Work based Project

Foundation Degree in Business and Professional Administration Work based Project In-course assessment 1. RequiredThe Work Based Project assignment requires each student to identify a range of possible research topics relevant to his/her workplace, and then to determine which topic will form the subject of the research proposal. You could build on the work you have already done for the research methods module (BS2404) and make use of the background and literature review sections. The submitted research proposal should have a length of 3500 words.2. GuidanceThe assignment requires:A) BackgroundThe research proposal should:Clearly explain the context and rationale for the research.Have clear aims and objectives.Explain some of the practical issues which have engendered interest in the student for this research.B) Literature reviewThe research proposal should:Provide evidence of adequate theoretical literature review drawn from academic journals and sourcesIdentify a relevant theoretical basis for undertaking the intended research and present a clear justification for its applicability to the research topicPresent a conceptual framework or relevant hypothesis that synthesise your approach (these do not necessarily have to be original).C) MethodologyThe research proposal should:Identify an appropriate research methodology that is relevant for the topic and provide a rationale for the selection of this approach over others.Explain how the chosen methodology is relevant to the aims and objectives of the intended research.Explain how you intend to collect in your data (via primary and secondary data)Demonstrate an understanding of the limitations of the chosen methodology.D) Research DesignThe research proposal should:Present an outline of how data is to be collected, verified and recordedExplain the sources of data, possible interviewees or targeted subpopulationsThe processes through which the data would be examined and analysedAn outline of questionnaires or interview guides that are likely to be used for collecting primary data.A timescale in the form of a Gantt chart for how the research is to be conducted over a period of timeA list of resources needed to conduct the researchD) StructureThe research proposal should:Be fully and consistently referenced using the Harvard referencing system (see details on Blackboard ‘web links’ for guidance).Have correct language, grammar and spelling.Have an appropriate layout.Have adhered to word count by +/- 10%The research proposal should have the following parts:IntroductionBackgroundLiterature reviewMethodologyResearch designConclusionsReferences

Work Based Proposal
Day 1 Saturday, 30 June 0900-1730hrs
Transition from Research Methods to Work Based Proposal
Critique of past work
Q & A throughout
ESSENTIAL YOU LEAVE SESSION WITH A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THE WBP REQUIREMENTS
Day 2 Wednesday, 12 September 1500-1900hrs
Day 3 Wednesday, 12 December 1300-1700hrs
One to one pre-booked appointment slots for both days
Group assisted learning (ie room available for you to help each other; share ideas/problems/solutions

Work Based Proposal
The Work Based Proposal is a continuation of the preparation process which was started by the RM report.
It is NOT about conducting the actual research itself
It is an opportunity to expand and develop your literature review from the RM assignment, analysing the research in the light of your research question
It will require more evaluation of theory of your philosophy and therefore your methodology
It will involve you in researching what methods of collecting information would be best in your work environment (preparing questionnaires/identifying target people or groups who would be included/thinking about setting up interviews, etc.)

Transition from Research Methods to Work Based Proposal
Research Methods
Introduction:
Setting the scene describing your organisation & how you identified the research subject
Description of how the literature search was carried out
Work Based Proposal
Introduction:
Setting the scene describing your organisation & how you identified the research subject
Explain some of the practical issues which drew you to the subject area
Have clear research aims and objectives (& research question)

Transition from Research Methods to Work Based Proposal
Research Methods
Literature Review
Critical evaluation of limited range of literature
Description of the two main research methods
Analysis of their strengths and weaknesses of the literature
Work Based Proposal
Literature Review
Review from a more extensive range of academic journals and sources
Drawing from this review identifying a theoretical basis for undertaking the research (ie link review to your area of research, type of organisation, etc)
Present a conceptual framework/relevant hypothesis for your approach (clear questions)

Transition from Research Methods to Work Based Proposal
Research Methods
Description of the two main research methods
Analysis of their strengths and weaknesses
Work Based Proposal
Research Methodology
Identify an appropriate research methodology (with reasons) for your workplace
Link this to your aims and objectives (the research question)
Research Design
Discuss the limitations of your chosen methodology
Timescale
Resources needed

Transition from Research Methods to Work Based Proposal
Research Methods
Conclusion
Summary of discussions from the literature review analysis
Future scope of the research
Work Based Proposal
Conclusion
Proposed time frame for actual data collection
Any limitations of proposal (in terms of more literature searching). Any further information which would improve your knowledge of the area of research

Transition from Research Methods to Work Based Proposal: Summary
The WBP develops the methodology section in much greater depth. It considers the philosophies and methods in greater depth and expands and develops the range of the literature review.
It should result in a research question and a clear outline of how this question is going to be answered.

