of the study, validation of questionnaire, method of data collection and data analysis, ethical standards and instrument for data collection is being discussed in this chapter (Langos, S., 2014, p:4)

Research Design

Exploratory research design shall be done in this study research (Kothari, C.R., 2004:35-36). This research design can be done by gathering information through exploring all data/records available for the study research, interviewing key personnel and random survey from personnel, end-users about the study.

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To get the numbers of documents acted and projects implemented, a comparison of all records pertaining to the documents acted and projects implemented will be done by direct counting of the data registered in the record/log books before and after the rationalization. Same with the number of days acted and implemented.

To get the impressions/perceptions of employees and the end-users of the effectiveness and efficiency of the delivery of ENR services (PAHRODF, 2015), a random survey will be done within office hours from 8:00 to 5:00, Monday to Friday and an un-structured interview of key personnel will be preferred as a tool for acquisition of information about the effectiveness and efficiency of the program.

Tradition of Inquiry and Data Generation Method

A random sampling procedure will be used in giving survey questionnaires to end users visiting the office from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays.

Questionnaire designed for the research will be used in this study research (Chapter 3 by Shilubane, HN, 2009). The content of the instrument will be based on the objectives of the research which is to verify the effectiveness and efficiency of the delivery of ENR services of Conservation and Development Division, MIMAROPA Region as well as on the information from the literature review.

The instrument will be structured on a 4-point scale (Chapter 3 by Shilubane, HN, 2009) ranging from Very Satisfactory (VS), Satisfactory (S), Fair (F) and Need Improvement (NI). Subjects will be instructed to answer the questionnaire truthfully with their self-consent.

Sources of Data

The sources of data will be all available office data recorded five (5) years before the implementation of rationalization plan and five (5) years after the implementation of rationalization plan. Another source will be the data gathered through survey and interview of some key personnel of the Division, Field personnel and clients/end users. The sample population will be employees of the division, field personnel which are connected with the division, and end users/stakeholders of the division.

Instrumentation

Validation of the Questionnaire

The instrument designed for the study research will be subjected to a validation process. Copies of research questions will be given to some experts to ascertain the appropriateness and adequacy of the instrument.

Method of Data Collection and Data Analysis

After the questionnaire validation, the questionnaires will be given randomly to regional employees and end users transacting in the office. Politely ask their self-consent to answer the questionnaire and collect it back after they finish answering the paper.

Statistically weighted mean will be used in answering the study research questions. The response options in the instrument are weighted as follows:

Options Very Satisfactory (VS) Satisfactory (S) Fair (F) Need Improvement (NI) (Weight 4 3 2 1).

The data will be organised and analysed after collection and a computer programme called Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) will be used in data analysis. Tables and other data presentation will be made with data description after the analysis.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations shall be observed in collecting data. The rights to self-determination, anonymity, confidentiality and informed consent will be observed. Permission will be secured from the concerned persons/officials for the conduct of the study research. Subjects will be informed about the purpose of the study and assured that there were no potential risks or costs involved. Anonymity and confidentiality shall be maintained throughout the study and scientific honesty will be regarded as a very important ethical responsibility in conducting the study research.

References

1. Chapter 3: Research Methodology-University of Canberra. (n.d). Retrieved from www.canberra.edu.au>full-text-part2.
2. Kothari, C.R. (2004). Research Methodology Methods & Techniques [e-book]. Retrieved from S. (2014, September). Chapter 3 - Research Methodology: Data collection method and Research tools. Retrieved from 10.13140/2.1.3023.1369.
3. Perez, N., (n.d). Research Methodology: An example in a Real Project-CiteSeer X.
4. Philippines Australia Human Resources and Organizational Development Facility (PAHRODF). (2015, April).Terms of Reference. Training on Learning Development End-to-End Cycle, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
5. Shilubane, HN, (2009). Chapter 3 Research Methodology-Unisa Institutional Repository.