1.0. Introduction
Salik Tool System has installed two toll gates on Al Maktoum Bridge and Sheikh Zayed Road. According to a general perception, it has helped in easing the traffic congestion in the city due to its automated and quick process of scanning and receiving payments. However, the underlying system also has its critics with objections and reservations on its side-effects. The proposed research will investigate the advantages and disadvantageous of this development by RTA with an intention to reach an ultimate result. This paper describes and explains certain considerations relating to the methodology devised for the research project.
2.0. Research Methodology
2.1. Research Model
2.1.1. Problem Statement
As discussed, the proposed research is going to revolve around the installation of two toll gates (discussed above) in the initial phase of the project and their positive and negative effects. It will help develop appropriate prediction for future considerations relating to the feasibility of the project in hand. Positive opinions mixed with criticism have created a confusing situation, and the best way to reach a helpful solution is to conduct a comprehensive research in this direction.
2.1.2. Research Approach
The research approach is, broadly, divided into two different categories including inductive and deductive. Inductive approach is employed on a high level to conceive new theories based on information and observations, while deductive approach aims to test and confirm existing ideas and perceptions (Kothari, 2004). This researcher has opted for deductive approach considering it appropriate to key objectives of the study. On the basis of a hypothesis test, it will be checked whether or not new toll gate system is indicative of helpful outcomes.
2.1.3. Research Process
The research will follow the traditional process. Initially, the review of existing literature will be conducted to analyze the problem statement in its conceptual and theoretical background. It will also provide a platform to dig into empirical evidence with regard to the installation of automated toll system and its implications. After this, the survey will be conducted in order to collect the firsthand information on the issue being researched. After this, there will be the process of data analysis wherein the data will be analyzed using selected tools and techniques (explained later). Finally, a critical conclusion will be established on the basis of key research findings. Results will simply be reported if they support the hypotheses, while alternative explanations will be provided if the hypotheses are not backed by the results.
3.0. Explanation of Variables
Two broad types of variable include dependent and independent variables. Dependent variables are those whose values are affected by the change in the value of other relative variables. On the other hand, the value of an independent variable, as the name implies, does not depend on the value of any other variable. In simple words, dependent variables depend on independent variables (Hill & Lewicki, 2006). As for the research in hand, the variables are discussed and explained as follows:
3.1. Dependent Variable
The dependent variable for the research in hand is traffic conditions in Dubai. It will be analyzed how changes in the value of different independent variables (explained later) have affected (improved or spoiled) the traffic conditions in the city. Traffic conditions relate to traffic congestion, accidents, the rush of traffic on alternative routes, the business of transporters, etc. Alphabet ‘Y’ will represent the dependent variable, so mathematically it can be represented as given below:
3.2. Independent Variable
The research aims to investigate the impact of a new toll system on traffic conditions in Dubai. Therefore, like a dependent variable, it also involves ‘single’ independent variable i.e. ‘Salik toll system’. Independent variable will be denoted by X. It is shown below in form of equation:
X = Independent variable = Salik Toll System
3.3. Relationship Explained
New toll system introduced by Salik can be in a direct or indirect relationship with the dependent variable e.g. traffic conditions. Some opinions are in high favor of this development, while others are based on strict criticism. Both sides of the picture need to be analyzed from every critical angle in order to build an educated opinion. Some of the equations shedding light on the relationship between both the variables under discussion are given and explained below:
Y = f(X)
It shows that Y is a function of X. In other words, traffic conditions in Dubai depend on Salik toll system. Here, Y is a dependent variable whose value is determined by the value of X or independent variable.
Y = B0 + B1X + e
The equation provided above shows how the relationship between dependent and independent variable will be determined and evaluated after the regression is applied. Y, in that equation, represents the dependent variable that is traffic conditions in the city. B0 represents the intercept that is the estimated mean value of Y even when the value of the independent variable is considered 0. In simple words, B0 represents the condition of traffic in Dubai assuming the absence of Salik toll system. Then, B1 is the coefficient of independent variable multiplied with the value of toll system. Finally, ‘e’ represents ‘error’ or the perceived impact of other factors on the traffic conditions in Dubai than the impact of the independent variable. To say differently, how much change in the traffic conditions is expected in the projected timeframe even if the impact of toll system is considered zero ‘0’ (Dunn & Clark, 1987; Dixon & Massey, 1968).
