Informational Sheet, Coursework Example

Hello

I am going to present a discussion of each of the following topics

Independent and dependent variables, why variables have to be measured, interval measures, nominal measures, ordinal measures and ratio scales. I will also try to characterize research methodologies used in Nufrio et al., Netting et al., and Greenwood et al. I will also give a dependent and four independent variables that will be suitable for the study and how they will be measured. It will also include questionnaire, interview questions and the reason why case study approach is appropriate. The assignment aims to provide an understanding of how departmental heads are important and the satisfaction of employees.

Why am I doing this?

To distinguish the difference, and provide a peek into the meaning of each of the topics. An Independent variable is one that can be manipulated by the researcher in any project or experiment. It is the cause or antecedent of an event in an organization. The status causes changes in the status of the dependent variable. The researcher can control whether or not the participants in the study are exposed to the independent variable. This variable influences the dependent variable in either a negative or a positive way. The changes made to the independent variable are deliberate in order to establish link or relations. The dependent variable is the measured feedback. It is measured to determine whether there was an effect given that the independent variable was manipulated. An observation is made as to how the variable reacts to the alterations made to the independent variable. If, for example, we want to prove that increasing the employees’ salaries would increase productivity, then we will note down the changes in production with every increase of salary by 3%. If there is a notable increase, then productivity is dependent on the increment of salaries.

Why variables need to be measured

A variable is measured attribute or characteristic that make different participants or subjects differ. Variables are measured to determine their reliability and validity. Measurement provides a means of deciding of data will be interpreted from the given variable. When the researcher knows that the measure is nominal, then they are able to know that longer names are represented by the short codes given in numerical values. Measurement also helps to decide whether or not the analysis is suitable on the values that are assigned. It then helps the researcher to know the method to be employed on the data gathered.

Interval measure

This measure provides an organization with ideas on how easily they can fulfill their obligations. It is similar to quick ratio and current ratio. Here, the difference between two values has some significance. The difference between 100% and 90% of employee satisfaction and inclusion of departmental managers is the same difference as 80% and 70%.

Nominal measures

Here, the numerical values uniquely name the attributes. It is suitable for mutual exclusive classes or categories. An example is we might consider the comparison that exists between different styles of leadership. The styles can be coded with numbers, but the order is random and hence any calculations made would be meaningless.

Ordinal measures

Here, attributes are rank-ordered. Order matters but distances between the characteristics do not have any significance. For example, we might ask employees to express how they feel concerning changes that may be introduced in an organization on a scale of 1 to 10. The changes include the introduction of departmental heads. A score of eight may mean that the employee totally objects the issue more than a score of three.

Ratio scale

With this measurement, a zero is meaningful. It has all the attributes of an interval measure and significance is much accorded to zero.

How research methodologies used in each of the following are characterized

Greenwood et al:

The research methodology employed is qualitative. This is so because it requires the researcher to understand the value systems of baby boomers, generation Y and generation X. Value is the determinant factor of how individuals behave and their attitudes. This research is important in discovering the underlying motives of human behavior.

Netting et al:

The research methodology used is quantitative. Quantitative research methodology is an approach based on the amount or quantity. Netting uses this approach as it provides the numbers of houses and congregations that employ faith-based programs. Interviews are conducted with different participants in fifteen faith-based programs. The results are assigned numbers to show the findings.

Nufrio et al:

The methodology used here is qualitative. The purpose of the article is to show constructive action can be improved through the incorporation of components of action learning.

One dependent variable and four independent variables for the study and how to measure them

Dependent variable- employee satisfaction

Independent variables- inclusion of departmental managers, length of full time employment, work conditions and level of remuneration. The satisfaction of employees is enhanced through the introduction of departmental heads. This is because the manager will help them in their career development, ensure that their work conditions are favorable, and help improve the level of remuneration by listening to the employees. They also control the organization’s procedures and management.

The ratio scale has a true zero and the spaced intervals are equal. The satisfaction scores have equally spaced intervals but do not have a true zero. The research methodology appropriate for this assignment is the qualitative approach. This is because we want to obtain a general view of employee satisfaction. Random sampling is suitable for this assignment. Sampling covers individuals, places and times. The study focuses on the satisfaction of employees at different settings and the advantage of having departmental managers.

The kind of questions to pose on a questionnaire

The rating scales will be as follows: (1) strongly agree, (2) agree, (3) neither agree nor disagree, (4) disagree, (5) strongly disagree

• It is essential to have departmental managers
• Managers are competent in human relations
• Employee policies are administered in all departments in the same way
• Departmental managers help workers reach their career goals

Sample size

No matter the number of employees, the sample size will function according to the number of people who agree to participate. A member of the organization from each department will be included so that exercise can be minimized.

Interview questions

• Satisfaction with the inclusion of departmental managers
• The role the managers will have with relation to supervision and group work
• Satisfaction with products and work in the organization
• Satisfaction with the role played by managers in career development

Is a case study approach appropriate?

It is because it provides in-depth investigation that is needed by the researcher. Case study provides details from the participants’ viewpoints using multiple sources of data. Case studies investigate solutions to multifaceted problems, develop analytic skills appropriate for problem solving and allowing the application of new skills and knowledge.