{"id":392,"date":"2019-04-24T17:13:41","date_gmt":"2019-04-24T17:13:41","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2019-06-10T19:41:39","modified_gmt":"2019-06-10T19:41:39","slug":"effect-brexit-domestic-trade-exports-9273","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawteacher.net\/free-dissertation-proposals\/effect-brexit-domestic-trade-exports-9273.php","title":{"rendered":"Effect of Brexit on Domestic Trade Exports | Proposal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Identify the Effect on the Value and Content of Domestic Trade Exports from the UK as a Result of Brexit<\/h3>\n

INTRODUCTION<\/h2>\n

The United Kingdom has been a member of the European Union<\/a> (formerly known as the European Economic Community) since 1973.[1]<\/a> Over the last few decades, there have been numerous agreements of the EU which the UK has been a part of. However, the story is expected to change in the future as Britain is presently preparing to exit the EU. This current development has sparked a number of debates all across the country and even beyond UK\u2019s borders as changes are expected to occur after Brexit. The extent of such changes and how they would occur are usually the topic of discussion in newsrooms all over the UK.<\/p>\n

The research question is a valid one because
\nit focuses on a major aspect of the UK that has been influenced by the EU which
\nis the trade industry, particularly international trade. Being part of the EU,
\nBritain has been able to benefit from Free Trade Agreements of the EU, however,
\nthis is likely to change after Brexit. How exactly the changes would affect the
\nUK\u2019s trade industry is not clearly known and this is the overall objective of
\nthe research.<\/p>\n

The aim of the research is to predict how
\nBrexit would affect domestic trade exports from the UK in terms of their
\ncontents and value. In order to achieve the research objectives, good research
\npractice would be observed, the research strategy and research method to be
\napplied in carrying out the research would be stated. This essay would identify
\ngeneral good research practice, state and explain one research strategy and one
\nresearch method that would be suitable for the research. It would also provide
\njustification for the choices of strategy and method and point out the risks
\nthat may arise while using such strategy and method and how they would be
\nminimized. The paper would conclude with a summary of the chosen strategy and
\nmethod and their justification.<\/p>\n

GOOD RESEARCH PRACTICE <\/h3>\n

While it is true that there are no expressly
\nstated rules that researchers must follow in carrying out their research,
\ncertain practices make up good research. One important part of a research is
\nchoosing the right strategies and methods best suited for a particular research
\ntopic.[2]<\/a> In
\nchoosing the research strategy and method to be used, attention will be paid to
\ngood research practice as stated in this section of this paper.<\/p>\n

One major aspect
\nof good research is to pay attention to research ethics. Researchers are
\nrequired to carry out their research in an ethical manner and certain
\ninstitutions are usually put in place to ensure compliance. Research involving
\nhuman subjects usually requires prior approval from an ethical committee. Originality
\nis another requirement for good research. The works of previous researchers
\nshould not be plagiarized. Authenticity of sources, openness and integrity are
\nother important aspects of good research.<\/p>\n

The above
\nrequirements have been taken into account and have been put into consideration
\nin choosing the research strategy and research method that will be used in
\ncarrying out the research.<\/p>\n

RESEARCH STRATEGY AND RESEARCH METHOD<\/h3>\n

Denscombe defines a research strategy as a
\nscheme designed to achieve the aim of a research which usually requires an
\noverview of the whole task and a plan of action.[3]<\/a>
\nThis is important because there are ethical issues involved with different
\nresearch strategies and the strategy chosen would determine the approach to be
\ntaken to dealing with ethical issues.[4]<\/a><\/p>\n

It is good practice to make certain
\nconsiderations before sticking to a particular strategy; they include ethical
\nissues, feasibility and suitability. In light of these, in my opinion, the best
\napproach to take for the current research question is the Mixed Methods.
\nThis strategy is chosen because it is most likely to produce efficient results
\nas it allows for triangulation which is important for the research.<\/p>\n

Research strategy
\nis usually confused with research method which is the process used to collect
\ninformation for the purpose of achieving the research objectives.[5]<\/a>  Research method has been defined as a process
\nof identifying, gathering, storing and retrieving materials relevant to a given
\nresearch topic.[6]<\/a>
\nResearch methods and research strategies are sometimes viewed as the same and
\nhave been used interchangeably by some authors. However, for the purpose of
\nthis paper, they are different concepts. Research methods are either
\nqualitative or quantitative and they include doctrinal and empirical methods. Doctrinal
\nmethod would be used in carrying out a research on the given topic.<\/p>\n

