The Experience of Writing a Dissertation

The Experience of Writing a Dissertation

The Experience of Writing a Dissertation
Data Production and Method

Interviews are significant in getting the story or the reason behind the experiences of the
respondent. As such, interviewers can manage to use interviews in pursuing in-depth information
on a given topic. Interviews may be vital as follow-ups to certain participants to questionnaires

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such as further investigation of the respondents’ responses. In order to gain adequate information
on a given topic, interviews should ensure that they use open-ended questions as opposed to
closed or rigid ones (Mason, 2002). Open-ended questions are vital as they provide the
respondent with a suitable platform on which he or she can give various opinions on the
questions asked. Interviewers should ensure that they are articulate their problem of research
clearly prior to the designing of the interview process and questions. This step is significant in
ensuring that the interviewer keeps a clear focus on the purpose of each question. My interview
involved one of my course-mates as the interviewee. I chose this person because being that we
were doing the same course and I had selected a research topic within my course, this
interviewee could be in a suitable position of providing me with relevant answers. In the process
of conducting my interview, I had to follow several steps, which enabled me to perform a
successful interview. The first step involved the selection of a suitable setting that had minimal
distraction. This setting was significant in ensuring that the interviewee was comfortable during
the interview (Nuttall, 2011). I then proceeded to explain the purpose of the interview to the
interviewee followed by addressing the terms of confidentiality. In relation to this, I pointed out
the parties that will have access to the answers provided by the interviewee and how such
answers could be addressed. This step was vital in ensuring that the interviewee was made
comfortable in responding to the questions asked without fear. In addition, I illustrated the
format of the interview to the interviewee and indicated its duration. Consequently, I informed
the interviewee on how I could be contacted after the interview in case it was necessary. Prior to
the interview, I asked the interviewee if there was any question to be asked and asked for the
permission to record the interview. As an ethical guideline, seeking the permission of the
interviewee prior to the recording of the conversation was aimed at ensuring that the aspect of

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the interviewee’s consent was addressed (Saunders et al, 2006). As such, the recording process
could not hinder the interviewee from issuing appropriate answers. The process of recording
was conducted using a mobile phone, as it was convenient to use at that time.
In this study, semi-structured interview was employed. Semi-structured interviews are
often conducted with an open model that allows for a focused two-way communication, which is
conversational. Such interviews can be used to give and receive information between the
interviewer and interviewee (Quesenberry et al, 2012). Unlike the questionnaire model, where
detailed or in-depth questions are formulated ahead of the interview time, semi-structured
interviews often begin with more general topics or questions. Once the topic has been identified,
the relationship existing between these topic and issues like expense, availability, and
effectiveness become the basis for more specific questions that do not require advance
preparation. It is vital to note that in semis-structured interviews not all questions are designed
and phrased before the time of interview (Silverman, 2001). As such, many of the questions are
developed during the process of interview, thereby allowing the interviewer and interviewee the
flexibility of probing for more details or discussing issues. Semi structure interviews are always
aimed at obtaining certain qualitative and quantitative information from the sample of the
population to be studies. Besides, such interviews are focused on obtaining general information
that is relevant to certain issues under study. Consequently, semi-structured interviews are
significant in ensuring that the researcher obtains a series of insight on certain issues. Semi-
structured interviews are less intrusive to individuals being interviewed as they encourage two-
way communication. Semi-structured interview allows for the interviewees to ask questions of
interviewers. As such, this form of interview can be employed as an extension tool. Furthermore,
semi-structured interviews serve to confirm what is known apart from providing an opportunity

