Validation

The framework was used to conduct all data analysis of the problems identified by using histograms, brainstorming, Five Whys and cause and effect.

The validation process involved case study work on two companies. The format of the visits was mirrored to simulate a typical application process. The case studies consisted of 10 monthly visits of four hours’ duration each. The first visit was to meet the top management and tour the plant. People within the process were identified who encountered typical problems. Case Study 1 involved a toolmaker and a machine setter, and Case Study 2 involved a wet paint sprayer and an assembly worker. The initial visit to the people was to review the framework and walk through the process. Identification of the problems followed that could be reduced. From discussions with the people involved in the case study work, it was soon evident that there were problems within the business. It was also noted at this stage that the management were aware of some CI techniques; however the people within the processes were not.

As there were people involved with the case study, the methodologies chosen would be of benefit to the research project – axiology for human effects and

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ontology for systematically understanding or modelling, as well as using a combination of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Information obtained from the literature review of available CI techniques and barriers encountered was used for the basis of the interviews, which lasted about an hour with each person involved in the case studies.

Observations were conducted on a continual basis over the duration of the visits. The observations were focused on how the people involved in the case studies used the framework without any prior experience and, importantly, without any input from the research, the problems identified, the cost of the problems to the business, the problems processed using the framework and solutions to the problems.

The output of the case studies was successful; a meeting was held with the top management of both case study companies to propose the solutions to the problems that had been identified by the people involved in the case studies.

The management were very supportive and both companies were rather surprised that the problems that had been identified were such a high cost to both businesses.

3.15.1 Reliability and Validity of Data

Neumayer (2002) informs us that validity can be checked in examining whether cross-national differences in environmental attitudes are in accordance with theoretical hypotheses. The results in this research are encouraging and comforting, as they support the presumption of the validity of cross-national environmental survey data. The reliability of data can be affected by people’s understanding of the data and their knowledge, although this will be dependent on the type of data being researched.

Koksal et al. (2014) found that their study resulted in reliability and validity values differing significantly across the data collection application. The differences may arise from differences in the data collections characteristics despite their having had some training; however, the finding regarding convergent validity supported the literature presented.

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Pierannonzi et al. (2013) found in their research into reliability and validity of data that it continued to support the utility of data; however, more research is required to improve reliability and validity.

It is very important that the reliability and validity of data are accurate and precise. All five people who were involved with the questionnaires, case studies and interviews were asked to answer honestly. The researcher did not influence any of the people involved in this research.

3.15.2 Ethical Clearance

The questionnaire design took into account ethical considerations to ensure compliant with requirements of the University. The Ethics Committee at the University of Wolverhampton approved this study’s questionnaire for the duration of the research project.

3.16 Summary

This research methodology section has identified established various methodologies that have been successfully used by authors. Axiology is used because humans are involved with the research and need to experience reality and make decisions; ontology to focus on the method of knowledge structuring and knowledge sharing. Epistemology is useful for the consideration of problems, attitude, method, activity, conclusion and effects. A literature review determines what barriers exist and identify available CI techniques. Qualitative research is helpful to explore social and behavioural needs and also to develop theories; quantitative research is applied to a sample as researched in the pilot study. Case studies serve to validate the framework and interviews to gain feedback from the case study work. The review conducted of such methodologies will support the process of obtaining data via postal questionnaires, structured interviews and case studies. These methodologies will be used later in this research to support the research to determine what is actually happening in manufacturing SMEs’ waste minimisation processes and to support the development of a framework to minimise waste within a business.

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Soft systems were reviewed, however the feedback from the literature review in Chapter 2, the pilot study and the case study was that this approach was too complex to review simultaneously all variables at once. Also, the people involved in the research found soft systems difficult to understand fully. After reviewing soft systems, it is therefore doubtful to include soft systems into the framework, it will later be reconsidered and a decision made.

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