MIXED METHODS<\/h2>\n

This involves the combination of different
\nmethods in one research project.[7]<\/a>
\nThis is done by mixing qualitative and quantitative research methods.[8]<\/a> Qualitative
\nresearch is concerned with reasons and seeks to understand concepts by
\nquestioning \u2018why\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 while quantitative research is concerned with
\nnumerical values, it quantifies problems, usually involves measurements and
\ndata collected by way of quantitative research can be turned into statistics.[9]<\/a> In
\ncarrying out this particular research, more weight would be given to
\nqualitative data than quantitative data. This is because the research question
\nis not one that requires an answer in form of statistics. Quantitative data
\nwould only be used to support the results form analysing the qualitative data.<\/p>\n

Mixed methods can be used in different ways
\nand for this research, qualitative data would be collected by way of interviews
\nand thereafter supported with quantitative data collected using surveys. The
\nparticipants would be individuals and corporate bodies who are big parts of the
\nUK\u2019s trade industries and have been dealing in exports for at least 10 years.
\nStatistics show that top exports of the UK include machinery such as computer,
\nvehicles, pharmaceuticals, gems, precious metals etc[10]<\/a>
\nand top exporting companies include British Petroleum, British American
\nTobacco, AstraZeneca (Pharmaceuticals) etc.[11]<\/a> Persons
\nand companies dealing in the above mentioned products including the companies
\nmentioned are the intended participants of the interview and survey. Questions
\nwould border around how being part of the EU has helped (or otherwise) their
\ntrade and what is likely to change post Brexit, particularly relating to
\nexports. Responses received would then be analysed to form a conclusion.<\/p>\n

Using mixed methods requires the comparison of
\nfindings from different methods and then building up a conclusion from such
\nfindings. A general argument in favour of this strategy is the fact that it
\nallows a researcher to view a problem from different perspectives and this
\nhelps with triangulation which is known to be an attribute of good research. In
\nrelation to this particular research, this feature is helpful as data from different
\nsources would produce a more accurate overall picture how the EU influences exports
\nof different products from the UK.<\/p>\n

RATIONALE FOR MIXED METHOD<\/h3>\n

The research
\nproblem in question is one that would involve speculation as it seeks to
\npredict the future based on existing knowledge. For this reason, it is best to
\ntake an approach that makes use of data collection by different means rather
\nthan relying on only one method. This strategy is problem-driven and allows the
\nuse of whatever method works best for the specific research problem. This is
\nvery practical as it allows the collection of data by more different methods
\nwhich has been the practice of researchers for years. This strategy is
\nparticularly suited for this topic as the research is not based on any known
\ntheory or on the development of any theory. Rather, it involves the exploration
\nof ideas that would potentially be the outcome of an impending situation. The
\npoint here is that this research will explore new territory and the existing
\ninformation on the impact that Brexit will have on UK\u2019s trade industry is very
\nspeculative as it is based on the opinion of people. Due to this nature of the
\nresearch, information gotten from only one source may not be very trustworthy.
\nTherefore, it is not just an advantage but also imperative to use the mixed
\nmethod.<\/p>\n

All research
\nmethods have their strengths and weaknesses and mixed method allows for the
\nexploitation of strengths and limitation of weaknesses of the methods used. The
\nmethods chosen will complement each other. As has been mentioned earlier,
\nquantitative data will be used to support the results of qualitative data
\nobtained in carrying out the research on the given topic. Shortcomings of the
\nmethod used in collecting qualitative data would be complemented by the
\nstrengths of the method of collecting quantitative data.<\/p>\n

Another justification
\nfor choosing this strategy is that it allows for the collection of more data.
\nThe limitation that the application of a single research method would is
\navoided by the mixed method.[12]<\/a>
\nBeing a relatively new area of study, the reality is that information out there
\non the topic is limited hence the need to take an approach that ensures access
\nto more data in order to achieve good results.<\/p>\n

Triangulation,
\nwhich is the cross-verification of data obtained from different sources,[13]<\/a>
\nis best achieved with the application of mixed methods. Where more than one
\nmethod is used, there is room for comparison of data from different sources.
\nThis helps in reducing bias that may exist within one particular source of
\ninformation. It is also a way to make the best of information gotten from
\ndifferent perspectives and achieving a balance between them that is not
\none-sided and therefore producing efficient results. Denscombe stresses its
\nimportance in a social research and states that gives a complete picture of a
\nsituation and provides a fuller understanding.[14]<\/a>
\nTriangulation is important for the topic in question because the UK\u2019s exports
\ninvolve numerous products of different kinds and different viewpoints would
\nexist within the industry.<\/p>\n

POTENTIAL RISKS OF MIXED METHODS <\/h3>\n

Mixed Method is
\nvery efficient and suitable for the research topic. However, like other
\nresearch strategies, it is not without its weaknesses. There are a number of
\nrisks which would be involved in applying the mixed methods. Under this
\nsection, this essay would explain some potential risks that could arise while
\nusing this strategy and how their impact would be reduced.<\/p>\n

