In this section the research methodology used in the study is detailed. The location/ physical area where in fact the research was conducted, the analysis design and the population and sample are referred to. The instruments used to accumulate the data, including methods carried out to keep up validity and trustworthiness of the tool are referred to.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND APPROACH
Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted. Relating to Burns and Grove (1993), quantitative research is asystematic, formal, and objective process used to check and describe interactions. Quantitative approach is employed to determineeffect and cause interactions among different factors. Qualitative research design on the other side is a subjective and organized methodology useful in describing life activities and providing them with meaning. Qualitative procedure is vital in in-depth exploration that really helps to gain perception, complexity and richness in the inherent phenomenon.
Due to the positivist nature of the research, this study used a deductive strategy (Saunders et al, 2007). This process represents the most typical view of the relationship between theory and research, and results received from this methodology are developed through logical reasoning (Bryman and Bell, 2007). The info findings were likened against existing literature to ascertain if indeed they concur using what was already published in neuro-scientific online recruitment.
Surveys were also used for exploratory, descriptive and explanatory research. A descriptive review design was used. Matching to Mouton (1996), a survey can be used to collect original data for talking about a populationthat is too large to observe directly. A survey really helps to obtain information from a population sample bymeans of self-report. Survey design allows the respondents and the test population to react to a series of set up and well-designed questions posed by the researcher (Polit&Hungler 1993). Within this study the information was accumulated through interviews, and set up questionnairesadministered to the topics by the researcher.
A descriptive study was selected because it provides an exact representation or explanation of the various elements and characteristics;these would include such cases asbehaviour, talents, opinions, knowledge, and beliefs of a particular situation, individual, or group. This design was chosen to meet up with the objectives of the study.
ACCESS AND RESEARCH SETTING
The ability to assemble primary data during this study was dependent on gaining access to an appropriate source within the business. The particular level to which this source is appropriate relies on the research question, related targets and research designs (Saunders et al, 2007). Therefore, the researcher, as a pal of a worker within the business, is at a favourable position to get gain access to within the organization.
The researcher contacted his friend who as per the research duration was working within graduate recruitment at Lloyds TSB. The researcher alongside the friend talked about the potential customers of the dissertation. The good friend spoke to many of her co-workers with respect to the researcher and they consented and allowed the researcher to perform phone interviews with four (4) people of the graduate recruitment team, some of which have been there for typically 5 - a decade (reasons expatiated further in this chapter). Due to the non-intrusive character of the study, there have been no objections or restrictions elevated by the individuals with regards to the questions asked or the goal of the study.
DATA COLLECTION
Sampling Method
Based on the research objectives and the problems to be investigated, it could have been best suited if all recruitment staffs within the business were interviewed. However, due to the time constraints and source restrictions inherent in this research, a non-probability sample of the population was determined. Saunders et al (2007) asserts a non-probability test is frequently used when implementing a case study strategy. Regarding to Oppenheim(2000), a non-probability test refers to an example in which the possibility of each case being preferred from the total population is as yet not known.
The examples of graduates which were chosen to partake in the quantitative review are too small to constitute a probability test of graduates within London or United Kingdom (UK). Also, the amount of employees within Lloyds who took part in the qualitative research had not been high enough to constitute a substantial portion of the recruitment division within Lloyds TSB. Therefore the study concentrated more on the quantitative facts of the notion of recruitment within the business, instead of theories expressed in the literature review, and what graduates on the outside thought of online recruitment.
Primary Data Collection
In collecting data that may be analysed using quantitative means, Easterby-Smith et al (2008) claims that researchers could gather either key or supplementary data. He further boasts that though each of these means have their merits and demerits, the assortment of one's own data provides control over the framework of the sample and the info from each respondent. In addition, it gives greater confidence that the data gathered would match the study objectives.
The researcher therefore thought we would collect main data from 20 graduates using questionnaires distributed-in-person to each respondent. This was done amidst friends and co-workers within the school who have employed online recruitment systems. Data from the semi-structured interviews were accumulated using a tape recorder, and the interactions with all employees would be transcribed word for word, and appearance for expression. The advantages inherent in this approach is the fact that it allows the researcher to file and see habits in words and feelings that could not be accessible if other forms of interviews were conducted.
Data Collection Instrument
Questionnaires and Interviews were chosen as data collection equipment. A questionnaire is a printed self-report form designed to elicit information that can be obtained through the written replies of the themes. Theinformation obtained through a questionnaire is similar to that obtained by an interview, however the questionstend to have less depth (Burns & Grove, 1993).
