Advances research methods and proposal writing

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Advances research methods and proposal writing

• Ronan Fitzpatrick
• School of Computing, Dublin Institute of
  Technology.
• September 2008

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Overview

• Introduction to the research module
• Aim
• Philosophy
• Learning outcomes
• Learning and teaching methods
• Research Methodology

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Advanced Research Methods and Proposal Writing

• Aim

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MSc (Information Technology) Philosophy

• Focus is organisational Information Technology
  initiatives
• Trained to undertake research and develop
  research proposals
• Trained to critically analyse and synthesise
  appropriate research literature
• Trained to identify and utilize correct analysis
  techniques for a range of IT-Based scenarios.

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MSc (Information Technology) Learning outcomes

• Describe and apply a range of commonly
  appropriate methods and tools for creative
  thinking and problem solving
• Differentiate between a variety of sources in the
  Information Technology field, and their
  particular strengths/weaknesses
• Apply referencing and citations
• Explain the importance of academic and industry
  experts in an area of Information Technology

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MSc (Information Technology) Learning outcomes

• Explain the ethical issues associated with
  collecting and publishing research information
• Explain the use and techniques associated with
  quantitative and qualitative research methods for
  conducting primary and secondary research in the
  area of Information Technology
• Select appropriate research methods for specific
  research questions
• Employ appropriate data analysis techniques for
  specific sets of data

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MSc (Information Technology) Learning outcomes

• Employ specific data gathering techniques for
  specific problem areas
• Formulate a research programme for a given
  research topic
• Select a topic from the course and/or their own
  experience which will provide suitable scope for
  research in an MSc dissertation project
• Demonstrate good technical writing skills
• Prepare and present a detailed realistic research
  proposal supported by a review of the relevant
  literature.

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Learning and teaching methods

• Lectures, seminars and discussions
• Use library and Internet-based research tools
• Emphasis is placed on independent research and
  study, problem-solving skills, effective
  communications and the ability to work in teams.
• Emphasis is placed on a pro-active approach by
  students to problem identification, discuss and
  solutions
• Student responsibility for own learning.

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Conclusion

• Aim
• Philosophy
• Learning outcomes
• Learning and teaching methods

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Questions?
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Research and Methodology

• Ronan Fitzpatrick
• School of Computing, Dublin Institute of
  Technology.
• September 2007

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Research

• A process of enquiry

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Methodology

• According to Avison and Fitzgerald (1988)
• Philosophy
• Model
• Techniques
• Scope
• Outputs
• Practice
• Product

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Research methodology

• The body of rules and methods that support a
  process of enquiry
• Qualitative research
• Quantitative research

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Qualitative research

• Developed in the social sciences to enable
  researchers to study social and cultural
  phenomena.
• Method Examples are Action research, Case study
  research and Ethnography.
• Data sources include Observation and Participant
  observation (fieldwork), Interviews and
  Questionnaires, Documents and texts, and the
  Researchers impressions and reactions.

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Quantitative research

• Developed in the natural sciences to study
  natural phenomena
• Method examples include
• Survey methods
• Laboratory experiments
• Formal methods (e.g. econometrics)
• Numerical methods such as mathematical modeling.

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Phases of Research (Fenton Pfleeger, 1996125)

• Conception
• Hypothesis design
• Preparation
• Execution and data gathering
• Analysis and conclusions
• Documentation

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Literature review

• Definition
• A comprehensive study, critical analysis and
  authoritative presentation of the published
  research and practice in a domain of
  investigation.

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Comprehensive study

• Focus
• The focus is Information Technology.
• Width
• Seminal sources.
• Information Technology topics (PESTLE).
• Depth
• Detail to suit target audience.
• (will the audience understand).

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Comprehensive study

• Prepare for explaining
• W6h

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Critical Analysis

• Critique
• Comment on what is good as well as what might be
  inappropriate.
• Argument
• Substantiate any alternative perspective or
  interpretation of the research material.
• Synthesis
• Propose an enhanced alternative.

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Authoritative presentation

• Written presentation
• Highest standard (academic and professional)
• Structure and content
• Format - Language, vocabulary and style
• Illustration and appearance
• Citation and Bibliography.
• Repeatable
• Must be possible for researchers to revisit your
  sources
• Explain and clarify how your synthesis is an
  enhanced alternative.

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Authoritative presentation

• Oral presentation

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Overall impression

• Scholarly and Authoritative
• Based on seminal sources
• Dated/modern sources
• Depth breadth
• Completeness of research
• Content balance
• Argument critique - The so what? factor
• Vocabulary Evidence of having researched and
  understood the domain.

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Tips of the masters

• Read appropriate publications
• Listen to seminar presenters
• Ask questions of everybody
• Observe in places that you can access
• Think and form opinion
• Write based on what you read, hear and observe
• Read what you write, enhance it, read it again
  and enhance it again at least twice.

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Other sources

• MSc programme at School of Computing since 1995
• Many dissertations
• Research papers
• Build on what you already know.

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Conclusion
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Questions?