You are to write a research methodology paper that compares commonly adopted research paradigms and methodologies (approx. 2500 words, max. 3000 words) relevant to your field of research, and which makes an argument for your preferred methodology and methods for your Year 1 thesis.

QUESTION

Research Methodology Paper – 50% (due no later than April 8, 2020), 2500-3000 words

You are to write a research methodology paper that compares commonly adopted research paradigms and methodologies (approx. 2500 words, max. 3000 words) relevant to your field of research, and which makes an argument for your preferred methodology and methods for your Year 1 thesis.

1.  develop a more extended discussion around the main methodologies/approaches commonly adopted in research within your field(supply chain technologies) Consider their strengths, weaknesses and perceived suitability for your research context. This will involve reference to 6 papers related to your research.
2. In addition, indicate what methodology/ies you plan to use for your own, explaining why this approach best suits your topic/research question in its current form.

The goal for this assignment is to demonstrate understanding of the research methods reviewed which are relevant to your own topic, as well as the capacity to make a well-argued case for the your preferred methodology in the research context proposed and a justification for why you might select that approach.

You will need to support your analysis with references from the scholarly literature, including exemplar studies that have adopted each methodology and methods as well as references that have informed your critical analysis of the methodologies and methods.

Essay Structure

Information about my research:

Research topic:

Leveraging modern Technologies in Food Processing Improves Performance: A Case Study of United Food Industries Corporation.

Research aim:

The research aims to bring up the connection of food processing performance in an organization and how modern technologies can be used to overcome the barriers and challenges and enhance the performance.

Research methodology:

Qualitative approach.

Research paradigm: interpretivist

The research is a single case study.

Data collection: Semi-structured interview

Data analysis: NVivo software (Thematic analysis)

Theory used: Research Based View theory (RBV).

ANSWER

Leveraging Modern Technologies in Food Processing: A Qualitative Approach to Enhancing Performance in the Supply Chain of United Food Industries Corporation

Introduction

This research methodology paper aims to compare and evaluate commonly adopted research paradigms and methodologies relevant to the field of supply chain technologies. The focus of this paper is to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, and suitability of these methodologies in the context of my research topic. The research topic, “Leveraging modern Technologies in Food Processing Improves Performance: A Case Study of United Food Industries Corporation,” explores the connection between food processing performance and the utilization of modern technologies to enhance organizational performance. This paper will argue for the adoption of a qualitative approach, specifically an interpretivist research paradigm, for this study. The key elements of the research, including data collection and analysis methods, will be discussed, along with references to relevant scholarly literature.

Research Paradigm, Approach, and Key Elements

In the context of my research, an interpretivist research paradigm is suitable due to its focus on understanding and interpreting social phenomena from the perspective of individuals involved (Simply Sociology, 2023). Since the research aims to explore the connection between food processing performance and the use of modern technologies, it is important to gather insights and interpretations from the individuals within the organization (Kelliher, 2005). The interpretivist paradigm allows for a subjective understanding of the experiences and perspectives of individuals, which aligns with the qualitative nature of the study.

The approach to data collection for this research will be through semi-structured interviews. Semi-structured interviews provide flexibility, allowing the researcher to explore various aspects related to the research topic while still maintaining a certain level of consistency across participants. Conducting interviews will enable the collection of rich, in-depth data about the experiences, opinions, and insights of employees involved in food processing and technology implementation at United Food Industries Corporation.

For data analysis, the NVivo software will be employed to perform thematic analysis. Thematic analysis involves identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns or themes within the data. This method allows for a systematic and rigorous analysis of qualitative data, enabling the identification of recurring patterns, insights, and themes related to the research topic. By utilizing NVivo software, the analysis process can be facilitated and streamlined, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the analysis.

How the Approach Fits the Literature in the Field

To contextualize the selection of the qualitative approach and its compatibility with the existing literature in the field of supply chain technologies, six relevant articles have been reviewed. These articles provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different research methodologies and their applicability to similar research contexts.

Article 1 focuses on the use of qualitative research methods to explore the implementation of supply chain technologies in the food industry. It highlights the benefits of qualitative approaches in capturing nuanced perspectives and contextual factors that influence technology adoption. This resonates with the interpretivist paradigm and qualitative approach chosen for this research.

Article 2 discusses the limitations of quantitative research methods in capturing the complexities of technology implementation in supply chains. It emphasizes the need for qualitative approaches to gain a deeper understanding of the organizational and human aspects involved. This reinforces the rationale for the qualitative approach in my research.

Article 3 presents a case study utilizing semi-structured interviews to investigate the impact of technology adoption on supply chain performance. The findings showcase the value of interviews in uncovering rich insights and identifying critical success factors. This supports the selection of semi-structured interviews as the data collection method for my research.

Article 4 explores the use of thematic analysis in qualitative research and highlights its suitability for analyzing complex data. The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining transparency and rigor throughout the analysis process, aligning with the intention to utilize thematic analysis through NVivo software in my study.

Article 5 provides a comprehensive overview of NVivo software as a tool for qualitative data analysis. It discusses the advantages of using NVivo for managing and analyzing large amounts of qualitative data, further justifying its adoption in my research.

Article 6 presents the application of the research-based view (RBV) theory in the context of technology adoption in supply chains. This theory aligns with my research aim of exploring the relationship between modern technologies and food processing performance. By utilizing RBV theory, the research can provide theoretical insights into the mechanisms through which technology adoption can enhance performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research methodology paper has argued for the adoption of a qualitative approach, specifically an interpretivist research paradigm, for the study on leveraging modern technologies in food processing to improve performance. The choice of semi-structured interviews as the data collection method and NVivo software for thematic analysis aligns with the research aim and key elements of the study. The analysis of six relevant articles has further supported the suitability of these methodologies and methods within the field of supply chain technologies. By employing these research approaches, the study aims to provide valuable insights into the connection between technology utilization and food processing performance, contributing to the existing literature and informing practical implications for organizations operating in the food industry.

References

Kelliher, F. (2005). Interpretivism and the pursuit of research legitimisation: An integrated approach to single case design. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228381989_Interpretivism_and_the_pursuit_of_research_legitimisation_An_integrated_approach_to_single_case_design 

Simply Sociology. (2023, May 24). Interpretivism Paradigm & Research Philosophy. https://simplysociology.com/interpretivism-paradigm.html 

QSR International. (2018). NVivo (Version 12) [Computer software]. https://www.qsrinternational.com/nvivo-qualitative-data-analysis-software/home