Methods Of Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Methods Of Research - Essay Example In examining the level of evidence, there is a hierarchical structure in place. This hierarchical structure is such that the highest level of evidence can be arrived at through the utility of randomized control trial (RCT). At the second level are Quasi-experiments whereby there is no random assignment of participants to treatment groups, however, treatment and the causal relationship is determined utilizing the same standards as RCTs (Penrod & Morrison, 2004). This is followed by case control studies, case series studies and expert opinion (Slade, Kuipers, & Priebe, 2002). An examination of the implications of the research methodology utilized begs a closer look at RCTs and the Phenomenological approach to research. First and foremost, randomized control trials are defined as study designs where treatments, interventions, or enrollment into different study groups are assigned by random allocation rather than by conscious decisions of clinicians or patients. The goal of RCTs is to ensure that the results obtained from a study are strictly based on the treatment administered and not a direct result of bias or other confounding variables (Philadelphia Panel, 2001). The Phenomenological approach to research, on the other hand, is one that dates back further than the advent of the experimental approach which utilizes RCTs. It is an approach that inextricably links people and the environments of which they are an integral part. Furthermore, it operates from the vantage point which dictates that by virtue of being human, we are dynamic in nature and the dete rminants of health, behavior and other attributes can be described and summarized utilizing clear and concise qualitative methods. These methods as delineated in the phenomenological approach to research offers a vehicle for exploring as well as explaining the experiences of the individuals being studied. In so doing, the data is captured utilizing phenomenological methods and are reported utilizing statistical methods designed for categorical data (Sandelowski, 1986). Qualitative and quantitative research methodology In order to fully explore the similarities and differences between RCTs and the phenomenological approach to research, it is prudent that we first make a distinction between quantitative and qualitative data. First and foremost, quantitative data can be utilized to articulate some notions that may be true when applied generally, they cannot be applied to any specific cases. For example, quantitative methods can be utilized to gather data on the number of patients who respond positively to a certain level of radiation delivered to the tumor and how those numbers compare to similar data collected over the course of several years. In so doing, the data cannot explain why the patients respond to the treatment in a positive manner or what may influence the way in which they respond. Essentially, quantitative methods are limited. As a direct result, quantitative methods prove inadequate when the nature of the research dictates that an explanation of behaviors is needed and qualitative meth ods are called to task (Sandelowski, 1986). In connecting RCTs and phenomenological research methods, with the notion

Finance and Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Finance and Accounting - Essay Example Both these ratios address the bankruptcy issue. According to the calculated ratios, Qatar Telecom’s liquidity position seems to be strong as compared to Vodafone in both the years 2010 and 2011. Qatar Telecom’s personal liquidity ratios have deteriorated in 2011, compared to 2010, but then even the company has a stronger position as compared to Vodafone, which almost has balanced proportion between its current liabilities and its current assets. Vodafone’s personal current and acid test ratio has reduced in the year 2011 and it currently has a ratio of 0.49:1 and a 0.48:1 current and acid test ratio. Gearing Ratios Gearing ratios analyze the proportion of debt to equity within the financing of a company. These ratios illustrate as to how much a company is financed via and how much via equity. A company having more loans and less equity is said to be highly geared and is considered to be more risky but having said that, it can never be stated that a low geared com pany is good, since it is considered to be taking less initiative, hence a balance is to be maintained. According to the calculated ratios, Qatar Telecom is highly geared as compared to Vodafone. The ratios clearly illustrates that the Qtel’s debt financing is 1.59 times its equity financing. Qtel has reduced its debt financing by paying off some of its debt as compared to the year 2010 but this has not been a significant reduction. Qtel’s debts almost amount to 61% (0.61) of their total assets, hence it can be seen that the company has heavily relied upon debts. Vodafone on the other hand has too little debt financing and it can be seen from the ratios that the company prefers equity financing over debt financing. As...By June 2008, Vodafone received was awarded telecom operating license within the country, making the company as the second mobile phone service provider within the country. Vodafone started its services within Qatar on 1st March 2009. This ratio provides an idea to the investors as to the return that that would extract from the company. The return on investment for Qtel has improved and has increased by 1.79% (5.82-4.03). Vodafone’s return on investment has also improved but the company’s losses would not be able to make them give any good to their investors. Since both the companies operate within the same sector, a fair comparison between the performances of the two would be more fruitful. The best technique available to analyze the financial performance of both the companies would be to use ratio analysis. There are various ratios which can be used to evaluate the performance. Following are the ratios which have been calculated to assess the financial performance of both the telecom service providers. From the ratios, it can be derived that the financial performance of Qtel is way better than Vodafone but it can be argued that Vodafone is still within its early and growing phase and that the company has shown good prospects, hence it can improve with the passage of time.