Microsoft Word doctoral thesis final[1]. doc

CHAPTER 4 : RESEARCH DESIGN  
 
4.1  
INTRODUCTION 
  
Research design refers to the plan and structure of the investigation used to obtain 
evidence to answer research questions (McMillan & Schumacher 1993:31-32). The 
design describes the procedures for conducting the study including when, from whom, 
and under what conditions data is obtained. The purpose of research design is to provide 
the most valid, accurate answers possible to research questions. In this chapter it is the 
aim of the researcher to present the research design and methodology employed in the 
study. To start with, though, a brief overview of the preceding background chapters. 
 
In chapter 2, a general idea of leadership and management in universities was given. The 
main focus was women in academic leadership and management and various related 
aspects, specifically those that relate to women in the academic context. Chapter 3 
explored the phenomenon of women’s under-representation in academic leadership and 
management positions in higher education in South Africa and the UK. Particular 
reference to their statistical representation was made including the obstacles to their 
advancement.  
 
The review of the literature outlined in the previous chapters revealed the extent to which 
research on women in management in universities, has up till now, been addressed. The 
gaps identified in the existing research provided a springboard from which to launch the 
current investigation. The main endeavour of this inquiry is to close the gaps in 
knowledge and add a further dimension. This would be the actual experiences of 
academic women in leadership and management positions.  
 
In the chapter which follows the review of the literature details of the research design and 
methodology used to study the experiences of women in management in universities in 
the two countries selected for this study are given. The topics discussed begin with  the 
theoretical basis of quantitative methodology followed by  the choice of data collection 
method; the design of the present study  including the sample population; selection of 

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informants; locating informants; instrument development; data collection and plan of 
analysis.