Research Methods

A research method is essentially a practical technique for retrieving data such as questionnaire, survey, case study, or interview (Bryman & Bell, 2010). The research methods are closely intertwined with specific methodologies. In essence, quantitative methods include; close-ended questionnaires, structured interviews, and case studies.

Qualitative methods include the following; open-ended questionnaires, unstructured interviews, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participant observations. The main differences between the quantitative and qualitative methods arise from their; analytical objectives and design flexibility (Mack et al., 2005).

Choice of data retrieval instruments and framing of questions are also indicative of their differences. Qualitative methods; seek to investigate phenomena, are semi-structured, are open-ended, have textual data, explain and describe relationships, have questions formulated after responsive, and usually repetitive in execution (Mack et al., 2005).

Quantitative methods; seek to verify phenomena, are highly-structured, are predictive in establishing causal relationships, often open-ended, exhibit numerical data, have predetermined questions, and mostly based on assumptions (Mack et al., 2005). The set objectives determined the most appropriate research method.

Research Approach

There are three main research approaches; inductive vis-à-vis deductive, interpretivist vis-à-vis positivist, and constructivist vis-à-vis objectivist (Greener, 2008). Deductive research seeks to prove/disprove hypotheses or phenomena. The inductive approach begins by examining the problem and generates theory through the use of the research methods (Greener, 2008).

Interpretivist approach is subjective relying on deductions of anticipated outcomes. The positivist approach focuses on generating empirical results by promoting experimentation with the target of proving/disproving preset hypotheses (Greener, 2008). It may combine both induction and deduction while interpretivism is mainly deductive.

Constructivism considers organizations as only existing as entities as long there is a management and employee base (Greener, 2008). Objectivist approach considers social entities such as societies and organization as having their individual existence. This separates the entity from the management and employees team.

Quantitative research methodology leans on quantitative methods with the potential research approaches being; deductive, objectivist, and positivist (Greener, 2008). Qualitative research methodology naturally leans towards qualitative methods with likely research approaches being; inductive, constructivist, and interpretivist (Greener, 2008).

Research Design

“Research design is the overall plan for relating the conceptual research problem to relevant and practicable empirical research” (Ghauri & Groanhaug, 2005, p.56). There are three main classifications of research design; causal, descriptive, and exploratory. Causal approach seeks to establish the cause and effect relationships of certain variables.

Descriptive design measurement is based on predetermined problem with information sought on this basis. Exploratory design attempts to gain understanding from a vaguely set problem through research. This study already had a pre-established problem and thus found the descriptive research design to be appropriately attuned.

A quantitative research methodology was preferred owing to the need to generate actual statistics on the impact of business expansion. The preferred research method was case study of two multinationals in a similar industry to allow for common size analysis. Case study is useful in situations where in-depth and holistic research is required (Feagin, Orum, & Sjoberg, 1991).

The method is planned with evidence collection being systematic which suits the purpose of the study. There is some limited triangulation with descriptive explanations about the growth and expansion of the two case firms in frontier and emerging markets respectively. This enables the research study to fulfill its objectives of explaining internationalization.