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for learning. In many cases, the information obtained from semi-structure interviews provide
answers and reasons for such answers. As such, these interviews provide a suitable platform on
which an in-depth understanding of the issue under investigation can be achieved. When people
are interviewed using such form of interviews, they often find it easy to discuss or deliberate on
sensitive issues. It is significant to note that interviewing outsiders using semi-structured
interviews is often appropriate as such respondents are considered objective. In the use of this
tool, the first step involved the designing of the interview model in which the questions to be
asked were included. This step was followed by the establishment of the sample size in which
one respondent was selected. The selected respondent happened to be my course-mate. The
interview was then conducted followed by the recording of the responses obtained from the
interviewee.
The data obtained from the interview was then analyzed qualitatively. Qualitative data
analysis aims at uncovering or creating an understanding of the big picture by using the data to
illustrate the phenomenon and what this implies (Silverman, 2001). Just like in the case of
quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis involves coding and labeling of all the gathered data so
that differences and similarities can be identified. In relation to this, responses from unstructured
qualitative interviews as in the case of the data obtained from this study can be entered into the
computer and processed. Since qualitative researcher lacks a pre-coding system, a mechanism of
labeling and identifying or coding data should be developed. Such a mechanism is known as
content analysis. Content analysis involves the categorization of behavioral or verbal data for the
purpose of research. This process takes into consideration the aspect of coding and grouping
data, also known as categorizing and indexing. The principle objective of content analysis is to
create sense out of the gathered data and highlight the significant messages, findings and

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features. In relation to this, the data obtained from the study was analyzed using two methods
that included the latent level and basic level. In the latent level, data was analyzed in relation to
the responses obtained and what was implied or inferred by the interviewee. On the other side,
basic level evaluation involved the descriptive or illustrative account of the gathered data. It
focused on the analysis of what was said by the interviewee but not supported by theory.

Transcription

Interviewer: Hello, how are you doing?
Interviewee: I am doing fine, what about you?
Interviewer: I am doing fine too. I would like to interview you on the effectiveness of
integrated marketing communication in organizations. Before we start I would like to ask if you
are comfortable with the interview.
Interviewee: no problem, I am fine with it. We can proceed.
Interviewer: Okay, first I want to let you know that the information that you will give will be
kept private and confidential. Besides, in the process of conducting this interview, your name
will remain concealed from any third party. The only person that will have access to the
information provided will be me. However, my supervisor can have access to the data that you
have provided but your name will be kept confidential so you will not be identified by anybody.
So you do not have to worry about the issue of privacy. Is that okay with you?
Interviewee: Yes, I am okay with that. I think we should begin
Interviewer: Well, prior to that, do I have your permission to record the conversation that we
will have?
Interviewee: Sure, you are free to do that
Interviewer: Well, what do you know about integrated marketing communication?

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Interviewee: Yes, this is a marketing strategy that incorporates other elements of marketing such
as direct marketing, advertising, public relations, advertising and sales promotion into a single
marketing plan.
Interviewer: how effective is this marketing strategy?
Interviewee: it enables various elements of marketing to be brought together, which is vital in
ensuring that the brand message is sent to buyers in an effective manner.
Interviewer: What can you say about the cost of this marketing strategy?
Interviewee: it is cheaper than other strategies as it involves all marketing promotion methods
being conducted jointly at the same time. Conducting each of these promotions separately is
expensive as opposed to conducting them jointly.
Interviewer: What can you say about the reliability of this marketing strategy?
Interviewee: it is reliable as various capabilities of different promotion methods are exploited.
As such, organizations must benefit from the impact of any of those methods.
Interviewer: How can companies enhance the effectiveness of this strategy?
Interviewee: Firms should channel adequate resource into this marketing strategy and conduct
proper trainings to the promotional teams.
Interviewer: What are some of the weaknesses of this marketing strategy?
Interviewee: It demands many resources and time in its planning and execution. It is also
complex and requires high technical skills for the realization of its benefit.
Interviewer: What can you say about the efficacy of this marketing strategy?
Interviewee: it is efficient as it provides a suitable platform on which organizations can exploit
the potentials of different promotional elements at short time and reduced cost

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Interviewer: Can you mention some of the marketing strategies that can be used as substitutes to
this one?
Interviewee: No, I do not see any marketing strategy that can be employed as a substitute to this
marketing strategy as it integrates several promotional elements, which is not the case in other
marketing strategies
Interviewer: How can firms adopt this marketing strategy and benefit from it?
Interviewee: Organizations that are not using this marketing strategy need to restructure their
marketing plans so as to provide room for this marketing strategy. Besides, once the firms have
adopted this approach, they need to conduct frequent reviews on this marketing strategy in order
to determine areas of weaknesses. Necessary measures such as investment of adequate resources
into such areas should be adopted.

