Qualitative Data and Collection Methods

Here are the characteristics of a good qualitative data: 1) naturalistic (derived from actual participation or analysis of a subjective data, 2) â€Å"rich† and â€Å"deep† data (that is, specifics of dynamics of an event or context can be discerned or analyzed), 3) subjective (data should be perceptions of the people in the environment), 4) credible (that is, the data are derived from actual experiences of the people involved – the source of data), and 5) confirmable (that is, the data derived may be collaborated by other subjective sources).There is though an additional characteristic (but not required) of a good qualitative data. In some cases, social scientists attribute a good qualitative data based on its transformability into quantitative data (this is though not necessary). Types of Qualitative Data Collection (Qualitative Methods, 2006: URL cited) There are generally four qualitative data collection methods that are frequently used in the social sciences . Here are as follows: 1) participant observation, 2) direct observation, 3) unstructured interviewing, and 4) case studies.There are though variations in qualitative data collection methods. In anthropology, ethnography is used as the primary mode of qualitative data collection. In a sense, it is case study on a wide range (all aspects of a culture are examined and analyzed). In psychology, psychoanalysis methods of qualitative data collection are used to code and validate a person’s psychological standing or perhaps his/her state of mind. For simplicity’s sake, we shall not tackle on these methods. Participant Observation.This method requires that the researcher become a participant in an event or the place being observed. This approach allows the researcher to know the specifics as well as the intent of an activity or the people involved. Without bias or prejudgment, this method becomes more pronounced when the researcher is accepted as a natural part of the culture , assuming that the observations are natural phenomena. Here, the researcher collects first-hand qualitative data, and hence allows him/her to relate it simultaneously with the event or activity (or culture).Direct Observation. This is a different from the previous method in a number of ways. First, the researcher is not a participant in the context or event. The researcher in this case does not in any way mingle or influence the actions of the participants in a context or event. Doing so would undermine data authenticity as well as validation (see Hawthorne Effect). Second, direct observation is a detached perspective. Technologies replace actual participation as a measuring tool for validation and procurement of good qualitative data (as presented earlier).Third, the researcher is observing sampled situations or groups of people; in no way the researcher is immersed in the activity or event. Lastly, direct observations are usually shorter in scope than participant observation in t erms of data viability as well as practicality. Unstructured Interviewing or In-Depth Interviewing. Here the researcher and the respondent have direct interaction. The researcher usually uses a short guide to his interview questions (unstructured) or core concepts to ask about. The interviewer may ask additional or supporting questions that are relevant or connected to the main problem of the research.This allows the researcher flexibility in structuring his/her qualitative data as well as representative tools like bodily gestures and facial expressions. The protocol however in this type of method is that the interviewer respects the principle of confidentiality. Only information approved by the interviewee can be released to the public or to academic associations. Case Studies. This is the frequently used research method in the social sciences (especially in anthropology and sociology). This involves an intensive and extensive study of an individual on a specific milieu.In a sense, this is a combination of structured interview, participant observation, and direct observation. Using all the methods in one setting allows the researcher to get the whole picture of the problem. It also allows him/her to determine the variables or factors at play without undermining validity. Most of the time, if only one method is utilized, there is a tendency for variables to be neglected or misrepresented. There was a case when voting behavior was concluded to be attributed to the party affiliation of the group being studied (participant observation was the only method used) – note that only one variable was used.When the study was replicated using combinations of methods, party affiliation accounted only 19% of the relations (when the qualitative data was converted to quantitative data). Although this is not to say that a combination of data is more desirable or more academically reliable (this would depend on the context of the research problem), it is often noted that this type of method has all the requirements for procuring good qualitative data. Process for Analyzing Qualitative DataQualitative data analysis is composed of three general processes: 1) noticing things, 2) collecting things, and 3) thinking about things. These three general processes are connected are related with each other. We shall discuss each of the processes below. Noticing Things. This refers to the general observation of an event or context and the manner by which it is coded. It generally means â€Å"making observations, writing field notes, tape recording, interviews, gathering documents, etc. When you do this you are producing a record of the things hat you have noticed†(Seidel, 1998:3). Collecting Things. This process is similar to solving jigsaw puzzles (Seidel, 1998:5). The data coded are assembled or disassembled into groups. In this way, relations can easily be extracted. Thinking About Things. This is generally the theoretical part of the research process . Each part of the â€Å"puzzle† are examined and related to the main problem. After relationships between variables are stated, they are then referred to the main problem (as well as the specific propositions).

