MWENGE CATHOLIC UNIVERISITY

(MWECAU)

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

COURSE NAME : OPERATION RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGEMNT

COURSE CODE : CSC 314.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Mr. C. REMIGIUS

NATURE OF TASK: GROUP ACTIVITY

GROUP MEMEBERS

NO NAME REGISTRATION NUMBER

1 HANS W. PAUL T/DEG/2020/1274
2 FRAN B. MWMITA T/DEG/2020/1110
3 KELVIN M. FRANCIS T/DEG/2020/1034
4 CONSTATINE B. DEUS T/DEG/2020/1319
5 SYLVESTER J. KAZALA T/DEG/2020/1320
6 DONALD M. ZEGGE T/DEG/2020/0447
7 PETER M. JOHN T/DEG/2020/1101
8 LESHINGA OSEKEI T/DEG/2020/0247
9 ERICK MACHA T/DEG/2020/0001
What is sampling.
Is a selection of subset of a population of interest in a research study or is a process of collecting
a group that will actually collect the data in your research. Example if you are researching the
opinions of students in a university, you could survey a sample of 100 students. In statics, about
the characteristics of a population. If we do a poor job at the sampling stage of the research
process, the integrity of the entire project is at risk.
categories of Sampling.
1. Probability sampling
2. Non-probability sampling
Probability sampling
Is a kind of sampling that each member or element in a given population has an equal chance of
being selected to represent the whole population OR is a kind of sampling in which a researcher
can specify the probability of an element’s (participant’s) being included in the sample
There are also types of probability sampling as follows
1. Simple random sampling
2. Stratified sampling
3. Systematic sampling
4. Cluster sampling

1. Simple random sampling

Simple random sampling gathers a random selection from the entire population, where each unit
has an equal chance of selection. This is the most common way to select a random sample.
To compile a list of the units in your research population, consider using a random number
generator. There are several free ones available online, such as random.org, calculator.net.

2. Stratified sampling
Stratified sampling collects a random selection of a sample from within certain strata, or
subgroups within the population. Each subgroup is separated from the others on the basis of a
common characteristic, such as gender, race, or religion. This way, you can ensure that all
subgroups of a given population are adequately represented within your sample population.
For example, if you are dividing a student population by college majors, Engineering,
Linguistics, and Physical Education students are three different strata within that population.

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To split your population into different subgroups, first choose which characteristic you would
like to divide them by. Then you can select your sample from each subgroup. You can do this in
one of two ways.
 By selecting an equal number of units from each subgroup
 By selecting units from each subgroup equal to their proportion in the total population

3. Systematic sampling
Systematic sampling draws a random sample from the target population by selecting units at
regular intervals starting from a random point. This method is useful in situations where records
of your target population already exist, such as records of an agency’s clients, enrollment lists of
university students, or a company’s employment records. Any of these can be used as a sampling
frame.
To start your systematic sample, you first need to divide your sampling frame into a number of
segments, called intervals. You calculate these by dividing your population size by the desired
sample size.
Then, from the first interval, you select one unit using simple random sampling. The selection of
the next units from other intervals depends upon the position of the unit selected in the first
interval

4. Cluster sampling
Cluster sampling is the process of dividing the target population into groups, called clusters. A
randomly selected subsection of these groups then forms your sample. Cluster sampling is an
efficient approach when you want to study large, geographically dispersed populations. It usually
involves existing groups that are similar to each other in some way (e.g., classes in a school).
There are two types of cluster sampling:
 Single (or one-stage) cluster sampling, when you divide the entire population into
clusters
 Multistage cluster sampling, when you divide the cluster further into more clusters, in
order to narrow down the sample size

Non-probability sampling
Is a sampling technique in which a researcher selects samples based on the subjective judgement
of the researcher rather than random selection OR is a method in which not all population
members have an equal chance of participating in the study, unlike probability sampling It is a
less stringent method. This sampling method depends heavily on the expertise of the researchers.
It is carried out by observation, and researchers use it widely for qualitative research.