Reflection on Research Process and Findings

Without appropriate research consumer group would be unable to take firms to courts,
advise the public on the best products to purchase or call for legislation changes in a credible
manner. Besides, without effective research solutions to many issues that are significant in
human lives could not have been established (Callegaro, 2013. As such, effective research should
take into consideration four stages that include preparation, selection of the research method,
collection of information and data, and evaluation of the research findings alongside putting
them into good use.
In the preparation stage, the researcher should focus on conducting a preparatory study.
Once the problem of study has been identified, the researcher should embark on organizing
suitable means and mechanisms of executing the research (Bryman & Bell, 2007). In case the
researcher lacks adequate knowledge on the area of study, he or she should focus on conducting

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a further research on the selected topic. This goal can be accomplished by means of consulting
experts in the chosen field or going to libraries for books that focus on the subject, issue, or topic
to be investigated. At this stage, the researcher should ensure that he or she makes crucial
decisions on issues such as the study’s objectives, scope of the study, research methods to be
employed in the study, timetable for the research activities and costs involved in the execution of
the research. It is vital to note that the implementation and preparations for the research should
be linked strongly to the purpose of the study (Weijters, 2012). I remember incorporating most of
these approaches in the early stage of my preparation for the study. The first step that I undertook
prior to commencing the study was conducting an in-depth research on the research topic that I
had selected. I read various books and scholarly articles that addressed the research topic so as to
have adequate knowledge on the study I was to undertake. At this stage, I focused on addressing
the scope of my research and the resources that I could need during the process of its execution
or implementation. I also prepared a timetable that could provide a guideline for the execution of
the various operations involved in the research. Besides, I read about the suitable methods that
can be employed in executing a successful interview, as my study had to involve an interview.
This undertaking was significant in ensuring that my interview was a success. I managed to
select a suitable site for the interview alongside following other guidelines that are necessary for
the execution of a successful interview. As a result, the interviewee managed to corporate
effectively during the interviewing process, which enabled me to obtain adequate information on
the topic of study. The effective corporation on the part of the interviewee resulted from the fact
that he was assured of the privacy or confidentiality of the information that he had to provide.
Thus, the interviewee answered the questions asked without fear or bias.

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In the second stage of a successful research process, the researcher should focus on
selecting the appropriate research methods that can be employed in executing the study. In order
to ensure that the data gathered are significant or meaningful for the objectives of the study, the
researcher should decide on the appropriate method of conducting the study (Eriksson &
Kovalainen, 2008). My study was not complex in relation to the selection of the sample
population as I had to select only one respondent that happened to my course-mate. In selecting
this respondent, I had to inquire from some of friends about somebody who could participate
effectively in an interview. As a result, one of my friends referred me to the respondent that I had
selected. In addition, my research employed a semi-structured interview as a method of data
collection. I selected this method as it associated with several benefits. The use of the semi-
structured interview enabled me to develop flexibility in probing for extra details on the topic of
study from the respondent. It also helped me in obtaining specific qualitative data on the issue
under study, and general information that was relevant to the issue that was under investigation.
Furthermore, the use of this form of interview enabled me to obtain a sequence of insight on
certain matters that related to the topic of study (Gummesson, 1991). Taking into consideration
the fact that semi-structured interviews are less intrusive to persons being interviewed, this form
of interview ensured that there was a two-way communication between the interviewee and I. As
a result, the interviewee was also put an advantage of asking me questions on the areas that were
not clear. Moreover, my research was an explanatory one as opposed to being a correlative
research. A correlative research aims at establishing whether there is a correlation or link
between two or more variables in the research. On the other hand, an explanatory research seeks
to establish why a given a variable causes the impacts or effects highlighted alongside measuring
this variable against others.