4.0. Hypothesis
The main purpose of the research is to assess and evaluate the impact of a new toll system on the conditions of traffic in Dubai. Some roughly collected data and second hand information show that motorists are in support of new toll system due to its fast processing and automated output. There is a perception that the system has improved the traffic flow and has come in as a helpful technique. These opinions encourage the continuity of the project with the installation of new automated tolls in the system. Therefore, an educated hypothesis relevant to the research in hand will be as provided under:
H1: “Salik toll system has a positive impact on the traffic conditions in Dubai.”
The following possibility will also be taken into account in the underlying research project:
H2: “Salik toll system has no impact (neither positive nor negative) on the traffic conditions in Dubai.”
However, criticism about its negative implications cannot be overlooked either. So a null hypothesis with regard to the research being proposed is as follows:
H0: “Salik toll system has a negative impact on the traffic conditions in Dubai.”
5.0. Data Collection
5.1. Sources of Data Collection
Two main sources of data collection in research include primary and secondary. Primary means are the firsthand sources of data such as face-to-face interviews, online questionnaire, surveys, group discussion, etc., while secondary or second hand sources refer to the existing literature in the case of the study (Kothari, 2004). For the research being proposed, the researcher will rely on both the mediums of data explained above in order to conduct the underlying study in the most comprehensive manner. It will also provide a solid base for the following phases i.e. data analysis and conclusion.
5.2. Methods of Data Collection
As discussed above, the researcher intends to collect the data from both the main sources of data collection. It is also planned that the techniques that are adopted for data collection should also be aligned with the objectives of the study. Therefore, a comprehensive and foolproof plan has been devised to serve this purpose.
As far as secondary data collection is concerned, the researcher will source all reliable printed and electronic sources. These sources must be relevant to the issue being discussed. The focus will be retained on qualitative data that include relevant theories or past examples to provide sufficient room for exploratory details and critical analysis (characteristics of qualitative research) (Kothari, 2004). Main sources planned for the research include books, articles, peer reviewed journals, newspapers, electronic sources, and all other authentic publications.
Primary data will directly be collected from the motorists. An offline survey will be conducted for this purpose. The sample population is 500 motorists in the city selected randomly. The researcher will hand over the fully structured questionnaires to them with a request to fill in his presence. The questionnaire consists of one open ended and six close ended questions (as follows). These questions will be aimed at collection of qualitative information, which, later on, will be regressed and analyzed in a quantitative manner.
5.3. Data Analysis
A simple linear regression that is a statistical tool will be utilized for the analysis of the data. It is considered to be the ideal technique considering that the proposed study is going to deal with a relationship. And, this method is deemed as effective in analyzing the relationships between different dependent and independent variables (as in present case) (Dunn & Clark, 1987; Dixon & Massey, 1968). All three hypotheses will be tested using this statistical tool.
6.0. Questionnaire
Questionnaire conducted the research in hand is provided below:
18-30 years
31-45 years
Above 45 years
What type of vehicle do you drive?
Taxi
Bike
Van/bus
Others
Do you think new toll system has improved traffic conditions in Dubai?
What major improvements are brought by new toll system?
Less traffic congestion
Less accidents
Improved revenue generation for TRA
Others
Do you think new toll system is a threat for traffic conditions in Dubai?
What are major issues do you identify with the new system?
Increased traffic jam on alternative routes
Increased traffic accidents
Negative impact on transport business on alternative routes
What is preferable/better?
Both of above
What in your opinion are major advantages and disadvantages of new toll system? (Open-ended question)
References
Dixon, W. J., & Massey, F. J. (1968). Introduction to statistical analysis. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Dunn, O. J., & Clark, V. A. (1987). Applied statistic: Analysis of variance and regression. New York [etc.: John Wiley & Sons.
Hill, T., & Lewicki, P. (2006). Statistics: Methods and applications: a comprehensive reference for science, industry, and data mining. Tulsa, OK: StatSoft.
Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research Methodology: Methods & techniques. New Delhi: New Age International (P) Ltd.
