- What are the 5 stages of the research cycle?
The following are the stages of research cycle
- Statement of the problem
The first step of the research cycle is the identification of the statement of the problem. Statement of the problem is the question a researcher intends to answer at the end of the research. It identifies the gap of the current condition or situation and the desired goal to be achieved. The researcher identifies a topic of interest that is strong enough to be supported throughout the whole process. A good statement of the problem should be concise and specific.
- Research design and methodology
This entails the methods and techniques a researcher intends to use in collection, measurement and analysis of data. At this stage, the researcher is in a position to choose the research methodology that is suitable for the research topic chosen. When choosing the design or methodology to use, one should consider the following features or characteristics:
- Objectivity
- validity
- reliability
- generalisability
The two major types of research are quantitative research and qualitative research. Choosing a research methodology will highly depend on the approach the researcher decides to use.
- Data collection
Data collection is the systematic way of obtaining and measuring data from the variables chosen by the researcher. Data collected will be used to solve the problem identified on the first stage. Mode of data collection will depend on the research approach chosen that is: qualitative or quantitate approach.
- Data analysis
This is the stage that involves extraction of meaningful information from raw data collected. The data is then systematically organised, summarized and interpreted. Data analysis is processing raw data into meaningful information. There are various types of data analysis which include statistical analysis, predictive analysis, prescriptive analysis among others.
- Presentation or reporting of research findings
Once data has been analysed, the next step is presenting the research findings. This is the final stage. Research findings presented should be comprehensive for decision makers to understand.
- Define peer review of research articles for journals. Why is peer review used?
Peer review is process of critically assessing a research article by other experts in the same field. The research articles are scrutinized to ascertain its quality, suitability and validity before publishing. There are various types of peer preview which include
- Single blind peer review where the previewer’s identity is not revealed to the author.
- Double blind peer review where identity is not revealed to both author and reviewer.
- Triple blind peer review where names are hidden from the editor of the article, it’s author and reviewer.
- Open peer review where the reviewer’s report is included in the publication. Here the reviewer chooses to reveal their identity or not.
- Post publication review is done after publication of an article. Readers have an option to read and make comments of their views
The reasons as to peer review is used include:
- To ensure quality of the research article before it is published and ensuring that it meets the best and required standards
- Ensure validity of the methodology used during the research process
- Ascertain the accuracy of results that were obtained during the research and determine whether they are in line with the conclusion drawn.
- It also helps in establishing relevance of the article to the targeted audience.
- Define Open Access for journals. List reasons for and against Open Access for research publications
Open access refers to unlimited and free access of journals online. Anyone can access the journal online at no cost.
Reasons for open access for research publications include:
- Increased readability whereby the journals are available to everyone even those who could have otherwise not afforded to read them.
- In open access, publication is done quickly since paperwork is reduced
- Journals are available for reading on the internet for a long time as opposed to the traditional method of publishing.
- Open access journals are available to those researchers in developing an low income countries hence giving them a chance to get involved in the international research
Reasons against open access publications include:
- It is expensive to authors since they bear the entire cost of publication as it is completely free to the reader
- Most of the open access publication do not involve peer review which in turn reduces the quality of the journals.
- Define Impact Factor of journals Why is it used?
Impact factor is the measure of a journal’s relevance in its field. It is measured by calculating how many times an average article in a journal has been cited in a certain year. The formula for calculating a journal’s impact is as follows:
Number of citations in a certain year
Impact Factor =
Total number of publications in the last two years
Journals with a high impact factor are deemed as more important as compared with those with a lower IF.
Impact factor is used to measure the relevance of a certain journal in its field. It is also used as measure of quality among other tools. IF on its own cannot determine the quality of a journal. It can also be used for comparison between a specific journal and other journals that are in the same field.
IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON THE BANKING INDUSTRY.
In the past few years, technology has been changing rapidly. This has greatly impacted the banking industry since the change cannot be ignored. The banking industry is crucial to the economy in both developed and developing countries. IT has enabled banks to compete in the global economy. It has also helped banks to broaden their markets and reach more customers. In addition, technology has helped banks ease their operation by allowing creation of new channels which has led to improved customer experience. Channels such as ATMs, mobile banking, internet banking, credit and debit cards has seen banks investing heavily in technology. Introduction of technology for any company in any industry may seem expensive in the short run but its benefits will be derived in the long run. Use of technology by banks has led to improved security of customers’ data and funds, it is more reliable and affordable to both banks and customers. Banks that are yet to embrace information technology are glaring at extinction as they have experienced a great reduction of customers willing to use the traditional modes of banking.
Information technology in the banking industry refers to how banks use advanced communication and information in conjunction with computer science to serve their customers in the most secure, affordable and reliable way. This study aims at analysing the extent to which technology has affected the smooth running and growth of the banking sector globally indicating the impact it has on those banks that have not fully embraced the use of technology. Data will be obtained from both the customers and bank employees. This will be done through administering questionnaires to sampled customers and conducting interviews with the employees. The research finds will show how information technology has greatly helped save time for customers and employees, improved customer service, reduced the use of paper work in the industry and reduced cost for the banks.
Citations
Overview of the Research Process – Jones & Bartlett Learning pg 5
Hames, I. (2008). Peer review and manuscript management in scientific journals (p. 1). Malden, Mass.: Blackwell Publishing.