In the paper we are going to be focusing on how qualitative research can be used to improve the quality of a study on cultural trends. This is accomplished through looking at: interpretational, structural and reflective analysis. Once this takes place, is when we can offer specific insights as to how this will improve the accuracy and reliability of the project.
¶ … structural and reflective analysis. Once this happens, is when research will show how this project is taking a logical approach. This is the point that actuaries can improve the validity of the findings by using a balanced approach.
Interpretational Analysis
To determine the impact of this study, researchers will be using interpretive analysis. This is when there is a focus on examining specific segments to understand the trends in the data. The various factors that will be concentrated on during this portion of the project include: segmenting the data base, developing categories, coding segments, grouping category segments and drawing conclusions. The combination of these elements will allow researchers to use this technique to analyze the most common cultural factors that are utilized. (Tesch, 1990, pp. 167 -- 172)
Segmenting the database is when all information is being subdivided in different categories. This will help to provide general areas that researchers can focus on during the course of the study. Once this takes place, is when various categories will be developed. A few of the most notable include: American employees of military contractor one, Swiss employee of military contractor one, American employees of military contract two and Swiss employees of military contractor two.
The way the various coding segments will be created is based upon the length of time an individual spent working inside a foreign location. This will be sub-divided into several categories to include: individuals working in location from nine-month to two years, employees living in an area from two to five years and executives that located in specific region over five years. The data that is provided will help actuaries to see how cultural factors are more assimilated into executives thinking.
The grouping categories will be to combine the developing categories and coding segments together. This will include segments such as: American employees of contractor one at the location for nine months to two years, Swiss employee of contractors one at the location of nine months to two years and American employees of contract two for nine months to two years etc. The total amount of categories for this segment will be six. The combination of these factors will help researchers to draw conclusions based upon the responses from all of the different groups.
Structural Analysis
Structural analysis is when there is a focus on looking at different components inside a system to discover their importance in supporting the objectives of the research project. This is accomplished by focusing on three different areas to include: quality, consistency and continuity. Quality is when there is a focus on the accuracy of the data that was received. Consistency takes place, by using the same method and approach to analyze the information that was received. Continuity will occur throughout the entire project by constantly focusing on accuracy. The combination of these elements is important, in showing how this will improve the findings by having researchers follow pre-determined criteria. ("Structural Analysis," 2012)
Reflective Analysis
Reflective analysis is when actuaries are studying the findings of the results and then they are using their opinions to complete the project. Under this kind of method there is a focus on a number of categories to include: what / when / how, alternatives and consequences. What / when / how is concentrating on all of the issues that will affect cultural perceptions. In this particular case, the responses from participants will be compared with general trends to understand those issues that are impacting the operating environment. This will help everyone to see the atmosphere and the kinds of conditions that exist in select areas. (Embree, 2009)
Alternatives are when actuaries are concentrating on possible alternative approaches that have been used by executives. This means taking the data that was provided and then reading between the lines to look at a certain strategy. At the same time, researchers could introduce secondary solutions that can be utilized during the process. The combination of these factors will help actuaries to study possible strategies and other choices that are available.
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