Business Research Plan: Addressing Wage Discrepancies at The GAP Store

Only in America do counties (the equivalents of Australian local governments) have the constitutional authority to legally set minimum wages.  A large shopping mall in California crosses two county lines, Santa Clara and San Jose.  Not only does the county boundary cut through the shopping mall, but it also directly cuts through The GAP department store.  Currently staff are being paid differently depending on which section of the store they are working.  Menswear and children’s wear is located on the San Jose side of the county line, whilst women’s wear and accessories is on the Santa Clara side.  In Santa Clara, the minimum wage is $US8.81/hour for retail staff.  However in San Jose, the average minimum pay for retail workers has been set at $US11.02/hr.  There are approximately 12 employees in the store.  Five of these employees are full-time, and the rest are casual.  There is also a store manager, Phil, who looks after the entire store.  As you might expect, there has been a significant amount of turnover from the Santa Clara side of the store.  Phil is in a difficult situation - he cannot afford to pay everyone the same wages.  He needs your assistance in

Your Task

Using the flowchart of Business Research (below) Phil would like you to present a plan that covers the following.

1. A research statement.  What is Phil’s dilemma?  Be sure to develop a statement that addresses the concerns outlined in the above scenario.   

2. Selection of a mixed method research design.  What type of mixed method research design approach can you use to help you develop some recommendations for Phil?  

3. Selection of the sample design.  Phil wants you to get staff opinions.  Who will you speak to and how will you get their opinions?  

4. Project Timeline.  Phil is on a tight schedule and has little budget.  He wants you to prepare a chart to identify the phases of your research and how much time you will need to complete each phase.  Be sure to also consider any obstacles you might encounter in conducting your research and how you might minimise these obstacles.