Evaluating Safety and Security in Hotels Research Method Sample

An Evaluation Of The Experience Of Two Research Methods

Introduction

Maintaining safety and security within the hotel is very important for the effective management of the hotel. This is very necessary as it provides a secure environment to the people working within the hotel and also to guests coming to the hotel. The current analysis is done to evaluate the different techniques of data collection, that is interviews and questionnaires. The research is referred to as conducting the study to find answers to some of the research questions.

In the current study, the use of interviews and questionnaires is undertaken to analyse the security and safety measures within the hotels. In order to evaluate security and safety management in hotels, researchers conducted an interview and gathered data through a questionnaire and five samples. This approach indicates the use of qualitative research methods, as interviews and questionnaires fall under this category. Such methods are valuable for enhancing the quality of the study and achieving its intended goals. Quantitative and qualitative research methods present distinct options and involve varying research approaches, which may appear contradictory (Denscombe, 2017).

Quantitative & Qualitative Research

There are two options for conducting research: A qualitative study or a quantitative study. Qualitative research includes the use of non-numeric information that is attributes, behaviour, or any other non-numeric elements. On the other side, the quantitative type of research includes the use of numeric information to be included within the study so that the objectives of the study can be included. In order to conduct a successful study, it's crucial for the researcher to select the appropriate research method. There are various methods available for qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and choosing the right one can help the business to manage the workload more efficiently and obtain relevant data to meet the study objectives.

Interview

One of the most popular quantitative research methods is the interview, which involves meeting with individuals to discuss specific research topics. The interview is essentially a conversation between the interviewer and interviewee where the latter is asked questions related to the research topic. Typically, the interview takes place face-to-face, but it may also be conducted through other means of communication such as over the phone. The purpose of the interview is to analyze the interviewee's viewpoints on the research topic.

Interview Critical Evaluation

In this report, we will be discussing the insights gained during a twenty-minute interview with a researcher on the subject of hotel safety and security. The interview proved to be informative and enlightening, and we will delve into the details in the paragraphs that follow. In the present case, of analysing the safety and security management within the hotel a semi-structured interview is conducted with one of the members of the team. This interview is conducted over call and different questions were asked during that interview. According to Clark et al. (2010), the choice of interview location can have a significant impact on both the interviewer and interviewee's mindset. In this case, the interview was conducted via a Zoom call in the comfort of each person's house The author describes a twenty-minute interview that focused on safety and security in hotels Overall, the chosen location provided a conducive environment for the interview, and no issues were encountered.

In the views of Busetto, Wick and Gumbinger, (2020), a semi-structured interview is a type of method under qualitative research that is used to gather data relating to the research topic. In the current case, of analysing the safety and security management, the use of a semi-structured interview is implemented for gathering information from one of the team members. The interview is particularly used for gathering the data as it helps the researcher in getting large data with regards to the research topic and it can be used in a detailed manner. The questions asked within the interview are open-ended and people are free to share their opinion relating to the questions. Thus, this helps the researcher in getting a wide and detailed range of data that can be used by the researcher by their requirement.

Williams and Moser (2019) emphasized the importance of asking simple and easily understandable questions during interviews. This approach allows for a smoother and more effective interview process, as the interviewer does not need to spend time explaining the questions. By framing the questions in a straightforward manner, the researcher can conduct the study properly and achieve the desired objectives. Additionally, the interviewee can easily comprehend the questions, which ultimately leads to better research outcomes. Overall, using the right type of questions and language is crucial for attaining research objectives in a timely and effective manner.

According to Hendren et al. (2023), the interview process went smoothly and as planned, resulting in a successful study. The scheduling of the interview allowed the interviewer to accomplish their research objectives, while also increasing the interviewee's knowledge through conversation. This, in turn, will aid in improving future research. Despite some minor setbacks, such as difficulty in asking questions in sequence, the interviewer managed to stay on track and complete the study successfully. One major issue faced during the study was the selection of the participant (Hennink, Hutter and Bailey 2020), as it was crucial for the participant to have adequate knowledge to gather appropriate data. However, the researcher was able to recruit a suitable participant resulting in an insightful interview about safety and security management within the hotel and hospitality industry. Also, it can be difficult to take notes during an interview, the researcher recorded the session with the interviewee's consent using a laptop application. This proved immensely helpful, as the recording captured every aspect of the conversation. This method was recommended by Mason (2022). The interviewer put his mobile devices on silent mode and urged the interviewee to do the same. This really helped ensure a smooth interview session and was a positive aspect of the research process.

