Procesos estocásticos en tiempo continuo, Procesos de Markov y

A table will be prepared for each question which shall reflect the percentage obtained for each of the five categories of response based on the Likert scale. An average score shall also be computed to indicate the general agreement, disagreement or neutrality for a particular question. The responses to the semi-structured interviews have been summarised and presented in a text format. The aforementioned analysis appears under Chapter 6 – Research Findings.

4.9 SAMPLING

According to Saunders et al (1997; 125) sampling saves time when deadlines are tight and that data collection is more manageable when fewer people are involved. The smaller number for which you need to collect data means that more time could be spent designing and piloting the means of collecting the data.

4.9.1 Sampling Technique

Sampling is divided into two types (i) probability or representative sampling (ii) non-probability or purposive sampling.

With probability sampling the selection of sample from the population is usually equal for all cases. It is thus possible to answer research questions and achieve objectives by estimating statistically the characteristics of the population from the sample. Probability sampling is usually associated with surveys and experimental research. It is thus possible to answer research questions and achieve objectives by estimating statistically the characteristics of the population from the sample.

For non-probability sampling, statistical inferences cannot be made to answer research questions or objectives due to the probability of each case being selected is unknown.

Thus non-probability sampling is more frequently used for case-study research as one can generalise from non-probability samples about the population. Non-probability sampling will be the method used in this study with the type being judgement sampling. Judgement sampling is appropriate for this study as it targets the decision makers that are responsible for the operations and the infrastructure development of the port/rail interface at the Port of

Comment [N36]: First start with the population, sizes, groups etc. Use numbers as far as practically possible. From the population you can then determine sample sizes.

Comment [N37]: You have to be specific when quoting sources. Page numbers must be inserted in such cases.

Durban. According to Cooper and Schinder (2001; 196) the goal of non-probability sampling is the discovery of a range or extent of conditions.

4.9.2 Sample size

The size of the population is 40 employees who are employed at various levels in operations management at Spoornet and South African Ports Operations. The questionnaires were given to senior members of the management team of the various terminals at the Port of Durban, the Bayhead Marshalling Yard, the Rail Operations Manager for the port, Senior Managers at NPA and Protekon. The researcher is looking for very specific information on the nature of operations of the port/rail interface, hence he has to limit the investigation to decision makers who are associated with the operations and development of the Port/Rail Interface.

The homogeneous sample cases are as follows:

Sample No. Interviewee

No.1 Manager – City Terminals No.2 Manager – Maydon Wharf No.3 Manager – Container Terminal No.4 Manager – Car Terminal

No.5 Manager Rail Operations, Bayhead No.6 Manager Rail Operations, Point No.7 Rail Client Manager – City Terminal No.8 Rail Client Manager – Container Terminal No.9 Manager Capacity Planning – SAPO No.10 Manager Equipment Engineering – SAPO No.11 Ports Engineer – NPA

No.12 Infrastructure Manager – NPA

No.13 Protekon Client Manager – City Terminals No.14 Protekon Client Manager – Container Terminal No.15 Protekon Senior Manager – Consulting Services

4.10 CONCLUSION

The qualitative research methodology would be utilised to obtain information from a representative sample of individuals associated with the operations management of the port/rail interface. Qualitative research is based on meanings expressed through words.

The scope of qualitative research includes in-depth interviewing which is usually

conversational. Thus the use of semi-structured interviews would provide the researcher with a better understanding of the issues related to the efficient functioning of the port/rail interface.

The semi-structured interview was administered with the distribution of the questionnaire which assisted to establish the context of the survey. The themes of the semi-structured interview hinged on economic development, globalisation, price competitiveness of goods, infrastructure development and performance outputs at the port/rail interface. The questions asked in the questionnaire were investigative in nature and designed to obtain direct answers on issues contained in the research objectives.

Non-probability sampling would be used in this study with the type being judgement sampling. Judgement sampling is appropriate for this study as it targets decision makers that are responsible for the operations and infrastructure development of the port/rail interface.

Chapter 5 which follows presents details of the theoretical framework of the Balanced Scorecard and the Transformation Model. It is essential to obtain an understanding of these concepts as they form the basis for recommendations that are made in Chapter 7.

Comment [N38]: After reading your study I suggest that your research methodology chapter becomes ch 3 and your present chapter 3 becomes ch 4. In this way the theory forms the first 3 part and the practical the second part of the dissertation. Remember to add the page numbers as this is deemed necessary in this chapter.as you are referring to specific text within a book and not to the book in general.

CHAPTER 5

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE BALANCED SCORECARD AND THE