3-Research Method
3.1 Introduction
This chapter presents overview of
research methodology and research design. In section 3.2, the research strategy
about the research question and the study relevant to subject under discussion
has been explained. Section 3.3, describes research design and instrument used
for research. Data collection and analysis of the data has been described in
section 3.4. Next section 3.5 describes the limitation of this study and
finally, section 3.6 summarizes this chapter.
3.2 Research Strategy
Generally, two methods of research ‘qualitative and
quantitative’ have been used for research depending on the nature and requirement
of the investigation. Both methods have their strengths and weaknesses
depending on the nature of research. According to Zhang (2000), the qualitative
method allows to look into matter deeply and in detail while quantitative
methods require a specific tools and instruments. One advantageous aspect of
quantitative research is argued that the measurement of the reaction to limited
set of question and specified criteria is the focus. On the other hand
qualitative research method provides a wide range of information about much
smaller people and cases.
The nature of the study has reverence to
investigation and analysis of the issue of implementation of EMS in
manufacturing sector of Pakistan. In order to achieve the target two phase
strategy is adopted for identification of constraints and for investigation of
their impacts. Two types of target audience has been focused for study purpose
like consultants and representative from manufacturing sector.
Firstly, the information and literature
relevant to implementation of EMS and constrains, has been reviewed and
collected. On the basis of previous data and literature, as a primary source of
information, a questionnaire has been designed.
Secondly, qualitative
research methodology based on secondary source of information is used as
supporting element. These sources
includes, previous case studies form books, journals and articles served as a
supporting element to conceive outcome of this project in real, based on
questionnaire survey.
According to Christie
(1995) adoption of qualitative research methodology has a number of advantages,
focusing on experience of the companies in implementation and adoption of
cleaner production and EMS. This approach provides
·
“opportunity to identify key benefits and problems based on
extensive company experience and reflection;
·
The potential for generalization on the basis of leading edge experience;
·
The opportunity to draw on corporate in-house research and
documentation.
In second phase, the data
will be collected and interpreted to reach specific results. Qualitative
research methodology will be used as a secondary source of information.
Previous case studies in books and journals, articles, conference proceedings,
and magazines are supporting element in this phase for discussion, analysis and
conclusion
The main target focus of
this questionnaire is manufacturing sector (refinery, cement industry, metal
industry, fertilizer and pharmaceutical industry) and environmental management
consultancies, with few firms having experience of ISO 9001 certification. The
target audiences of this survey are those people who remained in touch directly
or indirectly with environmental management department and in implementation of
EMS.
The focus of
target audiences are enough similar with the work done by Christie (1995).
Target companies and consultants are selected for this survey due to following
reasons.
·
Manufacturing sector is considered more
responsible for environment with a sound track record of innovation and
development. This urge the companies to develop environmental policies and
adopt
Environmental management system and cleaner
production
·
Chemical, cement and fertilizer industry has a
long historical environmental innovation experience forces by legislative
requirement.
·
ISO consulting firms plays a vital role in
adoption and implementation of EMS. So, they are considered an authenticated
source of information.
The selected firms are ISO 14001 certified and pick randomly
through internet search due to unavailability of specific information from any
authoritative body from Pakistan.
The purpose of this
division between consultants and manufacturing firms is to analyse the issues
from two dimensions which focus on implementers (industrial sector) and
observers or outside supporting bodies like consultants. The functional focus
of this survey encompasses corporate level of analysis and plant level as well.
This frame work can give the better picture of the issue under discussion. Due
to scarcity of time and difficulty to access the respondent directly face to
face, internet has been used to send questionnaire through e-mail rather than
traditional method of postal mail.
The survey is sent to the
firms information address due to unavailability of direct relevant person and
it is also requested that direct this questionnaire to relevant person
/department if you are not relevant person. Regarding the consulting firms the
questionnaires have been sent on personal e-mail address listed for contact in
directory.
