Full Answer Section

Research design:

• Inductive research: Inductive research is a type of research that starts with specific observations and then draws general conclusions. In this case, we could start by interviewing customers and sales representatives to gather specific data about why sales have been declining. We could then analyze this data to identify any common themes or patterns.
• Data collection techniques: We could collect data through interviews, surveys, and focus groups. We could also collect data on sales trends, customer satisfaction, and competitor activity.
• Sample size: We would need to collect data from a representative sample of customers and sales representatives. The sample size should be large enough to provide us with accurate and reliable data.
• Non-probability or probability sample: We could use a non-probability sample, such as a convenience sample or a purposive sample. However, a probability sample, such as a random sample, would be more reliable and representative of the population.
• Dependent variable and independent variable: The dependent variable is the variable that we are trying to measure or predict. In this case, the dependent variable would be sales. The independent variables are the variables that we believe are influencing the dependent variable. In this case, the independent variables could be customer satisfaction, competitor activity, or economic conditions.
• Are the variables dichotomous, discrete, or continuous? Some of the variables may be dichotomous, such as customer satisfaction (satisfied/not satisfied). Other variables may be discrete, such as the number of new customers acquired each month. Still other variables may be continuous, such as the average sales price per customer.

Ethical issues:

• Informed consent: We would need to obtain informed consent from all participants in the research. This means that participants must be aware of the purpose of the research and the risks and benefits of participating.
• Confidentiality: We would need to protect the confidentiality of all participants in the research. This means that we would not disclose any personal information about participants without their consent.
• Anonymity: We would need to protect the anonymity of all participants in the research. This means that we would not collect any personally identifiable information about participants.

We would also need to consider other ethical issues, such as the potential for harm to participants and the potential for bias in the research.