Showing papers in "Quality & Quantity in 2012"

The focus groups in social research: advantages and disadvantages

Abstract: The focus group (FG) technique has been recently rediscovered by social scientists. It has become the subject of important methodological discussions and it is now considered a very innovative research method. However, such a widespread use of FG seems to have become a fashionable research technique. The impression is that FG is often adopted without any prior consideration of whether it really is the most suitable research technique for achieving the cognitive goals of the research. At the same time, it seems that the FG is often adopted only because it is considered an easy-to-organise and inexpensive technique. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the nature of the FG, analyse its advantages and disadvantages and identify the cognitive problems that it helps to face. In order to discuss these two points, I will focus on the two main characteristics that differentiate the FG from other techniques of information gathering in social research. Firstly, in FGs the informative source is a group. Secondly, the heuristic value of this technique lies in the kind of interaction that emerges during the debate. Several researchers have indicated these two aspects as the main characteristics of FG; but only few authors have translated these comments into serious epistemological and methodological knowledge, thus allowing the FG to give its best results.

The distinction between qualitative and quantitative research methods is problematic

Abstract: The distinction between qualitative and quantitative research is abstract, very general and its value is usually taken for granted. In contrast, this article attempts to show that the distinction between qualitative and quantitative research is unclear, poor and therefore of limited value and that its popularity risks leading to unfortunate consequences. Various arguments are presented for this conclusion. For example, it is argued that the heterogeneity of different stand-points on important issues among qualitative researchers (for example with respect to the use of quantification and causal analysis) makes the distinction as such unstable. Moreover, the presence of substantial overlap between many features of qualitative and quantitative research often makes it difficult to separate qualitative and quantitative research. It is also shown that three obvious ways of making the distinction between qualitative and quantitative research are unsatisfactory. Use of the distinction may restrict creativity in the development of new research methods and create confusion and unnecessary work. In general, it may be preferable not to conceptualize research approaches at such abstract levels as done in the context of qualitative or quantitative approaches. Instead, it is suggested that it is more fruitful to discuss the pros and cons of specific research methods, preferably in the context of specific research problems.

Electricity consumption and economic growth empirical evidence from Pakistan

Abstract: The present article uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing procedure to identify the long run equilibrium relationship between electricity con- sumptionandeconomicgrowthTodaYamamotoandWald-testcausalitytestshaveidentified the direction of the causal relationship between these two variables in the case of Pakistan in the period between 1971 and 2008 Ng-Perron and Clement-Montanes-Reyes unit root tests are used to handle the problem of integrating orders for variables The results suggest that the two variables are in a long run equilibrium relationship and economic growth leads to electricity consumption and not vice versa

An application of co-word analysis and bibliometric maps for detecting the most highlighting themes in the consumer behaviour research from a longitudinal perspective

Abstract: This article presents an application of a bibliometric and visual study of the research carried out on a social science subfield, concretely the consumer behaviour research (CBR), from a longitudinal perspective (period 1966–2008). The study combines performance analysis and science mapping for detecting and visualizing conceptual subdomains. Quantitative and qualitative measures are used in order to identify the most prominent themes. Quantitative data are used to put together very related concepts (themes or clusters of topics), while qualitative indicators (as those based on citations) are used to measure the quality and/or impact of the detected themes. The study also uses bibliometric maps to show in a visual way the associations between the main concepts treated by the CBR community. The maps provide insight into the structure of the CBR, visualize the division of the field into several subfields, and indicate the relationships between these subfields. Co-word analysis is the bibliometric technique used to identify the main themes. All this allows us to quantify and visualize the thematic evolution of the CBR. It also helps to both experts and novices to understand the current state of the art of the CBR and to predict where future research could lead.

Alternative quality standards in qualitative research

Abstract: Qualitative researchers often use other principles for judging the quality of their study than quantitative researchers. This inhibits a straightforward assessment of the quality and comparability of different types of studies, as well as decision-making about their usefulness for further research and practice. In this article, we question the use of alternative criteria, and argue for one coherent and inclusive framework of quality criteria for both qualitative and quantitative studies. We developed such a framework, based on a comparison and operationalization of different criteria, and the elaboration of procedures to realize them. Its usability is demonstrated by the application in a qualitative case study research and a mixed-methods study. This framework enhances advancing and judging the basic quality of any type of scientific research, promoting the assessment of the quality and hence usability of studies for further research or decision-making about practice.

