Respond to two or more of your colleagues

· Analyze the relationship between sample size for the chosen unit of analysis and statistical power.

· Justify how and why the unit of analysis for you proposed quantitative study is appropriate for your research question.

Mythily

Alignment of Unit of Analysis with Research Purpose

       The research study problem statement and purpose will guide the unit of analysis used for measurement (Saunders, Lewis, & Thornhill, 2015). Ensuring the use of correct unit of analysis will assist in achieving the objectives of the study. Selecting an incorrect unit of analysis impacts the results of the study. The study conducted by Francis, Stokes, and Anderson (1999) concluded the critical role of unit of analysis where a city-by-city analysis provided insight to the economic rationale for and consequences of the mergers that is not observable using national data.

Sample Size for the Unit of Analysis

       Sample size is another critical factor in deciding the outcome of the research. Saunders, et al. (2015) summarized that the study can be generalized with less likelihood of error when the sample size is large. Duffy (2006) identified several factors that influence the sample size needed for a particular study: power, effect size, significance level, and in the case of longitudinal or repeated-measures research, the potential attrition (drop-out) rate. Duffy (2006) listed three most popular software programs: Sample Power, Power and Precision, and PASS and  two web-based programs: G*Power and PS: Power and Sample Size Calculation.

       My research question is what strategies do the  pharmacovigilance systems managers to understand the relationship between (a) the task-technology fit, (b) perceived usefulness, (c) behavioral intention, (d) performance impact, and (e) actual utilization to successfully implement disruptive technology solutions to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve quality. Pharmacovigilance systems managers will be the unit of analysis for my study because the managers define the strategy to implement artificial intelligence or robotics-based solutions.

References

Duffy, M. E. (2006). Resources for determining or evaluating sample size in quantitative research reports. Clinical Nurse Specialist: The Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice, 20(1), 9.

Francis, J. R., Stokes, D. J., & Anderson, D. (1999). City markets as a unit of analysis in audit research and the re-examination of big 6 market shares. ABACUS, 35(2), 185–206. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1467-6281

Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2015). Research methods for business students (7th ed.). Essex, England: Pearson Education Unlimited.

Jessica

Unit of Analysis and Sample Size

Ensuring unit analysis aligns

            In doctoral research, it is critical to include a unit of analysis that aligns with the doctoral research study (Saunders, 2015). If the unit of analysis does not fully satisfy the needs of the proposed research question, then there is a chance that the study will not be strong enough to move forward. The unit analysis is how the researcher wants to show at the end of the research (Grünbaum, 2007).  Since the study is intended to be read and viewed as if the reader knows nothing about the research topic, the unit of analysis must help exemplify the findings in the research. The unit of analysis is a way of connecting the research for it to not only make sense to others but also contribute to society. 

Implications of selecting an incorrect unit of analysis

            There are many different options for the type of unit of analysis; individual, group, organization, city, etc. (Saunders, 2015). The purpose of selecting a type of analysis is to narrow a focus enough for quality information to result. After spending an extensive amount of time on the research problem, to not be able to complete the study due to the unit of analysis could occur. It would seem rather pointless to choose a unit of analysis based on reasons like availability or ease of access. Each decision made should always be in the best interest of the study and quality of information attainable.

Sample size and statistical power

            Francis, Stokes, and Anderson (1999) show through the city-level unit of analysis that a large sample size is valid. The researchers sampled one hundred relevant companies, in hopes of validating their study, with great success (Francis et al., 1999). By gathering information from many organizations, credibility and knowledge is given to the readers. Also, varying information was helpful to the researchers to explain their findings. The individuals and group that I am sampling tend to have much information of quality, which will help to provide enough information to proactively contribute to the topic of generational disconnect in the workplace and how it affects organizational behavior.

Justification of the unit of analysis

            Walden University (2019), instructs students in the doctoral business administration program to describe the population and demographic variables. Then, once that step is complete, students are to determine the minimum sample size to have a reliable and verifiable research study (Walden University, 2019). In my research study, I will be gathering information from leaders in the customer service industry who are experts on the topic of generational challenges in the workplace. The unit of analysis that I am using in the research study is based on knowledge from chief executive officers who are in the customer service industry and located in Florida. The type of analysis is useful in the study, due to the nature of the research question and the purpose of the research.

References

Anderson, S. F., Kelley, K., & Maxwell, S. E. (2017). Sample-size planning for more accurate statistical power: A method adjusting sample effect sizes for publication bias and uncertainty. Psychological Science, 28(11), 1547–1562. doi:10.1177/0956797617723724

Francis, J. R., Stokes, D. J., & Anderson, D. (1999). City markets as a unit of analysis in audit research and the re-examination of big 6 market shares. ABACUS, 35(2), 185–206. doi:10.1111/(ISSN)1467-6281

Grünbaum, N. (2007). Identification of ambiguity in the case study research typology: What is a unit of analysis? Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, (1), 78. doi:10.1108/13522750710720413

Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2015). Research methods for business students (7th ed.). Essex, England: Pearson Education Unlimited.

Walden University. (2019). DBA doctoral study rubric and research handbook. Available from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/researchcenter/osra.dba