Fundamentals of Quantatative Research

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- Levels of measurement of the variables

Of course the difference between large scale watch companies and smaller boutique firms is huge and the impact that makes on the buying and sourcing decisions are relevant. When a smaller firm sources it is usually more feasible to go to China and or Japan for movements and parts, while on the other hand a larger firm should source from Switzerland and or Germany.

- Types of statistics used to analyze the data and generate results

Cluster analysis was a main type of statistics used in this study. The strategic orientation of the companies compared played a key part for this study . The findings from this body of research have provided unequivocal evidence that a company’s strategic orientation plays a major role in its innovativeness and that innovation is a key driver of competitiveness and company performance. ("Strategic Orientation, Innovation Patterns And Performances Of Smes And Large Companies", ).

- Inferences that can be drawn from the results

The results show that, while large firms operate with a “prospector” orientation, SMEs

have a “defender” or “reactor” orientation. Only a small number of SMEs can innovate successfully,

and an ex post facto investigation reveals that these firms follow an “open innovation model”. ("Strategic Orientation, Innovation Patterns And Performances Of Smes And Large Companies", ).

- Special considerations: validity, reliability, generalizability

Based on these results, it is apparent that SMEs suffer from an important

competitive disadvantage in product categories that involve the highest level of

novelty in terms of innovation and that have the highest growth and profit potential.

However, SMEs appear to enjoy a clear competitive advantage in the product category

that follows next in terms of novelty of innovation, although it has a considerably

smaller market. ("Strategic Orientation, Innovation Patterns And Performances Of Smes And Large Companies", ).

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Correlational Study

- How the application of the designs differ

Psychological studies vary in design. In correlational studies a researcher looks for associations among naturally occurring variables, whereas in experimental studies the researcher introduces a change and then monitors its effects. It is important to be able to distinguish between correlational and experimental designs, because only well-controlled experimental designs allow conclusions about cause and effect. ("Correlational Versus Experimental Studies", ).

- The sampling: rationale and techniques

Correlation between working capital and total assets of this company is not significant 2. Correlation between Retained earnings and total assets of this company is not significant. 3. Correlation between EBIT and total assets of this company is not significant. 4. Correlation between market value of equity and total liability of this company is not significant. 5. Correlation between sales and total assets of this company is not significant. 6. There is no significant difference between the five years average of Z score ratio ("Measuring Financial Health Of A Public Limited Company Using ‘z’ Score Model - A Case Study", ).

- Data collection techniques

For determining the financial health of a company, the financial analyst‟s initial step is to analyse a company's financial statements. It provides a clear picture of the financial soundness of a business and a roadmap outlining the direction the business is heading to. Ratio analysis is a widely used tool for financial analysis. Financial ratios are analytical tools, applied to financial data, which are used to identify positive and negative trends, strengths and weaknesses, investment attributes, and other trends, which measure the viability of a company's business ("Measuring Financial Health Of A Public Limited Company Using ‘z’ Score Model - A Case Study", ).

- Levels of measurement of the variables

The Z-Score model (developed in 1968) was based on a sample composed of 66

manufacturing companies with 33 companies in each of two matched-pair groups. Altman

subsequently developed a revised Z-Score model (with revised coefficients and Z-Score

cut-offs) which dropped variables X4 and X5 (above) and replaced them with a new

variable X4 = net worth (book value)/total liabilities. The X5 variable was allegedly

dropped to minimize potential industry effects related to asset turnover ("Measuring Financial Health Of A Public Limited Company Using ‘z’ Score Model - A Case Study", ).

- Types of statistics used to analyze the data and generate results

Z score and analysis thereof was a strong stoical tool used in this study. For determining the financial health of this company, this study used Z score model, which provides the financial soundness of a business and roadmap out ling the direction the business is heading. ("Measuring Financial Health Of A Public Limited Company Using ‘z’ Score Model - A Case Study", ).

- Inferences that can be drawn from the results

Overall, it is clear that this company’s financial position is healthy during the study period. . The efficiency of this company in the matter of management of working capital was satisfactory which helps the company to maintain the good financial health. This company financed through reinvesting their profits, instead of debts. ("Measuring Financial Health Of A Public Limited Company Using ‘z’ Score Model - A Case Study", ).

- Special considerations: validity, reliability, generalizability