published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

University of Macau / Faculty of Business Administration / Department of Management and Marketing

University of Macau / Faculty of Business Administration / Department of Management and Marketing

This dissertation presents the findings of a qualitative study on understanding the motivating factors underlying repeat attendance in market research studies and the ways in which repeat attendance participants are recruited to take part in such studies. The study was approached from an interpretivist paradigm, employing the self-determination theory and the theory of self-concept maintenance. Purposive sampling was applied. The data was collected by conducting eight semi-structured interviews with participants who had taken part in numerous market research studies. Through thematic analysis, sub themes were identified from the data, combined into second-level themes and grouped into the following three overarching themes: (1) participation motivation; (2) honesty/dishonesty; and (3) recruitment procedures. It was found that participants were not only motivated by extrinsic motivators such as incentives, but that intrinsic motivators were also present. Furthermore, a level of dishonesty was also evident, not only among the participants, but among the recruiters as well. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology with specialisation in Research Consultation)

The purpose of this study was to determine the profile of parents with children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres using Over the Counter (OTC) homeopathic remedies, specific to the Pretoria East region. Secondary objectives included determining the extent of use of OTC homeopathic remedies, the perceptions of parents regarding homeopathy and natural remedies as well as the positioning of homeopathy. The research was designed around descriptive and exploratory methods using quantitative research techniques. Aspects such as demographic information and the general health of families, attitudes, perceptions and opinions specific to homeopathy, natural remedies and conventional medicine, as well as details on remedy usage and brands, were addressed. From the findings of the study a clear profile could be identified. Further to the profile, the perceptions of respondents regarding OTC homeopathic remedies as well as reasons for using these remedies are discussed. The positioning of OTC homeopathic remedies was done based on spider graphs, exploratory factor analysis, cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling. Several recommendations were made to the homeopathic industry, the Ministry of Health, medical professionals, Medical Aid Schemes, pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as the Department of Social Development. The study concludes with details specific to the limitations of the study and further research suggestions. / Economics / M.A. Commerce (Business Management)