Professional Documents
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program of the research and includes an outline of what the investigator will do from
writing of the hypothesis and their operational implications for the final analysis of data.
Cooper and Schindler (2003) summarizes the essentials of research design as an activity
and time based plan; always based on the research question; guides the selection of
sources and types of information; a framework for specifying the relationship among the
study variables and outlines the procedures for every research activity.
The researcher used descriptive research design in collecting the data from respondents.
The design is preferred because it is concerned with answering questions such as who,
how, what which, when and how much (Cooper and schindler, 2003). A descriptive study
is carefully designed to ensure complete description of the situation, making sure that
there is minimum bias in the collection of data and to reduce errors in interpreting the
data collected.
1.2 Population
The target population was from barclays the population was divided into several groups
with distinct groupings as Management, staff and customers. The total population was
300 as shown below. Primary data was collected from the card centre which is located in
the headquarters since this is the department that handles credit cards.
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Table: 3. 1 Target population
Population Category Population Size Percentage
Management 40 15
Staff 60 38
Customers 200 47
organizations) from a population of interest so that by studying the sample we may fairly
generalize our results back to the population from which they were chosen.
The researcher used stratified random sampling procedure to select a sample that
represent the entire population but with due regard to the individual’s ability to provide
the type of information sought through each research instrument. According to Kothari
(2000), a stratified random sample is used when a population is not homogeneous making
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From the target population of 300, a sample size of 150 respondents were taken
Management 40 20 15
Operation Staff 60 30 38
The researcher used both primary and secondary sources to collect data. In this case the
Primary data was collected using Questionnaires and interviews.
The researcher chose the self-administered questionnaire method for all correspondents
ended questions to the sample respondents. Each respondent received the same set of
questions in exactly the same way. An assumption was taken by the researcher that all
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A semi-structured interview refers to a context in which the interviewer has a series of
questions that are in the general form of an interview schedule but where one is able to
vary the sequence of questions. Also, the interviewer usually has some latitude to ask
further questions in response to what are seen as significant replies. Face-face interviews
was arranged with respondents at a convenient time and place so as to allow both the
respondent and interviewer the opportunity to create rapport and facilitate the process of
interviewing to be done in a relaxed atmosphere. During interview it was also made clear
in the introduction the purpose of the research. By clarifying the academic purpose and
that they would not experience negative affects when contributing to the research.
To pre-test for reliability and validity of the research instruments expert validity views
and suggestions of the supervisors were initially incorporated in the questionnaires which
were aimed at capturing specific information from the respondents. Then the instrument
was pilot tested with three similarly situated respondents within the Bank. As a result of
the pilot test, minor changes in word selection and instructions were made to the
questionnaire.
Secondary data was also sourced to supplement the primary data. This was collected from
the relevant sources which included reports, newsletter and unpublished data on training
and development.
This involved qualitative and quantitative analysis. The data collected by use of the
various instruments was first thoroughly edited and checked for completeness and
comprehensibility. The edited data was summarized and coded for easy classification in
order to facilitate tabulation. The tabulated data was then analyzed by calculating various
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percentages where possible. Descriptive statistics especially, frequencies and cross
tabulation was applied to help establish patterns, trends and relationships and to make it
easier for the researcher to understand and interpret implications of the study.
Presentation of data was in form of Tables, Pie-charts and Bar graphs only where it
provide successful interpretation of the findings. Descriptive data was provided in form
of explanatory notes.