Data would be gathered with the aid of questionnaires to judge the sample population's knowledgeand views on research goals. Questionnaires were chosen upon because of the following:
They ensured a high response rate as the questionnaires were distributed to respondents to completeand were gathered privately by the researcher.
They required less time and energy to administer.
They offered the likelihood of anonymity because themes' names were not be needed on the completedquestionnaires
There was less chance for bias as these were offered in a steady manner.
Most of the things in the questionnaires were shut, which managed to get easier to compare the replies toeach item
Apart from advantages that contain been listed above, questionnaires have their weaknesses; forexample, there is the question of validity and correctness (Burns & Grove, 1993). The subject matter might notreflect their true viewpoints but might answer what they think will please the researcher, and valuableinformation may be lost as email address details are usually brief.
To counter the weaknesses of the questionnaires in data collection, interviews were used to enhance validity and precision. The researcher interviewed the picked staff based on the responsibilities and obligations of the staff in the business. The questionnaires consisted typically of closed-ended questionsand a few open-ended questions, as these provide more diverse aspect.
In the open-ended questions, thesubjects were required to respond in writing, whereas closed-ended questions acquired options which weredetermined by the researcher (Burns & Grove, 1993). Open-ended questions were included becausethey allow subject matter to react to questions in their own words and provide greater detail. Closed-endedquestions were included because they are much easier to administer and also to analyze. They are also more efficientin the sense a respondent is able to complete more closed-ended items than open-ended items in agiven time period (Polit&Hungler, 1993).
The respondentswere given the guarantee that the answers could not have the ability to web page link theirresponses to them at the level of data analysis, therefore guaranteeing anonymity.
RESEARCH STRATEGY
This study implemented a case study strategy in answering the study question. Robson (2002) asserts that the research study strategy would be useful if the aim of the study is to gain a rich understanding of the research point of view and the process being endorsed. Therefore as this study aims to understand the recruitment process within Lloyds TSB and also any benefits associated with online recruitment, a research study would be most reliable.
Two split yet parallel solutions were utilized in this research, and are layed out in the table 1 below.
Table 1: Research Strategy
STRATEGY
AIM
SAMPLE
TYPE OF QUESTIONS
METHOD OF ANALYSIS
Quantitative questionnaire
Quantify graduates' belief of what constitutes an efficient recruitment platform
10 graduates who've applied to a number of organizations through their online system.
Closed rating scale questions, and nominal data.
Descriptive analysis (bar graph, pie chart and line charts).
Qualitative semi-structured interviews
This was done to be able to ascertain the benefits associated with online recruitment.
4 members of the recruitment staff within Lloyds TSB, who have been in the organization for more than 5 years
Structured questionnaires. Open questions
Content analysis
Quantitative Questionnaire
Quantitative methods are mainly utilized in the data collection procedure for research. It requires data that is either in the form of, or expressed as figures (Easterby-Smith et al, 2008). The quantitative questionnaires were handed out to 10 graduates and undergraduates. The questionnaire was mainly made with rating range questions, where respondents were asked to state their thoughts and opinions or preference for a particular question on the scale of just one 1 - 5. Secondary nominal data was also included in order to see the respondent's position, application activity and desire. The quantitative questionnaire sent out to respondents is discussed in appendix. Quantitative questionnaires are useful as the results produced are quantifiable and measurable against other variables within an objective manner (Saunders et al, 2007).
Qualitative Semi Structured Interviews
Following the gain access to give to four customers of the recruitment team within the business, 15 - 20 minute qualitative phone interviews were completed. A semi-structured interview is a qualitative interview that is defined by the pre-set question guide. It is designed to provide in-depth results through informal discussions with individuals (Collis and Hussey, 2003). This interview method was chosen over unstructured or organised interviews, because this analysis intends to answer the research questions by requesting specific questions, but not much (unstructured) that it generates useless data, and not so less (organized) so as not to lose out on any unanticipated information.
The interview questions in the semi-structured interview are in appendix. The designs utilized in this research were produced mainly from the books review and were vital in producing the questions which were raised during the analysis. The semi-structured strategy also provided the researcher with the ability to probe answers. Answer probing was especially useful in reactions whereby more justification was needed in order to fully understand the answers. Due to the recent adaptation of online recruitment, the semi organized interviews was targeted at members of the team who got observed or orchestrated the switch towards online recruitment, this way these respondents would be better in a position to answer questions that relate with the comparability of both methods.
Also, people of the web recruitment team being interviewed experienced different positions within recruitment and handled separate responsibilities. The questionnaires were given to them in advance, when the acceptance was first wanted, and each respondent find the questions that they were more certified to respond to. Therefore the research was such that all respondents responded some questions, although some others were clarified by a specific individual because of their understanding of that process. Stand 2 describes the respondent details and their interview theme.
