CHAPTER THREE

FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION SYSTEMS FAILURES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA (A MASTER’S RESEARCH PROJECT) CHAPTER THREE 3.0 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this research study is to conduct a holistic research that is essential in order to help establish a network that solves complex challenges across social and technological spheres with serious regards to political, socio-cultural, historical, structural and functional environments (Malby and Anderson-Wallace, 2016) in the study area. Section 3.1 introduces the chapter, 3.2 presents the rationale for the research approach, 3.3 outlines the research process, 3.4 the research design, 3.5 methodology, 3.6 setting/context, 3.7 operationalization, 3.8 discusses the research study area, 3.9 explains the research sample and data sources, 3.10 presents the data collection methods, down to 3.16 which tackles issues of trustworthiness and 3.17 presents the limitations/delimitations and concludes the chapter. 3.2 RATIONALE FOR THE RESEARCH APPROACH 3.3 RESEARCH PROCESS In research, it is crucial to plan in order to find solutions to that unsolved problem, which has been identified (NME-ICT, 2020). In that light, the planning aspect of a research includes the Research Process, which is a step by step mapping of the research flow. According to (NME-ICT, 2020) a research process should include: 1. Problem Identification 2. Literature Review of related Studies 3. Framing the objectives of the research (Draft/Final) 4. Formulating the hypotheses/research question 5. Collection of Data 6. Analysis of collected data 7. Testing the hypotheses/attempt at answering the research questions 8. Generalizations and Interpretations 9. Report Preparation; and

10. Report Submission These give an elucidated understanding of the research idea and its purpose; the explanation on the research process and highlights of the theoretical structure of the research design (NME-ICT, 2020). As defined by Redman and Rory (2015) to be an organized or schematized determination directed towards gaining new insight and contributing to existing knowledge thereby advancing it (NME-ICT, 2020), research must have a well-defined configuration to obtain successful results. Research designs must have a definite purpose, one that tries to elucidate certain current situations by using surveys to define the phenomenon (SlideShare, 2020). This being a descriptive research design tends to be exploratory in an attempt to paint a perfect image of the issues at hand; stipulating the natural affiliation between variables existent in the focus environment (SlideShare, 2020). This design unveils causes and affects affiliations, where manipulations are not possible on existent causes (SlideShare, 2020). Below is an expression of the research process for this research work.

FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION SYSTEMS FAILURES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA (A MASTER’S RESEARCH PROJECT) FIGURE 2: Diagrammatic Representation of the Research Process

Identification of the Unsolved Problem

Tally Solution with Problem

Review of Related Literature

R evi ew

F inal D raft

Report Submission with Recommended Solution

Framing of Research Objectives Final/Draft Report Preparation

D raft F inal

Generalizations & Interpretations

Attempt in Answering Research Questions

Formulating Research Questions Collection of Data Analysis of Collected Data

Source: Adapted From (NME-ICT, 2020 and Author ’s Personal Study Insight)

3.4 RESEARCH DESIGN To provide a good quality research design careful consideration has been taken to observe all the interrelated features and decisions taken in relation to the research design process (Sileyew, 2019). The framework of the research has gone through appropriate and well thought out measures, based on the fact that the decision to be made here is largely significant regarding the approaches for obtaining and securing relevant data (Sileyew, 2019). The researcher therefore, seeks to make the general research design outlook to be in consonance with that embraced by Mursu et. al., (2002); however, the general perspective is directed towards gaining new insight and broadening global Information

FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION SYSTEMS FAILURES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA (A MASTER’S RESEARCH PROJECT)

