SSC211: Appraise Why Qualitative Research is a Less Suitable Approach than Quantitative Research: Social Science Research Methods Assignment, SUSS, Singapore

Assignment Overview:

There are many factors that affect the competitiveness of a country. Various researchers have attempted to define competitiveness and assess those factors which they consider vital to competitiveness. Consequently, a diversity of country ranking reports on this subject matter has emerged.

Since 1979, the World Economic Forum has been conducting an annual global study on national competitiveness and publishing its findings through the Global Competitiveness Report every year. This study aims to offer insights into countries around the world, so that policymakers, business leaders and other stakeholders can explore more effective strategies for pursuing economic growth in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

For its latest run in 2019, this study assessed how 141 economies had fared on103 indicators under the Global Competitiveness Index 4.0 (GCI 4.0).
The Global Competitiveness Report 2019 can be found via http://www3.weforum.org/docs/ WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf.

Please analyze the report (especially Chapter 1, Chapter 2, the section on “How to Read the Economy Profiles” and Appendix A), and answer all of the following:

(a) Appraise why qualitative research is a less suitable approach than quantitative research when we wish to perform comparative studies on the competitiveness of numerous countries. You must discuss at least TWO reasons clearly, and include supporting illustrations drawn from the Global Competitiveness Report

(b) Evaluate the extent to which the Global Competitiveness Report is helpful in providing an understanding of national competitiveness and explain the basis of your opinion. In your explanation, you should describe relevant merits AND deficiencies of the study (featured by the Global Competitiveness Report), by drawing on the relevant concepts taught in the course.

(c) Develop a recommendation on how to improve one current indicator under GCI 4.0, so that the index may reflect the level of competitiveness of a country better. Present your rationale for the recommendation given. The current indicator chosen should be specified clearly.