Every research requires a plan which defines every procedure and action required in every process. The article starts by discussing the importance of observations, interviews and documentary analysis as sources of data collection in the action research. In a systematic way, their strengths and weaknesses also feature to enable the researcher to choose the best alternatives in every situation. Justification section provides an acceptable explanation of why the methods are the best to be used. In an effort to explore how the data collection methods can best address the problem; the article explains the importance of every stakeholder in action research. Without proper plans, it is impossible for the data collection procedure to be successful. The need to include every participant through data organization and categorization is another procedure explored in depth. The final section echoes the need for the researcher to reflect on every process by matching results with research objectives.
Reasons why observations, stakeholders’ interviews, and documentary analysis will optimize UN accountability action research.
Observations: observations involve having a first-hand account of what is happening on the field. Matching of the results with those from focus groups and interviews provides a good basis for comparison. Integrating results with laid down objectives identify areas that need improvements in the future (Borich, 2016). Also, observations researches identify areas of weakness in the systems formulated and work to correct the hypothesized policies proposed before. Data corrected acts as evidence and as a lesson that needs to be observed when conclusive research is carried out. Observation through exploratory research opens up new ideas on how to handle respondents involved in the study (Coates, 2005).
Stakeholders’ interviews: Interviews allow space for the targeted population to give their side of view about the research problem under study. Informal interviews allow respondents to express their views with their own pace in an unlimited environment. Information from such interviews aids the researcher to define the best ways to approach, handle and control the direction of interviews in future (Anyan, 2013). Through interviews, UN researchers involved understanding the need to choose the best method to conduct such interviews, that is, the best way to get information from the stakeholders involved (Dick, 2014,). Through interviews, UN research agents involved are in a position to ask questions that motivate and tune respondents to give the required information.
Documentary analysis: Document analysis gives meaning and adds weight to the topic under study. Document analysis of companies events and supplier activities in addressing the research problem is also another way to monitor how such targeted population is likely to comply during research (Owen, 2014). Although, some documents likely to have sensitive information unavailable, researchers are able to evaluate available information that forms the basis for later reliable decisions. Document analysis is also cost effective and also sheds light on the best way to manage resources and time required for the study (Burns et al., 2014).
Brief discussions of the strengths and weaknesses of each approach
Observation: observation as a data collection method is simple especially in situations where technical knowledge is not required. Also, only little training is required for carrying out observations that call for technical skills. Observation is a direct way to record information; the researcher is not limited to information from respondents. A method is a universal approach in addressing limited information from documents and reports. In addition, observation is a complementary tool to get information when respondents are unwilling to take part in the research (Kendall, 2014). On the other hand, observation cannot independently rely on every aspect of research. There is the possibility of bias and faulty perception by researchers who are not well conversant with the topic under study. Observation is highly costly in terms of time and money required to carry out the research. The process is slow, especially where accurate and verifiable data is required Suen, and Ary, 2014).
Stakeholders’ interview: Interviews provide a chance for face-to-face interactions that act as the best opportunity for respondents screening. During such interactions, it is not possible for respondents to lie about their age, sexual category, or race. Interviews provide the researcher with an opportunity to correct and improve mistakes or weaknesses identified in an online survey. Also, face to face interviews are the best platforms to assess non-verbal cues used during conversations. Non-verbal cues gages how comfortable respondents are in answering questions about the topic under study (Cleary et al., 2014). For example, workers may fear revealing Sensitive information about their organization for fear of their job security in the future. Researchers take such opportunities to improve on questions format or structure. As excellent platforms for data collections, interviews results depend on the ability of the interviewer to conduct interviews. Also, for accurate results, the procedure needs to be repeated severally making it costly. There is the possibility of error resulting from manual entry of data. The researcher is limited by time, geographical location and monetary resources (Doody and Noonan, 2013).
Documentary analysis: In this type of research, secondary sources are used as a point of reference. Minutes of meetings, recordings or notes from previous studies helps the researcher to identify gaps that other researchers have not addressed. Use of photos or live video recordings may serve as evidence in case of a planned action after findings (Wildemuth, 2016). Documentary analysis, on the other hand, is a hard task that consumes a lot of time and energy. Also, some themes of the topics studied may not entirely match with the topic under study thus making information subjected to manipulation by the researcher (Scott, 2014).
