TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Introduction……………………………………………….12
1.1 Introduction…………………………………………………….13
1.2 Background of the problem…………………………………….13
1.3 Aim and objectives of the research…………………………….14
1.4 Suitability of the researcher and interest of subject area ………15
1.5 Recipients of the research………………………………………15
1.6 Learning style of the researcher………………………………. .15
1.7 Limitations and contributions of the research………………… .16
1.8 Organization of the dissertation………………………………. .16
Chapter 2: Literature Review…………………………………,……18
2.1 Importance of SMEs in Ireland………………………………. 19
2.2 Impact of recession on SMEs………………………………… 21
2.3 Training and Development………………………………….. 24
2.4 Training and development in recession………………….… .27
2.5 Effect of Training and Development on motivation ……….. 30
and performance
2.5.1 Social Exchange Theory……………………………………….…32
2.5.2 Training: a source of intrinsic or extrinsic
motivation?………………………………………………………………………34
2.6 Importance of “Effective” T&D Initiatives………………….34
Chapter 3: Research Methodology………………………………39
3.1 Research Questions……………………………………40
3.2 Research Methodology………………………………..42
3.3 Research Design ……………………………………..43
3.3.1 Research Philosophy…………………………..44
3.3.1.1 Epistemology -Interpretivism……………..44
3.3.1.2 Ontology – Subjectivism…………………..46
3.3.2 Research Approach :Inductive………………….47
3.3.3 Research Strategy: Case Study………………….48
3.3.4 Research Choice………………..……………….49
3.3.5 Time Horizon……………………………………50
3.3.6 Data Collection and Analysis……..………..…..50
3.3.6.1 Data Collection……………………….50
3.3.6.2 Data Analysis…………………………52
3.4 Research Ethics……………………………………….53
Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Findings…………………………55
4.1 Data Analysis………………………………..……….56
4.2 Research Findings……………………………….……58
4.2.1 Research Question no. 1…………………….….58
4.2.2 Research Question no. 2……………………….59
4.2.3 Research Question no. 3…………………………61
Chapter 5: Discussion……………………………………………63
5.1 Discussion of the Findings……………………………..64
5.2 Limitations of the study…………………………………68
Chapter 6: Conclusion and Recommendations……………………70
6.1 Conclusion……………………………………………….71
6.2 Further Research…………………………………………73
6.3 Recommendations………………………………………..74
Chapter 7: Reflection and Skill Development………………… …76
7.1 Introduction……………………………………………….77
7.2 Reflection…………………………………………………77
7.2.1 Reflection on the Process…………………………….77
7.2.2 Reflection on the Sources…………………………….79
7.2.3 Reflection on Dissertation formulation…………… .80
7.2.4 Reflection on your own learning…………………….81
7.3 Skill Development………………………………………….83
7.4 Conclusion………………………………………………….85
Bibliography………………………………………………………….86
Appendices……………………………………………………………96
Appendix A : Different Learning Styles…………………………..… .97
Appendix B: T&D techniques used within organizations…………… 98
Appendix C: Interview Guides………………………………………..103
Appendix D: Ethical Stances………………………………………….106
Appendix E: Request Email to companies……………………………107
Appendix F: Confidentiality Agreements…………………………….108
Appendix G : Personal SWOT analysis………………………………112