There is no conclusive method of conducting qualitative data analysis. However, considering that an inductive approach was taken in this study, thematic analysis was decided upon to be the method of analysis. This is because it is the most common approach to analysing qualitative data, being that it consists of the process of identifying recurring themes in the data which consequently give the meaning that is useful in answering the research question. Wilson ’s book ‘Essentials of business research’ was used as a guide to the steps within the thematic analysis. The first step being transcribing the data collected from the interviews conducted. Followed...
There is no conclusive method of conducting qualitative data analysis. However, considering that an inductive approach was taken in this study, thematic analysis was decided upon to be the method of analysis. This is because it is the most common approach to analysing qualitative data, being that it consists of the process of identifying recurring themes in the data which consequently give the meaning that is useful in answering the research question. Wilson ’s book ‘Essentials of business research’ was used as a guide to the steps within the thematic analysis. The first step being transcribing the data collected from the interviews conducted. Followed by the need to code the data, which is identifying words or phrases that characterise themes. Coding aims to divide the data and assemble it into categories that help the progression of themes and theoretical concepts; more specifically emergent coding was used to conduct this study. The subsequent stage was to comprehend the findings, by converting reoccurring codes into groups. These categories were then revised to build themes. Themes were already present in the literature or that di not relate to the research question were omitted and new and relevant themes were put on hold for discussion in chapter 4.
Before collecting any data, ethical approval was required from the designated supervisor and Brunel Research Ethics Committee. Only once the application was accepted (Appendix 3), data collection was permitted to commence. Before conducting the questionnaire, participants were given a ‘Participant Information Sheet’ and were given information detailing the purpose of the study and their right to withdraw at any point in time. Providing this information is vital in the research not harming the participants by putting them at ease that there are such as precautions to protect privacy by storing data on a secure database. As a result, the study was confidential as the identity of the participants were kept anonymous.