The rationale for the method selection
For the whole data correction process to be successful, there is a need to integrate all methods of data collection. Use of observations provides first-hand information on the ground. There are possibilities of some organizations concealing some information which can sometimes be revealed through observation. Involving every stakeholder in the data collection process means every aspect of the data is captured. For example when the number of all government agencies are known, then it is possible to know which government agency is not complying with set guidelines. Also, when organizations suppliers are known, then it is possible to know how they are working together with business organizations to address and find solutions to the problem at hand. The whole process is a joint affair that calls for unity, cooperation, and integration (Orcher, 2016). From the brief outline, suppliers, government agencies from around the world, and business organizations are all answerable. Without involving every stakeholder, policies implementations cannot be possible.
Why data collection method is possible in addressing the problem.
In this case, UN is used as an administrative body and as a watchdog in making sure every party complies promptly. Any corrective action or punishment against any party will solely rely on verified data available. In addressing the problem of how suppliers can be involved in solving current and future business challenges, data collection method will play a pivotal role before every step is achieved. Data collection procedure facilitates monitoring of progress by all stakeholders involved in the research (Perry, and Zuber-Skerritt, 1992). For example, in monitoring how businesses are complying with agreed policies, it is not possible for the process to succeed without reliable data. In our case, for example, suppliers may be required to submit progressive reports on how they are complying with the laid down requirements. Governments’ agencies may be required to produce reports which define their efforts in honoring the agreement. First-hand information reveals information that either party may conceal. Secondary sources, for example, photos, video recordings, audio tapes are vital in supplementing other sources.
How to organize and carry out the data
First, there is a need to have the list of all participants involved in the research. UN through its agencies worldwide needs to have access to vital information about who and where business organizations get their raw materials. Researchers need to have inside information and skills required when undertaking the process. The researcher also needs to make sure there are enough resources like finances, human resource personnel and all equipment like cameras, Video recorder, and notebooks (Dick, 2014,). In places where security is a challenge, researchers need to collaborate with the relevant national or international agencies to guarantee safety and security during research. In carrying out the data, there is a need to follow all laid down procedures stipulated during the data collection process (Creswell, and Clark, 2017). In first-hand information, researchers are required first to observe, then record either by taking notes, taking a video or a record audio sound, name and save the information both in primary and secondary devices. In some instances, researchers are required to upload the files immediately to relevant authorities. Where secondary sources are used, there need to look for a similar and wide range of information regarding the topic under study is encouraged. Then, comparison and analysis is the final step before data presentation (Ferrance, 2016). The results are then used to base any course of action.
Data reflections in helping the researcher to take a course of action with resulting solution.
Data reflection involves comparing results with the objectives of the study. Some data aspects like images, recordings, video footages, emails act as a basis to match results with objectives. At this stage, thematic analysis is crucial in aiding content analysis and categorization of every element contained in the data collected. The researchers also need to ask themselves whether research design used to conform to the results obtained. Another important aspect in data reflection is data analysis and organization (Sankaran, and Hou, 2016). Data organization is enhanced through information categorization and conclusion to obtain themes resulting from the study. The researcher may also consider using the software in data analysis, although the method neither does nor substitute the need for the researcher to categorize the data, it is very important in defining steps and refining results easily. Therefore, the researcher needs to be careful in every data reflection aspects. Data reflection makes the data meaningful and logic without losing data findings (Arango, 2016).
Conclusion
For the action research to be successful, researchers involved need to understand the importance of observations, interviews, and documents in data collection. Aligning every source of data collection helps in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of every approach. Such understanding is crucial in making researchers understand the most suitable method to use in different situations. Every data collection method is a vital ingredient in addressing the research problem only when it is applied in the best way in a situation that conforms its applicability. With proper plans, it is easy to carry out the data by overcoming foreseen challenges and learning lessons from new ones.
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