AIS3705
ASSIGNMENT 3
PORTFOLIO
Due 27th June 2025
,AIS3705
ASSIGNMENT 3: PORTFOLIO
Due 27th June 2025
Table of Contents
• Foundations of Research Design ............................................................ 2
o 1.1 Formulate a Research Problem .................................................... 2
o 1.2 Formulate Any Five Research Objectives .................................. 2
o 1.3 Formulate Five Research Questions ............................................ 3
o 1.4 Choose a Research Approach and Justify .................................. 4
o 1.5 Choose a Data Collection Tool and Justify ................................ 5
• Operationalizing the Research Design .................................................... 7
o 2.1 Which Population Will You Target and Why? .............................. 7
o 2.2 Sampling Method, Rationale, and Application .............................. 8
o 2.3 Data Collection and Analysis ..................................................... 9
o 2.4 Research Ethics: Explanation and Application ............................ 11
• References ................................................................................................. 14
, FOUNDATIONS OF RESEARCH DESIGN
1.1 Formulate a Research Problem
Definition:
A research problem is a specific issue or gap in knowledge that requires systematic
investigation to generate new insights or solutions (Kumar, 2019). It guides the
objectives, questions, and methods of the study (Saunders et al., 2019). An effective
problem is clear, researchable, significant, and situated within a broader context
(Bryman, 2016).
Research Problem for this study:
This research examines the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in South Africa
when accessing formal credit from commercial banks and assesses how these barriers
impact the growth and sustainability of their SMEs. Despite their vital role in economic
development, systemic socio-cultural, economic, and institutional barriers hinder their
access to finance, which limits entrepreneurial potential and economic empowerment.
Addressing these barriers can unlock significant contributions from women-led SMEs
aligned with national inclusive growth goals (UNCTAD, 2019; FinMark Trust, 2020;
World Bank, 2018).
1.2 Formulate Five Research Objectives
Definition:
Research objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
statements that outline what the study aims to achieve (Creswell & Creswell, 2018).
Objectives:
1. To identify socio-cultural, economic, and institutional barriers preventing women
entrepreneurs in South Africa from accessing formal bank credit.
2. To evaluate the impact of collateral requirements on women entrepreneurs’ ability
to secure credit.
3. To explore women entrepreneurs’ perceptions and experiences regarding
application processes, interest rates, and repayment terms of bank credit.
ASSIGNMENT 3
PORTFOLIO
Due 27th June 2025
,AIS3705
ASSIGNMENT 3: PORTFOLIO
Due 27th June 2025
Table of Contents
• Foundations of Research Design ............................................................ 2
o 1.1 Formulate a Research Problem .................................................... 2
o 1.2 Formulate Any Five Research Objectives .................................. 2
o 1.3 Formulate Five Research Questions ............................................ 3
o 1.4 Choose a Research Approach and Justify .................................. 4
o 1.5 Choose a Data Collection Tool and Justify ................................ 5
• Operationalizing the Research Design .................................................... 7
o 2.1 Which Population Will You Target and Why? .............................. 7
o 2.2 Sampling Method, Rationale, and Application .............................. 8
o 2.3 Data Collection and Analysis ..................................................... 9
o 2.4 Research Ethics: Explanation and Application ............................ 11
• References ................................................................................................. 14
, FOUNDATIONS OF RESEARCH DESIGN
1.1 Formulate a Research Problem
Definition:
A research problem is a specific issue or gap in knowledge that requires systematic
investigation to generate new insights or solutions (Kumar, 2019). It guides the
objectives, questions, and methods of the study (Saunders et al., 2019). An effective
problem is clear, researchable, significant, and situated within a broader context
(Bryman, 2016).
Research Problem for this study:
This research examines the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in South Africa
when accessing formal credit from commercial banks and assesses how these barriers
impact the growth and sustainability of their SMEs. Despite their vital role in economic
development, systemic socio-cultural, economic, and institutional barriers hinder their
access to finance, which limits entrepreneurial potential and economic empowerment.
Addressing these barriers can unlock significant contributions from women-led SMEs
aligned with national inclusive growth goals (UNCTAD, 2019; FinMark Trust, 2020;
World Bank, 2018).
1.2 Formulate Five Research Objectives
Definition:
Research objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
statements that outline what the study aims to achieve (Creswell & Creswell, 2018).
Objectives:
1. To identify socio-cultural, economic, and institutional barriers preventing women
entrepreneurs in South Africa from accessing formal bank credit.
2. To evaluate the impact of collateral requirements on women entrepreneurs’ ability
to secure credit.
3. To explore women entrepreneurs’ perceptions and experiences regarding
application processes, interest rates, and repayment terms of bank credit.
