1. By: Uzoechi Nwagbara, PhD
The Rise of ‘‘Alternative Data’’ Collection Strategy and Business Research: Issues & Prospects
By:
Uzoechi Nwagbara, PhD

2. Data & Types
Definition: Information, facts or series of measurements or observations that can analysed or evaluated in a bid to make decision or to gain knowledge
Primary Data
Secondary Data

3. Data Collection & Access Dilemmas
Negotiating Access
Personal Safety Issues
Ethical Issues: ‘‘Covert’’ & ‘‘Overt’’ Access Issues
Agreeing Terms – Issue with Publishing Data after Research
Anonymity & Confidentiality Issue
Financial Involvement
Travel/Distance
‘‘Gatekeepers’’ Dilemma: Public Records, Sensitive Personal Data, Issue of Data Protection, etc

4. Transcending Access Dilemma: The Rise of ‘‘Alternative Data’’ Collection
When Primary Data Becomes Primary Data – A Prolegomenon to ‘‘Alternative Data Collection’’?
De-Politicisation of Data collection Access
The Need for Transparency

5. A Context of Fields: From Old to New Paradigm
Understanding Paradigm: ‘‘Basic belief system or worldview that guides’’ (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2009, p. 106) a searcher or investigator
Towards a Paradigm Shift
Traditional vs ‘‘Alternative’’ (Contemporary) Research Strategy

6. Mainstreaming ‘‘Alternative Data’’ Collection Strategy: Towards a New Form of Data Collection Strategy
Challenging the Norm
Creating and Maintaining New Forms of Data Collection Strategies
Prospecting for New Horizons
Educating Researchers
Publications for Awareness

7. Rising Above Quantitative & Qualitative Data Methods ‘‘Separation Thesis’’
Converting Quantitative to Qualitative
Turning Qualitative to Quantitative
Mixing Both Methods

8. ‘‘Alternative Data’’ & Triangulation: Towards a New Form of Validity & Knowledge
Understanding Triangulation
Types of Triangulation: Theory Triangulation; Data Triangulation; Methodological Triangulation, Multiple Triangulation & Investigator (Researcher) Triangulation
Alternative Data & Axiology (Value Preference): Moving from Positivism (Reductionism) to Interpretivism
From ‘‘Value-free’’ (positivism) to Value-bound’’ (interpretive): Towards Interpretive Research

9. ‘‘Alternative Data’’ Collection Strategy & Business Research
Creation of New Forms of Knowledge in Business Research
Equipping Managers with New Approaches/Strategies
Advancement Transparency in Research
Rising above ‘‘Politics of Data Collection’’
Arresting ‘‘Information Manufacturing’’
Circumventing Access Dilemmas and Risks (Cowton, 1998)
Turning Secondary Data to Primary Data for Knowledge Advancement
Transcending ‘‘Poor Empericism’’ (Cowton, 1998) – Doctored Information

10. A Case Study in Personal Experience: My PhD Journey & Documentary Sources
Documentary Data & Knowledge Contribution in Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry
Triangulating CSR Reports & Chairman’s Statements
Publications form Research: Towards a NEW Form of Knowledge

11. References
Cowton, C. J The use of secondary data in business ethics research. Journal of Business Ethics, 17, 4, pp
Harris, H Content analysis of secondary data: a study of courage in managerial decision making. Journal of Business Ethics, 34, 3-4, pp
Mogalakwe, M The use of documentary research methods in social research. African Sociological Review, 10, 1, pp
Nicholson, S. W. & Bennett, T. B Transparent practices: Primary and secondary data in business ethics dissertations. Journal of Business Ethics, 84, 3, pp
Saunders, M., Phillip, L., & Thornhill, A Research methods for business students. (5th ed). Harlow: Pearson.

12. Questions & Thank You