Research Methodology

In this chapter, details of the Problem Definition of the Research Approaches, Project methodology, Data collection, Data analysis are discussed.

Problem Definition

According to Clifford Woody, Research comprises defining and redefining problems, formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting, organising and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis. [29]

There are mainly two types of research problems some relate to states of nature and some relate to relationships between variables. The main purpose of such studies is to defining a problem for more precise investigation which they want to study. Essentially two steps includes in defining the research problem. Firstly there is better understanding of the problem and then converting it into meaningful terms from simple point of view.The best way of understanding the problem is to discuss it with one‟s own colleagues or with some experts in the matter whom we want to collect data. In an institution the researcher can take the help from a guide who is usually an experienced person and a person with several research problems in mind. [29]The researcher must examine all available literature at the same time to become more familiar with the selected problem.

The result of this review provides knowledge on what data and other materials available for the operational purposes which will enable the researcher to specify his own research problem in a meaningful context.After this the researcher describes the problem in easiest and meaningful terms as possible. The defining of a research problem in meaningful terms is of greatest importance in the entire research process. If there are certain confusing terms, these should be clearly defined at the same time with defining the problem. It allows following a sequential manner to set up the problem in more realistic terms.

Project Methodology

This research project is both qualitative and interpretative. The researcher used subjective assessment in order to evaluate attitudes, opinions and behaviour .They focus on research questions instead of hypothesis and the main objective of doing so was to seek to the questions during the research process answers with the help of interviews. This involves the methodology used for data collection and data analysis for better evaluation of the design concept for factory layout designs and the Processing of Pulse.

Data Collection

There are basically two methods of collecting data. These are primary method of collecting data and secondary method of collecting data. There are several methods of collecting primary data in both qualitative and interpretative. These are observation method, interview method, through questionnaires and through schedules. Important ones are discussed below.There are several methods of collecting secondary data involves collecting data from libraries, textbooks, published data, journals and Internet websites. The other method involves gathering data from pulse Mill, which in turn is used to generate results. Here we discuss about the observation method and interview method which are used for collecting the primary data. And also discuss method of collecting secondary data which involves libraries, published data, journals and Internet websites.

Observations

This is the most common method of collecting data in order to understand the actual process works by actually seeing it. It is further classified as structured or unstructured. A structured observation means that the researcher has to be prepared about observations that how it should be recorded? And how its accuracy can be ensured? In the case of structured observation, the observation is done by a careful definition is to be observed in advance such as the recording techniques, standardised conditions and the selection of pertinent data of observation. But in the case of unstructured observation, the observation is take place without these attributes to be thought in advance. [29]We will perform observations by ourselves and in addition a guided tour with the Dal mill managers. We will make quantitative measurements within the plants, individually and then compare the data in order to get realistic and reliable empirical findings.

Interviews

Interviews are performed by communication between the researcher and several individuals to collect information used for the proper study. The interviews can be structured if we ask questions based on a questionnaire or a framework with questions. The interviews can be unstructured if the questions are formulated based on the discussion with you are interviewing and the interview is shaped during the discussion. The interview should not be discuss anything outside the questions and never be personal to the interviews. (Bryman, 1997). [27]Sometimes the interviews are held by face to face contact to the person. Sometimes there are interviews held on Telephone itself. The collection of data in case of big enquiries conducted through questionnaires. It is used by private individuals, research workers, private and public organisations and also conducted by governments.We performs interviews continuously during the project, both structured and unstructured. We have prepared questions for the plant about the plant business and goals etc. We have unstructured interviews during the guided visit around the plant in order to get a better understanding of how they think and perform and also create a discussion about problems within the plant and how they have tried to solve them. No surveys done in this study.The research project is collecting information in order to safeguard the interest of dal mill. Therefore, all the informal interviews with plant manager, Engineer and workers were carefully formulated.

The research instruments were:

• Review of Literature
• Library search includes Books, magazines etc.
• Internet website
• Document analysis of work process
• Information interviews and discussion

Data Analysis

Data Analysis means the calculation and the study of measures that exist among the data groups for the researcher. This study provides us the proper information of the plant, workers, efficiency, suitability, requirement, preferences, etc. This analysis is done on the basis of number of variables. The data is collected and presented in logical manner. These data will help in arriving at particular conclusions with proper evaluation of plant layout.