Transition from Research Methods to Work Based Proposal
You have had the experience of completing the Research Methods assignment
The level of effort and commitment required is clear
The process of a literature review is clearer (and will become quicker)
Everyone has a research idea – often the hardest thing to do in the first place

Introduction/Background: Setting the Context

What is the purpose of an introduction in a research proposal?
To introduce the organisation
To introduce the situation/problem which is needing to be researched
To introduce the research topic
To link into the literature review by providing a research question
Whilst point 1 requires some description, most of this section needs to be analytical

Introducing the Organisation
How can this be more analytical?
Place the organisation in its sector/industry and use external sources to indicate size/contribution
Place your section into the organisation and give sense of its size/contribution

Introducing the situation/problem
How can this be more analytical?

Is the situation being caused by external factors influencing the organisation? Use external sources to justify what you are saying
Have other organisations been in the news with similar situations?
Who is being affected?

Introducing the research topic
What area(s) of business theory does the topic belong to?
Does the topic cross into several business areas?
Has there been research into this type of area before?
Use textbooks and your degree knowledge
Multi-disciplinary?
Use e-resources

Writing a research question
What is your research question?
What is the business/organisation/[personal situation?
Are you looking for the causes of the situation?

Are you looking for solutions/answers to the situation/problem?
What has your theory search shown so far?
Focus on the responses that you want to investigate more
Identify the three or four reasons/causes that are the ‘strongest’
Other researchers may have suggested these as answers from their own research
your own observations and experience of your work may indicate what might be most pertinent

Are there any further research studies that could confirm your ideas?
Look at articles used for the RM assignments. What were they looking for? How did the authors phrase their question?

Literature Review
From description to analysis

What is the purpose of a literature review in a research proposal?
To introduce the topic area(s)
Define the terms (words) that are being used
To summarise existing knowledge of the topic area(s)
To draw from the experiences and results of other researchers some possible answers/solutions/causes that could be investigated
To be able to conclude with a model/hypothesis which will be tested in your organisation
Descriptive
Descriptive
Synthesising

Analysing

This is where you identify very specifically what aspects/questions you will be researching

What is synthesis?
Identifying several authors/sources who have researched the topic area(s)
Compare what they are saying
Contrast what they are saying
Now apply your knowledge to your organisation’s situation
Use textbooks e-resources

What are the similarities?

What are the differences?

This is where the analysis happens

What is a model or hypothesis?
A model is a picture of what the researcher is proposing to research. Models tend to be used in social science and humanities research

What is a model or hypothesis?
A hypothesis is a series of questions the researcher is trying to answer. Hypotheses are often linked to scientific (quantitative) research
A null hypothesis is suggested: which is often a negative statement; with the intention of proving the negative statement wrong; so that the alternative hypothesis must be right!

Preparing a Search Profile
Review questions, search terms
Determine importance of criteria for inclusion / exclusion in the review (consider your research aims & objectives)
Systematic literature review method
Theoretical rigour
Methodological rigour
Coherence of research designs and execution
Quality of argument

Searching
Plan – Search Profile
Record your searches (search diary)
Identify sources – places, journals, people
Logical approach
Own library and other library catalogues
Book bibliographies
Journal abstracts, indexes and contents lists
Institutions and people
Google Scholar
Saving/ cataloguing literature

Example: Using the Library to search for Articles

 How to read/ review papers 1

NB: Reading for a review is very different from reading for pleasure!!
Check if it is useful for your research
Note its structure, topic, style, general reasoning, data and references
Read the sections important for your needs
Try to identify the ideas, aims and logic for the work
Skim through the paper
STOP
Read the introduction &conclusions
Read the abstract
Purpose:
Decision:
Action:
1
4
2
3
STOP
STOP
Identify the rationale for the study (theory & method), extract main concepts and check how they were defined & used
Not useful
Seems useful
Seems useful
Seems useful
Not useful
Not useful
Tip!
Take notes in a systematic way

 How to read/ review papers 2
Examples of Categorising streams of thought:

What are the main questions and problems that have been addressed to date?
How is knowledge on the topic structured and organised?
Does it reference any other relevant literature/ research?
What are the origins and definitions of the topic?
What are the major issues and debates about the topic?
What are the key sources?
What are the methods used?
What are the key theories, concepts and ideas?
Literature search and review your topic

Content of the Critical Review
The literature review represents the body of research on which the author should seek to ground the proposed framework and to reflect the aim of his/her research
Your critical review will need to:
Include the key academic theories within your chosen area
Demonstrate that your knowledge is up to date
Show how your own research relates to previously published research
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of previous research

