Introduction
Quantitative study methods emphasize objective calculations and the analytical, statistical, and numerical analysis of the data gained through polls, surveys, and interviews. They are also achieved by modifying previously collected statistical information using computing tools. It places a premium on collecting numerical data to explain it rather than focusing on persons, organizations, or a particular incident. The definitive version of the formal report follows a structure that consists of an initial literature review and ideas and methods, findings, and commentary. Quantitative research cannot function without the use of numbers. For instance, it is characterized by its emphasis on collecting numerical data and its application to the generalization of findings across populations or the explanation of a specific occurrence (Trochim et al., 2018). The concluding written report follows a standard format that includes an introduction, followed by literature and theory, methods, results, and a discussion section. Therefore, this article will develop a critical measurement and data analysis in the quantitative study of a nursing entrepreneurship management discipline.
Overview and Rationale of the Article Chosen
The article was primarily an exploratory study conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and difficulties faced by nurse entrepreneurs. The nurse entrepreneurs who participated in the study discussed their journeys from employment to business ownership, the most influential factors in their choice to launch their own companies, and the difficulties they encountered working for themselves in the medical industry. In addition, each participant filled out the 33-item Mindful Self-Care Scale – Short, which measured their self-care activities and behaviors in six different categories: supportive relationships, physical care, self-compassion, mindful awareness and purpose, mindful relaxation, and supporting structures (Vannucci & Weinstein, 2017). Age was found to have a positive correlation with more excellent rates of self-care behaviors, and nurse entrepreneurs reported higher rates of self-care practices than a standard community sample. Psychological empowerment, such as having a sense of purpose, the desire for progress, and control over one’s destiny, were more essential motivators for nurse entrepreneurs. This was compared to elements linked with structural empowerment, such as financial gain and work or organizational constraints.
Analysis of the Measurement and Analysis Method in the Article
An online survey was the tool used in the article for collecting data. A sample group of nurse entrepreneurs was found by reaching out to nursing professional groups and using word of mouth. Although the professional associations serve nurses in the United States and Canada, participants were not requested to name the geographic location of their businesses; hence, there were no restrictions based on location. An email was sent out to potential participants in the study using professional newsletters and membership email lists. The email described the research and linked the survey (Vannucci & Weinstein, 2017). All levels of nursing education and experience and all types of nursing credentials and licenses (such as RN and LPN) were considered for this study. Participants could have held a practitioner license with a retired status. They could have or could not have been certified in a specialty practice that The Accreditation Board recognized for Specialty Nursing Certification. Participants in the study who were nurse practitioners who were not engaged in entrepreneurial activity outside of an employment agency or institution were not considered for inclusion. Participants who worked either part-time or full-time for an organization or institution were considered for inclusion in the study if they also pursued entrepreneurial endeavors outside their employment context.
To measure the data, nurses were asked to fill out an online survey with details about their professional backgrounds, the move to entrepreneurship, and their personal experiences as nurses who are entrepreneurs. In the survey, there were both open-ended questions and Likert-type questions. For example, several Likert-type questions asked respondents to rate the importance of various variables in their decision to start their own business (Vannucci & Weinstein, 2017). When it came to the open-ended survey questions, the replies were analyzed in Excel to search for reoccurring themes, and then a count was carried out to assess the rate at which recurring themes and common responses occurred. Two reviewers looked over the open-ended replies to make sure that the themes that were identified were genuine, as well as to make sure that the responses were assigned correctly to the appropriate theme categories.
In addition, participants filled out the Mindful Self-Care Scale – Short, which consisted of 33 questions (MSCS). Self-care is the daily practice of being aware of and attending to one’s basic physiological and emotional requirements, including molding one’s daily routine, relationships, and environment as needed to support self-care, according to Cook-Cottone (Vannucci & Weinstein, 2017). The Multidimensional Symptom Checklist is a highly reliable instrument designed to measure several sorts of behavior intended to influence an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. The MSCS consists of six domains.
The data analysis was conducted through calculations and tabulations to present a comprehensive picture of nurse entrepreneurs and their experiences. In addition, correlational analyses and analysis of variance were used to investigate the connections between the backgrounds of nurse entrepreneurs, their demographics and experiences, and their self-care routines. In conclusion, open-ended replies were examined to determine the themes better to comprehend the findings better.
A Discussion of Whether the Measurement and Method Support the Various Elements of Study Validity
The ease of use of online databases contributed significantly to their widespread adoption, supporting the elements of study validity. For instance, the respondents were expected to know the issue before the data collection began. As was previously noted, the sample of nurse entrepreneurs was notified through nursing professional groups and word of mouth (Trochim et al., 2018). Bias issues such as social desirability and interviewer distortion were also avoided. During the study, the researchers carefully considered each nurse’s perspectives before arriving at a result. The technologies critically analyzed the data and opinions to avoid false respondents. All of the sources consulted for the study successfully supplied instances that helped support the conclusions drawn from this study.
The quantitative analysis was based on the best evidence gathered from the research. When working with this evidence, one needs to concentrate, align, and improve the information supplied in the literature review and the methodology. Chapter 5 of Barends and Rousseau’s book provides a concise introduction to the scientific world (2018). It includes core scientific concepts, such as the scientific process, peer assessment, and replication, and crucial subjects such as statistically significant, biases, confounding factors, moderators, and mediators. In this chapter, “meta-analysis” is defined as a type of research study in which the authors methodically look for and assess related research results on the same topic.
Conclusion
A substantial contribution was made to management and business topics through measurement and analysis. When it comes to management, quantitative approaches involve using different quantities, such as numbers, symbols, and mathematical expressions, to bring attention to essential details of the marketing plan. This kind of information, which may be gathered through surveys consisting of multiple-choice questions, can be used to evaluate the level of interest in the company and the services it provides. This approach aims to act as a supplement to give decision-makers assistance when making strategic decisions. These efficient business devices enable management to achieve more significant results with fewer resources by facilitating increased collaboration and communication among employees. Consequently, it can make it possible for busy business owners to obtain vast amounts of information quickly and effectively, providing a more comprehensive image of the target demographic than can be gained via surveying individuals. The results and findings of a study can also be obtained and analyzed in a short amount of time.
References
Barends, E., & Rousseau, D. M. (2018). Evidence-based management: How to use evidence to make better organizational decisions. Chapters 5 and 6. Kogan Page Publishers.
Trochim, W. M., Marcus, S. E., Mâsse, L. C., Moser, R. P., & Weld, P. C. (2008). The evaluation of large research initiatives: a participatory integrative mixed-methods approach. American Journal of Evaluation, 29(1), 8-28
Vannucci, M. J., & Weinstein, S. M. (2017). The nurse entrepreneur: empowerment needs, challenges, and self-care practices. Nursing: Research and Reviews, 7, 57-66.