MGB101 Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Random Sampling Method

Answers:

1.Sampling method

In investigating on the performance of entrepreneurship among small and medium enterprises, employing simple random sampling method would be ideal when aiming to obtain at least 150 responses from a relatively large population. The factors considered before choice of simple random sampling method include:

1. Choosing an unbiased sample
2. Representativeness of the sample
3. Provision of room for error

Choosing an unbiased sample

Simple random sampling ensures that the sample chosen is completely out of chance where every sample unit has an equal probability of being chosen from the population. Use of simple random sampling will therefore ensure that the chosen sample is unbiased since the researcher will not have priori information about the sampling units. Moore, McCabe and Craig (2009) argue that".simple random sampling eliminates bias by giving each individual an equal chance to be chosen.”

Representativeness of the sample

Through use of probability, random sampling method will ensure that the sample cuts across the population, i.e. the population is most equally represented in the chosen sample. According to Greg (2018) representative sampling is crucial when drawing inferences and generalizations in research.

Provision of room for error

In order to ensure that the results are fairly conclusive for the population characteristic in study, simple random sampling provides a margin for error, i.e.  A plus or minus variance, therefore it is free from errors such as errors of classification (Account learning, 2018)

Therefore, simple random sampling would be reliable in choosing an unbiased and representative sample as well as reduce the

2.Role of literature review in academic research

According to Dena and Margaret (2013), a literature review is “an evaluative report of information which is related to the field under study.”  A literature review therefore provides a theoretical ground on which to base the research hence enables the researcher to obtain additional information on the research topic to avoid doing what has already been done (Han, 2015). It also acts as a justification for your research through pointing out the potential gap that the research would fill. Boote and Beile (2012) on the purpose of literature review argue that it identifies and articulates relationships between existing literature and the research.

Key Features of a literature review in an academic paper

In a Jackson’s 1980 educational research review conducted by Soares (2014), he argues that a good literature review should be such that it:

Defines and delimits the research topic

The literature review ought to provide a concise definition of the research topic as well as provide a description of what the research will and will not include and provide reasons for undertaking the research.

States the criterion of outcome evaluation

Often, outcome of a research will be interpreted so as to come into a conclusion concerning the research topic. A literature review will provide parameters under which the research conclusions will be drawn for instance if a certain characteristic is exhibited by a given percentage of the sample then a certain conclusion is drawn.

States procedure of acquiring relevant literature

An unbiased literature provides a methodology for acquiring significant literature to the study, a methodology which can be replicated by other researches.

Describes the response and explanatory variables of the study

Declaring of independent and dependent variables shows how various studies are interrelated.

How researchers should ensure that their approach is critical

Greenhalgh (2015) suggests that any researcher should evaluate their chosen literature for their:

1. Nature
2. Reliability
3. Authority
4. Validity
5. Relevance of the materials

In exploring the five features in each material that the researcher wishes to review, will ensure that the literature is critical to the research.

How I will plan my search for literature and where I will look first

In searching for literature in the study of the performance of entrepreneurship within SME’s in France:

1. I will scan through various abstracts of papers on financial papers to check the mention of my research topic
   
   
2. I will then evaluate the paper’s relevance and its quality so as to ensure the literature review for my paper provides a quality base for the research
   
   
3. In addition, I will determine availability of similar researches i.e. duplicate studies related to mine
   
   
4. Lastly, I’ll examine areas of convergence as well as divergence in relation to the study hypothesis and thesis statement

Therefore, the first place that I would explore would be the financial papers; both print and online relating to small and medium enterprises in France.

References

Account learning. ( 2018). Simple random sampling [Online]. Available from: https://www.accountlearning.com/simple-random-sampling-definition-advantages-disadvantages/ [Accessed 15^th August 2018]

Boote, D.N. & Beile, P. (2012). Scholars before researchers: On the centrality of the dissertation literature review in research preparation. Educational Researcher 34(9), 3-15.

Dena, T., & Margaret, P. (2013). The literature review: A few tips on conducting it [Online]. Available from: www.advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/literature-review/  [Accessed 15^th August 2018]

Greg, Depresio.(2018).What are the advantages of using simple random sampling method [Online]. Available from: www.investopedia.com/ask/answer/042915/what-are-the-advantages-of-using-simple-random-sampling-method [Accessed 15^th August 2018]

Greenhalgh, T.(2015). How to read a paper: getting your bearings [Online]. Available from: www.erm.ecs.soton.ac.uk/theme3/approaches_to_your_literature_review.html [Accessed 15^th August 2018]

Han, P. P. (2015). Role of literature review [Online]. Available from: www.researchgate.net/post/what_is_the_importance_of_literature_review [Accessed 15^th August 2018]

Soares, C. B. (2014). Methods for integrative reviews. Review of Educational Research. 50(3), 438-460.

Moore, D. S., McCabe, G. P., & Craig, B. A. (2009). Introduction to the practice of statistics. New York, W.H. Freeman