Causes of Failure of Small Businesses - Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Causes of Failure of Small Businesses. Answer: Introduction: Methodology is the theoretical and systematic analysis of the different methods applied in the field of research. It consists of the theoretical analysis of the structure of principles related to a branch of knowledge (Williams, 2015). It refers to all those techniques and methods used by the researcher to conduct a study and systematically solve the problem. In methodology, different steps are studied which are adopted by the researcher in examining the research problem logically. Research methodology not only describes the research procedures but also the logic that is used in that context (Brinkmann, 2014). It is explained in the methodology why a particular procedure is used and why another one is not used which makes it easy for the researcher to evaluate the topic. The different methodologies of research can be- qualitative and quantitative research. The quantitative research includes numerical data gathered through tests, surveys, observations and interviews. More than two variable or subgroups can be associated which does not identify the cause of differences. The qualitative research includes details of previous problems, events or facts and the data gathered from previous documents. (Cavusgil et al., 2014). It is important to choose a methodology before beginning research on a topic. Methodology helps in guiding the study, selecting a way to collect data and analyze the topic. There are different types of methodologies used in the field of research. These are qualitative methods, quantitative methods and mixed methods. There are sub divisions like case studies, self reporting and survey. Qualitative study finds out information about a specific phenomenon (Terjesen, Hessels Li, 2016). It is used to gather information on the topics of social science and education. When interviews, focus groups and interviews are used to collect data, qualitative methods of research is used. Quantitative method, on the other hand, is more objective and specific than qualitative methods. In this method, a hypothesis is created by the researcher which is further tested in a structured way (Picciotto Mayne, 2016). It does not describe a phenomenon, but deal with facts, numerical and statistics. Quantitative methods are used mainly while conducting research on science or medicine. Mixed methods are a combination of qualitative as well as quantitative research. It uses various types of measures that include contextual understanding like observations and interviews mixed with facts, and statistics. This method is helpful for the researcher to examine a topic on different levels by collecting several views and comprehension about the subject. In a mixed methodology, more than one philosophical perspective is taken into consideration which permits the amalgamation of various theories and ideas. For this particular research, the qualitative and quantitative methods can be used, so mixed methodology will be used as it considers both qualitative and quantitative data. To find out the causes of failure of small business in the international market of Australia, Israel and the EU countries, both primary and secondary data will have to be taken as a tool for research. There are various designs involved with the research methodology. These designs help in providing a framework or concept for the research topic and these are different than the actual methods used in the research (Taylor, Bogdan DeVault, 2015). To find a solution to this research problem, descriptive ontology will be used as it refers to the collection of relative information which can be dependent or independent. Foundationalism will be the proper epistemology in this research problem because it is dependent on those few statements which cannot be doubted. They are very precise and clearly differentiate between what is knowledge and what is not (Panneerselvam, 2014). Positivism is the appropriate paradigm where knowledge is based on natural experiences and the information that is deri ved are interpreted as with valid logic. While doing the research the researcher will be able to find out about the objectivity and logic behind the causes of failure of small business in Australia, Israel and the EU countries and evaluate the results with total confidence. The evidence will be beneficial in the fields of business, administration and community development. It must be kept in mind that the procedure followed to find out the solution to the research problem should be valid, relevant and suitable (Nummela, Saarenketo Loane, 2016). Research methods refer to all the tools that are used for conducting a research. It involves all the methods that are used by the researcher to perform research operations. The research methods include the collection of data, using statistical techniques and evaluation of accuracy of the results. Research methods are the behavior and instruments used in the selection and construction of research technique. This research looks into the key factors responsible for growing power so that the local business can operate at an international level. The study will involve an analysis of what can be considered significant for the growth of business. To find out solutions to this problem, proper information needs to be collected and analyzed. The researcher will analyze different cultural, social, economic and administrative causes of failure along with an agreement between innovation and creativity among the small businessmen. Sample of the research The researcher will have to collect primary data from the stakeholders and a proper conclusive approach for this study (Steier, 2016). It is a common method for this kind of particular problems where generation of new theory and concept is related to verify a valid hypothesis. The population of this study includes the owners of small business in the countries of Australia, Israel and EU and from that a random sample of 100 was chosen. Survey is considered as the most commonly used tool of research design. It is a flexible approach in research for investing a huge range of topics. Questionnaire is used sometimes as a support tool for the collection of data. To collect data for achieving the purpose of this study, the researcher had made use of face- to- face interviews, telephonic interviews and prepared questionnaire to associate the causes for failure of small business in these countries (Neuman Robson, 2014). It is required to find out the reasons related to the available financial capabilities, management abilities, the external factors revolving around the small business, obstacles faced, cultural concepts of the new generations and culture of easy money and deficiency of creativity and innovation. To do a survey on the respondents of the other countries, the researcher will conduct interview by means of phone calls or through mail (Marom Lussier, 2014). These methods were selected by considering the following factors- accessibility to the potential respondents, literacy level of the respondents, the subject matter, motivation of the respondents and the resources available for conducting the research. Face- to- face or personal i nterviews are feasible only when the respondents re residing in the local area. For example, if the researcher is an Australian citizen then he can hold personal interviews with