METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This part of the report presents the methodology which was used during the study. In light of
this, the study’s areas and the factors that influenced the choice of location are described.
The sample, processes as well as the data gathering methodologies utilised during data
collection are all explained in this part. Explanations are also provided on how instruments
were validated and how data and information was analysed. A proper method in data
collection is crucial because it will ensure the process of gathering the data is progressing
positively. It is also vital to avoid any delayed causes of late in collection of data in order to
complete the dissertation.

The data for this study are collected by implementing two methods. The main method
used in this research is the interview. An interview is a qualitative research method used to
collect primary data. It involves asking one or more person regarding their opinions,
thoughts, idea, experience and especially knowledge towards an existing topic. This method
allowed us to obtain precise and detailed information that might not be available via other
research methods.

The next step to be taken and followed after collecting the data is an analysis which
is to some result, recommendations and discussions. In the end of the research, some
conclusions are required in order to sum up to end up this research on this topic.
3.2 Research methodology

As the above information our research methodology is based on interviews, site visit,
literature studies of select publications and journals, online references from the internet,
reference materials from books and the internet.

 Interview
In order to gain precise and completed data, we agreed to conduct an interview
session with the person in charge of the location. We have interviewed Encik Izwan
Ali bin Muhammad as the Chief Supervisor of all sewage plant in UITM Shah Alam.
Encik Izwan explained the details about the flow of the sewage plant and how they
manage the sewage. We obtain a lot of information, data, drawings and photo from
the interview and the session was held within 2 hours.

 Site visit
To ease our job, we opted the nearest sewage plant which is at UITM Shah Alam.
Here they have 7 sewage plant according to Encik Izwan. We have a chance to get a
tour and view a different type of the sewage plant system in UITM Shah Alam. We
have been shown how the system works. From that we realized that the system itself
depends on how the shape of the earth is like at the location. The sewage plant in
UITM Shah Alam was build a decade ago so it still used the old system. From this
method we gain the information about the system and flow of water from sewage
plant.

 Literature Reviews
We used the literature review as a guide while we looked for the material in books,
articles, and journals and etc. We used a various of platform at the internet to make
sure we get the precise information such as google scholar. This helped us to verify
our data through previous researches and ensure that both of our researches shared
right contents.
3.3 Research Process

It is vital to organise a perfect research process in order to create an appropriate research

design that the reader can understand. Each research process has a different research
design since the purpose of that particular research is completely different.

Elite researchers need a proper flow or chronology to show the research process
from the start to the finish of reading. It is important for the reader to understand completely
the whole research. This demonstrates the importance of a solid research process. This
process can be explained using flow charts and tables. On the other hand, the structure of
the process needs to be arranged properly in order because it facilitates the researcher to
move on to the next step in the study.

In addition, in this case study, researchers have already created an appropriate flow
chart of the methodology to show the progress of the study from start to finish. It starts with a
selection of topics for conclusions and recommendations.
3.4 Data collection

Participant observation, discussions, anecdotes, and event histories are some of the
strategies used in information gathering, which is the exact and rigorous collection of data
relevant to research sub-problems. It involves meticulously assembling data from several
sources in order to compile pertinent and reliable information for assessment and decision-
making. Data collection begins with the researcher deciding where and from what data to
collect.

i. Primary data
"Primary data" refers to information that has been personally collected or
obtained directly from the original source. The data was collected by interview
and observation.

ii. Secondary data

Data that has already been gathered by someone else for a different reason but
can be used for upcoming research or analysis is referred to as "secondary data".
Data was collected from literature research such as journal, articles and book.
That data can be obtained from libraries and website that provide with the same
topics.
3.5 Data Analysis

The main purpose of this part is to provide an overview of the various tasks that may be
involved in analysing data gathered in a qualitative research study. Since the design of every
qualitative study varies according to purpose, method, focus and epistemology, the data
analysing procedure cannot be standardized. As for example, a study that highlights on
interaction or action might involve different data analysis tasks compared to one that
highlights on language or music. A study that focus on describing a phenomenon may
involve different tasks than one aimed at developing a theory.

Data analysis is the process of systematically applying statistical and logical

techniques to describe, visualise, evaluate, condense and also summarise data. According
to Shamoo Resnik (2003), various analytical methods provide “the possibility of drawing
inductive conclusions form the data and distinguishing the signal (the phenomenon of
interest) from the noise (statistical variation) present in the data”.

Data analysis in qualitative research may involve statistical procedures, but the
analysis is often a continuous iterative process in which data is continuously collected and
analysed at about the same time. In fact, researchers usually analyse the pattern of
observation throughout the data acquisition phase (Savenye, Robinson, 2004). The format of
the analysis is determined by a specific qualitative approach such as biography, field
research and oral history. Besides, the format of the analysis is also determined by the
format of the data like documents, videotapes and field notes. An important part of ensuring
the integrity of the data is an accurate and appropriate analysis of the research results. Plus,
inappropriate statistical analysis can distort scientific knowledge. It could also mislead
readers and affect public perception of research. Consistency issues are also related to the
analysis of non-statistical data. An empirical phase involving actual data collection is
followed by a preparation for data analysis. This investigation is done only in case studies,
so no method of analysing the data is used.
3.6 Research Limitations

The following restrictions apply to this sewage plant system:

1. Not all construction methods and installation process of the plant can be seen
directly.
2. We did not receive enough quantity information hence will not be able to estimate the
costing of the sewage plant maintenance.