Asking sensitive questions: the impact of forgiving wording and question context on social desirability bias

Abstract: Sensitive questions are prone to systematic measurement error due to the respondents’ social desirability concerns. Literature on empirical social research often recommends either positive “loading” of sensitive questions, e.g. using “forgiving” wording, or manipulating the question context to reduce social desirability bias. We derive theoretical explanations of how manipulations of question wording and context could elicit more socially undesirable answers in sensitive surveys. In an experimental online survey (N = 1,176), we evaluate the effects of (1) forgiving wording and (2) question context on social desirability bias in different sensitive questions. The empirical evidence on the assumed bias-reducing effects shows inconsistent results. It is indicated however, that the perceived social norm has the strongest and most consistent effect on the respondents’ propensity to self-report socially undesirable behavior.

The factors impact of knowledge sharing intentions: the theory of reasoned action perspective

Abstract: In the organization, the transformation of knowledge is an important issue, and personal motivation for knowledge sharing worth to be investigating. Among them, there are many factors affect that the personal process of knowledge sharing intentions. The individual knowledge sharing intention while often by affects of the environmental factors and individual’s beliefs awareness. Many studies have explored the factors that affect individual action intentions, but few of individual ethical considerations inherent with the views of relevant organizations to analyze the environmental knowledge to the intention. This study reviews of the theory of reasoned action, from perspectives of the social psychological and knowledge sharing while integrative the personal anticipated reciprocal relationship, perceived of ethics and organization culture to seek for the personal impact of the antecedents of knowledge sharing intentions. Moreover, based on existing literature, the author’s observation and inference for develop a conceptual framework to identify the antecedents can be represented.

Long term effect of trade openness on economic growth in case of Pakistan

Abstract: The present empirical work aims to investigate the long term effect of trade openness on economic growth in the case of Pakistan from 1971 to 2009. A composite trade openness index is developed by using principal component analysis (PCA) and is employed in the JJ cointegration, autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration, dynamic OLS and variance decomposition. The results suggest the existence of a negative and significant association between trade openness and economic growth. But new evidence provided by this study is that there is a strong complementary between human capital and trade openness index in terms of enhancing the real GDP.

Comparing levels of anti-Muslim attitudes across Western countries

Abstract: In this study we describe differences of the ethnic majorities' attitudes toward Muslims across Western countries. Using data from the Pew Global Attitudes Survey (2005), we were able to increase and test cross-cultural comparability of anti-Muslim attitudes. We constructed a single factor CFA model with three indicators, which was tested for scalar equivalence. Our results indicate that anti-Muslim attitudes differ significantly across the countries in our analysis. Germany and the Netherlands turned out to display relatively high levels of anti-Muslim attitudes, whereas these levels were relatively low in Great-Britain and the USA. We conclude our study with giving some post-hoc explanations for the differences found across countries.

Understanding undergraduate students’ experience: a content analysis using NSSE open-ended comments as an example

Abstract: This study demonstrates how a qualitative content analysis method may be used to help understand undergraduate students’ experience. We examine and rationalize the methodological concerns regarding content analysis of open-ended comments in the qualitative study. We describe a data analysis technique, using qualitative responses from National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) as an example, and highlight the findings in a thematic way to convey how undergraduate students perceive issues that challenge them to develop skills, awareness, and confidence, as well as the potential factors that influence student engagement and future success. Finally, we provide potentials of how these findings can be utilized to improve student experience, limitations of this study as well as suggestions for future research.

