RESEARCH METHODS FOR ENGINEERS
ASSIGNMENT TASK
Each assignment contributes in part to a total understanding of the scientific research process, from initial definition of the research problem, generation of research questions and hypotheses, to verification of the research hypotheses and validation of the research results for final conclusion(s) and completion of the selected research topic.Consequently, the overall objective of these assignments is simply for the student to give a comprehensive, well structured, and methodical approach, with adequate supporting literature references, on how the particular selected research topic needs to be researched, with specific reference to the research problem, research questions, research hypotheses, research methodology and validation, including theoretical and empirical examples throughout all the stages of the scientific research process.
TASK: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Create a report of 3000 - 4000 words (6 - 8 pages, excluding reference list)
Literature Review and Research Methodology stages of the scientific research process and includes course learning material introduced covering topics such as:
• Literature Review
• Research methodology.
• Scope of quantitative and/or qualitative research.
• Research data collection
• Experimentation and experimental design (if applicable).
• Data collection using survey instruments (if applicable)
• Case study comparative research (if applicable).
Create a report describing the literature supporting your research questions (background to the problem, debates, critical success factors, what actually the literature says in the context of the research questions you have proposed. You will also need to write describing in detail howyour particular selected research questions need to be answered (and/or how your hypotheses need to be tested), including appropriate theoretical and empirical examples explaining what, how and whyyou are adopting particular approaches to implementing your research methodology, especially in regard to; a deductive/inductive approach with quantitative/ qualitative research methods; your need to seek further data/information related to theory in a your literature study; your related methods of data collection justifying required analysis; and a detailed discussion of your data collection method and the advantages/ disadvantages of such data collection.
Proposed Structure
INTRODUCTION:
Introduce your research questions, and hypotheses (if applicable). If you have found that you need to slightly reviseyour research questions/hypotheses, give your revision here. Also, BRIEFLYconfirm your research methodology and research methods, which you will discuss in detail later on in the assignment.
Scope:
Give a BRIEF summary of your research methodology, especially in regard to; a deductive/inductive approach with quantitative/qualitative research methods; your need to seek further data/information related to theory in a full literature study; your related methods of data collection and required analysis.
Research Methodology:
Literature Review:
Critically present what the literature reports on your selected topic, focusing on the rationale for choosing the topic, and posing your research questions. Discuss WHAT, HOW, and WHY,you sought further data/information related to theory in a full literature study.
Discuss in GENERAL the WHAT, HOW, and WHY,of selected methods of data collection related to your deductive/inductive approach, and your choice of the typical required analyses to answer your research questions and/or test your various hypotheses.
Primary Data Collection:
Data Collection Method:
Discuss in DETAIL the WHAT, HOW, and WHY,of your primary data collection method to test your hypotheses. You must include an example template of either your experimental design, or survey questionnaire design, or comparative case study design, depending on which primary data collection method you have selected.
Advantages/Disadvantages of Data Collection Method:
Discuss in DETAIL the WHAT, HOW, and WHY,of the advantages/disadvantages of your primary data collection method to answer your research questions or test your hypotheses.
Conclusion:
Give a summary of the REASONSfor your selected method(s) of data collection related to your particular deductive/inductive approach, and REASONSfor choosing a primary data collection method to answer your research questions or test your hypotheses.