Systems failures perspectives with specific reference to the research environment (NMEICT, 2020): 1. A review of Information Systems success or failure generalized or contextual literature. 2. Exploratory and analytical inferences of issues pertaining to present usages of Information Systems with specific reference to public domains within the research focus environment. 3. Collect data through qualitative and quantitative surveys using channels that are in-line with COVID-19 pandemic protocols as obtainable in the research environment and as advised by the constituted authorities. 4. Ensure that data analysis, results and presentations develop insights that are sensible and understandable enough for other users to adopt and extend knowledge and practice in the Information Systems field. This will put into effect considerations of social inclusivity or exclusivity of the rural poor and not just project practitioners as articulated by Hughes, Rana, and Simintiras, (2017). The research work subsumes an epistemological position grounded on the context of phenomenology and positivism (Laureate Education Inc, 2014). A higher percentage of the reviewed literature (See APPENDIX I) focused on different epistemological stances. This research work adopted one that best suites the nature of the investigation at hand. 3.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Methodology in research is a very crucial aspect of the research as well, because it is the pathway through which researchers undertake the research at hand (Sileyew, 2019).Therefore, based on the epistemological stance of the research, mixed methods methodology has been adopted(Laureate Education Inc, 2014) with primary and secondary data considerations (Oravee, Zayum, and Kokona, 2018). This is in alignment with achieving crucial research objectives; therefore, qualitative methods and quantitative methods (Sileyew, 2019) will be applied sequentially with the former supporting the latter. Uniting qualitative and quantitative methods gives a multiplier transcendent effect from harnessing the strengths of both methods; diminishing their weaknesses and allowing for triangulation in the research (Bamberger, 2012). 3.6 RESEARCH SETTING/CONTEXT

3.7 OPERATIONALIZATION As an integral part of the research process, the researcher has by preference adopted the use of research questions rather than hypotheses owing to the recommendations of Pajares, (2016), which indicates that research questions portray higher relevance in relation to normative research types (Samuel, 2020). Qualitative and quantitative methodologies will be part of the methodological (Pajares, 2016) research process adopted to answer these research questions as appropriately as possible based on: 3.8 THE RESEARCH STUDY AREA At 9o25’ (N) and 9o37’ (E) of the Equator and Greenwich Meridian is the geographical location within which Lafia the research environment exists, known as Nasarawa State, of Nigeria (Nasarawa State Government, 2019; Samuel, 2020). Geographically positioned in the centre of the Middle Belt region, with thirteen (13) Local Government Areas and has a population size estimated at 1,826,883 at 67 persons/Km

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density (Nasarawa State Government, 2019; Samuel, 2020). Nasarawa State, Nigeria is constituted of about 23 tribes and ethnic groups without factoring in settlers; its topography is composed of hills, undulating plains/lowlands, and is also blessed with a variety of rich solid minerals and other natural reserves like the Farin Ruwa waterfalls (a great tourist attraction still under development) (Nasarawa State Government, 2019; Samuel, 2020). Nasarawa State has the closest proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as compared to other states of the federation (Nasarawa State Government, 2019; Samuel, 2020). Nasarawa State, Nigeria has a rich inclination towards development, especially with the current administration, and as such from the perspective of a research environment, it can be viewed said to be very effective due to its attribute for supporting various worldleading researches and also researchers, with valid research for development undertones (UoR, 2020; Samuel, 2020). The research group as earlier described constitutes un-segregated male and female employees of the public sector and other key stakeholders, with varying ethnic, religious, cultural, and educational affiliations of varying income, position and class (Sifers et., al. 2002; Samuel, 2020). 3.8.1 Setting: The COVID-19 pandemic situation has changed the norm for data collection. However, the research data will be collected through valid channels like Zoom, Skype, social media and or telephone. These online tools offer newer and safer ways of conducting qualitative research interviews (Archibald et. al., 2019; Samuel, 2020). In addition the quantitative surveys will be conducted via web based electronic

FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION SYSTEMS FAILURES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA (A MASTER’S RESEARCH PROJECT)

