Time Horizons

Defining the research methodology to be used is fundamental for the researcher, since it guides and allows the most appropriate strategy planning to reach the objectives of the dissertation project.

The research methodology can be seen as a set of multiple layers (Figure 9), starting with the research philosophies, followed by approaches, strategies, choices, time horizons, and techniques and procedures.

Philosophies

According to the authors, practical considerations influence the philosophy to adopt, therefore the philosophy adopted impacts the choices of internal layers.

The most common types of philosophy are positivism, realism, interpretivism, and pragmatism. It is important to have a clear and succinct notion of these concepts:

• Positivism:

Choosing to combine data collection techniques and procedures using some form of multi-method design, this refers to combinations where more than one data collection technique is used with associated analysis techniques, but this is restricted within a quantitative or qualitative world view. Yet, there is another approach known by mixed methods. This is used when, in a research project, both techniques quantitative and qualitative data collection are used.

Time horizons

Time horizons to research design are independent of the research strategy used or the method chosen. Depending on the time of the study time horizons of the research can be longitudinal or cross-sectional.

Cross-sectional studies are like photographic moments. These are studies located in time. The same phenomenon is studied in different organizations at the same time. Longitudinal studies take place over time allowing the study of change and development, the same phenomenon is studied in different periods of time.

Techniques and procedures

The data collection methods used can be categorized in qualitative or quantitative