Critically reviewing
‘critical review’ – is a difficult notion
Includes evidence of:
Evaluation of sources
Evaluation of arguments by authors
Evaluation of methods used by authors
Evaluation of utility (i.e. Strengths and weaknesses)
Example: Literature Analysis Table (ideas for a ‘thematic analysis’)
NB: Reasoned evaluation (not simply opinion)

Writing
Look at examples in methods books & articles in refereed journals
Report literature review methods (even if only briefly)
Draw conclusions relevant to your project

 Writing your review

What is the aim of your review?
To define topics? / map out theories?
To establish a context?
Give a coherent structure or order: eg
Discuss in chronological order
Group into topics or themes
Compare, contrast, critically analyse
What are the different view points
What are the positives? What are the drawbacks?
What do you think? What does this mean in relation to your research/ topic?

Summarise your review
Don’t forget to give a summary of the main points at the end
Make sure you explain the importance of all the literature for your research

Research Methodology & Design

Research: from theory to practice
Philosophy Paradigm Theoretical approach Information collection approach Information collection techniques
Qualitative Interpretivism Deductive Based on opinion (subjective) Qualitative information
Quantitative Positivism Inductive “Scientific” (objective?) Quantitative information
Pragmatism Mixture of both Both approaches Applied research Mixture of both

Continuing to develop the methodology
The methodology section is worth 25% of the grade
It is linked to the research design section (worth 15%) of the grade
This is where you start at the outside of the ‘onion’ and begin to work your way to the centre
Explain/justify your decision at each stage
End with a proposed method of primary data collection

Methodology
Assignment brief
Identify an appropriate research methodology that is relevant for the topic and provide a rationale for the selection of this approach over others.
Questions to ask yourself /things to think about and address
What are you trying to find out? Why?
What philosophy suits you and this project? What methodology will you be following? (all of which is descriptive)
WHY? What makes these better than the other choices?

Methodology
Assignment brief

Explain how the chosen methodology is relevant to the aims and objectives of the intended research.
Questions to ask yourself/things to think about and address
Link your choices explicitly into the research question (now becoming analytical)

Methodology
Assignment brief

Explain (in general terms) how you intend to collect in your data (via primary and secondary data)
Questions to ask yourself /things to think about and address
Secondary data = literature review which has already given you some ideas about possible answers to your question
Primary data: = confirming your suspicions by doing research yourself and asking more specific, detailed questions (again, descriptive)

Methodology
Assignment brief

Demonstrate an understanding of the limitations of the chosen methodology.
Questions to ask yourself /things to think about and address
Now moving past analytical towards evaluation
Comparing what information /advantages other methods have and justifying your own decisions.

Continuing to develop the methodology
Methodology: marks will be gained for
Clear objectives (for the research)
Choice of methodology (including the reasons why this is the best method for your particular research in your organisation)
Critical evaluation of methodology (might there be other ways of obtaining data which would answer your questions, and if so, then why is your choice the better one? [some overlap here with the previous bullet point]
Limitations of methodology: what kinds of information would be missing? Will your choices provide all the answers to all the questions?

Research Design (15%)
You will need to indicate that you have thought of the practicalities of the primary data collection.
For every decision that you make – be sure to justify it by saying
Either how good it is in relation to any other way of doing the same task
Or the limitation of other methods which make your choice more attractive.

Research Design
Brief: Present an outline of how the data will be collected, verified and recorded
Will you use questionnaires, interviews, dictaphone, video, on-line questionnaires, email correspondence, note taking…etc.
Will the questionnaires be sent out by post/email or hand? What will you do about non-replies? How many non-replies would make your sample too small to be valid?
Will you be able to use triangulation? (a variety of data sources which back each other up)
Will you type up transcripts of interviews?
How will you ensure confidentiality? Will you assign index numbers or codenames to respondents?
Are there any sensitive issues that you will be investigating? How will you handle this?

Research Design
Brief: Explain the sources of data – your sample population
Where will the respondents come from? Are they a cross section of the organisation/department?
How have you chosen them?
What are the characteristics which mean that they are good candidates for your research?
Approximately how many people will be involved? Will this give enough information on which to form opinions? (will the research be ‘valid’?)
Are there any groups who might act as a ‘control’ for your research?

Research Design
Brief: Explain the process by which the data will be examined
If you have quantitative data, what kinds of analysis will you use? (average/mean/median/ numbers of occurrences…..)
If you have qualitative data, how will you analyse it? (software analysis/themes/similarities/
comparatives…..)

Research Design
Brief: An outline of the questionnaires or interview guides that you are thinking of using
The questions should be very much geared to answering your research question. (You are being asked for some indication of the kinds of questions that you will use – not for a finished questionnaire.)
Organise the questions into groups where you are finding out similar types of information.
There may be closed or open questions.
You can have structured or unstructured or semi-structured interviews.