mails. Locations for the qualitative interviews can be from the office environment or from home. 3.9 RESEARCH SAMPLE AND DATA SOURCES 3.9.1 Sampling and Recruitment Strategy: Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital can be described at best as the epicenter through which various developmental endeavors cut across the state as a whole (Samuel, 2020). Pertinent and appropriate officials in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government including other relevant key stakeholders in Lafia the Nasarawa State capital will serve as the sample population, against taking the entire population of public sector workers and stakeholders as a sample. 3.9.2 Population: It is expected that the target population will have an idea and knowledge relating to Information Technology. Vulnerable populations will not be applicable to the research. 3.9.3 Sample: In line with Oravee, Zayum and Kokona (2018), the strategy is to maintain a manageable population that can enhance efficacy in the conduct of the research; therefore the sample population will be public sector workers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies and also key stakeholders, within the ages of 25 to 59 whose work responsibilities and environments relate to Information Systems within the Nasarawa State capital – Lafia. Collection of the data will be strictly the responsibility of the researcher (Samuel, 2020). 3.10 DATA COLLECTION METHODS The methods adopted for collection of data were considered on the basis of the nature of the data needed, which include both primary and secondary data source considerations (NME-ICT, 2020) and include: 1.

2. The use of qualitative Interviews, relating to phenomenon of quality or kind capable of unveiling fundamental motives/desires key to the research (NME-ICT, 2020), which will be conducted via zoom, social media or telephone calls as a result of present COVID-19 pandemic situations (Samuel, 2020). The use of electronic/online questionnaires to conduct a survey will follow sequentially as prescribed in the research process design,

FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION SYSTEMS FAILURES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA (A MASTER’S RESEARCH PROJECT)

likert scales will be used to collect ordinal, nominal, ration or interval scale data as the case may be and as best suited within the context which data is being collected (SlideShare, 2020).

3.

Reports will constitute a major source for secondary data. However, given COVID-19 pandemic situations, it will be ensured that these reports are strategically extracted online, on the assumption that they will be readily available (Samuel, 2020). 3.11 RESEARCH TOOLS COVID-19 pandemic situations are at alarming rates the world over, these necessitates the use of online resources as the research tools adopted for the collection of data offering greater expediency, efficacy, flexibility and cost effectiveness (Archibald et. al., 2019; Samuel, 2019). It is more attractive to respondents and interviewees in comparison to face-to-face interviews or surveys with collaborative videoconferencing, meetings, messaging and secured recording features (Archibald et. al., 2019; Samuel, 2020). These tools offer real-time communication of modern trend attributes with high reliability and validity of data over widespread geographic locations i.e. mobile communication devices and software (Archibald et. al., 2019; Samuel, 2020). 3.12 DATA ANALYSIS TOOLS Data analysis tools include software packages like SPSS, NVIVO and Atlas.ti (UoR, 2020). The research analysis plan is to make use of these statistical tools which are super assistants in analysis of both Quantitative and Qualitative data (UoR, 2020). There will be contingency plans in regards alternative analysis tools like STATA 11 or 16 based on the availability of especially NVIVO or Atlas.ti in terms of license costs. 3.13 DATA ANALYSIS METHODS Data analysis is a most vital element of research where it identifies, transforms, supports decisions taken and helps conclude a research with substantiated information as linked to the identified problem (Ashirwadam, 2014). The data analysis method concisely puts facts and figures together towards solving the problem at hand in the forms of qualitative or quantitative showing either a difference or no difference at all in the suppositions (Ashirwadam, 2014).

FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION SYSTEMS FAILURES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA (A MASTER’S RESEARCH PROJECT)