The components of landline telephone survey coverage bias. The relative importance of no-phone and mobile-only populations

Abstract: The continuously growing mobile-only population raises concerns regarding the representativeness of traditional landline telephone surveys At this time, the mobile-only population differs significantly from general population, which leads to coverage bias when using fixed-line samples only for telephone surveys However, in many European countries the mobile-only population is not the only source of coverage bias in telephone surveys In addition, we have to consider coverage biases caused by considerable proportions of citizens without any telephone service Since these two groups differ from the general population with respect to differential socio-demographic categories, in our view, the negative effects of mobile-only coverage error in traditional landline telephone surveys might in fact compensate—in part—for coverage bias caused by the no-phone population To test this hypothesis of compensating coverage biases we calculated relative coverage biases caused by the mobile-only population and relative coverage biases caused by the no-phone population in 30 European countries for two socio-demographic variables in two points in time Results are presented for four groups of countries that differ with respect to no-phone and mobile-only rates Results suggest that—in general—mobile-only biases and no-phone biases do not compensate to a great extent, and thus the alarming mobile-only biases cannot be neglected when using telephone surveys in the estimation of population parameters Nevertheless, there are several countries where the bias caused by the mobile-only population is far bigger than the joint bias caused by the mobile-only population and the no-phone population This finding suggests that biases caused by the recent mobile-only population would be even more severe if the no-phone population did not exist

Mind mapping research methods

Abstract: The mind maps represent the authors’ concept of research methods at this time. The major aspects, rather than a complete picture, of research methods are illustrated in seven distinct areas: research problem, research design, sampling techniques, ethical matters, data collection, data analysis, and report findings. Brief descriptions explain the mind maps and why items were placed in certain areas where as traditionally they may have been placed else where. The mind maps show that although decisions made in one area of research methods may affect decisions made in another, there is no pre-determined connection between each area and the research design chosen. The mind maps can be used to as a guide to teach, supervise, and chart a way though the concepts of research methods and may help to produce more robust research.

Relationships among project manager’s leadership style, team interaction and project performance in the Taiwanese server industry

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships of the project manager’s leadership style with team interaction, and their impact on project performance. The second objective was to determine whether the effect of leadership style on project performance may be mediated by team interaction. To address the primary aims, a questionnaire-based survey was used to measure the project manager’s leadership style, team communication and collaboration, and overall performance of research and development (R&D) projects in the Taiwanese server industry. The analyses suggest that transformational leadership may be positively related to team communication and collaboration. Additionally, levels of team communication and collaboration are positively associated with projects’ levels of performance. The results also indicate that team communication and collaboration may serve as mediators between transformational leadership and project performance.

The concept study of Servqual method’s gap

Abstract: The methodology of conduct, presented in this publication, allows conducting the study of clients’ satisfaction of services in a complex manner and at the same time, it allows getting to know all problems appearing in the process of their provision. Gap no 5 expresses a general client’s perception of services and allow defining his satisfaction. Gap 4 allows defining in what range the organization provides clients with false and distorted information in its promotion and advertising materials, which in consequence influence on their satisfaction. The result from gap no 4 can be used when planning promotion campaign. Gap no 2 and 3 allow defining if the organization is realizing the planned strategy of quality. It allows defining which employees provide services of a low quality and then by means of the application the appropriate motivation tools it allow to cut it out. Finally, gap no 1 which allow defining problems connected with marketing communication. It allows finding client’s needs which organization does not know and which should be included in its strategy.

Analysis of behaviour in sports through polar coordinate analysis with MATLAB

Abstract: The use of the polar coordinates technique (Sackett, Exceptional Infant Psychosocial Risks in Infant-Environment Transactions, 1980; Anguera, Establecimiento de pautas para la viabilidad de la categorizacion y reduccion de datos en los marcos de conducta mediante la tecnica de coordenadas polares, 1985) helps estimating the kind of the relation existing between a focal category and the remaining categories that make up the taxonomic system. Nowadays, there is no software application in the market capable of conducting the polar coordinates analysis and, consequently, it tends to be carried out in a rather unsystematic way. Given the need to systematise, facilitate and speed up the procedure, a software application called CoordenadasPolares.m was developed, this being an script file for execution in MATLAB® (The MathWorks, Inc., http://www.mathworks.com/ ), which performs a polar coordinates analysis of the input data for a given category and represents the relations of activation and inhibition between the behaviours on a vector map.

Ways to promote valuable innovation: intellectual capital assessment for higher education system

Abstract: The importance of intellectual capital (IC) has been emphasized during recent year. Such a trend puts higher education systems under great pressure for two main reasons: first, IC has been shown to be a key driver of innovation; second, the higher education system assumes the unique function of fostering innovation. Knowing how best to improve IC is considered the most significant factor of success in enhancing innovation. However, the higher education system of today has difficulty in measuring IC precisely to improve its innovation performance. This study is to conquer such a problem by establishing critical criteria for IC assessment. Based on the findings, the higher education system is encouraged to successfully evaluate its IC performance and then find ways to improve this performance to achieve better innovation.

