3.0 Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to present the research philosophical underpinnings and methodological process of the study. This chapter outlines the conceptual framework, research philosophy, research design, population of the study, sampling design and procedure, sample size, data collection instruments, data collection procedure, validity tests, reliability test, data analysis method and ethical consideration.
3.1 Conceptual framework Fig.6. conceptual framework
Dependent Variable
From the conceptual framework from figure.6, it is assumed that maintenance practices, training of maintenance staff and management skills, operation efficiency and external factors influence the electricity network performance. Therefore, independent variables are maintenance practices, training and management skills, operation efficiency and external factors while the dependent variable is the electricity network …show more content…
Two elements are used for social science research philosophies which are positivism and interpretivism. The positivism assumes the stance of the natural scientist and emphasizes the use of a highly-structured methodology to facilitate replication and quantifiable observations that lend themselves to statistical analysis (Gill and Johnson).
The interpretivism philosophy advocates the necessity for the researcher to understand the differences between humans in their role as social actors (Saunders et al…2007). Under this philosophy, the researcher adopts an empathetic stance whereby he/she enters the social world of the research subjects to understand their world from their point of