Once a problem statement is developed, it is important to develop research questions that aid in
developing the study. The research questions guide the researcher in understanding the problem
and providing the groundwork to solve the problem. Choosing the right methodology is also key
in successfully executing a study.
INSTRUCTIONS
After reviewing the provided scholarly article by Harvey and Turnbull: Ricardo Flies Ryanair:
Strategic human resource management and competitive advantage in a Single European Aviation
Market, identify a potential researchable problem, create research questions, and select an
appropriate methodology for the proposed study. Context will need to be included (i.e., how the
questions relate to the problem statements), along with the actual problem statement and
corresponding context. There should be at least two research questions for a quantitative study,
along with the corresponding null and alternative hypotheses (H10 & H1a), for both. There
should be at least three qualitative research questions if going the qualitative route.
There are various research designs (i.e., fixed, flexible, and mixed) that help to shape and form
one’s research. Each design has various methods associated with the design (Qualitative,
Quantitative, Mixed-Methods). Each one of those methods then has a design method associated
with it (i.e., Quantitative: Correlational Analysis; Qualitative: Case Study, etc.). This week you
will dig into the different designs and methods and consider what might be the most appropriate
style of research to address the problem for this week.
Fixed Design Methods
Quantitative
 Experimental
 Quasi-experimental
 Nonexperimental
o Descriptive
o Correlational
o Causal-Comparative
Flexible Design Methods
Qualitative
 Narrative
 Phenomenology
 Grounded Theory
 Case Study
o Single Case Study
o Multiple Case Study
 Ethnography
Mixed-Methods Design Methods
Quantitative & Qualitative
 Convergent parallel
 Explanatory Sequential
 Exploratory Sequential
Transformative
After reviewing the Reading and Study material for this module, along with the required
scholarly article by Harvey and Turnbull, please complete the following items in relation to the
article.
BUSI 710
Page 2 of 2
 Proposed Problem Statement: (Problem statement should include 5 sentences. The
general problem sentence, three scholarly supporting sentences, and the specific problem
sentence). Please make sure to review the white paper on Effective Problem Statements
for an example of what this should look like.
 Research Questions: Either 2 quantitative research questions with associated null and
alternative hypotheses or 3 qualitative research questions that address the problem.
 Appropriate Methodology: Identify an appropriate methodology for the proposed
research study. What design (fixed, flexible, mixed), method (quantitative, qualitative,
mixed method), and method design (i.e., quantitative: correlational, experiment;
qualitative: case study, phenomenology, etc.) is most appropriate to address your
proposed research problem? Provide a rationale for why you believe it is the most
appropriate.
Assignment Specifics:
 Length: The overall length will be dependent on the context provided, but the average
length is two to three pages of content fully substantiated by research.
 Scholarly Sources: There must be at least four scholarly resources integrated into this
project to further support your writing.
 Document Components: The document should include: a proposed problem statement,
research questions, and proposed methodology. Make sure to refer to the White Paper on
Effective Problem Statements and Research Questions.