Table 2: Interview Respondents and Questions asked
Respondent
Fictional Name
Role
Years in Lloyds
Subjects Covered
R1
Alice
Graduate Events Manager
2
Effectiveness, Disadvantages
R2
Martha
Application Review
7
Background, Adoption, Efficiency, Disadvantages
R3
Nick
Finance and Budgeting
9
Adoption, Efficiency, Efficiency
R4
Chloe
Media Advertisement
3
Effectiveness, Advertisement
Each respondent were asked because of their consent to interview, prior to the interview lessons, and also wanted never to have their brands mentioned so as to prevent any form of organizational backlash if the items of the study were interpreted in any other non-academic form, and sent out. They may have therefore been given imaginary names, in order to make the study more readable.
RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
Reliability
Polit and Hungler (1993) refer to reliability as the amount of consistency with which an instrument measures the attribute it was created to measure. The info collection techniques administered to the test population was used to revealconsistency in reactions. Reliability was guaranteed by minimizing sources of measurement problem like data collector bias. Data collector bias was minimized by the researcher's being the only person who administered the data collection techniques, and standardizing conditions such as exhibiting similar personal traits to all respondents, for example friendliness and support. The physical and subconscious environment where data was gathered was made comfortable by ensuringprivacy, confidentiality and general physical comfort. The things wereat their convenient and comfortable venues including free and oxygen circulations. Theresearcher remained in the neighbourhood with the subject matter. Conditions were considered tomaintain level of privacy preventing interruptions. Themes were requested not to write their labels on the info collection tools to ensure confidentiality.
Validity
The validity of a musical instrument is the degree to which an instrument steps what it is supposed to measure(Polit&Hungler, 1993). Content validity identifies the magnitude to which a musical instrument represents thefactors under research. To attain content validity, the devices used included a number of questions on theknowledge of correspondents about the study topic, aims and questions.
Questions were based on the information gathered during the literature review to ensure that they wererepresentative of what correspondentscould know about the research topic. Content validity was further ensured by reliability in administering the equipment of data collection. All musical instruments were implemented to the things by the researcher professionally. The questions were designed in simple language for clarity andease of understanding. Clear instructions were given to the things and the researcher was readily available to answer questions raised by the correspondents in the course of responding to the research questions.
The topics were requested to complete the questionnaires and react to the questions in the existence of the researcher. This is done to preventsubjects from providing questionnaires to other folks to complete with the person. For validation, thequestionnaires were published to the study supervisor for review. Because of this questions were processed to ensure higher representativeness. Rephrasing of some questions were done to clarify thequestions and appropriate alternative response options were added to the closed-ended questions toprovide for important data analysis (Uses up & Grove, 1993).
External validity was ensured. Burns up and Grove (1993) make reference to external validity as the amount to whichstudy studies can be generalized beyond the sample used. All of the persons contacted to take part in thestudycompleted the questionnaires. No single person who was approached refused to take part. Generalizing the studies to all participants of the populace was thereforejustified. Seeking themes who are prepared to participate in a study can be difficult, especially if the analysis requiresextensive amounts of time or other types of investment by themes. If the number of the personsapproached to participate in a study declines, generalising the results to all customers of a human population is not easy to justify. The study was well planned to limit the investment requirements on subjects to be able toincrease contribution. As the ratio of these who drop to be a part of the study raises, external validity reduces (Burns & Grove 1993:270).
PRE-TESTING THE QUESTIONNAIRE
A pre-test refers to a trial administration of a musical instrument to identify imperfections. Whenever a questionnaire or an interview program can be used asa data gathering instrument, it is necessary to determine if the questions and directions are obvious tosubjects and if they understand what is required from them. This is known as the pretesting of aquestionnaire (Polit&Hungler 1995:38, 711). The researcher was able to pre-test the questionnaires and the interview schedules to ensure that the musical instruments meet the set criteria. Every one of the samples contacted to pre-test the devices were asked to answer the questions and necessary changes made based on the studies of the pre-test.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Blumberg, et al (2005) details ethics as discussing the appropriateness of one's behaviour in relation to the rights of these who end up being the subject of a study project. A number of ethical issues have been discovered and raised regarding this study. The problems and steps taken to lessen such issues are discussed below:
The company may be secretive about some areas of its online recruitment, like the level of graduates and marketing ways to catch the attention of graduates, which it may not like its opponents to know about.
Employees responding to semi structured interviews might not exactly be so happy to go over their personal opinion of the bank's recruitment system, or the quality of graduates received through their stations, in the event their response does not really conform to the brand and reputation that the organization is trying to build (for instance, the lender may cause as the same opportunity business that employs from diverse backgrounds, whereas they usually only recruit students from top Oxbridge colleges with a certain background). Information like this could pose problems if the lender eventually decides to broaden its pool of candidates and employ folks from varying backgrounds.
