3. RESEARCH PLAN

3.1 Research Methods

Awaiting the approval of the research proposal on blind spots and the use of heavy equipment, this section provides a detailed analysis of the research methods to be applied in data collection. This section offers a clear description of the research strategies to be used in the study. The researcher explains the necessity of both primary and secondary data and how each will be collected. Adequate information is provided with respect to the proposal aims and research question. The rationale for the research plan, design, approaches, data sources, data gathering techniques, analysis, and presentation are provided.

The study will mainly focus on the use of a mixed research methodology that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The methods were selected based on their ability to generate maximum information within a short time span. Since the study will face a limitation of time the approaches are therefore suitable. In this context, the descriptive research design will be applied. A research design refers to a plan that outlines the needed approaches and processes for carrying out the research which is deliberately developed[1]. The descriptive survey design is a study plan that offers intense analysis and reliability in relation to a given subject as it describes the findings of the researchers. The main objective of this design is to offer a description of the features of a specific problem. Observation, survey interviews and questionnaires filling are some of the methods that are applied in data collection with reference to the descriptive investigation design. The research method will be useful in generalizing accurate findings in large amounts. In that even with the presence of primary data much relies on is derived from secondary literature which assists in the development of a more stable case foundation.

3.1.1 Secondary Research

In order to bring out reliable, credible and accurate findings, the study will rely on secondary and primary data as a whole.

Secondary research refers to a collection of data from the existing literature. Besides, this is the analysis of information that had already been conducted to fulfill a related objective (Thyer, 2010). The aspect is likely to be modernized or traditional and data might either be classified as quantitative or qualitative and it requires some amendment when be used to fit within the aim of the study. Secondary research will seek to acquire survey and documented data. In that online surveys will be carried out to a selected sample to bring about some necessary information which is comparable with the existing data. On the other hand, documented data will be acquired from various sources such as books, peer-reviewed articles, and online journals. The sources are mainly published for academic purposes which makes them more suitable for utilization. The use of secondary research is essential because it is time and cost effective since data has already been collected[2]. In other words, it implies that few errors in coming up with conclusions are avoided unlike for the primary research where the data is not comparable. The published sources are also important since they are a source of maximum information about an issue.

3.1.2 Primary Research

Primary research entails collecting new information regarding a subject. The data is one that has not been used in the past[3]. For the purpose of this study, primary research will be carried out following interviews, survey, and questionnaires as the collection tools. In that interviews will be subjected to the study sample and their responses will serve as primary data. Primary data will be given the utmost priority in this study to ensure that the findings are new and reliable.

Interviews: questions will be designed to fit within the study objective. The objective of the interviews will be to gain the view of the respondents regarding the issue of blind spots on the roads. The respondents for the study will be selected based on experience, knowledge, and expertise. In that, since the study will be focusing on heavy equipment then it is, therefore, necessary to target the population with the related knowledge to the subject. Data that will be collected through interviews will include but not restricted to how blind spots affect the safety of heavy equipment users, measures necessary to address the issue and causes of the problem. The study intends on using semi-structured interviews to ensure that the researcher does not divert from the main subject of investigation but also to create opportunities to interact which is likely to lead to admirable results. In turn, this will guarantee the acquisition of maximum data as a whole.

Survey and Questionnaires: the objective of these surveys is mainly to gather and analyze the existing data from the view of the respondents. The surveys will mainly be directed to the road users and experts as they have the needed information to solve the issue. Through, the survey, their views, and attitude will be captured effectively. The surveys will incorporate both closed-ended and open-ended queries based on their ability to generate more information within a short time. In addition, this will guide the participants in answering all the questions as required for the fulfillment of the set objectives. Thus, the questionnaires will be used as the basis of the survey since the same questions will be relied on gaining respective views from the respondents collaboratively leading to the success of the process. The instruments will generate adequate primary data that is needed for the study.

3.2 Budget Considerations

The project is not a long based one given that it seeks to investigate on a single subject. Even though the issue is broad, the focus will be on heavy equipment. In this context, it means that the study will not necessitate any form of funding as the researchers will utilize their own money in paying for the necessary bills that will be minor. The questionnaires, interviews, and surveys are cost friendly since when carried out online, no form of funds will be needed. The main necessity of the study is time. In that in collecting both primary and secondary data, much time is needed which might be a constraint. The table below provides a prediction of the needed time for each stage of the project. The indicated time is actually an estimation based on the value of each aspect which will allow proper planning.

Table 1: Research Project Timeline

Task	Time allocation in Hours
Proposal development	5
Development of research objectives	2
Research Design	1
Interviewers training	1
Interview Questions development	1
Questionnaires distribution	1
Interviews	3
Online research	4
Data collective and analysis	5
Research draft development	4
Presentation development and preparation	4
Final Draft compilation	5
Total	36

 

3.3 Project schedule

The figure below displays the time schedule that will be used in the development of the research project.

Time Schedule

Proposal Due

Questions Development

Interviews

Surveys

Feasibility study

Rough Draft Development

Presentation preparations

Finalization

Presentation

 

 

 

References

 

Fox, William, and M. S. Bayat. 2007. A guide to managing research. Cape Town. Juta.

 

Thyer, Bruce A. 2010. The handbook of social work research methods. Los Angeles: SAGE.

 

Yin, Robert K. 2013. Case study research: design and methods.https://nls.ldls.org.uk/welcome.html?ark:/81055/vdc_100025422049.0x000001.

 

[1] Yin, Robert K. 2013. Case study research: design and methods.

[2] Fox, William, and M. S. Bayat. 2007. A guide to managing research. Cape Town. Juta.

[3] Thyer, Bruce A. 2010. The handbook of social work research methods. Los Angeles: SAGE.