Mixed methods: a research design for management doctoral dissertations

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine two management doctoral research projects to highlight the advantages in mixed methods as the primary research design.Design/methodology/approachThis paper summarises the methods of data collection and analysis which were used by two doctoral students in their management research. The researchers used mixed methods approaches (quantitative and qualitative) to explore different areas of management.FindingsThe paper supports the view that triangulation of research methods strengthens the findings and inferences made for understanding social phenomena in more depth, compared to using a single method.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper relies excessively on two doctoral research projects which utilise sequential mixed methods. Therefore, arguments made in the paper are specific because other doctoral projects that have used different methods from those employed in the two projects were not considered.Practical implicationsEarly researchers, in particular students commencing doctorate studies, should apply mixed methods research because it develops skills in the two most dominant data collection methods used in management research. This paper is a practical guide on how this could be done effectively.Originality/valueThe paper is drawn from two unique doctoral research projects. The paper's originality and value is in providing experiences and practical insights on how mixed methods research is undertaken.

Logistics outsourcing and performance of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises in Nairobi

“…This study therefore adopted a pragmatist's philosophical orientation, which allows for a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research approaches in a single study (Takkashori & Teddlie 2010), that is, a mixed methods research design (MMD). MMD refers to the use of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to address a research problem (Creswell & Clark 2007;Jogulu & Pansiri 2011). The use of this design helped to answer the 'why' and 'how' research questions that required qualitative data and the 'what' question which required quantitative data.…”

“…The results from the two approaches were interpreted together to provide a comprehensive response to the research questions as opposed to using either of the approaches (Saunders et al 2016). Convergent parallel design variant of MMD was used in this study, whereby quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analysed concurrently (Jogulu & Pansiri 2011). The qualitative approach was used to collect data that helped interpret the relationships tested between logistics outsourcing and firm performance.…”

“…The five interviews were sufficient as there was no additional information obtained after the fifth interview. The five interviews were sufficient, considering the claim by Creswell and Clark (2007) and Jogulu and Pansiri (2011) that four to five case studies are appropriate to meet the requirements of a mixed methods design. Three interviews were recorded using an audio recorder, whereas two were captured in interview notes.…”

Methodological Considerations in Studying Transformational Leadership and its Outcomes

“…Previous researchers have mainly focused on adopting either a qualitative or a quantitative methodology. Nowadays, management research requires new techniques for scrutinizing research problems and analysing data to explain and clarify social phenomena, because it is becoming increasingly complex and intricate [47].…”

Scandal and Tragedy? Or Acquisition Lessons Relearned by the F-35 Program

“…Jogulu and Pansiri (2011) supported triangulation over a single approach because it strengthens findings and inferences made for understanding program management discipline. Yin (1994) and Patton (2002) believed a deep-rooted and multilevel case study analysis could help formulate appropriate relationships between phenomena.…”