Firstly, some
\nscholars argue that combining qualitative and quantitative research methods is
\nmore difficult than it sounds as both have different concerns and purposes and
\nare not complementary.[15]<\/a> The
\nargument here is that using methods that are very different could turn out to
\nbe more problematic than advantageous and could lead to difficulties in
\nanalysis and corroboration of data. In order to avoid these problems,
\ncollection of both qualitative and quantitative data would not be done using
\nmethods that cannot work with each other. This is the reason for choosing
\ninterviews to collect qualitative data and surveys to collect quantitative
\ndata. The questions for the survey would be based on the responses to the
\ninterview. The quantitative method would only be used to validate or invalidate
\nthe results of the qualitative data. This way, results gotten would not be so
\ndifferent that they cannot be analysed and fused into one conclusion.<\/p>\n

Secondly, using
\nnumerous methods always poses the risks of getting too much information which
\ncould either lead to lack of focus of the project or difficulties in analysis
\nof such information. In order to avoid this issue, data collection would be
\nlimited to the specific issue in question and only relevant sources would be
\nused. The participants in the research would be clearly defined to only include
\nbodies and persons who have been trade exporters in the UK for at least 10
\nyears and have been dealing in products which are known to be top exports of
\nthe UK.[16]<\/a><\/p>\n

Thirdly, mixed
\nmethod is more time consuming and usually more expensive than other research
\nstrategies.[17]<\/a>
\nThis is because it involves double the effort of using other strategies.
\nTriangulation of data can be a tedious process and takes efforts and skills.
\nThis time and money consuming effect of this strategy would be avoided by focus
\non the specific topic being research. Collection of data would be limited to
\nhow the EU affect domestic trade exports of the UK.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the
\nfact that mixed method is the use of different research methods; it makes sense
\nthat the disadvantages of using the chosen methods when they are used as single
\nmethods would also apply when they are being used as part of the mixed method
\nstrategy. For the purpose of this research, the risks of interviews and survey
\nwould also apply to the current research. As empirical methods, the major risk
\nthey face is the fact that response rate is usually low. In order to make up
\nfor this, doctrinal method would also be used.<\/p>\n

DOCTRINAL METHOD<\/h2>\n

In addition to
\nthe strategy mentioned above, a method that focuses on secondary sources would
\nalso be applied in carrying out the research, this is the doctrinal method.
\nThis method, also known as documentary research,[18]<\/a>
\nis theoretical in nature and is done by using publications such as textbooks,
\njournals, newspapers, reports etc as the sources.[19]<\/a> Doctrinal
\nmethod considers what is known about a particular subject and analyses such
\nknowledge in order to reach a particular conclusion. This method is well suited
\nfor a research on the effect of Brexit on UK\u2019s exports because it allows the
\nopinions and facts observed by previous writers to be considered before coming
\nto a conclusion on the topic.<\/p>\n

Not much has been
\nwritten on the specific topic in question as it is relatively new, so the secondary
\nsources that would be used would not focus on what writers think the impact of
\nBrexit on UK\u2019s exports would be. More practically, the research would focus on
\ndocuments that explain how being a member of the EU has influenced UK\u2019s trade
\nwith other countries. An understanding of how the EU has impacted on UK\u2019s
\nexports would go a long way in assessing what effects leaving the union would
\nhave on such exports.<\/p>\n

While most of the
\nsources would be library books and articles, published interviews that may be
\nrelevant would also form part of the research. In addition, UK\u2019s current trade
\nagreements with the EU and other countries would not be left out. At present,
\nUK has numerous trade agreements with the EU but only a few would be
\nconsidered. Articles published on websites and blogs that discuss Britain\u2019s
\neconomy such as the Financial Times and the British Chambers of commerce would
\nbe part of the research. Being a very topical issue, new write-ups would be
\npublished frequently and this would be taken into account in carrying out the
\nresearch.<\/p>\n

RATIONALE FOR DOCTRINAL METHOD<\/h3>\n

The
\nmajor reason for the choice of this method is to complement the results and
\nmake up for the shortcomings of the strategy mentioned above. In order to not
\nmiss certain facts that may be vital, this method is suitable for the research.
\nThis is because the doctrinal method is the consideration of works of multiple
\nresearchers who have arrived at their conclusions by using different methods.
\nIn other words, doctrinal method looks at the results of different research
\nmethods and builds on them and this, more often than not, produces very
\nefficient results.<\/p>\n

One
\nadvantage of this method is found in its reliance on established sources.[20]<\/a>
\nThough the results of this research are meant to be predictive, the fact that
\nthis method focuses on established sources is still an advantage. This is so in
\nthat established sources are more reliable and form a solid ground for
\nanalysis. The risks of low response rate for the strategy chosen above will be
\ncomplemented with this. Another reason for established sources to be seen as an
\nadvantage is that they will be referenced and therefore made accessible by any
\nreader of the completed work who wants to find them.<\/p>\n