Research Design
Brief: A timescale (Gantt chart) for the project
Assume that you will start the primary data collection during the summer.
Think about the time you will need to write the various parts of the dissertation.
It always takes a long time to record and analyse the information.
Plan a write a few drafts for discussion with your supervisor and show this on the chart.
Look at the expected submission date and work backwards from there.

Research Design
Brief: A list of resources needed to conduct the research.
How many questionnaires/interview recording sheets?
Using an Excel spreadsheet? (implies access to computer) Back ups? (memory sticks/CD/hard drive/paper copies?
Video camera/dictaphones?
Dedicated email address? (for confidentiality?)
Will you need people to help with transcribing or data entry?

Conclusion
The report should finish with a conclusion
Whilst there are no marks specifically for this in the mark scheme, it forms a part of the Structure/Style section (10%)

Conclusion
It should be:
Short
Precise
Concise

It should relate to:
aims/objectives
method chosen
implications of your research findings

Example Literature Analysis Table

Author(s) + Year	Purpose	Main argument	Theory	Methodology	Strengths of argument	Weaknesses of argument	Relationship with RQ1	Topic 1	Topic 2	Other
Article/ Book 1
Article/ Book 2
Article/ Book 3
Article/ Book 4
Article/ Book 5
Article/ Book 6
Article/ Book 7

NB: Titles of columns should be made appropriate and relevant to your research

Work Based Proposal
Review of Day

Self Assessment
Individually:
What were the strengths and weaknesses of my research methods assignments?
What can I learn from these?
How can my individual RM assignment help me to develop my WBP?

Group Assessment
What are the key features of an effective literature review?
Identify two strengths of using a questionnaire for data collection
Identify two strengths of using qualitative research
Name three problems that might be encountered when gathering data for analysis

Where is the executive summary which is cover the all report and its not included in the word count so we can write as much as we can to cover and explain what’s in the report

We don’t do introduction for each part only one introduction for the all report

What i highlight the red its mean we have to change it because its not right and the yellow is the questions for the assignment there is misunderstood from you to understand what is the report there is a lot missing please change what is am asking i need to submit my report by tomorrow morning read the slides papers which I putted for you from uni this help you a lot to understand the report please read carful

The below is missing to talk in the report please for more information read the slides which i putted from uni and we have to mention g-tec because the search is to apply it to my organisation gtec

The article books which we choose to the research please see the example literature analysis table which i putted with my slides papers

Methodology and data collection methods

Ascertain the current level of motivation processes within the organisation at g-tec and the problem at g-Tec … that why we are doing the research

Collecting data through primary or secondary data abbreviation and focus group or other….

This method will be used when collecting data to meet the first objective of research

The time period for conducting the research

Collecting the primary or secondary data

How to gather the information which will require is it by interview people face to face or phone or email and how long it will take to gather the information

Collecting primary or secondary data using questionnaire which will be used for this research project to be carefully designed for maximum generation of information

A list of resources needed to conduct the research

Where is the Conclusions and recommendation?

All the tables which is you putted in the report we have to putted at the end of the report as appendix 1,2…..not in the middle

FACTORS AFFECTING MOTIVATION IN BRITAIN:

A CASE STUDY OF G-TEC DISTRIBUTIONS SALES & MARKETING DEPARTMENT.

MOOSHA

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULLFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF A DEGREE IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SUBMITTED TO THE (…MOOSHA’ your SCHOOL TO GO IN HERE……)

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study will be to investigate the factors that affect motivation in the United Kingdom, a case study of G-TEC Distribution LTD’s Sales department. The independent proposed to be used for the study are; Incentives, compensation, culture and employee relations.

The study shall apply descriptive research design. The target population of G-TEC distribution Sales Department stands at 80 staff this range from the marketing managers, sales executives, and customer care the study plans to target five top management staff, 11 sales executives, and 64 customer care experts.

The sample size proposed to be used is 40. Stratified sampling technique shall be used to divide the heterogeneous population into homogenous strata for easier estimates of the variables and their parameters. Structured questionnaires which have both closed and open questions shall be used.

The questions addressed in the instrument shall focus on gathering answers raised by the research questions. The data will then be analyzed using quantitative and qualitative means so as to develop meaningful descriptions of scores.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION OF THE STUDY

Clearly explain the context and rationale for the research.

1.1 Introduction

This section serves as a window of the research work it brings to picture the intentions of the study and the direction it will take.