Business intelligence Technologies Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business intelligence Technologies - Assignment Example In addition to that, the patterns are viewed as summaries of the input data, hence used in further analysis or in predictive analytics and machine learning. For instance, it may identify manifold groups in the data, which are then used to acquire more truthful prediction results by decision support systems. Knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) process is generally defined using the following stages: selection, preprocessing, transformation, data mining, and interpretation. However, it exists in many variations of this theme such as the Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM). This theme defines knowledge discovery in six phases; understanding of business, understanding of data, preparation of data, modeling, evaluation, and deployment of the results (Ling Liu & Tamer 2009). Another example of theme follows a simplified process such as pre-processing of data, mining of data and validating the results obtained. Pre processing involves assembling a target data- since data mining only covers the patterns that are essentially present in the data, the dataset targeted should be e big enough to hold these patterns while at the same time remaining brief enough to be extracted within an acceptable timeframe. Common data sources are data warehouses and data marts. Pre-processing of data is indispensable in the analysis multivariate datasets before the mining of data. Therefore, the target set is cleaned. The data cleaning involves the removal of all observations containing the missing data as well as noise. Data mining engage six general groups of tasks. The first task is anomaly detection- this refers to the identification of extraordinary but interesting data records or erroneous data that needs further investigation. Secondly, an association search is the next task. This task involves the relationship existing between variables (Ling Liu & Tamer 2009). The third task is known as classification; it involves all the undertakings

Strategic management and leadership (Royal Dutch Shell plc) Essay

Strategic management and leadership (Royal Dutch Shell plc) - Essay Example Before assessing a business performance indicator, it is important to delve into the ambiance so that a causal analysis may be put forward. This is called understanding the environment. It helps in establishing what-leads-to-what in a more objective way. Royal Dutch Shell p.l.c like all other multinationals is prone to such variable. According to Ben Van Beurden, CEO Shell, 2013-2014 remains tumultuous years for the company (Ben, 2014). The main variables that were held responsible for swerving performance of the company were related to law and order of their business countries. The operating environments which Royal Dutch Shell p.l.c had to face were confronted by deteriorating security situation. Citing Asia and Africa the CEO outlined that a depression was seen lower demand and an oversupply of global refining capacity. 2013 was the year which performed below the potential company has. Lack of competitiveness in capital efficiency and day to day operational performance was seen, as acknowledged by Ben in 2014 CEO Review note. The strategy in theory remains robust and calls for a change in focus only. Ben is of the view that improving cash flow performance and returns must be taken as challenge so that company’s strategy may emerge as sure success (Jeong, 2014). To an answer to how, Ben states that focus should be kept on: Dismal performance in 2012 and 2013 brought a paradigm shift in company’s plans for divestment and new acquisitions. This does not mean that Royal Dutch Shell p.l.c has not been able to perform at all. It means that company is gearing up to realign itself with current market forces and business environments. An abrupt response to the performance in 2012-13 has proven maturity of the company’s leadership. In 2013, earnings fell from $27 billion to $17 billion, and the net cash flow from operating activities went down from $46