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Questionnaire

A questionnaire is a useful method for a researcher to gather data concerning their study. To ensure that the research is completed effectively, appropriate questions must be formulated and then presented to the research participant. This allows for sufficient data to be collected, facilitating the evaluation of the research topic and the achievement of the study's objectives (Rose and Johnson, 2020). A questionnaire serves as a tool for gathering data related to the research study and then evaluating it using qualitative and quantitative techniques, depending on the type of study. For this analysis of safety and security systems, a qualitative study is conducted using a questionnaire, with questions formulated based on the research objectives.

Questionnaire Critical Evaluation

In the views of Byrd, (2020) the questionnaire in the present case included a combination of both open-ended and closed-ended questions are prepared. In general, the questionnaire includes only closed-ended questions, but for analysing safety and security management, a combination of open-ended and closed-ended questions was used. The questions included in the questionnaire are very easy to understand. These questions need to be made simple so that they are easily understandable by the respondent and they can answer the questions well. Thus, for this reason, different questions relating to the research topic are prepared and asked from a sample of 5 participants. These questionnaires are supplied to these participants and as a result of this, the answers are gathered and then evaluated to attain the research objectives of the study.

On the other hand, Snelson, (2019) criticized the use of a questionnaire is being undertaken to evaluate the safety and security management within the hotels. This is particularly being used as it is a qualitative technique of data collection and is helpful in case of gathering data for evaluating the research objective. The use of the questionnaire was very helpful as it includes closed-ended questions and it does not provide the option to answer the questions according to the participant's requirement. Thus, the participant has to select the answer from the options provided only. But to modify this in the present questionnaire relating to safety and security management of the Hotel some open-ended questions are also provided for the respondent. The combination of closed-ended and open-ended questions is provided to the respondents so that they can effectively share their views on some particular aspect. For the hotel, security and safety is of utmost importance and in case it will not be good then consumers will not be attracted towards it. Thus, this particular research undertaking the use of a questionnaire will help identify the areas where the company is lacking and then try to improve it. The questionnaire is helpful to the researcher in gaining insights into the mind of the person and this can be implemented in the businesses.

According to Johnson, Adkins, and Chauvin (2020), there were areas for improvement in their study that used a questionnaire. One of the main challenges encountered was determining the appropriate sequence of questions. To ensure that the questionnaire is effective, it must be well-organized and properly scheduled. With the researcher's effective management skills, the questionnaire was resolved and the study was improved to produce better results. It is important to consider every point when designing a questionnaire and not leave anything out.

On the other hand, Tracy, (2019) argued that the significant benefit of undertaking the use of questionnaires for completing the study was that different previous questions can be reviewed before making a key current questionnaire. This is a major benefit of using a questionnaire is that there are already made questions available within different studies conducted on similar subjects. Thus, already there are many different studies that have been done previously and these studies can be used as a reference by the researcher to complete the current study in a better and more effective way. Also, the previous studies will help and provide a direction to the researcher on how they have to conduct the study and in what kind the question needs to be prepared. There are different types of questions as and it is the responsibility of the researcher to identify the appropriate type of question and try to make the questions according to it. In addition to this, the previous studies will help the researcher in making the study well and try to attain the objectives of the study in a better way so that it is liked by others as well.

Against this Longo (2019) stated that another issue faced by the researcher while conducting the data collection through question was that many times excessive open-ended questions can create problems. This is particularly because of the reason that when open-ended questions are provided then people are provided the option of answering by their requirements. This can create issues as every person will have a different opinion and this will result in making the data analysis. In case more of the closed-ended questions are provided then the respondents have to answer from those Limited options only. With this, it is clear that the majority of the people will answer some similar options only. This with the help of this analysis will be made much easier as compared to the open-ended questions. For instance, to answer one question, the respondent has only four options then they will answer from that only. But in case more open-ended questions are added within the questionnaire then it will provide the option to respondents to give answers according to them. This in turn will result in providing a list of different answers as every person is different and not every person needs to provide answers in the same respect.

On a contradictory note, Daniel, (2019) criticized the fact that the major benefit of using a questionnaire as a data collection tool is that it is cost-effective and reaches a large number of people quickly. Cost-effectiveness is the major benefit of undertaking the use of a questionnaire as a data analysis tool. This is particularly because of the reason that for making the questionnaire and sending it to the respondents the cost is very low (Advantages Of Questionnaires In Online Research, 2023). Thus, this is beneficial for the researcher as they will be in a position to reduce the cost of conducting the study. In addition to this, another benefit is that questionnaires can be provided to several people at a single time. In general, the questionnaire is forwarded to the respondents with the help of email. Thus, it is beneficial for the researcher as they can share the questionnaire with a large audience with a single click. In addition to this, the response of the respondent is also gathered with the help of email only. Thus, this makes the data collection much easier and time-saving. Also, this saved time can be used to analyse and evaluate the data and relate the outcome with the secondary study. Hence, it will help the researcher and completing the study on time and do it in a better and more effective way.

