Foster (2007) outline the research structure and describe research as a process that starts with a problem within the researcher’s general area of interest. It then follows a progress to the development of a plan, a review of related research findings, predicting and defining the potential outcome of the process and then starting and eventually concluding the actual research process. Cooper, et al, (2011) define business research as a systematic inquiry whose objective is to provide the information that will allow managerial decisions to be solved. While Sekaran (2000), describes business research as a systematic and organised effort to investigate a specific problem that needs a solution. Mouton (2001), views business research as how to solve real organisational problems. The researcher supports all the above definitions around business research and views business research as a mind-set change of the employees working for the organisation.
The traditional way of doing business often resulted in employees transferring work issues to managers and supervisors rather than solutions to problems. Business research intends to change such a paradigm. Research is therefore a systematic process of collecting, analysing, and interpreting information in order to increase understanding and knowledge of a specific phenomenon, Kruger (2001). This thesis utilised research tools, methods and reasoning in an attempt to answer research questions and as such develop the approach as proposed in Figure 1.1- Research construct model. The paradigm used for this paper was a phenomenological paradigm because the emphasis is on data quality and debt. The phenomenological paradigm focuses on understanding human behaviour from the participants' own frame of reference (Collis & Hussey, 2003). Most of the information gathered was qualitative data.
The purpose of the thesis was resolved in this regard through desk research. To define the fundamental theories, the desk research started with BRT-related textbooks. In addition, papers in publications discuss applicability, benefits and disadvantages, and restriction of the BRT system's intelligent transport system. Using primary and secondary information such as questionnaires, observations, publications and prior research linked to smart transport systems was used to gain an in-depth knowledge of the BRT's smart transport system's operational leadership.
The information collected was evaluated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) with the help of Microsoft Excel using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, cross tabulation and chi-square testing. Tables, charts, and maps were used to present this. Qualitative data was evaluated using a thematic strategy. The research echoes the need for fast public transportation systems to provide lessons to improve and adopt smart transportation technologies. As an end product, the study provided a structure on how to integrate ITS in the context of Bus Rapid Transit Systems. The area and scope of the research, and steps required for the process that will be utilised for the study will focus on what is required in terms of the research question as indicated below:
Step 1: Exploratory study as a separate first stage with the objective to define the research questions and to develop the research project.
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Step 2: Descriptive study utilising a comprehensive survey determining the, who, what, where and when in terms of Intelligent Transport System Capability.
Step 3: Literature study of the South African transport system, main dimensions the BRT system (Operation agility and operations Agility) and the Intelligent Transport system Critical Factors (ITS infrastructure capability, ITS innovation capability, ITS and Business capability) as defined in the descriptive study.
Step 4: Survey questionnaire consisting of valid items, via feedback from stakeholders, process owners, managers, custodians, administrators related to the BRT and ITS. Step 5: Evaluation of content relevancy, validity, and reliability and descriptive statistics of the main model dimensions and Critical Factors contributing to BRT agility. Step 6: Evaluation of content relevancy, validity, reliability, and descriptive statistic’s analysis of priority factors-items and occurrence factor-items contributing to BRT agility.
Step 7: Performing the necessary statistical analysis and reports on BRT status findings.
Step 8: Organisation analysis and testing of the hypothesis. Step 9: Finalisation of the thesis.
The study used a deductive strategy where current literature was used to define what data is needed from participants and to develop a set of hypotheses on the conceptual model of the study. These hypotheses were tested through a quantitative study using information collected. The investigative tool was the suitable research methodology for this study. Because the unit of analysis was at an industry level that meant face- to-face interviews proved to be difficult to conduct for this type of survey, the questionnaire approach is therefore more practical and provided data within a short space of time, bearing in mind that the research was conducted during the festive season.
The study conceptualised three-dimensional ITS capacity (ITS infrastructure, ITS & business development and ITS innovation & orientation) and further conceptualised two dimensional business agility (market orientation agility and operational agility) – see Figure 1.2. Outlines the research construct model, enabling the research to answer the research question.
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Figure 1.2- Research construct model, source: author (2016)
A fixed, non-experimental strategy was used in the research design. It also embraced the cross-sectional method of studies with the unit of analysis at the level of the sector. Correlation assessment was considered more practical and a suitable method for testing the connection between autonomous and dependent variables. Confirmation of the hypothesis was endorsed by a field study carried out on the basis of a quantitative study.
The desk research findings assisted with the design of the questionnaire. The questionnaire were circulated to all sampled South African BRT system stakeholders. The approach to phenomenology engaged the fundamental assumptions about problems that are affected, perceived and felt by respondents (Saunders et al., 2000). The questionnaire implemented in the study used a five-point Likert, which was deemed suitable for clear response determination. The information acquired was analysed using the SPSS program of statistical analysis. The purpose of the study was to find out whether the research question was agreed or disagreed. Finally, in the context of the impact on the hypothesis, the findings of the study and evaluation were discussed and a framework model was developed.