Exemplification Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Exemplification - Essay Example The court’s decision to exempt a student wearing a nose stud, stating the effective day to day running of the school would not affected (Lenta, par. 1). The government’s concern in implementing anti-discrimination laws devoid of immunity seems far stronger. A declaration for release from anti-discrimination laws looks in one respect more directly to look like the claim in Christian Education in South Africa versus The Ministry of Justice. In Christian education, the right of a learner not to undergo physical punishment at the hands of teachers was held to assist the wish of religious teachers to impose physical punishment in agreement with their spiritual convictions. The rationale behind the law banning unjust discrimination aims to guard all peoples’ right to equality, a basic right. In cases where religious groupings take on work-related discrimination on grounds banned to profitable enterprises draw little antagonism. In South Africa, anti-discrimination law forbids work-related discrimination on forbidden grounds, for example, sexual orientation, gender, race, and religion (Lenta, par. 2). However, in at least one circumstance churches should be allowed to discriminate. They should be permitted to apply religious standards in the selection of entrants for appointment to sacerdotal office. Nevertheless, the right of churches to keep on work-related prejudice on barred grounds does not stop there. Many are apologetic for the keeping out of women from the Catholic priesthood. People who have given consideration to the issue concur that anti-discrimination laws should not be summoned to stop this gender bias. This is because anti-discrimination laws should not be applied to stop such bias. Religious groups have a right to control their own dealings in accordance with the beliefs of members via their churches. Thus, freedom of religion as well as associational independence stresses as much (Lenta, par.

Cinnamon Chex Retailing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Cinnamon Chex Retailing - Research Paper Example Manufactures, warehouses, and transporters maintain a timely delivery of products to their consumers. This paper explore the Cinnamon Chex; a food product popular in United States. It will endeavor to trace the production of Cinnamon Chex, its natural ingredients, and added ingredients. The paper further seeks to discuss supply chain, processing, delivery, and SWOT analysis. Finally, it will give the relevant recommendations about the product to consumers. Cinnamon Chex is a product taken as breakfast by many people. This food appears in a cereal meal that is highly nutritious (Crocker 49).Cinnamon Chex contains plant nutrients, mineral salts, and fiber. It is a whole grain meal. Cinnamon consumers have little information about its natural source. Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of several trees. These trees belong to genus cinnamonium that has a wide range of use in savory and sweet foods (131). The trees grow naturally in South East Asia, such as Bangladesh, and Sumatra. Cinnamo n cultivation takes two years to mature. After full maturity, drying of branches takes place subsequent removal of the rough, wooden outer barks through a scrapping process (58). Drying of Inner barks takes four hours in an ideal dry, warm environment. Use of wet surfaces promotes growth of pests. This form of agriculture is an export oriented. Exportation of cinnamon promotes foreign exchange, which creates trade links amongst nations. Cinnamon is a spice that enhances marketability of the products that utilize it in their preparation (121). To make it appealing to the consumer to buy this product, incorporation of various products is desirable. Some of these products include salted whole almonds, brown sugar, chopped dry apples, and vanilla yogurt-covered raisins. The major nutrients in Cinnamon Chex include proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, fibers, and mineral salts. To prepare a sixteen -serving Cinnamon Chex, the recipe contains, one cup chopped apple, and two tablespoons ligh t corn syrup. It also has half a cup of vanilla yogurt covered-resins, one table spoon of ground cinnamon, a third cup of packed brown sugar, and five cups of wheat Chex. Margarine is also part of ingredients in a quarter -cup portion (243). Timely manufacturing and delivery of Cinnamon Chex is essential. Manufactures should observe safety issues. All practices involved in the processing must be in accordance with Food and Drug Act. Ignorance to maintain high health standards means endangering lives of consumers. It also risks the Cinnamon Chex sales because of the probability of closure of the manufacturing companies (79). Food and Drug Act has mandate to issue orders for immediate termination of services for the manufacturing company that violates Food and Drug Act. Traceability of Cinnamon Chex is an essential tool in a business venture. This tool ensures proper management of inputs and outputs, which results into major improvements in terms of quality and efficiency. A mechanism such as external auditing and advice on safety plays a big role to stabilize depreciating quality of Cinnamon Chex product. Cinnamon Chex retailers employ a standardized system of traceability. This enables an easy trace back of recent sales through immediate buyers. Traceability helps to restore of company’s reputation. However, it is not always perfect in food. Cinnamon Chex retailers are no exception. SWOT analysis endeavors to evaluate Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and

