The researcher proposes to use qualitative research design to explore whether implementation of the Desktop Virtualization concept can result in organizational efficiencies, especially in facilitating resource sharing, achieving cost-effectiveness through reduced energy consumption, and enabling employees to access critical work-related resources from remote locations. Qualitative research, according to Creswell (2003), is primarily concerned with developing explanations about social phenomena through identifying patterns or commonalities by inference from the assessment or inspection of explicit instances and events of interest to the researcher. The main objective of qualitative research is to yield rich, in-depth descriptions of phenomena through a process of inquiry that utilizes documentation and description (Patton, 2002), while considering context as parts of the phenomena in the natural world (Creswell, 2003). In addition, qualitative research is typified by adopting methods that are interpretive in context and focus on the meaning of the phenomena (Shank, 2006).
The main justification for proposing qualitative research rests on the premise that the design is ideal in exploring phenomena that faces gaps in knowledge by making sense of intricate situations, gaining novel insights into phenomena, developing themes to explicate issues of interest to the study, and ultimately nurturing an in-depth understanding of these issues (Patton, 2002). When this justification is applied to the purpose and focus of the study, it can be deduced that this design will assist the researcher not only to gain useful insights into how the new concept of Desktop Virtualization can be utilized by organizations to facilitate resource sharing and achieve cost-effectiveness, but also to bring into the limelight other underlying issues and challenges that organizations may anticipate in implementing the concept. More importantly, the qualitative approach will provide the researcher with the framework needed to conceptualize how Desktop Virtualization can be implemented effectively by employing induction to bring knowledge into view (Creswell, 2003), descriptive assessment to locate the concept and position the ensuing relationships within a wider context of organizational effectiveness and productivity (Leedy, 1997), and by undertaking interpretive analysis to holistically examine the meanings illuminated by phenomena (Shank, 2006).
There exists a multiplicity of methodologies and strategies that are considered qualitative in nature, but this study will utilize a case study approach. In Particular, the study will combine both intrinsic and instrumental case study approaches (Schramm 2006), not only to illuminate how Desktop Virtualization can be applied to enhance resource sharing and reduce operational costs in energy savings, but also to facilitate our understanding on the risk factors involved in implementing this concept and the results organizations expect to reap from Desktop Virtualization. Stake (1975) asserts that the essence of a case study is that it attempts to elucidate a decision or set of decisions with the principal objective of uncovering useful insights into why such decisions were taken, how they were adopted or implemented, and what outcomes were achieved from these decisions. Extending this approach, Yin (2009) posits that “…case studies provide a systematic way of looking at events, collecting data, analyzing information and reporting the results” (p. 89).
To sample a few justifications on the choice of case study methodology, the intrinsic case study is effective in explaining the presumed causal associations in real-life interventions that are too intricate for other research methodologies (Stake, 1995). This justification implies that the proposed methodology will be effective in bringing to light substantial causal linkages involving the implementation of Desktop Virtualization on the one hand and resource sharing and cost efficiencies on the other. The second justification is premised on the fact that case studies are effective in describing an intervention and the real-life context in which it happened (Stake, 1995; Schramm, 2006), implying that the proposed methodology will be effective in exposing vulnerabilities and threats to Desktop Virtualization in real-life contexts. Finally, the case study methodology is not only able to enlighten a situation in which an intervention is being evaluated, but also avails the researcher with the capacity to gain a sharper comprehension of why the event or intervention happened as it did, as well as its consequences (Yin, 2009). This particular capability will ultimately analyze and describe the factors that come into play to facilitate effective implementation of Desktop Virtualization.
There are numerous ethical implications associated with qualitative research. In discussing ethical implications, this study adopts Denzin (1997) Traditional Ethical Model cited in Schramm (2006), which “…assumes that solutions can be made for ethical problems and dilemmas on rational, objective grounds; emotions and intuition are secondary” (p. 54). Consequently, the researcher will engage in rapport building to establish trust and goodwill that serves to fulfil the needs of the study, as well as maintain the distinction between faking impressions and doing what comes naturally and appears appropriate to fit in and promote the aims of the study. In seeking for informed consent from the study participants, the researcher will not only inform the subjects as holistically as possible about the research purpose and targeted audience, but they will also be provided with adequate information with the aim to make them fully comprehend what their agreement to participate actually entails. Additionally, the researcher will ensure that study participants append their signatures for participation without due coercion, and that they fully understand that they may withdraw from the research process at their own convenience without any fear of prejudice or penalty (Schramm, 2006).
Reference
Creswell, J.W. (2003) Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. 2nd Ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Leedy, P.D. (1997). Practical research: Planning and design. 6th Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Patton, M.Q. (2002) Qualitative research and evaluation methods. 3rd Ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Schram, T.H. (2006). Conceptualizing and proposing qualitative research. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Shank, G.D. (2006). Qualitative Research: A personal skills approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Stake, R.E. (1995). The art of case study approach. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Yin, R.K. (2009). Case study research: Design and methods. 4th Ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.