Content analysis research method with Nvivo-6 software in a PhD thesis: an approach to the long-term psychological effects on Chilean ex-prisoners survivors of experiences of torture and imprisonment

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to review the usefulness of the software CAQDAS QSR—Nvivo-6 in a PhD. Thesis, which consisted of finding the long-term psychological effects of experiences of imprisonment and torture for political reasons in their Chilean survivors. For this research, it was created and administered an in-depth interview to 60 survivors, from which outcome was 9900 paragraphs, coded into 784 categories. The software QSR Nvivo-6 threw a report of frequencies, which were compared quantitatively using Pearson’s χ 2 square test and cluster analysis. We conclude that the software facilitates the development of qualitative thematic content analysis, simplifying the coding, analysis and display of data. In Addition, it is very useful when working with large quantities of information, promoting the reliability and validity of studies. However, other aspects are also required to ensure the rigor of a qualitative study.

The establishment of a quality management system for the higher education industry

Abstract: This study is based on the SERVQUAL model and the Plan-Do-Check-Action (P-D-C-A) cycle of TQM to establish a higher education quality management system. In this system, it includes ‘Plan’ and ‘Do’ dimensions to execute ten factors, each dimension complements with each other. The ‘Check’ dimension has four factors and the ‘Action’ dimension has three factors. Each execution factors of the quality management system could reduce the occurrence of five gaps in the SERVQUAL model and facilitate education providers to provide a better service quality. Education providers strengthen an education system by carefully planning and implementation of quality auditing and continuous improvement. The desired result of this study is to possess a more explicit framework for high education industry and provide a proper service for students.

Using mixed methods for the analysis of individuals: a review of necessary and sufficient conditions and an application to welfare state attitudes

Abstract: When studying individuals, when is the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods better than just one method alone? Whereas the debate in macro-level research, such as in political science about comparing nations, has made progress in identifying meaningful logics for a combination of methods, it is yet unclear how these logics can be applied to the study of individuals. Individual-level dynamics are in tendency less inert than those of nations or organisations. Therefore, a combination of methods is more difficult to justify in individual-level analysis since differences in measurement results could be due to changes in the dynamics rather than due to the application of different techniques. In contrast, the assumption of unit homogeneity seems to be more easily met for individuals than for countries or other higher-level aggregates, facilitating a comparison of like and like. First, this article presents a compilation of conditions scattered across the literature for the analysis of individuals, according to which a mixed-method is preferable to a single-method approach. Second, the application of these conditions is illustrated with an analysis of the impact of intergenerational relationships on welfare state attitudes in Germany on the basis of survey and focus group data.

An evaluation of the validity of the Crowne–Marlowe need for approval scale

Abstract: Over the past four decades, research has consistently documented negative correlations between the Crowne–Marlowe (CM) social desirability trait scale and numerous measures of sensitive behaviors, conditions, and opinions. These findings have been interpreted as evidence that persons with self-presentation concerns tend to under-report negative information. In contrast to this classic social desirability interpretation, a second perspective, labeled the true-behavior hypothesis, maintains that these correlations in fact reflect accurate reporting of both sets of variables, suggesting that the CM scale is not a sensitive indicator of the social desirability trait. We test these alternative interpretations by examining data from a community survey that collected both self-reports of cocaine use and the biological specimens necessary to validate the self-reports. In bivariate analyses, the CM scale was found to be associated with the concordance of cocaine use reporting and biological assays in a manner consistent with the classic social desirability hypothesis. The CM scale was not found to be associated with actual cocaine use, as measured by drug test assays, a finding inconsistent with the true-behavior hypothesis. After adjusting for other known correlates of substance use in logistic regression models, the CM scale was not associated with cocaine use under-reporting, nor with actual cocaine use behavior. Until further evidence is available, we conclude that the CM may be a questionable indicator of socially desirable reporting behavior in social surveys.

