Mixed methods: a research design for management doctoral dissertations
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to examine two management doctoral research projects to highlight the advantages in mixed methods as the primary research design.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper summarises the methods of data collection and analysis which were used by two doctoral students in their management research. The researchers used mixed methods approaches (quantitative and qualitative) to explore different areas of management.
Findings
The paper supports the view that triangulation of research methods strengthens the findings and inferences made for understanding social phenomena in more depth, compared to using a single method.
Research limitations/implications
The paper relies excessively on two doctoral research projects which utilise sequential mixed methods. Therefore, arguments made in the paper are specific because other doctoral projects that have used different methods from those employed in the two projects were not considered.
Practical implications
Early researchers, in particular students commencing doctorate studies, should apply mixed methods research because it develops skills in the two most dominant data collection methods used in management research. This paper is a practical guide on how this could be done effectively.
Originality/value
The paper is drawn from two unique doctoral research projects. The paper's originality and value is in providing experiences and practical insights on how mixed methods research is undertaken.
Keywords
Citation
Jogulu, U.D. and Pansiri, J. (2011), "Mixed methods: a research design for management doctoral dissertations", Management Research Review, Vol. 34 No. 6, pp. 687-701. https://doi.org/10.1108/01409171111136211
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited