Description
Review the case study data related to your research problem and describe potential analysis tools and methods you will use to answer your research question. Be specific: Reference specific descriptive and inferential statistics from your textbook that you plan to use in your analysis. To support your plan, reference a business research study that implemented this method, and explain why you believe it was appropriate.
In response to your peers, compare your plan to the others presented: How do your peers’ plans differ from your own, and what can you use from others’ plans that can improve or change your analysis approach? Here are the peers responses 1. Maruti Suzuki of India is facing increased competition, additional consumer demands and government requirements. How does Maruti Suzuki of India remain competitive with additional consumer demands, government requirements and increased competition? Maruti Suzuki has dominated the Indian vehicle Market since 1983 with “A Segmant” Vehicles. There has been relatively no competition. At this time there is increased competition, multishare companies entering the market, additional consumer demands and added government requirements. The increased competition was causing A Share Market to decline from 61% to 49%.
There are pressures to lower vehicle prices due to the extreme competition however; there are safety and emission requirements causing an increase in the cost of the vehicles. In addition; Maruti Suzuki used to be able to add additional costs for luxury items. At this time consumers consider the luxury items standard items.
What are the Primary Reasons consumers selected the vehicle they purchased? Bar charts and pie charts can be utilized to display and help understand data visually from the report findings of the online survey and questionnaire that was captured from individuals that have purchased cars that will be used to target the audience and market accordingly. Understanding the market to target will save advertising dollars and help increase sales and profitability. Data analysis tools such as regression, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and multivariate analysis may be used to analyze data in case studies.
“Measurement of variables is an integral part of research and an important aspect of research design.” (Sekaran & Bougie, 2017) By measuring the variables it will provide the information necessary to answer our research question(s). Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be used. Inferential statistics enables the researcher to utilize the data obtained through the research to draw conclusions. .” (Sekaran & Bougie, 2017) This is relative to this case as it allows the researcher to clearly see and understand the primary reasons the consumer selected the vehicle they purchased.
As mentioned a survey questionnaire will be used in this case study to obtain the data needed to determine the primary reason they selected the vehicle they purchased. According to Sekaran & Bougie, 2017 Excelsior Enterprises used a survey to obtain the information they need regarding employee turnover by conducting a stay survey. Surveys and questionnaires are an excellent way to obtain information that is needed to make informed business decisions. The researcher is able to collect the necessary data, code the data in an information base to have clear data to enable the appropriate parties to make informed decisions. Peer 2 response: After being the lead in the A-segment automotive industry in India since 1983, MSIL started having to face some challenges, leading to a decrease in their market share. Their main problem was in their entry level hatch segment because it was not performing as well because of competition and the change in the needs and wants of consumers who want a great value for their money. Starting in 2017, new safety regulations needed to be added to all new vehicles so my research question was: “Should MSIL have their consumers pay for the costs of the newer safety regulations with a higher priced entry-level hatch, or should they keep the low prices and get rid of some features to make up the costs?” Using questionnaires and surveys to see if consumers would spend more money for an entry level hatch with all the features, or the usual low price for basic features would be the best way to figure the answer to my research question. The consumers who would receive those questionnaires would be based on the information given in Exhibit 6: Profile of existing A-segment consumers in India from the case study.
For descriptive statistics, the range measurement of dispersion could be used for Exhibit 3: Year-wise market share projections of major car manufacturers in India. The range would show how much MSIL’s market share decreased from 2008 to 2013. Comparing that to the means measure of central tendency for Exhibit 2: Sales of Passenger Cars and the answers to the questionnaires and surveys will show MSIL if consumers will buy more entry level hatches that cost more but contain more features, or if they prefer the lower costs with less features.
Inferential statistics, according to Sekaran and Bougie (2016), “helps us to draw conclusions about the population from a sample” (Pg. 301, 2016). A regression analysis would be used because it “is used in a situation where one independent variable is hypothesized to affect a dependent variable” (Pg. 312, 2016). The independent variable would be the entry level hatch cost and the dependent variable would be consumer behavior. The information gathered would explain which entry level hatch the consumers prefer so that MSIL will know which one to produce.
POST 1
Here are the peers responses 1. Maruti Suzuki of India is facing increased competition, additional consumer demands and government requirements. How does Maruti Suzuki of India remain competitive with additional consumer demands, government requirements and increased competition? Maruti Suzuki has dominated the Indian vehicle Market since 1983 with “A Segmant” Vehicles. There has been relatively no competition. At this time there is increased competition, multishare companies entering the market, additional consumer demands and added government requirements. The increased competition was causing A Share Market to decline from 61% to 49%.There are pressures to lower vehicle prices due to the extreme competition however; there are safety and emission requirements causing an increase in the cost of the vehicles. In addition; Maruti Suzuki used to be able to add additional costs for luxury items. At this time consumers consider the luxury items standard items.What are the Primary Reasons consumers selected the vehicle they purchased? Bar charts and pie charts can be utilized to display and help understand data visually from the report findings of the online survey and questionnaire that was captured from individuals that have purchased cars that will be used to target the audience and market accordingly. Understanding the market to target will save advertising dollars and help increase sales and profitability. Data analysis tools such as regression, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance and multivariate analysis may be used to analyze data in case studies.“Measurement of variables is an integral part of research and an important aspect of research design.” (Sekaran & Bougie, 2017) By measuring the variables it will provide the information necessary to answer our research question(s). Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be used. Inferential statistics enables the researcher to utilize the data obtained through the research to draw conclusions. .” (Sekaran & Bougie, 2017) This is relative to this case as it allows the researcher to clearly see and understand the primary reasons the consumer selected the vehicle they purchased.As mentioned a survey questionnaire will be used in this case study to obtain the data needed to determine the primary reason they selected the vehicle they purchased. According to Sekaran & Bougie, 2017 Excelsior Enterprises used a survey to obtain the information they need regarding employee turnover by conducting a stay survey. Surveys and questionnaires are an excellent way to obtain information that is needed to make informed business decisions. The researcher is able to collect the necessary data, code the data in an information base to have clear data to enable the appropriate parties to make informed decisions.
POST 2
Peer 2 response: After being the lead in the A-segment automotive industry in India since 1983, MSIL started having to face some challenges, leading to a decrease in their market share. Their main problem was in their entry level hatch segment because it was not performing as well because of competition and the change in the needs and wants of consumers who want a great value for their money. Starting in 2017, new safety regulations needed to be added to all new vehicles so my research question was: “Should MSIL have their consumers pay for the costs of the newer safety regulations with a higher priced entry-level hatch, or should they keep the low prices and get rid of some features to make up the costs?” Using questionnaires and surveys to see if consumers would spend more money for an entry level hatch with all the features, or the usual low price for basic features would be the best way to figure the answer to my research question. The consumers who would receive those questionnaires would be based on the information given in Exhibit 6: Profile of existing A-segment consumers in India from the case study.For descriptive statistics, the range measurement of dispersion could be used for Exhibit 3: Year-wise market share projections of major car manufacturers in India. The range would show how much MSIL’s market share decreased from 2008 to 2013. Comparing that to the means measure of central tendency for Exhibit 2: Sales of Passenger Cars and the answers to the questionnaires and surveys will show MSIL if consumers will buy more entry level hatches that cost more but contain more features, or if they prefer the lower costs with less features.Inferential statistics, according to Sekaran and Bougie (2016), “helps us to draw conclusions about the population from a sample” (Pg. 301, 2016). A regression analysis would be used because it “is used in a situation where one independent variable is hypothesized to affect a dependent variable” (Pg. 312, 2016). The independent variable would be the entry level hatch cost and the dependent variable would be consumer behavior. The information gathered would explain which entry level hatch the consumers prefer so that MSIL will know which one to produce.
Graduate Discussion Rubric
Overview
Your active participation in the discussions is essential to your overall success this term. Discussion questions will help you make meaningful connections
between the course content and the larger concepts of the course. These discussions give you a chance to express your own thoughts, ask questions, and gain
insight from your peers and instructor.
Directions
For each discussion, you must create one initial post and follow up with at least two response posts.
For your initial post, do the following:
Write a post of 1 to 2 paragraphs.
In Module One, complete your initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
In Modules Two through Ten, complete your initial post by Thursday at 11:59 p.m. of your local time zone.
Consider content from other parts of the course where appropriate. Use proper citation methods for your discipline when referencing scholarly or
popular sources.
For your response posts, do the following:
Reply to at least two classmates outside of your own initial post thread.
In Module One, complete your two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
In Modules Two through Ten, complete your two response posts by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of your local time zone.
Demonstrate more depth and thought than saying things like “I agree” or “You are wrong.” Guidance is provided for you in the discussion prompt.
Rubric
Critical Elements
Comprehension
Timeliness
Engagement
Exemplary
Develops an initial post with an
organized, clear point of view or
idea using rich and significant
detail (100%)
N/A
Provides relevant and
meaningful response posts with
clarifying explanation and detail
(100%)
Proficient
Develops an initial post with a
point of view or idea using
appropriate detail (90%)
Submits initial post on time
(100%)
Provides relevant response
posts with some explanation
and detail (90%)
Needs Improvement
Develops an initial post with a
point of view or idea but with
some gaps in organization and
detail (70%)
Submits initial post one day late
(70%)
Provides somewhat relevant
response posts with some
explanation and detail (70%)
Not Evident
Does not develop an initial post
with an organized point of view
or idea (0%)
Value
20
Submits initial post two or more
days late (0%)
Provides response posts that are
generic with little explanation or
detail (0%)
10
20
Critical Elements
Critical Thinking
Writing (Mechanics)
Exemplary
Draws insightful conclusions
that are thoroughly defended
with evidence and examples
(100%)
Initial post and responses are
easily understood, clear, and
concise using proper citation
methods where applicable with
no errors in citations (100%)
Proficient
Draws informed conclusions
that are justified with evidence
(90%)
Needs Improvement
Draws logical conclusions (70%)
Not Evident
Does not draw logical
conclusions (0%)
Value
30
Initial post and responses are
easily understood using proper
citation methods where
applicable with few errors in
citations (90%)
Initial post and responses are
understandable using proper
citation methods where
applicable with a number of
errors in citations (70%)
Initial post and responses are
not understandable and do not
use proper citation methods
where applicable (0%)
20
Total
100%
Running head: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
1
Research Design and Methods
Ebonie M. Fennidy
Southern New Hampshire University
Research Design and Methods
This research will use a quasi-experimental quantitative research design will be used. As
a quantitative design, the impact of the different processes in question can be accurately
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
2
determined. Additionally, experimental research is used to discover cause and effect
relationships between independent and dependent variables (Baker, 2017, p.168). It will be
quasi-experimental because there is an inability to randomly select participants (Baker, 2017,
p.168).
Specifically, a pretest-posttest nonequivalent group design will be used as the testing
groups will appear similar but receive different treatments (Trochim & Spiegelman, 1980, p.
376). The treatment groups will be given a pretest before the treatment and a posttest after the
treatment. The post-test will reveal changes that have occurred compared to the pretest. The data
will be subjected to statistical analysis to determine any cause-and-effect relationships (Trochim
& Spiegelman, 1980, p. 376).
The statistical analysis will be performed by finding the mean and standard deviation.
The data derived from these calculations will be presented on a histogram. The strength between
the variables will be determined by Pearson’s r correlation, the results from which will be
presented on a scattergram. Reliability will be tested using Cronbach’s alpha.
This type of design is appropriate because it can be used to determine the best method for
increasing Maruti Suzuki’s competitiveness in the market. This will be done by testing various
strategies for implementing a new product development cycle that is driven by financial
considerations. Product development will be tested according to three independent variables.
These variables include purpose/buyer-driven development process, internal control
mechanisms, and external controls. Competitiveness in the market will be the dependent
variable.
Market share will determine competitiveness. In field research, the environment must be
considered as an extraneous variable.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
3
As a quasi-experimental design, ethical concerns are fewer than those typically associated
with true experimental designs. The main reason for the reduction in ethical concerns is the lack
of randomization (Trochim & Spiegelman, 1980, p. 376). Still, the experiment must adhere to
ethical standards to ensure that the experiment remains valid. Due to the lack of randomization,
quasi-experimental designs have lower internal validity, potentially leading to inaccurate
conclusions if not appropriately addressed. It may also lead to selection bias, skewing the
outcome (Trochim & Spiegelman, 1980, p. 376).
In conclusion, a quasi-experimental quantitative research design will be used considering
that the experiment will be conducted in the field and without a randomized trial. Data will be
gathered using a pretest-posttest nonequivalent group design to deal with similar, but not the
same, participant groups. After the data has been collected, it will be analyzed by finding the
mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s r correlation. The goal is to determine the strength of
the relationship between the variables. Finally, to ensure the study is conducted ethically,
selection bias will be avoided as well as the Cronbach alpha employed to increase reliability.
References
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
4
Baker, C. (2017). Quantitative research designs: Experimental, quasi-experimental, and
descriptive. In Evidence-based practice: An integrative approach to research,
administration, and practice (155-183). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
http://samples.jblearning.com/9781284101539/9781284101539_CH06_Drummond.pdf
Trochim, W., & Spiegelman, C. (1980). The relative assignment variable approach to selection
bias in pretest-posttest group designs. Proceedings of the Survey Research Section, 37680.
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.603.5264&rep=rep1&type=pdf
1
Journal: Role of Qualitative Data in Business Research
Southern New Hampshire University
Ebonie M. Fennidy
Business Research
September 16th, 2022
Introduction
2
Qualitative studies focus on answering questions that begin with “how?” “In what ways?”
or “How?” Qualitative research methodology helps researchers collect non-numerical
information and data to gain deeper and more comprehensive insights into a phenomenon being
investigated. The project case study titled “Maruti Suzuki India: Defending Market Leadership in
the A-Segment” contain data that is qualitative in nature which can help me answer my research
question concerning. This shows that qualitative data plays a fundamental role in business
research. Qualitative data presented in the case study, which support and can help me answer the
research question, have been explained below.
Qualitative Data in the Case Study Relevant to Research Question
As noted above, data in the case study are imperative in answering my research question
and developing a research design. For instance, the data presented in the table titled Exhibit 13:
THE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CHOICES (see page 14 of the case study) will guide my
steps toward answering the research question and developing the study design. In the table, the
case study highlights various segments in the Indian car market, their value propositions, target
market and competitive retaliation, products ’strategic role, and limitations of choice. These data
were compiled by the case study’s authors based on Maruti Suzuki India Company material. The
table shows developed product alternatives choices. The data are important in answering my
research question because they offer a critical understanding of parameters to consider when
establishing product alternatives to counter a business problem I identified. In the contemporary
business world, business leaders seek to address business issues using modern approaches such
as a correlation between the market and product to assess the effectiveness of adjusting products
and services offered (Chang et al., 2020). This information will be ideal for answering my
research question and addressing the identified business problem.
3
Second, information in Exhibit 13 contains data relating to the establishment of a new
market which is a key issue to be addressed by my research question. Specifically, the case study
authors presented data about the strategic role of the product and the limitations of choice. This
is the key focus of my research question. Using the information provided, I can explain the
strategic role of the product alternatives in countering the business problem. I will also use
insightful data presented by the case authors, as presented in Exhibit 13, column 5, to explore the
issues that might arise as a result of the limitations of my choices regarding the novel product
alternatives to be developed. This will be imperative in addressing the business issue at hand by
answering my research question.
Research Design
Exhibit 13 will also help me develop a research design. Qualitative data presented in this
table will help me to obtain invaluable insights to systematically describe a business situation
and phenomenon. The case study authors used the table to present highlights of the product
alternatives development choices. The table details segments of Indian car markets, value
propositions, price, target market and competitive retaliation, strategic role of the product, and
limitations of choices. As already explained above, the data presented significantly supports my
research question and can help me answer the question relating to my business problem. Owing
to the data presented in the table, I will adopt a descriptive research design. Using this research
design, as guided by the information presented in Exhibit 13, I will be able to obtain information
and data to systematically describe my business problem and address it through systematic and
efficient product development choices. Collectively, I will use descriptive research design to
address the business problem.
Conclusion
4
As described, the qualitative data in the case study support my research question.
Specifically, the data provided in Exhibit 13 is qualitative in nature and can help me answer my
research question. The table, as described above, presents information relating to product
alternatives development choices. Efficient and appropriate development of product alternatives,
focusing on pricing, the scope of the target market and limitations, is key in solving various
business problems, including my identified problem. Because of the qualitative data presented in
the selected table, I will use the descriptive study design. Using this research design, I will
systematically explore my business problem and provide concrete recommendations.
References
Chang, V., Baudier, P., Zhang, H., Xu, Q., Zhang, J., & Arami, M. (2020). How Blockchain can
5
impact financial services–The overview, challenges and recommendations from expert
interviewees. Technological forecasting and social change, 158, 120166.
Mukherjee, J., Mathur, G., & Dhar, N. Maruti Suzuki India: Defending Market Leadership in
the A-Segment.
1
3-1 Final Project Milestone One
Maruti Suzuki India is among India’s most potent automobile manufacturers. The
company was well-known to most car buyers, regardless of their age. Furthermore, the company
could be traced back to the 1980s, explaining its popularity. Nevertheless, like many car
manufacturers, the company had some issues to deal with. First and foremost, the company faced
stiff competition from its rivals. Tata Nano, Honda Brio, General Motors, and Hyundai Eon were
competitors in various sectors. Aside from that, the company’s share market dropped from sixtyone percent to forty percent, posing a risk to the company’s endeavors. Because these issues
resulted in various expenses for the company, alternative approaches were required to address
them. This paper describes the problem of competition in Maruti Suzuki India and a
comprehensive literature review that carefully and thoughtfully examines the problem.
Many business people presume that competition benefits all businesses because it helps
owners understand where they are at in their company and aids them in devising new ways to
enhance their business like their competing companies. However, if a company cannot compete,
it can face significant problems. In this case, Tata Nano and Hyundai provided Maruti Suzuki
with fair competition, which aided the company in developing new ideas to combat the
competition. Tata posed strong competitors because it integrated many innovative solutions into
its products and generated many vehicles rated from 600,000 to 1.1 million, similar to Hyundai
(Jaganathan & Palanichamy, 2018). The drop in the share company’s market share was a
significant problem in the case study. The drop in the market share meant that the company’s
worth was declining hence advantageous to its competitors and may lead to the withdrawal of
major investors as they might not obtain many profits. Nevertheless, Maruti Suzuki resolved the
problem because it had Japanese technical assistance.
2
The key ethical considerations for this project are ensuring that people have a genuine
choice about whether or not to take part in investing in the Maruti Suzuki company and
providing access to accurate information about Maruti Suzuki. The research question could be,
what are the company’s significant challenges, how greatest the company can address the issue,
and are these aspects advantageous to the corporation and, if so, at what rate? All of these
questions serve as guidelines for fixing the company’s flaw and thus reviving it.
Maruti Suzuki India’s most crucial organizational problem is its competition problem
with its competitors. While we are estimating this, it might be due to human and technical factors
(Badhan et al., 2018). According to management theories, one who handles the situation better
and makes good strategies will be successful in a competitive scenario. Theory of the firm.
Weber’s Theories of Social Action, The Theory of the Economic Organization, and The Theory
of the Firm. If all these are considered all the above theories, then the most appropriate would be
for new product development to be driven by financial considerations, which can be managed in
three different ways: (a) purpose/buyer-driven development process; (b) internal control
mechanisms that work at each level; (c) external controls. Furthermore, at the entry level, it is in
the control of supervisors or managers with informal control mechanisms (Sudan, 2020).
Bias and limitations in the literature include lack of data privacy and consent, lack of test
results and outcomes, bias resulting from poor study design, limited population sizes that can
potentially lead to skewed results, and a lack of comparable studies (Kumar & Sahay, 2022). The
study found that many of the competition problems identified by Maruti Suzuki were
competitors’ and potential competitors’ issues. This is because most companies are unaware of
their true competition and the competition issue should be considered in developing strategies
(SHRESTHA, 2019). As in the case of Maruti Suzuki India company by its competitors, another
3
research study that has faced this challenge is product launch which increases customer
awareness about new products (Jain, 2019). To handle this challenge and increase customer
satisfaction, companies must create the proper marketing strategy so that customers have enough
time to adapt to the new product before releasing it into the market.
Maruti Suzuki India faced a major organizational restructuring and struggled to compete
with its competitors since 1953. In 2011, Maruti created a new organization for its competition
and faced the same problem as Tata Motors Company (Sudan, 2020). Tata Motors manufactures
everything from tractor-trailers to the world’s least expensive cars. This product diversity gives
them a competitive advantage over their competing companies because they can meet more
marketplaces and client needs (Malagihal, 2021). Tata Motors also has a strong sense of
corporate responsibility.
In conclusion, Maruti Suzuki India is one company that confronted a decrease in its
market share and used various strategies to increase its value. Their market strategies were the
primary source of the problem. The team in charge of the problem studied their customers’
behavior to increase their commodity purchases and the company’s value. However, more
suggestions are required to address the issue, as it may negatively affect the company. Such
suggestions could include integrating their level hatch customers to reduce expenses and boost
profits for the company, as well as dealing with such concerns on an interpersonal basis before
biting a big nut.
References
Badhan, V., Modi, P., & Dodrajka, S. (2018). A Conceptual Paper on the Marketing Mix of
‘Maruti Suzuki.’ International Journal for Advance Research and Development, 3(2), 1-3.
4
Jaganathan, A., & Palanichamy, K. (2018). A Study The Buyer Behaviour Towards Small Cars
Produced By Maruti Suzuki India Limited In The Nilgiris District Of Tamil Nadu. Intact
Journal On Management Studies, 4(04), 83-842.
Jain, M., Shukla, A., & Gupta, S. (2019). A Comparative Study of Financial Performance of
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd & Tata Motors Ltd. Int. J. Sci. Res. in Multidisciplinary Studies
Vol, 5, 9.
Kumar, S., & Sahay, A. (2022). Maruti Suzuki India Limited: toward cleaner mobility. Emerald
Emerging Markets Case Studies, 12(2), 1-36.
Malagihal, S. S. (2021). Strategic Options for Automobile OEMs of Indian Origin to have
Sustained Competitive Advantage: A Case of Tata Motors. International Journal of
Global Business and Competitiveness, 16(2), 139-152.
SHRESTHA, S. (2019). Supplier development in Indian auto industry: Case of Maruti Suzuki
India Limited. The bulletin of the Graduate School, Soka University, (39), 1-15.
Sudan, F. K. (2020). Leveraging the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in
global value chains of the automotive industry: Insights from Maruti Suzuki India
Limited (No. 1167). ADBI Working Paper Series.
Running Head: CRITIQUE OF LITERATURE REVIEW
Critique of a Literature Review
Ebonie M. Fennidy
Southern New Hampshire University
1
CRITIQUE OF LITERATURE REVIEW
2
Introduction
A literature review is a crucial component of the research process as it examines the most
relevant current research on a particular topic. As a result, the author gains a deeper
understanding of the topic and related issues (Sekaran & Bougie, 2017). In its written form, the
literature review demonstrates this expertise to the reader, giving authority to the author. This
essay is a brief examination of the journal article “Diversity management: An organizational
culture audit to determine individual differences” by Professor Ophillia Ledimo, published in the
Journal of Applied Research.
Theories
The literature review by Ledimo (2015, p. 1747) prefaced the acknowledgment that
management must evolve with the current working environment, which is becoming increasingly
diversified due to globalization. The main theory driving how management should change is that
there is a fundamental connection between organizational culture and employee behavior.
Ledimo (2015, p. 1747) writes, “Studies conducted on organizational culture found that culture is
important in understanding employee behavior and performance.” Ledimo (2015, p. 1747)
argues that diversity is playing an increasingly more important role in this dynamic, necessitating
more studies on the role of diversity in management and organizational culture, stating that
“managing and valuing diversity is a key component of effective people management, which can
improve the productivity of the organization.”
Biases and Limitations
Ledimo’s (2015) literature review presents one major bias. The review is focused solely
on the impact that individual differences have on employee perceptions of company culture.
Lingard (2018) writes, “an effective literature review not only summarizes existing knowledge, it
CRITIQUE OF LITERATURE REVIEW
3
also critically presents that knowledge to depict an evolving conversation and understanding in a
particular domain of study.” Conversations are not one-dimensional, so while individual
differences may play a major role in employee perspectives, it is unlikely the only variable worth
considering. Ledimo (2015, p. 1749) mentions several influences on company culture, including
“power distance, individualism/collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/femininity, and
confusion dynamism.” However, these influences are not explored beyond the impact on
individual differences, but it is reasonable to assume that other variables influence these
components. Including such alternatives would have improved the review by making it more
comprehensive and showing that the author explored the issue from all angles to derive the most
pertinent hypothesis.
Guidelines
According to Sekaran and Bougie (2017), a successful literature review frames the topic,
research problems, and current research in a manner that supports the author’s hypothesis.
Ledimo (2015) supplies a thorough account of these three elements in her review. The topic is
clearly addressed at the beginning of the review, where Ledimo (2015, p. 1748) writes, “The
following literature reviews described the variables individual difference, organizational culture
and the theoretical relationship between these variables.” The following problem statement
narrows the focus of the topic, stating that a manager’s understanding of individual differences
may impact managing strategies and perceptions of company culture. The current research
included in the review clearly pertains to this problem and the topic, thoroughly exploring the
variables involved in both.
However, how the literature review supports the hypothesis is unclear. For her
hypothesis, Ledimo (2015, p. 1750) writes, “There are statistically significant individual
CRITIQUE OF LITERATURE REVIEW
4
differences regarding the participants’ perception of the organizational culture.” While this
clearly relates to the topic, problem statement, and current research, Ledimo failed to include her
professional conclusions about the research. Thus, the review lacks support for the hypothesis.
By not providing the implications of the research in her review, Ledimo (2015) does not
successfully show the reader how she came to identify her hypothesis.
Conclusion
In her literature review, Ledimo (2015) successfully supplied all of the information
necessary to explore the topic and the problem. However, she failed to effectively support her
hypothesis because she did not provide conclusions derived from the current research.
Additionally, her review lacks perspective as it does not address other potential angles to solving
the same problem. Therefore, while the literature review provides evidence of a thorough
exploration of the specific topic, it does not demonstrate the kind of critical thinking that is
required of an effective literature review of a serious research study.
CRITIQUE OF LITERATURE REVIEW
5
References
Ledimo, O. (2015). Diversity management: An organizational culture audit to determine
individual differences. Journal of Applied Business Research, 31(5), 1747-1756.
https://sesarch-proquest-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/docview/1777990739?accountid=3783
Lingard, L. (2018). Writing an effective literature review. Perspectives on Medical
Education, 7, 133–135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40037-018-0407-z
Sekaran, U., & Bougie, R. (2017). Research methods for business: A skill-building
approach (7th ed.). Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley.
Purchase answer to see full
attachment