Chapter Three: Research Methodology 3.0 Research Design

CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Research Design
Research design is an explanation on how relevant data are acquired and how the
data are analysed using the appropriate statistical techniques. It is defined by
Baridam (2001) as the method and plan used to collect data and test relationship
between the variables hypothesized.
For the purpose of this study, a cross-sectional survey design, a subset of quasi
experimental research field survey of some selected small and medium scale
companies in Port Harcourt metropolis.
3.1 Population of the Study
A population is the summation or totality of elements in a given location of

interest. Okafor (2002), defined research population as a complete set of items that
is of interest to a researcher or investigator.
The target population of the study is 1749 which is the numbers of the Small and
Medium Scale Enterprises in Port Harcourt (Source:Businesslist.com.ng).I will
carry out research on the employees of five (5) SMEs in Port Harcourt which is my
accessible population. These SMEs were chosen because of easy access. These
SMEs are:
S/N Name of SME No of employees Address
1. Eloti Designs 5 Trans-Amadi, Port
Harcourt
2. Kusha Catering 15 5, Okwuruola Road, off
Stadium Road, Port
Harcourt.
3. Konet Mills Ltd 15 Plot 205, Chokota Road,
Igbo-etche, Port Harcourt.
4. Virtues Events Consults Ltd 50 5, Ordu str., off Rumuola
bus stop, Port Harcourt.
5. SOVA Prolific Ltd 5 Eagle Island, Port
Harcourt.
Total 90
3.2 Sample Size Determination / Sampling Technique
This research work is limited to selected SMEs in Portharcourt. In order to

determine the sample size of this study, the Taro Yamane’s Formula was used with
a significant level of 5%.
The Formula is:
N
Where; n = 1+ N ¿ ¿
where,
n = sample size selected
e = level of significance = 0.05
N = population size
The sampling size is:
N
n = 1+ N ¿ ¿
n = 90
1+ (90) (0.05)2
= 90
1+ (90)0.0025
= 90
1.225
= 73
The sample size for the study is 73.
The simple random probability sampling is used for this study reason being that it
will allow every member of the population to have an equal chance of being
selected. It will also allow the researcher to draw conclusions for the entire
population.
3.3 Validation of the Instrument
To validate the instrument used, it was first presented to two experts in

measurement and evaluation unit who carried out face validation to check for
adequacy. After which it was later presented to one expert in Management for
content validity. Their comments and corrections were used to prepare the final
draft of the questionnaire used for data collection.
3.4 Reliability of the Instrument
To ascertain that the instrument was reliable, that is, able to consistently elicit the
same information from the respondents, the researcher adopted the test re-test
technique. 15 copies of the questionnaire were administered to 15 respondents not
participating in the study. The instrument was re-administered to the same
respondents within an interval of two weeks. The responses (results) of the first
and second tests were collated and subjected to a reliability test using the Pearson
Product Moment Correlation Analysis.
3.5 Methods of Data Collection
This research work used the primary source
The primary source includes:
 Questionnaires
 Personal observation
 Interview
3.6 Instrument for Data Collection
The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The questionnaire was
divided into two sections, A & B. Section A was used to gather demographic
information of the respondents, while section B was further divided into parts, 1, 2,
3 & 4. Each sections was assigned a five response options of strongly agree (SA),
agree (A), strongly disagreed (SD), and disagree (D) with a corresponding value of
4, 3, 2 and 1.
3.7 Operational Measures of the Variables
A variable is a measurable characteristic of a person, object, place or event.

According to Joe (2005), variables are conditions or characteristics that researcher
observes, manipulates and controls and measures in order to obtain relevant data
that will address his research questions and research variables.
3.8 Data Analysis Technique
The data obtained from a study may or may not be in numerical or quantitative
form, that is, the form of numbers. If they are in numerical form, then we can still
carry out qualitative analysis based on the experience of the individual. On the
other hand, if they are in numerical form, we start by working out some descriptive
statistics to summarize the pattern of findings.
In this study, Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient was used to test various
hypotheses formulated in chapter one. Using the Statistical package for social
science (SPSS) version 21. The rationale for this decision was due to the fact that
the researcher seeks to examine the relationship between Strategic planning and
organisational growth.
The formula is given as:
6∑ d
2
rs = 1- 2
N ( N −1)
Where;
rs = Rank order level
N = Number
d2 = Square of difference
Σ = Summation of.

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CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Research Design

3.1 Population of the Study

A population is the summation or totality of elements in a given location of

3.2 Sample Size Determination / Sampling Technique

This research work is limited to selected SMEs in Portharcourt. In order to

The Formula is:

n = sample size selected

e = level of significance = 0.05

The sample size for the study is 73.

3.3 Validation of the Instrument

To validate the instrument used, it was first presented to two experts in

3.5 Methods of Data Collection

This research work used the primary source

The primary source includes:

3.6 Instrument for Data Collection

A variable is a measurable characteristic of a person, object, place or event.

3.8 Data Analysis Technique

The formula is given as:

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