International quality awards and excellence quality models around the world. A multidimensional analysis

Abstract: There are many theories about what is Total Quality Management and the scope to implement it. Researchers from several countries agree that the International Quality Awards and Excellence Quality Models are the viable form to achieve, under these criteria, an excellence in quality topics. However, if we analyze carefully the criteria of these awards around the world, we can find likely the most heterogeneous element as a guide and evaluation, depending on the geographical places. But the truth is that quality is a universal concept and the achievement of Total Quality Management needs the criteria and unified elements around the world. The aim of this paper is to find a logical structure to evaluate and apply the Total Quality Management in any company around the world despite cultural and geographical situations. As a result of the research, thirty nine International Quality Awards and Excellence Quality Models were examined through the cluster analysis, carrying out seven dimensions that involve all necessary criteria to achieve and evaluate the Total Quality Management.

Problem identification method in certified quality management systems

Abstract: The paper presents some assumptions of the problem identification method in certified quality management systems in which the results obtained by the third party audits find their application. The procedure of collecting and processing the information was defined. The method was tested in practice upon 270 and 892 organizations—the clients of two international certification bodies which have the largest contribution in the process of quality management systems certification in Poland. The results obtained during the testing procedure were presented with special attention paid to the possibilities of investigating both general and specific problems of the selected groups of organizations. An exemplary table of results and the analysis of their application for problem assessment in the systems were presented. Wide range of applications of the method was discussed. The method being considered as universal could find numerous applications in a variety of cases in Poland. Problem identification procedure could feature both quality and quantity approach. The method presented provides information which have been analyzed for its accuracy and objectivity. The method was then compared with other problem identification methods used at present.

Measuring the quality of work: the case of the Italian social cooperatives

Abstract: Quality of work has within a short time become a major subject of study and discussion in labour economy. Its quantification is a challenging task because it implies the translation of various subjective perceptions into a single objective measure (composite indicator). In this paper, the method used to construct measures is the Rating Scale Model and the available data come from the Survey on Italian Social Cooperatives carried out in 2007. The validity of the obtained Rasch measures is tested with respect to some overall variables of the quality of work. Moreover, using inferential confidence intervals, these measures are utilized to evaluate the differences in the perception of the quality of work due to worker (gender, age and education) and cooperative (type, dimension and geographic area) characteristics, work characteristics (service area, membership, time and type of contract) and work incentives (economic, professional and learning).

Selection model based on ANP and GRA for independent media agencies

Abstract: This study develops a model for selecting an optimal independent media agency for an advertiser. The proposed model comprises two parts. The first part uses the modified Delphi technique to identify suitable criteria for evaluating media agencies, after which the analytic network process (ANP) is applied to determine the relative weights of the criteria. The second part adopts the grey relational analysis (GRA) to rank alternatives and to select the optimum media agency. Additionally, the example of a famous Taiwanese beverage company is used to demonstrate the process of media agency selection using this model. The proposed model method provides advertisers with an objective and effective of selecting an optimum media agency.

Researching students' strategies, episodes, and metacognitions in mathematical problem solving

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the problem solving strategies, problem solving episodes, and metacognitions of five Turkish high school freshmen and explore the interplay of these on their problem solving success in mathematics. Participants worked on ten problems selected among the released mathematical literacy items used in Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2003. The research data had been collected through clinical interviews and a self-monitoring questionnaire filled by the participants. The data were coded and analysed according to a framework adopted from various researchers in the field. Our results have confirmed that the problem solving success is too complex to be clarified by a unique property or behaviour of the solver. It requires overcoming various obstacles to reach a successful result. Therefore, not only the students should have the required mathematical knowledge and a good repertoire of different problem solving strategies, but also they should know when and how to use those strategies, along with monitoring and regulating their problem-solving processes using their metacognitive skills.

