What is known about progression?

System reliability can be defined as the probability that a system will perform its intended function for a specified period of time under stated conditions (Jiang, 2012). This chapter describes the research methodology and reliability analysis that were implemented to assess Innoson Plastic Industries Injection Moulding System to rectify defects and discrepancies.

The research methodology used in this study is based on mixed research model, which is a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The qualitative technique involves an in quiry process based on a complex structure, holistic picture, formed words and the natural setting of the industry in which the research was conducted, while the quantitative approach is an inquiry based on testing, measurement, and reliability techniques for determining the predictive relationships. This model is considered a relatively new paradigm since no work have been done before now, on the reliability of injection moulding system. It was chosen in order to achieve full potential, including benefits of mixed methodology that incorporate mechanisms to produce a

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holistic and detailed analysis and to provide a comprehensive investigation of the research questions (Wu and Hamada , 2012).

These benefits include the following:

 The ability to engage in both inductive and deductive reasoning.

 Allows qualitative approach to complement the result of the quantitative approach.

 Maximizes the advantages of quantitative methodologies and minimizes the demerits.

 Applies both objective and subjective points of view.

 Mixed model is pragmatic and more realistic and serves as the middle ground for positivist and constructivist theories.

The quantitative portion of this research study involved a data capture and analytical tool approach. Monte Carlo Normal Distribution model analyses were used to establish relationships among the relevant study variables pertaining to reliability of injection moulding system, while the multi regression model was developed to checkmate on points of failure and reliability. The qualitative portion of this research study utilities content analysis based on open-ended questions which involved techniques for making inferences by objectively and observation.

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As shown in Figure 3a, linear process is chosen for this projects which was proposed by Baxter et al (1996). It began with the topic of the research and was able to address all the important facts of the research before terminating at the writing stage, after examining all the other means of gathering data and information as well as the research design and data analysis.

Figure 3a: The linear research process for the project. (Source: Balaxter et al 1996)

RESEARCH TOPIC (IDEA)

PERFORMANCE ENCHANMENT OF INNOSON INJECTION MOULD SYSTEM

RESEARCH QUESTIONS RESEARCH OUTLINE

DECISIONS ABOUT INFORMATION

Gathering Techniques

Previous Literature Interview

DECISIONS ABOUT SOURCES OF DATA

SOURCES OF DATA

 Interviews: Contacting Production Managers and other people involved with manufacturing, as well as visits to the companies

RESEARCH DESIGN

COLLECTING AND RECORDING DATA DATA ANALYSIS

WRITE-UP

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Guauri and Cronhaug (2002) stated that research is sometimes considered to be a process as it involves different types of activities which unfold over a period of time. As could be observed from Figure 3b selecting a topic of interest. The figure also shows that research requires constant updating as it progresses in order to achieve its objectives.

Identify broad area for research Select topic

Formulate research objectives Decide approach

Formulate plan Collect information Analyze data

Present findings

Figure 3b: The research process (Source: Gray 2004)

As embarking on a research is time consuming and always requires a lot of efforts, it is very pertinent that while choosing a research topic, efforts should always be made to select a good topic which is very interesting to the researcher, in order to avoid boredom and loss of interest during the exercise.

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The broad area for this research is improved production after which it was narrowed down to the topic which is Performance Enhancement of Innoson Injection Moulding System. The topic apart from being of great interest to the author, also offers the benefit of utilizing its findings to increase personal development. The adoption of Monte Carlo Normal distribution, multi regression condition based software, Shewhart control and PASW 18 have proved to be very successful strategies, as they offer lots of advantages over traditional manufacturing method.

Furthermore, research problem where the research objectives are deduced from is not the same as the research topic, as research topic is quite more encompassing and broader. According to Ghauri and Gronhaug (2002) a distinctive question is answered when we go from more widespread research topics to a research problem, as research problem is more of a question which drives a research.

The two approaches to research are inductive and deductive. In inductive approach the researcher embarks on data collection which is properly analyzed and subsequently used to develop a theory due to little or no available literature on the topic. The second type is deductive approach which is used for this project, as a basic plan or strategy of the research, and the logic behind it, which will make possible and valid to draw more general conclusions from its. The quality of every research depends greatly on its design, an effective research

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design was adopted for this work which will result in acquiring the needed information, thereby answering the research questions. The set of research activities adopted for this project is shown in figure 3c.

Figure 3c: The research design.

(Source: Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2003)

Research Topic Research Question and Objectives

Research Approach and Strategy

Deductive Approach Survey and

Exploratory Study

Design of Research

Data Collection

Primary Data

Secondary Data

Data Analysis

Research Topic

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