A real-world approach to real-world research: appropriateness in situation, appropriateness in method

Working with ‘real-world’ problems is at the centre of the RAMESES research project which focuses on Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In designing the study care had to be taken to ensure the relevance of the research techniques to be used.. This paper outlines the benefits of using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods within the bounds of a multi-disciplinary research team to enable effective exploration and investigation. The concept of the research life-cycle has developed the notion of appropriateness in method and approach: this is discussed against the values of the critical and realist paradigms.