1.2 Background of the study

There is an old saying that states that you can take a horse to the creek but you can not force the water upon it, it shall drink only out of choice this proverb applies with employees in an organization, individuals in an organization will undertake tasks given either via prompting or through self initiative or motivation. It’s better for the employee to do a task through their own will rather through being made to because then they will give their best as compared to when they are forced to do so and they do only what is required to keep their immediate superiors content. McAuley, Duberley & Johnson (2006)

The APA (American Psychological Association ) define Motivation as the process of starting, directing, and maintaining physical and psychological activities; includes mechanisms involved in preferences for one activity over another and the vigor and persistence of responses. According to Abraham Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs, people are motivated by unfulfilled needs which according to his representation are hierarchical in order ranging from the most basic to the most complex.

Motivation has been defined as: the psychological process that gives behavior purpose and direction (Kreitner, 1995); a predisposition to behave in a purposive manner to achieve specific, unmet needs (Buford, Bedeian, & Lindner, 1995); an internal drive to satisfy an unsatisfied need (Higgins, 1994); and the will to achieve (Bedeian, 1993).

According to Herzberg There exists two main types of motivation the intrinsic and the extrinsic, intrinsic motivation is when an individual does not need any external factors to influence their level of motivation their drive is inherent, whereas extrinsic motivation is the complete opposite of intrinsic as it requires that someone be prodded from without so as to have them carry out a certain task as required Herzberg who was the originator of this theory went on to add that some factors in the organization can contribute to job satisfaction and that their absence doesn’t necessarily lead to dissatisfaction but contentment is also elusive in such an instance.

For maximum utility of any department in an organization the individuals working there in have to be inclined to put their best foot forward at all instances. Some of the major factors influencing the motivation of staff are incentives, compensation being the most popular, work place culture, and employee relations that is how well the workers in a particular department correlate to each other. Motivation is a skill that must be learned if a business is to survive and succeed in a highly evolving and competitive business world. (Pritchard & Ashwood 2008)

1.2.1 G-TEC Distribution Ltd. Profile

G-TEC DISTRIBUTION LTD was established in 2002 to offer national security installers and CCTV distributors a wide range of CCTV products and CCTV systems that combines value for money, high quality and most importantly excellent after sales customer service.
G-TEC is the home of the Serage high end range of CCTV products which offers users exceptional quality and reliable products made by respectable manufacturers in Korea.
In July 2010, G-Tec moved to an over 6000 Square ft. warehouse and office space facility where we also offer installers training on the full product range installers training on the full product range
In Sep 2011 G-TEC opened a dedicated export department for promoting the SERAGE range Worldwide.
G-TEC is well established and recognized in the UK security industry. With over 10 years experience and a vast network of strong relationship that we have built with suppliers and installers, and has had continuous growth in terms of sales, size, coverage and company market share in the UK and Worldwide.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

Not all people are motivated by similar things and motivation for different individuals changes over time.

Of all the functions a manager performs, motivating employees is arguably the most complex. This is due, in part, to the fact that what motivates employees changes constantly (Bowen & Radhakrishna, 1991). For example, research suggests that as employees’ income increases, money becomes less of a motivator (Kovach, 1987). Also, as employees get older, interesting work becomes more of a motivator.

An employee’s performance typically is influenced by motivation, ability, and the work environment. Some deficiencies can be addressed by providing training or altering the environment, motivation problems are not as easily addressed (Bowen & Radhakrishna, 1991).

Despite extensive research into motivation it has been poorly practiced within organizations as its not seen to be contributing directly to the bottom line, this is not true because those that do influence revenues gained by the organization need to be emotionally in sync with their various tasks and this is only feasible if the are properly motivated

The assumptions of scientific management were that work is inherently unpleasant for most people and the money they earn is more important to employees than is the nature of the job they are performing.(Smith 1990)

Maslow was of the opinion that an employee even though provided with the necessary resources needed for them to carry out their respective tasks might not do their assignments to the best of their ability; this might be brought about by problems inherent to the organization or those that are within an individual

This study aims to try and find out some of the factors that affect the motivation of employees in the organization.

A) Background

Have clear aims and objectives.

1.4 Objective of the study

The objective of this study is to come out with a better understanding of the factors that influence motivation in the sales department of G-TEC distribution limited.

1.4.1 Aim of the Study

The studies major purpose was to determine factors affecting motivation in the United Kingdom

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

a) To asses the effect of incentives on motivation

b) To find out the effect of office culture on motivation

c) To investigate the effect of compensation on motivation

d) To establish the effect of employee relations on motivation

1.5 Research Questions

a) The study will attempt to answer the following questions;

b) In what ways do incentives affect motivation?

c) What is the effect of office culture on motivation of employees?

d) To what extent does compensation affect motivation?

e) What is the influence of employee relations on motivation?

A) Explain some of the practical issues which have engendered interest in the student for this research.