Apart from these ethical considerations, no other ethical dilemmas have been found with regards to this research. Therefore, to be able to alleviate these issues, the questionnaire and interviews were designed so that it generally does not offend, harm, provoke or stress the participants in any way. Questions asked would be non-intrusive as no private information about names; time or post would be wanted. Information about specific applicant quality and demographics of applicants' recruitment wouldn't normally be looked for. Also, in conditions of graduate questionnaires which have been allocated, some applicants may think that responding to these questions and including personal details may impede or even gain them when applying to said organizations. Therefore the questionnaires would fully declare that it can be an academic research and in no way constitutes a research conducted by the business.
Integrity, honesty, know-how and diligence are key ingredients in executing of research. This isuseful to protect and recognise the ethics and individuals rights of the respondents. The key ethical consideration seen in this study included anonymity, up to date consent, confidentiality and privileges to self-determination. Written agreement and respondent's consent were obtained prior prior to the respondents responded to the research musical instruments. Burns and Grove (1993)define informed consent as the possible respondent's arrangement to participate voluntarily in a report, whichis come to after assimilation of essential information about the study. The things were prepared of theirrights to voluntarily consent or decrease to participate, and also to withdraw participation at any time withoutpenalty. Themes were prepared about the goal of the analysis; the strategies used to acquire thedata, and promised that there have been no potential hazards or costs included.
Anonymity and confidentiality were detected and managed throughout the study. Uses up and Grove (1993) defineanonymity as when subject matter cannot be linked, even by the researcher, with his or her specific responses. Within this review anonymity was guaranteed by not disclosing the respondent's name on the data collection tools, research reports and detaching the written consent from the questionnaire. In such a study, confidentiality was preserved by keeping the accumulated data confidential rather than revealing the things' identities whenreporting the analysis (Melts away & Grove 1993). No discovering information was joined onto the info collection musical instruments, and the instrumentswere only numbered after data had been accumulated (Polit&Hungler1995:139).
The ethical concept of self-determination was also maintained. Subjects were treated as autonomousagents by informing them about the analysis and permitting them to voluntarily choose to take part or not. Lastly, information was provided about the researcher in case of further questions or grievances. Scientific honesty is regarded as an essential moral responsibility when doing research. Dishonest carry out includes manipulation of design and methods, and retention or manipulation of data(Brink 1996). The researcher tried out to avoid any form of dishonesty by recording truthfully the answers given during interviews.
The researcher was with integrity of heart and sincerity produced the results with the required supervision to avoid subjective cooperation. Theopen-ended questions which were beanalysed by the researcher were also examined by the supervisor forconfirmation of trustworthiness.
ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH FINDINGS
Quantitative Data
The quantitative data collected during this study, whilst still in its natural form, is defined by Saunders et al (2007) to be useless and conveying little information to most people. Universites, that happen to be total sample distributions of one variable at the same time (Oppenheim, 2005) was utilised in analysing the occurrence and percentage occurrence of each varying; including both ordinal and nominal, category and rating level questions. However, an in-depth relationship or bivariate evaluation had not been conducted due to the low variety of graduate respondents, and also because of the fact that the study was mainly worried about the viewpoint of the organization, and not automatically that of the graduates. Results would be analysed using Excel and graphs would be slow to analyse all data with the purpose of comparing these to the qualitative analysis.
Qualitative Data
Yin (2002) shows that in studies whereby the research question has been designed predicated on the literature review; these theories which have been used in the postulation of the study question could also be used in analysing the conclusions. Thereby, suggesting that a deductive approach to data research would be essential for theoretical powered studies.
Based on these arguments, this review analysed the qualitative conclusions using deductive methods. The results from each respondent and questionnaire theme were analysed based on the literature review issues discussed. In the example whereby different respondents got something to say in regards to a particular issue, all their opinions were noted and considering in the research of findings. A fact sheet of all findings in line with the theory is illustrated in section 4. Full transcripts of the interview are in the appendix.
The pattern complementing treatment, as postulated by Saunders et al, (2007)were utilized in this deductive analysis. It entails predicting a pattern of outcomes predicated on theoretical propositions. These propositions are thus analysed in the info analysis process. This procedure involves the development of an analytical framework, utilizing existing theory, and then examining the adequacies of the framework as a means of describing the conclusions (Saunders et al, 2007). Within the instance in which a pattern is available as initially expected, it might be evidence that shows that there is indeed an explanation for conclusions.