Critical creativity criteria for students in higher education: taking the interrelationship effect among dimensions into account

Abstract: It is known that the overall competitive advantages enjoyed by the Taiwanese higher education system have been decreasing in recent years relative to the educational systems of other countries. In light of aiming to become a kingdom of innovation, how to regain its competitive advantages over the very short term has become a critical issue requiring immediate attention. Based on previous research indicating that improving innovation is among the primary ways of enhancing an education system’s competitive advantages, that creativity is the foundation of innovation, that organizations that truly understand human creativity and are committed to nurturing it and living with the consequences of doing so are those that are most likely to succeed, and that students are a major group to be regarded as the backbone of a nation’s future development, the aim of this study is to explore critical criteria for creativity, which could significantly improve the creativity of college students. Although related studies can be found today, these studies seem to ignore the different effects of different dimensions of creativity evaluation, leading to results that are irrational and not completely suitable for real practice. In this regard, a perception of interrelationships among these dimensions is thus taken into account while calculating weights of evaluation creativity dimensions and criteria. In accordance with the result, the top six explored critical creativity criteria are shown to help enhance today’s college students’ creativity.

Why don’t they answer? Unit non-response in the IAB establishment panel

Abstract: The paper proposed focuses on the unit-nonresponse in the IAB (Institute for Employment Research) Establishment Panel, a comprehensive data set describing the employer side of the labour market in Germany. Every year since 1993 (1996) the IAB Establishment Panel has surveyed the same establishments from all branches and different size categories in western (eastern) Germany. Although great efforts are taken to convince the owner/manager to take part in the survey there are always firms that do not answer the questionnaire. In this paper the authors try to find out why some establishments are not willing or able to respond to the questionnaire. If the respondent has the authority to provide relevant information, is able to give reliable answers to the questions with a justifiable amount of effort and is interested in the survey in business terms, participation is less frequently refused. The results also confirm the central significance of the interaction between the respondent and the interviewer. If one of the two individuals changes, the probability of further participation falls clearly.

Zero-inflated count regression models with applications to some examples

Abstract: In this paper, we employed SAS PROC NLMIXED (Nonlinear mixed model procedure) to analyze three example data having inflated zeros. Examples used are data having covariates and no covariates. The covariates utilized in this article have binary outcomes to simplify our analysis. Of course the analysis can readily be extended to situations with several covariates having multiple levels. Models fitted include the Poisson (P), the negative binomial (NB), the generalized Poisson (GP), and their zero-inflated variants, namely the ZIP, the ZINB and the ZIGP models respectively. Parameter estimates as well as the appropriate goodness-of-fit statistic (the deviance D) in this case are computed and in some cases, the Pearson’s X2 statistic, that is based on the variance of the relevant model distribution is also computed. Also obtained are the expected frequencies for the models and GOF tests are conducted based on the rule established by Lawal (Appl Stat 29:292–298, 1980). Our results extend previous results on the analysis of the chosen data in this example. Further, results obtained are very consistent with previous analyses on the data sets chosen for this article. We also present an hierarchical figure relating all the models employed in this paper. While we do not pretend that the results obtained are entirely new, however, the analyses give opportunities to researchers in the field the much needed means of implementing these models in SAS without having to resort to S-PLUS, R or Stata.

The study of the effects of identity-related judgment, affective identification and continuance commitment on WOM behavior

Abstract: In the past, many researches had focused on discussions related to the importance of word-of-mouth (WOM) that affects consumer behavior. In this research, the antecedents of WOM behavior will be discussed from WOM senders’ perspectives. It covers consumers’ identity-related judgment, affective identification, and continuance commitment. Furthermore, discussions will also be made regarding whether consumer affective identification and continuance commitment will affect the relationship between consumers’ identity-related judgment and WOM behavior. The study findings show that the distinctiveness and conformity of consumers have significant effects on consumer affective identification. In terms of mediating effects, consumer affective identification plays a mediating role in consumers’ identity-related judgment, continuance commitment and WOM behavior.

Ranking by competence using a fuzzy approach

Abstract: New approaches in economics of education consider the concept of competence to bringing in the multidimensional feature of labour force quality. Competence includes knowledge, skills, behaviours and attitudes. Each individual suits the combination of these elements to perform a task. Thus, different combinations expectedly lead to different task performance inside an occupation. In this paper, we focus on individual heterogeneity in homogeneous job requirements context. In sequel, we establish a theorem on unit simplex that potentially provides a ranking system by competence. The system is designed under a grade of membership framework, with a technique based on fuzzy sets theory. Under certain conditions, the referred theorem allows a mapping of individual multidimensional feature into the interval [0, 1]. So, the greater the value along this interval, the more competent the individual. An empirical study of a banking sector activity illustrates our research.