1.6 Significance of the Study

1.6.1 Marketing managers

The study will help the marketing managers to understand factors that influence motivation in the place of work so that they can use them while relating with employees of their department.

1.6.2 Employees

The study shall assist employees in finding out some of the reasons that might lead to them not being motivated to carry out their various assignments

1.6.3 The researcher(s)

The research will broaden the research spectrum and knowledge regarding motivation in the work place and it shall be of use to academics as a perusal and as a guide for further research as it will act as reference material

Why its like a chapter 1 2 and …

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

B) Literature review

Provide evidence of adequate theoretical literature review drawn from academic journals and sources

WHERE IS THE ANSWER FOR THAT QUSTION ?

Identify a relevant theoretical basis for undertaking the intended research and present a clear justification for its applicability to the research topic

2.1 Introduction

This chapter concentrates on the relevant literature to the study so as to familiarize the researcher with the findings related to motivation as explored by other scholars and accredited researchers who have published their various accounts on the topic of motivation.

2.2 Review of Theoretical Literature.

There was a period in history when employees were considered just another cog in the wheel of industry this way of reasoning was turned on its stomach by Elton Mayo through his Hawthorne Studies, conducted from 19

to 1932 (Dickson, 1973). This study offered that employee’s motivation was not just determined or influenced by money and that employee behavior was linked to other factors (Dickson, 1973). The Hawthorne Studies began the human relations approach to management, whereby the needs and motivation of employees become the primary focus of managers (Bedeian, 1993).

.2.2 Review of Analytical literature and gaps to be filled

In this study we are going to focus on four common variables that influence the motivation of employees. These are incentives, compensation culture, and employee relationships.

2.2.1 Incentives

Incentive is defined as an act or promise for greater action. (Hollyforde and Whiddett 2002)

It serves as a stimulus to greater action. Incentives are something given in addition to money paid. It means additional remuneration or benefit to an employee in recognition of exceptional work done or to encourage the performing of great work or spur a competitive atmosphere amongst the work force. (Pritchard and Ashwood 2008)

There exists two types of incentives monetary and non monetary; monetary incentives are those that reward employees by means of money this was highly advocated for in the early school of management motivation in monetary means is important as it’s a prerequisite of satisfying the needs of people, Abraham Maslow argued that the behavior of an individual at a particular moment is determined by his or her strongest need. He came up with a hierarchy of needs and stated that people were motivated by unmet needs and cannot act towards satisfying other needs unless lower needs in the hierarchy are satisfied.

Money is helpful to satisfy the social needs by possessing various material items an employee experiences immediate reward for their extra effort. Therefore, money not only satisfies psychological needs but also the security and social needs., in many organizations, various wage plans and bonus schemes go towards motivating and stimulating the people to work. (Buford 1990)

Non-monetary incentives- are non-financial incentives which go to reaffirm the self esteem or ego and self- actualization needs of employees as offered by Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs this includes job satisfaction, pride for accomplishment job promotion, and job security, Therefore, incentives can sometimes work to accomplish the objectives and aims set out by the management of a particular department this is highly evident in some departments that are highly competitive than others e.g. the sales department. Management can use incentives as a motivational tool for different purposes such as psychologically satisfy a person which leads to job satisfaction, inculcate zeal and enthusiasm towards work, get the maximum of their capabilities so that they are exploited and utilized maximally. For the increase of productivity, To enhance commitment in work performance, drive or arouse a stimulus work, shape the behavior or outlook of subordinate towards work, (Bedeian, 1993).

Higgins 1994 was of the opinion that there existed to definitions of incentives Positive Incentives and negative incentives. Positive incentives are those incentives which provide a positive assurance for fulfilling the needs and wants. Positive incentives generally have an optimistic attitude behind and they are generally given to satisfy the psychological requirements of employees. For example-promotion, praise, recognition, perks and allowances, etc. It is positive by nature. Negative Incentives are those whose purpose is to correct the mistakes or defaults of employees. The purpose is to rectify mistakes in order to get effective results. Negative incentive is generally resorted to when positive incentive does not work and a psychological set back has to be given to employees. It is negative by nature. For example- demotion, transfer, fines, penalties.

2.2.1 Compensation

Compensation is the monetary gains awarded an employee after they finish a task given its used to motivate them to see their job through and to do it to the satisfaction of the one rewarding them.

Under theories of motivation, Vroom’s expectancy theory links an impenetrable relationship between moderation and compensation. According to this theory, satisfying one’s expectations and giving value (rewarding) for his efforts will result in motivation. Generally employee in any organization is primarily at the organization for the monetary gains to be received.

