Methodology chapter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Methodology chapter - Essay Example Theoretical issues are fundamental to any research process because they constitute what researchers ‘silently think’ about research (Scott and Usher, 2011). Therefore, philosophical assumptions about ontology, epistemology and axiology are critical in undertaking a research process (Klenke, 2008). In the following sections, clarity on the philosophical approaches and research paradigm for this study will be provided. Ontological approach addresses the philosophical question about the nature of reality and how it affects the methods of doing research. This approach focuses on ways of life and the relations behind social realities. According to Ritchie and Lewis (2003), ontology emphasizes on multiple and dynamic realities with no consideration of external realities. Qualitative researchers agree that ontology describes people views on the nature of reality both objectively and subjectively. Ontological assumptions affect our opinions and views on what is real and what is not. Such assumptions must be identified and considered so that the findings of particular phenomena can be objective and credible. Epistemology consists of appropriate methods of finding out the nature of the world through knowledge acquisition. This approach emphasizes on knowledge acquisition and use to form basis and background for explanation of social realities. In epistemology, researchers opt to work with visibly evident social realities to come up with law- like conclusions akin to the ones created by natural and physical scientists (Cohen, et al., 2011). However, this approach has been termed more subjective especially when gathering information directly from participants through data collection methods such as interviews and observation (Beck 1979). Creswell (1998) defines paradigms as world diverse views, while Denzin and Lincoln (1994) describe a paradigm as a set of basic beliefs that deal with

Kentucky Fried Chicken Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 35

Kentucky Fried Chicken - Case Study Example According to the study, increased political turmoil constantly threatens the existence of KFC in it e.g. in Jan 1, 1994; around 150 people were killed in the Mexican province of Chiapas on the Guatemala border when NAFTA went into effect. In another incident of 1998, the peso crisis resulted in recession in Mexico leaving KFC managers with a great deal of uncertainty regarding Mexico’s political and economic future. This has led to KFC approaching investment in Mexico conservatively until the time when greater economic and political stability is achieved. KFC employs the perfect strategies in selecting its man power and operational procedures. For instance, in china it employed managers who speak and write the native Chinese language, and who is also proficient in the restaurant business and understands the needs of the local Chinese customers better. Its employment plan is localized through hiring the locals. All materials and chicken come from the local supply chains thus en suring that the customers and surrounding communities feel as if they are also one big part of KFC’s existence. It also moved quickly to establish itself by expanding its branches to different parts of the countries in which it had started offering its services so as to serve a larger percentage of the population. Creating its own distribution system has ensured that supplies reach the store network at an appropriate time and in good condition. It has also emphasized on extensive staff and management training on preparation and customer relations and logistics which helps it to attract more customers. Since the early 2000s, fast food has been criticized on the links to obesity, negative environmental impact and cruelty records pertaining to animal welfare. KFCs choice of poultry suppliers worldwide has been protested by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) since 2003.