This
\nmethod of research helps in realizing what information has been repeatedly researched
\nupon and established and what is still unclear.[21]<\/a>
\nThis helps in giving a direction as to what aspects of the research need to be
\nfocused on and what aspect is already common knowledge. This type of
\ninformation is especially important for the topic in question because it will
\nsave time and effort that may otherwise be spent on what is already
\nestablished.<\/p>\n

Another
\nadvantage of this method is that, when done properly, it expresses a topic from
\ndifferent points of view. Using the works of different authors who have written
\nfrom different perspectives helps in preventing a one-sided conclusion. It
\nwould be very time consuming to go try to carry out empirical research to find
\nout every single point of view out there. However, doctrinal method gives
\naccess to different viewpoints in a time-effective way.<\/p>\n

Lastly,
\nthe availability of materials is a merit of this method. Doctrinal method is
\nnot only praised for the fact that it ensures access to lots of sources but
\nalso because those sources would usually be of different varieties. This method
\nmakes use of sources that are already in existence. The strategy chosen for the
\nresearch in question poses the risks of low response rate and this feature of
\ndoctrinal method makes up for that fact. Whatever gaps that remain after
\napplying the research strategy would be filled by information gotten from
\nsecondary sources.<\/p>\n

POTENTIAL RISKS OF DOCTRINAL METHOD<\/h3>\n

One
\nleading argument against doctrinal method is that it is subjective in nature.[22]<\/a>
\nWhile using doctrinal method, there is always the risk of relying on an
\nauthor\u2019s perspective which has been influenced by certain factor peculiar to
\nhim. This could lead to reaching a conclusion which is biased. This is a risk
\nwhich is fairly common but also very avoidable. The solution here is to consult
\nworks with authors from different backgrounds and different perspectives and
\nfind a balance between opposing views. Triangulation, as explained above is a
\nway of avoiding this risk.<\/p>\n

Secondly,
\nthe existence of too many materials may become a problem for research as it
\ncould disrupt focus. This is also a general problem that is often faced by
\nresearchers using doctrinal method. In today\u2019s world, the access to internet
\nhas intensified this problem. This happens because almost everything can be
\nfound online and it is easy for people to publish works on websites and blogs.
\nThis means that the materials available are published by just anybody and could
\ninclude non-trustworthy materials. In order to avoid this problem, the sources
\nthat would be relied upon would be verified for authenticity and only trusted
\ndatabases would be used\u2026<\/p>\n

The
\nimplication of using other people\u2019s finished research work to conduct a research
\nis that the limitations of the previous researcher would apply to the current
\nresearch. Everything cannot be found in one work and relying on an author means
\nlimiting oneself to that author\u2019s scope. While this is the case, this is easily
\navoided by using more than one source. As scopes and limitations of different
\nauthors will be different, using different sources helps to avoid the problem
\nof being limited by an author\u2019s limitations. In carrying out the research in
\nquestion, only verified sources would be used.<\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/h2>\n

One
\nof the most topical issues in the world at the moment is Brexit and the changes
\nit would bring with it. This makes a research project on the effect on the
\nvalue and content of domestic trade exports from the UK as a result of Brexit
\nto be a valid one. This essay, however, was not focused on answering the
\nsubstantive issues of the question. Rather, the purpose of this paper was to
\nidentify and justify a research strategy and a research method that would be
\nused to carry out the research. In considering a research strategy and method,
\nit is important to observe good research practice and to pay attention to
\nresearch ethics. Putting good research practice and research ethics into
\nconsideration, the best strategy for the given topic is the Mixed Method which
\nwould be accompanied by the Doctrinal method.<\/p>\n

In
\na nutshell, the mixed method is the combination of qualitative and quantitative
\nresearch methods.[23]<\/a>
\nIn a practical manner, this would be done by collecting qualitative data
\nthrough interviews and supporting such data with quantitative data collected
\nthrough survey. This was chosen as a suitable strategy because it supports the
\ncollection of data by different means, exploits strengths and limits weaknesses
\nof the research methods used and results in the collection of more data. All
\nthese, coupled with the concept of triangulation makes mixed method suitable.
\nWhile there are risks involved with using mixed methods, such as being
\nexpensive and time consuming, the advantages still outweigh the disadvantages.<\/p>\n

Doctrinal
\nmethod was chosen in addition to mixed methods because it is the use of
\nestablished sources, materials are widely available and it makes up for the
\nweaknesses of the strategy. There are also weaknesses within this method like
\ntoo much materials and being limited by the previous researcher\u2019s scope. These
\nrisks will be reduced by relying only on authentic sources.<\/p>\n

BIBLIOGRAPHY<\/h2>\n

BOOKS<\/h3>\n