Write up your Research proposal and do Mini Project

Hint:

Read about those underlined key terms in the statements of the assignments and what they are made

up of$,$ before proceeding. While the assignments are easy, they can become difficult if this critical first

step is not understood

Definitions

$1.$ Recall that research design deals with the element of research such as where, who, role of

participants, what and how.

a$.$ As a definition, research design refers to the overall strategy that you choose to integrate

the different components of the study in a coherent and logical way, thereby, ensuring you

will effectively address the research problem; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection,

measurement, and analysis of data. Research design is a plan to answer your research

question.

$1.$ A research method is a strategy used to implement that plan

a$.$ Research methodology is the specific $($INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING$)$ procedures or techniques

used to identify, select, process, and analyze information about a topic

b$.$ So$,$ research methodology is a detail explanation of the research specific objectives. You will

typically get it wrong if you don$$t explain how you are going to achieve each and every

objective $($i$.$e$.$ every sub$-$question$)$ listed early, and as such your list specific objectives will not

be complete if things that are explained that will be done are not covered under the

main$/$specific objectives section.

$1.$ A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it's important, and how you will

do the research i$.$e$.$

a$.$ describe what you will investigate

b$.$ while bearing in mind that any reader must be able to visualise or see the $$outcome page$$

or $$research cycle page$$ that are found in PowerPoint Presentation that was handed out to

you in class $($and electronically via email$)$ in your proposal, all the elements of the outcome

or research cycle should not be covered in details in a proposal since the work still has to be

done $($what are examples of those elements?$).$

a$.$ Personal reading list: read about to:

i$.$ Identify and briefly describe five data gathering techniques: observation,

interviewing, document collection, participation, and artifact collection.

ii$.$Identify and briefly describe four data recording techniques: field notes,

photographs and photocopying, sound recording, and videotaping

iii.Apply basic skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis and

reporting

$$ Some of the additional things to take note of are:

a$.$ Research benefits $($or why such investigation is important$)$: covers the

outcomes or benefits of the addressing the problem, economic benefits,

benefits to human and environmental benefits, etc.

b$.$ Research Timeframe has to be simply extracted from your methods and should

at least cover all elements of the specific objectives i$.$e$.$ in short, allocate time

for each $($major$)$ activity in your work

c$.$ Research Budget deals with resources that you need to effectively carry out

those activities identified above i$.$e$.$ allocate cost to each $($major$)$ activity

a$.$ References and list of references are indicators of good practice, acknowledgment and appreciation.

i$.$ They can be used to explain $$re$-$search or searching again

ii$.$ You have to acknowledge that you are not starting what is not connected to previous searches

and works in the past. You are only trying to throw more light and$/$or add more value

iii.Say thank you to $($i$.$e$.$ acknowledge$)$ those whose have done similar works in the past that you are

using the ideas either as a means to move forward or to dispute their findings

iv$.$Thus, previous known facts and findings must be cited and citations listed must be under list of

references following prescribed referencing format $1.$ The above hint points are just to give a global guidance, but you have to regularly consult the experts such

as your lecturer$($s$),$ supervisor$($s$)$ or mentor$($s$)$ so as to critique your work and guide you focus on critical

issues and critical path