One of the most crucial aspects of the study was the formulation of the questions.

The effectiveness of the questionnaire is directly linked to the quality of the questions created by the researcher. Throughout the study, the questions were well-crafted and employed appropriate language, as noted by (Fuster Guillen, 2019). This is especially significant because the success of the entire study hinges on the questionnaire itself. If the questionnaire is subpar, the study will not proceed as planned, and the study objectives will not be fulfilled adequately. Therefore, the creation of the questionnaire is given considerable attention, and the researcher strives to ensure that the study objectives are achieved successfully through the use of the questionnaire. The questions will be shared with all individuals in the organization, and their feedback will be solicited to achieve the study's objectives effectively.

Conclusion

As researchers, we strive to gather empirical data and analyze data patterns in a systematic manner to better understand and shed light on social life. However, differences in research methods can lead to confusion (Neuman, 2011). In reality, both research methods complement each other and can be used independently. This essay has thoroughly examined the research process, including the challenges faced and lessons learned. It is clear that both research methods are valuable for different types of research. Qualitative data collection methods such as interviews provide detailed information that is not available through quantitative approaches. Likewise, quantitative methods such as questionnaires can gather a large amount of data on a specific topic but lack the researcher's involvement in the process. Furthermore, the questionnaire outlined that providing closed-ended questions is more beneficial as it limits steam answers. Thus, this improves the data analysis as the answer will come from the limited options only and it can be discussed more effectively and efficiently. Therefore, combining the two methodologies can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the study topic. Through interviews, researchers can gather qualitative data on the underlying reasons and experiences that contribute to certain behaviours. The use of a questionnaire can offer researchers measurable data regarding the safety and security of a hotel. By combining this data with other sources, valuable insights can be gained on the topic being studied.

References

Books and Journals

• Busetto, L., Wick, W., & Gumbinger, C. (2020). How to use and assess qualitative research methods. Neurological Research and Practice. 2. 1-10.
• Byrd, R. (2020). Qualitative research methods. Virtual Class, Memphis. Recuperado em. 17.
• Daniel, B. K. (2019). Using the TACT framework to learn the principles of rigour in qualitative research. Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods. 17(3). pp118-129.
• Denscombe, M. (2017). The Good Research Guide : for small-scale Social Research Projects / (6th ed.). Mcgraw-Hill Education.
• Fuster Guillen, D. E. (2019). Qualitative Research: Hermeneutical Phenomenological Method. Journal of Educational Psychology-Propositos y Representaciones. 7(1). 217-229.
• Hendren, K., Newcomer, K., Pandey, S. K., Smith, M., & Sumner, N. (2023). How qualitative research methods can be leveraged to strengthen mixed methods research in public policy and public administration? Public Administration Review. 83(3). 468-485.
• Hennink, M., Hutter, I., & Bailey, A. (2020). Qualitative research methods. Sage.
• Johnson, J. L., Adkins, D., & Chauvin, S. (2020). A review of the quality indicators of rigor in qualitative research. American journal of pharmaceutical education. 84(1).
• Liamputtong, P. (2020). Qualitative research methods.
• Longo, L. (2019, September). Empowering qualitative research methods in education with artificial intelligence. In World Conference on Qualitative Research (pp. 1-21). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
• Neuman, W. L. (2013). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th ed.). Pearson.
• Rose, J., & Johnson, C. W. (2020). Contextualizing reliability and validity in qualitative research: Toward more rigorous and trustworthy qualitative social science in leisure research. Journal of leisure research. 51(4). 432-451.
• Snelson, C. (2019). Teaching qualitative research methods online: A scoping review of the literature. The Qualitative Report. 24(11). 2799-2814.
• Tracy, S. J. (2019). Qualitative research methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis, communicating impact. John Wiley & Sons.
• Williams, M., & Moser, T. (2019). The art of coding and thematic exploration in qualitative research. International Management Review. 15(1). 45-55.

Online

• Advantages Of Questionnaires In Online Research. 2023. [Online]. Available through: <https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/blog/advantages-of-questionnaires-in-online-research>