FALL 2024
RESEARCH METHODS (STA630)
ASSIGNMENT NO. 1
Case Study:
The Research and Development (R&D) team at TechVerse, a software house
specialized in AI solutions, is facing challenges concerning employees’ turnover. TechVerse
is renowned for developing state-of-the-art AI-based technologies, attracting talent
passionate about innovation. They recently launched AI-based evaluation system for fair
employee performance appraisal, since many employees were complaining their
supervisors are biased while writing their performance appraisal reports. Nonetheless, the
R&D team’s turnover rate is steadily rising despite introducing AI-based evaluation
system.
To address these concerns, TechVerse’ HR manager, Shahmeer, decided to carry
out research to better comprehend the fundamental causes of employees’ turnover.
Shahmeer started by going over internal feedback from exit interviews, which highlighted
that majority of the employees thought that AI-based evaluation system frequently
overshadowed their contributions. Some employees felt that the algorithm’s evaluations
lacked a human touch and overlooked the individual contributions, even though AI based
evaluation system was initially put in place to offer fair feedback. Workload constraints,
lack of career advancement prospects, and lack transparency were also one of the reasons
given by employees.
Shahmeer designed an anonymous survey for current employees, with questions
focusing on employee retention, career development opportunities, and the perception of
the AI-based evaluation system. Additionally, he held focus group discussions with current
R&D members to get deeper insights. Shahmeer also reviewed the literature, concentrating
on studies to investigate the impact of AI-based performance evaluations on employees’
retention. He discovered several pertinent studies that suggested although AI could
streamline performance assessments, however an over-reliance on AI systems without
sufficient human supervision might result in unhappy workers.
Using this framework, Shahmeer anticipated that the research findings would
highlight specific areas where TechVerse could enhance its use of AI in ways that would
improve employee retention. Potential recommendations could include integrating more
human oversight into AI evaluations, offering clearer career paths, and implementing
strategies to manage workload more effectively. Shahmeer hoped to gain actionable
insights to address TechVerse’ retention issues, ultimately fostering a more supportive and
balanced work environment for its R&D team.
Questions (based on above case study):
SOLUTION:
Sr. Question Expected Answer
1 What type (basic or applied) of research Shahmeer is conducting applied research.
is Shahmeer conducting at TechVerse? This is because his research aims to address a
Justify your choice. (2 marks) specific, practical issue at TechVerse—high
employee turnover in the R&D department.
2 Identify the dependent variable in The dependent variable in Shahmeer’s study
Shahmeer’s study. Justify your choice. is employee turnover. This is because
(2 mark) employee turnover is the main issue
TechVerse is trying to address, and it is the
outcome Shahmeer is hoping to influence
through the insights and recommendations
derived from the research.
3 List two independent variables Two independent variables identified in the
Shahmeer identified in his research. (2 research are:
marks)
Employee perceptions of the AI-based
evaluation system (e.g., feeling
overshadowed or lacking human touch).
Career advancement prospects within
TechVerse.
4 Why is Shahmeer conducting focus Benefit 1: Focus groups allow for a more in-
group discussions in addition to depth exploration of employees' opinions,
surveys? Enlist two benefits. (2 marks) providing qualitative insights into issues such
as feelings about the AI system and
organizational culture.
Benefit 2: They encourage group discussions,
which can reveal new perspectives or
common themes among employees,
contributing to a richer understanding of
underlying issues.
5 What research collection technique does Shahmeer uses surveys to gather quantitative
Shahmeer use to gather quantitative data. Surveys can be structured with Likert-
data? Justify your choice. (2 mark) scale or multiple-choice questions, allowing
for the collection of measurable, numerical
data about employee perceptions and
satisfaction levels.