Some employees are motivated by money. In fact, most of the human resource in an organization is motivated by money; at least for their basic needs. Employee motivation through compensation can come in the form of profit sharing, commissions, raises, performance bonuses, or any number of “perks e.g. paid for vacations, or other tangible items purchased and used as rewards. Compensation can be a strong driver of employee behavior under the right

In jobs where significant variability in pay occurs in compensation and where it is closely related to key performance factors, then pay can be a big motivator many companies that put in company-wide incentive plans have gotten great productivity results with well-designed plans.

Every employee working in the companies concerns about regular payment of salaries by the management and it is fact that regularly payment of salaries shows positive impact on motivation of employee. Hence there is direct linkage between compensation and motivation of employee.

The theory of motivation states that “Failure in Compensation Design Leads to Failure to Motivate (behavioral change)”

2.2.3 Culture

Organizational culture can be defined as the collective behavior of people in an organization and the meanings that the people attach to their actions which includes the, visions, , working language, values systems, norms, beliefs and habits of that organization. It is the environment in the workplace that has been formulated by the employees through their interactions.

Henry Mintzberg has described organizational culture as the “soul of the organization-the beliefs and values and how they are manifested.

David’ McClelland’s theory was built on Maslow’s work by identifying three motivators that are common to human beings. According to McClelland, these motivators are learned .McClelland was of the opinion that regardless of people’s gender or age, they all have three motivating drivers, and one of these is their dominant motivating driver. This dominant motivator is largely dependent on culture and life experiences. The three motivators are achievement, affiliation, and power. (D. McClelland 1988)

Motivation and satisfaction are vital in any organizational culture where a strong culture will have high levels of employee motivation and satisfaction where a weak culture will have a high employee turnover

A culture that incorporates regular employee input especially when it comes to matters change goes to remind the employee that what they are doing is important and necessary and that they share the same goals and values of the organization. Motivating employees through the values that they can relate with and own helps ease the achievement of said goals. Both organizations and employees come out winners when proper culture practices are put into place.

2.2.4 Employee Relationship:

Employee relation ship entails the camaraderie that exists between the human resource of a particular department when the employee relationship is positive there exists open lines of communication and interdependency. When it comes to completion of tasks employees will tend to be more cohesive towards each other and will be focused and motivated towards achieving setout objectives. (Bowen & Radhakrishna, 1991).

When employee relations are strained motivation levels suffer because every employee depends on themselves to achieve the assignments they are tasked with and where as when they do it together they might achieve faster, coordinated and greater results ie. Sales territories, factory floors, they tend to fumble their way through their work and end up with mediocre out comes

Present a conceptual framework or relevant hypothesis that synthesise your approach (these do not necessarily have to be original).

2.5 Conceptual frame work

FIGURE 2.1 Conceptual Frame work

Independent variables

(
Source: (2012)
) (

DEPENDENT VARIABLE
) (
EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP
) (
COMPENSATION
) (
INCENTIVE
) (
CULTURE
)

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

C) Methodology

The research proposal should:

Identify an appropriate research methodology that is relevant for the topic and provide a rationale for the selection of this approach over others.

Explain how the chosen methodology is relevant to the aims and objectives of the intended research.

Explain how you intend to collect in your data (via primary and secondary data)

Demonstrate an understanding of the limitations of the chosen methodology.

D) Research Design

The research proposal should:

Present an outline of how data is to be collected, verified and recorded

Explain the sources of data, possible interviewees or targeted subpopulations

The processes through which the data would be examined and analysed

3.1 Introduction

This chapter specifies the nature of the research design, target population, sample and design data collection method, data analysis and the results that were expected.

3.2 Research Design

The researcher will use descriptive research design to collect information. Descriptive research is used when collecting information about people’s attitudes, opinions, and habits or any of the variety of social issues (orodho and Kombo 2002) and therefore the is of the opinion that it would best serve his purpose. The respondents were expected to give description on their understanding of the factors affecting motivation in the UK

3.3 Target Population

The target population is a complete set of individuals with some common observable characteristics (mugenda &mugenda 1999). The study will target 80 employees of G-TEC Distribution Ltd. Ranging from management, sales executives and customer care the target population of the study was as follows:

Table 3.1 Target Populations

Introduction

Further Education (FE) college managers are under increased pressure to present accurate financial information. Government funding methodologies constantly change, annual guidance documents verifies this. Funding streams are increasing in number and complexity. Therefore, managers need an analysis tool to provide timely, effective and efficient information to equip them in decision making when matching funding to costs.

Literature Review

For accounting and analysis purposes each qualification taught in college can be considered an activity. Therefore ABC is considered most appropriate form of costing. A search of the latest academic publications produced many articles relating to Activity-Based Costing (ABC). The table below illustrates articles chosen with their corresponding research philosophies, methodologies and methods used to formulate this report. All five have an epistemological philosophy theory.