What are the maintrends in and effects of immigration in contemporary Essay

What are the maintrends in and effects of immigration in contemporary Europe - Essay Example On the other hand, a political migrant is one who runs away from his habitat because of conflicts from the government due to war. The person may leave his or her country for a new place to live in peace. These immigrants come from different backgrounds, which have variety of difference in terms of culture and norms. Immigration can have positive or negative impacts on both the country of origin and destination either for political, economic or even social situations. These recipient habitats are usually industrialized habitats it may be countries in Europe or the United states and even any other country, which is developed economically, politically, and security. Immigrants in these countries bring various impacts to the new habitat such as economy, culture, religious and security (Jane 1). One good thing immigration has done for host habitat is economy that involves employment in that they will be willing to do jobs that people in the host habitat will not or cannot do (Ioannis 1). They often work for longer hours and for lower income though that is controversial, sometimes exploitive against human rights but they act as beneficiary to the host habitat. This still happens up to date and even in years to come where many people have migrated and still doing so to develop their countries, and are willing to work so as earn a living in order to survive thus boosts the development and economy of the host habitat (Jane 1). In most cases when the immigrants’ are accepted in the host society and can largely contribute to the diversity of that society in terms of introduction of different cultures and people with talents which brings new ideas in the market of production of goods and offering of services thus contributing to the economic growth. After the European Union session in 2003 which allowed for its expansion, the biggest movement of labor across Europe was witnessed. During the December of 2003 period alone, over 40, 000 passengers flew between UK airpo rts and those in Poland. In duration of five years after that, it became near impossible for one to fly from 20 UK airports to any of the Polish Cities. The number of people in that year moving from Poland to the UK was over 385, 000 (Jane 1). It is worthy pointing out that the origins and choice of destinations for migrants has been found to be differential among countries. Some countries responded to this huge influx of immigrants by restricting access to their labor markets. The tendency for one migrating from countries deemed to be in â€Å"new† Europe can be said to be varying significantly. The main focus of this paper will be thoroughly examining the trends, impacts and implications of one migrating from Poland to the UK. Poland has been deemed to be the largest sender country while UK is the receiver due to its particular need for highly skilled labor. This has lead to fear among sender countries of losing their highly skilled people to other nations who offer better opportunities and salaries. The receiving countries have in turn downplayed these fears by claiming that migrant workers are important in filling low skilled labor deficiency. Looking this situation from the European Union perspective, there is plenty of important implication. First and foremost, issues of equal access to employment and the mobility of the highly skilled labor have to be addressed. The second issue if the grave matter of brain waste from the

Discuss the difference between leadership and management in nursing an Essay

Discuss the difference between leadership and management in nursing an prioritizing and managing client care - Essay Example ts essence involves gathering people from different domains and motivating them to achieve organizational goals through knowledge sharing and expertise. Specifically, a leader is one who lends a helping hand to those who are not able to realize their potential and go for their aims. In nursing, while the staff nurse is the leader to entry level nurses, the latter are leaders to ultimate clients. Management takes on a more individualized form when nursing is talked of. This is so because in nursing, client care is to be accomplished which is the duty of every single nurse and as such, nurses are required to have the competencies of time management, communication skills and other management skills of planning, organizing and others. In this essence, management in nursing involves judicious and critical use of scare resources optimally for the benefit of the client and the organization. Leadership and management are used synonymously most of the times. However, the two carry different meanings in nursing parlance. In terms of client care management, entry level nurses are equipped with expertise, experience and knowledge which provide guidelines for them to act as client care managers. On the other hand, awareness of organizational policies, protocols and regulations encourage in them the personality of a leader whereby they are able to direct their followers and align their individual goals with that of organizational goals. During entry level, nurses are required to take care of the clients directly through observations and careful usage of the available resources. They have to manage the aspects if time, shifts, materials, supervision and services for clients which are not commanded as in case of passive nursing (Richardson et al. 2007). Thus, they act in the role of decision makers for cost effective use of resources without feeling overburdened and not letting the client feel unobserved. This demonstrates the management skills adopted by nurses in delivering