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The third stage of a successful research process involves the collection of the data.
Methods that researchers use in the collection of data are determined by the relations and
variables of the research (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005). Data types are categorized into two groups
that include secondary data and primary data. Primary data is gathered and targeted specifically
for the project of the research. On the other side, primary data takes into consideration extra data
that is gathered for other reason but with some application in the study. In addition, data
collection can be grouped into various forms such as cross-sectional research, longitudinal
research, non-participant observation, participant observation and oral among others. Cross-
sectional research occurs when data is gathered simultaneously with the happening of events of
the study, and thus is relatively easy to gather or collect. Longitudinal research is the collection
of data over time to enable researchers to prove that there is a predictable end. Non-participant
observation occurs when the researcher is involved in the recording of actions, behaviors, and
events as an outsider. Participant observation occurs when the researcher conceals the real reason
of his or her presence as a participant (Marschan-Piekarit & Welch, 2005). An example of this
form of data collection is mystery shopping. Oral data collection method is often conducted
using personal interviews and group discussions, and is mostly employed in the gathering of
qualitative data as in the case of my research. In relation to this, my study employed the oral
method of data collection in gathering information from the respondent. During the data
collection process, the oral communication between the interviewee and I was recorded using a
mobile phone for further analysis and safe storage of data. I also remember obtaining some
information that I had forgotten from the recorded version of the interview. As such, recording of
data plays a significant role in ensuring that all the relevant data is gathered and stored safely.
The last stage of a successful research involves data analysis.

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My research focused on the investigation of the use of integrated marketing
communication in organizations. As such, the findings of the research focused on the areas of
cost, efficacy, reliability, alternatives, effectiveness, and weakness of the integrated marketing
communication approach. In relation to the findings of the study, integrated marketing
communication strategy was noted to be efficient and cost-effective as it incorporates various
promotional elements such as advertising, personal selling, and public relations among others.
As such, marketers can manage to execute different marketing activities within a single
marketing concept at the shortest time possible (Chen, 2011). Consequently, this marketing
strategy was noted to be reliable as organizations could benefit from certain promotional
elements in case of failure of others. Some of the disadvantages that were associated with this
marketing approach were high levels of skills and resources that are required for its successful
implementation (Spiller, 2013). In addition, the study identified that integrated marketing
communication approach lacked suitable alternatives as it incorporates several strategies that are
working towards a common marketing objective.

Reference List

Bryman A & Bell E (2007) Business Research Methods 2 nd Edition Oxford University Press
Callegaro, K., M. (2013).” From Mixed Mode to Multiple Devices,” International Journal of
Market Research, 55(2), pp317-320.

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Chen, W., (2011). “Integrated Marketing Communications and New Product Performance in
International Markets,” Journal of Global Marketing, 24(5) 397-416
Denzin N & Lincoln Y (2005) The SAGE handbook of Qualitative Research London: Sage
Eriksson, P & Kovalainen, A (2008) Qualitative Methods in Business Research London, Sage
Gummesson E (1991) Qualitative Methods in Management Research London: Sage.
Marschan,-Piekarit, R & Welch, C, (2005) Handbook of Qualitative Research Methods for
International Business London: Edward Elgar.
Mason, J. (2002) Qualitative Researching. London: Sage
Nuttall, P., (2011). “Mapping the Unarticulated Potential of Qualitative Research.” Journal of
Advertising Research, 51(1), pp. 153-163.
Quesenberry et al.,(2012). IMC and The Effies: Use of Integrated Marketing Communications
Touch-Points Among the Effie Award Winners. International Journal of Integrated
Marketing Communication, 4(2) 60-72
Saunders, M et al (2006) Research Methods for Business Students London: Financial
Times/Prentice Hall
Spiller, D., (2013). Using Metrics to Drive Integrated Marketing Communication On Decisions:
HI-Ho Silver. Journal of Integrated Marketing Communication, 5(1) 24-38
Weijters, T.,B. (2012). Miss-response to Reversed and Negated Items in Surveys: A Review.
Journal of Marketing Research, 49(5), pp737-747.
Silverman, D., (2001) Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analysing talk, text and
interaction. London: Sage

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Appendix: Semi-Structured Interview Questions
What do you know about integrated marketing communication strategy?
How effective is the integrated marketing communication strategy marketing?
What can you say about the cost of the integrated marketing communication strategy?

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What can you say about the reliability of the integrated marketing communication strategy
marketing strategy?
How can companies enhance the effectiveness of the integrated marketing communication
strategy?
What are some of the weaknesses of the integrated marketing communication strategy?
What can you say about the efficacy of the integrated marketing communication strategy
marketing?
Can you mention some of the marketing strategies that can be used as substitutes to the
integrated marketing communication strategy?
How can firms adopt the integrated marketing communication strategy and benefit from it?