Research Design
The study will adopt a mixed-method design. The quantitative aspect of the study will provide the scholar with an objective overview of the problem. Essentially, it will answer the question of whether Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face challenges in banking, especially as it relates to accessing credit. Therefore, an assessment of the correlation that exists between the share of SMEs‘ private sector credit and their total contribution to UAEs’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will occur. This aspect of the study relies on the hypothesis that the higher the contribution of a sector to the economy, the higher its level of access to private sector credit.
The qualitative portion of the study will provide an evaluation of the underlying reasons for the results in the quantitative part of study. Substantively, it will answer the question: What are the reasons behind the results of the quantitative section of the study? Consequently, this approach will help the researcher to provide a more detailed overview of the challenges that UAE SMEs face concerning banking. This aspect is consistent with the rationale of using a mixed-method design. Schoonenboom and Johnson (2017) assert that the main advantage of this approach is that it offers the scholar an opportunity to benefit from the strengths of both the qualitative and quantitative research; hence, the eventual conclusions are more valid and reliable.
Data Collection Tools
The collection of data for this study will be from secondary sources. Accordingly, the application of sampling procedures will be necessary. Data on the quantitative variables (SMEs share of private sector credit in the UAE and SMEs’ percentage contribution to economic output) will be sourced from public and reputable databases. The most preferred source being the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE). Statistics from other relevant government institutions will also be used.
The secondary data for the qualitative portion of the study will be sourced from a critical review of the literature. Only peer-reviewed journals, governmental, and multilateral institutional reports will be applicable. This step will guarantee that the results contain a high level of validity and reliability.
Data Analysis Tools
The correlational method will serve as the main data analysis tool in the quantitative portion of the study. This technique is crucial in evaluating whether a relationship exists between variables. In this case, it will assess whether an association exists between SMEs’ share of private sector credit in the UAE and their percentage contribution to economic output. Additionally, it also highlights the magnitude of the relationship. For instance, it provides information on whether it is a positive or negative correlation.
For the qualitative aspect of the study, a thematic analysis will act as the primary tool for assessing the underlying issues. It entails the identification of major themes within a text. In the context of this study, the texts refer to the peer-reviewed journals, governmental, and multilateral institutional reports. The core themes will be based on this paper’s main research query — the banking challenges that SMEs face in the UAE.
Limitations of the Methodology
One of the main limitations of the methodology is the use of the mixed-method design. While it is useful for expanding a detailed understanding of an issue, it is complex. Its complexity increases the likelihood of errors. Another limitation is its reliance on secondary data. The disadvantage of such data is that it is difficult to tailor it to suit the unique needs of a study.
Ethical Considerations
The research does not entail the collection of primary data. Therefore, ethical issues of informed consent and confidentiality do not arise. However, the reliance on secondary resources raises other ethical imperatives. For instance, it is essential to acknowledge the input of other authors through referencing to avoid plagiarism.