Hello everyone,
I hope you are doing well. I am currently working on a research paper on cross-border workers in Ticino’s (Swiss Italian region) hospitality sector (between awitzerland and Italy) and I need assistance with writing the introduction, the literature review and the methodology. The research has evolved based on supervisor feedback, and I need to ensure that all necessary changes are implemented.
Context and Key Changes
My thesis originally focused on economic and cultural contributions, but due to constraints in time and measurability, we have removed the cultural aspect and shifted the focus to job satisfaction and retention of cross-border workers, from employee’s and employer perspective.
The title has been revised accordingly:
Cross-Border Workers in Ticino’s Hospitality Sector: Economic Dynamics, Job Satisfaction, and Retention Insights
I have attached the following materials for reference:
- The original proposal (where all the feedback and correction were made from)
- Supervisor feedback, outlining key adjustments and refinements
What Needs to be Done
I would like your help in writing the introduction, the literature review and the methodology ensuring it aligns with the revised focus and supervisor’s instructions. The key points to incorporate include:
Introduction Revisions:
- Combine all research elements (research question, gap, objectives) into a single, cohesive introduction.
- Frame the research question from both employers’ and employees’ perspectives.
- Clearly explain the two data collection methods (interviews for employees and surveys for employers) and their alignment with the literature review findings.
- Consider creating a table summarizing data collection methods before writing, to ensure clarity and alignment.
- No separate section for research gaps in the literature review if any gaps exist, they should be briefly mentioned in the introduction.
Literature Review Adjustments:
- Use studies on Switzerland, general hospitality, and international contexts only if related to cross-border workers.
- Define cross-border workers clearly, distinguishing between commuting vs. migration.
- Cover motivations, economic patterns, contributions, employment impact, job adaptation, strategies, and job satisfaction (these factors will also shape the interview questions).
- Include a detailed review of Switzerland-EU agreements (registration, permits, pensions, taxation, working conditions).
- Use data, facts, and statistics (e.g., percentage of cross-border workers in the hospitality sector) rather than subjective interpretations.
Methodology Refinements:
· The removal of triangulation and observational methods due to time constraints (I am not be able to do observation in a couple of months)
- The methodology section is generally well-structured, to keep it mainly like it is, but make it more complete and longer.
- A specified number of interviewees and clear selection criteria:
o The criterias:
Criteria
Details
Employment Status & Experience
Currently employed in Ticino’s hospitality sector; mix of long-term (>3 years) and recent (<3 years) workers.
Cross-Border Worker Definition
Must be a commuter from a neighboring country (e.g., Italy), working in Ticino but residing elsewhere; non-Swiss resident/citizen.
Job Roles & Responsibilities
Diverse roles: Front-of-house (receptionists, waiters, bartenders) & Back-of-house (chefs, kitchen staff, housekeeping); mix of contract types (full-time, part-time, seasonal).
Employer Type & Company Size
Employees from small (family-run hotels/restaurants), medium-sized enterprises, and large hotel chains.
Demographic Diversity
Mix of genders and age groups to capture different perspectives on job satisfaction and retention.
Job Satisfaction & Retention Perspective
Include participants with high job satisfaction & retention, as well as those considering leaving due to work conditions, wages, or career growth.
Language & Communication
Comfortable communicating in Italian or English, relevant to Ticino’s hospitality sector.
Length in pages :
– Introduction: 5-7 pages
– Literature review: 15-18 pages
– Methodology: 10-12 pages
Best regards,
Matteo Morigi