The data analysis method will be based on accessing, assessing, coding, concluding and reporting the collected data through charts, diagrams and tables etc. (Samuel, 2020). The data analysis method will be statistical and the approach will be based on descriptive statistic measures allowing flexibility, and subjectivity to ensure for exact documentation in relation to data approaches and strategies (UoR, 2020; Samuel, 2020). This ensures analysis is of highly qualitative, meaningful, not biased and eases answering of the research questions accurately (UoR, 2020, Samuel, 2020). However, care will be taken to avoid erroneous nuances of statistical conclusions (Ashirwadam, 2014). These data analysis approach will be best suited for qualitative and quantitative data as is the nature of the research data, and the validity/reliability mechanism is based on near or accurate variable scale measurement (Samuel, 2020). The presentation of the analyzed data is just as important as the analysis and interpretation (Ashirwadam, 2014). Therefore, the best strategy towards approaching the presentation of the results of this type of data analysis is in summarized forms (Kelley, et. al., 2003). The data will be examined carefully initially and substantial time will be devoted to that in a way of becoming friends with the collected and analyzed data (Kelley, et. al., 2003). An impartial detail of how the research was undertaken will be another good presentation strategy, and that includes the challenges that the data analysis approach might face in terms of budget constraints, the availability of constant power supply and other relative factors such as time constraints (Samuel, 2020). 3.14 ISSUES OF TRUSTWORTHINESS 3.15 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION Being honest, responsible, respectful, fair, and making certain that decisions and actions are at best honorable and in the best interest of stakeholders, as highlighted by the Program Management and Accountability Act; define the ethics consideration of the research work (PMO Advisory, 2020; Samuel, 2020). This broad spectrum of ethics will be applied to ensure that gender considerations are balanced; focusing on the fact that equal treatment of people is in line with best practices of research and ensures that no harm comes to anyone. The researcher has carefully analyzed in line with guidelines the research process and design to try and identify any risks associated with the research; also efforts will be channeled appropriately towards mitigating any such risks that are likely to occur before, during or after the research work (UoR, 2020a).

FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION SYSTEMS FAILURES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA (A MASTER’S RESEARCH PROJECT)

Confidentiality of respondents/interviewees will be highly maintained, and in this light collected and processed data in both hard and soft copy forms will be under strong lock and key/high level password protection (UoR, 2020a). Anonymous selection of respondents/interviewees will be highly observed, both interviewees and respondents will be anonymously selected, their participation in interviews and surveys will highly optional (UoR, 2020a). There will be safeguards exercised against privacy intrusions throughout the complete process of the research work and each participant will be notified of the anonymity regulation guiding the research work (UoR, 2020a). The participatory group will be a mix of the research population linked with the Nasarawa State Government and in no way personal to the researcher (UoR, 2020a). 3.16 VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY Reliability and validity can very often pose serious challenges (Ashirwadam, 2014), however the same way that triangulation tests reliability and validity in quantitative research can be implied in maximizing validity and reliability for qualitative researches (Golafshani, 2003). When used apart Quantitative and Qualitative research methods have immense strengths with immense weaknesses, however, the use of the mixed methods is an approach that integrates their strengths for both methods to overcome their respective weak aspects (Bamberger, 2012; Samuel, 2020). Bamberger, (2012) explains at least 5 reasons that elucidate the researcher’s plan towards validity and reliability i.e. triangulation, development, complementarity, initiation and value diversity; promotion of: participatory approaches and alignment of stakeholder understanding and perspectives (Samuel, 2020). Generalizability of a research’s results as suggested by Golafshani (2003) can be a true test for validity and reliability and triangulation as supported by Bamberger (2012) strengthens reliability and validity by combining two methods Patton (2001) as cited in Golafshani (2003). Therefore, given that this research is linked to analytics and evaluation, considering the research process and design, it is obvious that the results generated will be valid and reliable towards understanding and answering the research questions, and will therefore be generalizable (Kelley, et. al., 2003; Samuel, 2020).

FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION SYSTEMS FAILURES IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA (A MASTER’S RESEARCH PROJECT)

3.17 LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS The entire population of public workers will result in a cumbersome population for the research study therefore, targeted population will range from ages 25 - 59 both males and females, of working class with varying ethnic, religious, cultural, and educational affiliations of varying income, position and class (Sifers et., al. 2002; Samuel, 2020).This is so as to have a small population that can be managed with efficacy (Oravee, Zayum, and Kokona, 2018) and to maintain scope and avoid time constraints in relation to conducting the research study. In conclusion, this chapter has established how crucial it is to plan in conducting researches, and the research process design helps coordinate that plan. This is basically to gain new insight and for that reason, the research focuses on phenomenology and positivism as its epistemological position, not forgetting its exhibition of other features. The research adopted a mixed methods approach on a sizeable and manageable population size. COVID-19 protocols were considered in selection of data collection tools, data analysis tools and methods centered on validity and reliability. Important ethical policies were adopted to curb the issues of trustworthiness for the overall success and attainment of objectives of the research study.