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There are types of non-probability sampling
1. Convenience sampling
2. Consecutive sampling
3. Quota sampling
4. Judgmental or Purposive sampling
5. Snowball sampling

1. Convenience sampling
Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where samples are selected from
the population only because they are conveniently available to the researcher. Researchers
choose these samples just because they are easy to recruit, and the researcher did not consider
selecting a sample that represents the entire population.
Ideally, in research, it is good to test a sample that represents the population. But, in some
research, the population is too large to examine and consider the entire population. It is one of
the reasons why researchers rely on convenience sampling, which is the most common non-
probability sampling method, because of its speed, cost-effectiveness, and ease of availability of
the sample.
2. Consecutive sampling:
This non-probability sampling method is very similar to convenience sampling, with a slight
variation. Here, the researcher picks a single person or a group of a sample, conducts research
over a period, analyzes the results, and then moves on to another subject or group if needed.
Consecutive sampling technique gives the researcher a chance to work with many topics and
fine-tune his/her research by collecting results that have vital insights.

3. Quota sampling:
Hypothetically consider, a researcher wants to study the career goals of male and female
employees in an organization. There are 500 employees in the organization, also known as the
population. To understand better about a population, the researcher will need only a sample, not
the entire population. Further, the researcher is interested in particular strata within the
population. Here is where quota sampling helps in dividing the population into strata or groups.

4. Judgmental or Purposive sampling:

In the judgmental sampling method, researchers select the samples based purely on the
researcher’s knowledge and credibility. In other words, researchers choose only those people
who they deem fit to participate in the research study. Judgmental or purposive sampling is not a
scientific method of sampling, and the downside to this sampling technique is that the
preconceived notions of a researcher can influence the results. Thus, this research technique
involves a high amount of ambiguity.

5. Snowball sampling:

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Snowball sampling helps researchers find a sample when they are difficult to locate. Researchers
use this technique when the sample size is small and not easily available. This sampling system
works like the referral program. Once the researchers find suitable subjects, he asks them for
assistance to seek similar subjects to form a considerably good size sample.
Advantages of sampling
1. Low cost of sampling
If data were to be collected for the entire population, the cost will be quite high. A sample is a
small proportion of a population. So, the cost will be lower if data is collected for a sample of
population which is a big advantage.

2. Less time consuming in sampling

Use of sampling takes less time also. It consumes less time than census technique. Tabulation,
analysis etc., take much less time in the case of a sample than in the case of a population.

3. Scope of sampling is high

The investigator is concerned with the generalization of data. To study a whole population in
order to arrive at generalizations would be impractical.

Some populations are so large that their characteristics could not be measured. Before the
measurement has been completed, the population would have changed. But the process of
sampling makes it possible to arrive at generalizations by studying the variables within a
relatively small proportion of the population.

4. Accuracy of data is high

Having drawn a sample and computed the desired descriptive statistics, it is possible to
determine the stability of the obtained sample value. A sample represents the population from
which its is drawn. It permits a high degree of accuracy due to a limited area of operations.
Moreover, careful execution of field work is possible. Ultimately, the results of sampling studies
turn out to be sufficiently accurate.

5. Organization of convenience
Organizational problems involved in sampling are very few. Since sample is of a small size, vast
facilities are not required. Sampling is therefore economical in respect of resources. Study of
samples involves less space and equipment.

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6. Intensive and exhaustive data
In sample studies, measurements or observations are made of a limited number. So, intensive and
exhaustive data are collected.

7. Suitable in limited resources

The resources available within an organization may be limited. Studying the entire universe is
not viable. The population can be satisfactorily covered through sampling. Where limited
resources exist, use of sampling is an appropriate strategy while conducting marketing research.

8. Better rapport
An effective research study requires a good rapport between the researcher and the respondents.
When the population of the study is large, the problem of rapport arises. But manageable
samples permit the researcher to establish adequate rapport with the respondents.

Disadvantages of sampling
The reliability of the sample depends upon the appropriateness of the sampling method used. The
purpose of sampling theory is to make sampling more efficient. But the real difficulties lie in
selection, estimation and administration of samples.