Article Title

Paradigm of Social Science

Research Method

Data Collection Method

ABC: Is it still relevant?

Positivism

Quantitative

Survey

Does your costing system need a tune-up?

Interpretivism

Qualitative

Case Study

Performance Operations

Interpretivism

Qualitative

Study Notes Paper

ABC user satisfaction and type of system

Positivism

Quantitative

Survey

Activity-Based Management Systems in H.E.

Interpretivism

Qualitative

Case Study

ABC is the second most used costing system, standard costing being the most popular and arguments for using ABC were stronger from current users than non-users of the system. This indicates a satisfaction of the user once ABC has been adopted. (Stratton et al, 2009). Results of a quantitative research article provide ample support for the conclusion that ABC methods provide significant value to managers (Waldrup et al, 2009).

Higher Education (HE) has similar accounting requirements to FE and with the introduction to more HE qualifications to FE, the article on HE activity-based management provides an informative case study and models.

Empirical Survey Draft

From the hypnosis, will ABC provide FE colleges with an effective costing system? Empirical evidence will be analysed combining quantitative and qualitative forms of research.

A questionnaire to all FE college accountants in the UK, questioning the type of costing systems used and satisfaction levels of the users. This primary data will be analysed using computer software process SPSS. The research should be reliable, valid and objective; these factors will need to be taken into account when composing the questions. This quantitative approach to research fits with the philosophical framework of positivism.

Interviews, one-to-one and/or groups, with college managers of ABC systems from similar size college and qualification offer. These will bring a depth of understanding to the research on ABC. This primary data will enable a qualitative approach to the research that is usually subjective. Interview questions are open in nature unlike questionnaire questions that need to be closed to elicit answers that can be coded for analytical purposes.

Further literature reviews on ABC will bring about a triangulation approach to produce an accurate account and reliable research.

Word count 510

Conclusion and expected outcomes

Current changes to FE funding methodology and findings from the review have suggested a gap in knowledge pertaining to ABC in FE colleges. This led to a research question, ‘Is activity-based costing an effective budgetary tool for FE colleges?’

References

Stratton, W. O., Desroches, D., Lawson, R. A., & Hatch, T. (2009). Activity-based costing: Is it still relevant? Management Accounting Quarterly, [e-journal] 10 (3), pp. 31-40. ABI/INFORM complete.

Available at:

http://ezproxy.kingston.ac.uk/docview/222805126?accountid=14557

[Accessed 07 May 2012]

Waldrup, B. E., C.P.A., MacArthur, J. B., F.C.C.A., & Michelman, Jeffrey E,C.M.A., C.P.A. (2009). Does your costing system need a tune-up? Strategic Finance, [e-journal] 90 (12), pp. 47-51. ABI/INFORM complete.

Available at:

http://ezproxy.kingston.ac.uk/docview/229808356?accountid=14557

[Accessed 07 May 2012]

Bibliography

Grahame, S. (2010). Performance Operations. Financial Management, [e-journal] Jan/Feb 2010, pp. 40-44. Business Source Premier

Available at:

http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/results?sid=ca1c3149-575e-45e3-940c-6731be501d42%40sessionmgr111&vid=2&hid=108&bquery=JN+%22Financial+Management+(14719185)%22+AND+DT+20100101&bdata=JmRiPWJ1aCZ0eXBlPTEmc2l0ZT1laG9zdC1saXZl

[Accessed 07 May 2012]

McClery, S., McKendrick, J.and Rolfe, T. (2007). Activity-Based Management in Higher Education, Public Money & Management, [e-journal] 27 (5), pp. 315-322. Taylor and Francis Online

Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9302.2007.00602.x

[Accessed 07 May 2012]

Pike, R. H., Tayles, M. E. and Mansor N. N. A. (2011). Activity-based costing user satisfaction and type of system: A research note, The British Accounting Review, [e-journal] 43 (1), pp. 65-72. ScienceDirect

Available at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890838910001198

[Accessed 11 May 2012]

Quinlan, C. (2011) Business Research Methods. Hampshire: Cengage

Stratton, W. O., Desroches, D., Lawson, R. A., & Hatch, T. (2009). Activity-based costing: Is it still relevant? Management Accounting Quarterly, [e-journal] 10 (3), pp. 31-40. ABI/INFORM complete

Available at: http://ezproxy.kingston.ac.uk/docview/222805126?accountid=14557
[Accessed 07 May 2012]

Available at: http://ezproxy.kingston.ac.uk/docview/229808356?accountid=14557

[Accessed 07 May 2012]

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