the respondents of Australia but to connect with the respondents of Israel and the EU countries he needs to make telephonic interviews and send questionnaire through mail. Analysis of data Personal interviews are considered as the best option to collect high quality data but this mode is preferred only when the topic is sensitive, if there are complex questions, or if the interview is going to be a long one. Comparatively, telephonic interviews and survey through mail are more effective and economical when it comes to collect quantitative data depending on two conditions, if the individual selected by sampling can be easily accessed via telephone or the questionnaire is short containing only few precise questions. But this will not be good option in those countries where there is less telephone ownership (Lussier Corman, 2015). For this particular topic of study, telephonic interviews are really helpful as the respondents are located in a wide geographical area but lack of proper audio- visual equipment might reduce the validity of the information that is gathered. The length of a telephonic interview also depends on the motivation and subject of the topic. It is requ ired to set an appointment and cover letter which might increase the rate of response and length of the interview. There lies the difference between a personal and telephonic interview, whereas in personal interview there is a tendency that the respondent will complete the total survey. While conducting this research, the researcher can record telephonic interview with a tape recorder or by typing the answers directly on the computer while the interview is going on (Laitinen, 2013). Survey by using questionnaires, on the other hand, is another effective form of research methods. It is much quicker and cheaper as compared to other methods. But a fixed time should be allotted to the respondents who are going to fill up the questionnaire and return it within the stipulated time. The mailed questionnaires should be accompanied with a cover letter from the researcher will help in increasing the rate of response. Questionnaires can also be handed out to the individuals selected from the chosen sample instead of mailing. Questionnaires can be framed by the researcher or devised on the basis of a given index. In this topic, the researcher can create his own questionnaire by following the rules off style and layout. The questionnaires which have already been used for survey can be more effective as they will include all tested and valid facts and it will be reliable too when there will be any comparison of data. Secondary sources will include collection of data from the journal, census, newspaper and the annual business report which will be beneficial to find out the causes which might be responsible for failure in small business in the particular countries. The aim of the researcher will be to find out the gap between the two kinds of data collected (Hatten, 2015). To analyze the raw data that was collected and study the hypotheses, the researcher used certain statistical methods- means and standard deviation to calculate the participants responses related to the categories of the study and frequencies and percentage to characterize the sample. There are two kinds of sampling methods- probability and non- probability. A small proportion is chosen from a large population in the specific countries. Out of the two methods available for sampling, the researcher has used probability sampling for the study. Probability sampling can again be classified into random, stratified, cluster, multistage and systematic sampling. It is required to segregate the population into group while doing the cluster sampling. The clusters are selected to by randomly selecting from the probable clusters. The data are gathered for sampling unit from each of the groups (Goss, 2015). The stratified sampling is put into use when the whole population is categorized based on t heir gender, age or any other factor. To satisfy this purpose, sample is selected from every group by simple random sampling. Stratified sampling is suitable for the purpose of conducting research on this particular topic. Through stratified sampling, it can be ensured that the particular group which is selected is represented in the sampling process. The researcher had chosen data randomly from the total population for the purpose of the study which reflects the fact that the probability for selecting every sample is equal. The selected sample size was 100 but due to time constraints, it was possible to collect the response only from 55 people. The calculation of the size and design of the sample is selected on the basis of the sample design. Thus, the final sampling group will represent the minimum population to be included on the basis of data received by the total population (Glesne, 2015). Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Selection of topic Approval of topic Collection of data Analysis of the collected data Approaching the supervisor Submitting the PGR Submitting the ethics application Reading the draft Fig- Gantt chart Source- As created by the author Ethical considerations The researcher has stored all the possible ethical considerations while doing the research work. The respondents who participated in the survey should not be caused harm in any way. Respect for the dignity of the participants of the survey should be the topmost priority (Scott Pressman, 2017). Following are the ethical considerations for this particular research- before conducting the study, permission should be taken from the participants for taking part in the survey, the privacy of the research participants should be safe and secured, the research data collected should be totally confidential, the names of the participants and the organizations should not be disclosed, there should not be any exaggeration in the goals and objectives of the research, source of funds or affiliation of any kind or if there is any conflict of interest must be declared, there should be total transparency and honesty in the process of research conducted and there should not be any kind of biasness or m isleading information in the representation of primary data findings (Creswell Poth, 2017). Ethical considerations in research are critical factors. These are the norms and standards for a code of conduct that helps in distinguishing between right and wrong. The ethical considerations help in understanding the behaviors which are acceptable or not acceptable. In this research, there is no scope of fabrication or falsifying data and the main aim is to promote the research in a true and knowledgeable way. Ethics in research is important for any kind of collaborative work as it gives rise to an environment of trust, accountability and mutual understanding among the group of researchers. This is all the more important when there is any issue of data sharing, copyright guidelines, co- authorship, confidentiality and other such matters. Researchers must abide by the ethical code of conducts in order to gain the trust of the public so that they believe in the validity of the research work (Storey, 2016). Reference Brinkmann, S. (2014). Interview. InEncyclopedia of Critical Psychology(pp. 1008-1010). Springer New York. Cavusgil, S. T., Knight, G., Riesenberger, J. R., Rammal, H. G., Rose, E. L. (2014).International business. Pearson Australia. 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