CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This chapter is meant to describe how this study was carried out. It also tends to describe how
data was collected, taking into considerations the area of the study, research method and design,
the population under study, sampling technique, source and type of data, research instrument, the
method of data collection, and method of data analysis were all discussed in details. The field
survey involves collection of information and data through the administration of oral interviews
and questionnaires to construction professionals in the community committes e.g. Quantity
Surveyors, Engineers, Architects and Builders (contractors) etc. involved in community-led
procurement in South-East Nigeria with particular attention on Anambra state.

AREA OF STUDY
This study is to be undertaken in Anambra state, situated in the southeastern part of Nigeria and
there are community projects in these chosen areas. The survey cuts through the roles of this
citizens; professionals and non-professionals.

METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

The data collection method of any research depends on the objectives of the study and the data
requirement. The method and design of this project were guided by nature of the research.
This study includes a composition of both survey research and descriptive research. The
survey research involves an investigation into the level of awareness of community-led
procurement approach in community projects and the roles of this citizens towards this approach
involving community projects; while the descriptive was meant to throw more light on the
benefits that can accrue from knowing the best community-led procurement method to use at any
given time for the effective delivery of community projects. The tools used for the purpose of
data collection were questionnaires and oral interviews designed and conducted by the
researcher.

SAMPLE DATA COLLECTION

The population of the study would be the citizens of the chosen community area which comprise
of the community committees, professionals and non-professionals. And a total of 30
questionnaires were distributed and 25 were dully completed and returned.
PRIMARY DATA
This is the first information collected by means of personal interviews with community actors
and participants both in public and private sector of the economy. The primary data collection
methods adopted were the questionnaires and direct structured interviews. The questionnaire had
an attached letter stating that the research was for the academic purpose and would be treated in
confidence. The oral interview was conducted to supplement the use of the questionnaire. As a
means of ensuring reliability of the data collected, certain questions were asked to ascertain their
level of understanding on the subject matter.

SECONDARY DATA
This is a second-hand collection method. It is based on mainly on the review of related literature,
textbooks, articles, journals, seminar papers, newspaper reports, internet, and other forms of
published and unpublished materials.

INTERVIEW
This is a face-to-face interpersonal role situation in which an interviewer asks respondent
questions design to elicit answers. The interviews take the form of structured interview which is
required thorough knowledge of the problem and this can be explored with finding out ‘why’ the
particulars answers are given. The aim of this is to make sure that the questions in the
questionnaire were understood and accurately answered. As a means of ensuring reliability of the
data collected, certain question was asked to ascertain their level of understanding on the subject
matter.

QUESTIONNAIRE
Mostly used data collection technique for conducting surveys. It is most suited to surveys whose
purpose is clear enough to be explained in a few paragraphs of prints, in which the scheme of
question is not overelaborated. This can be used to find out facts, opinions and views on what is
happening. This is mostly used because it is more economical and speeding in that it permits
wide coverage for a minimum expense both in money and effort.

METHOD OF DATA PRESENTATION

The major instrument used was oral interview and questionnaire design by the researcher. The
oral interview and the questionnaire were based on the aim and the research question developed.
The researcher makes use of some statistical techniques such as percentile and frequency to
enable her analyze the data obtained, make comparison and draw conclusion. To compute the
percentage of people that gave a particular response, the formula below was used:
 Nr x 100%
Tr 1

Where Nr = Number of responses

Tr = Total number of respondents