Brief Description of Aims & Content :
This module on research methodology aims to assist students to plan well and execute their final year projects. It addresses the essential concerns of the structure, conduct and reporting of research that necessarily includes proposal writing also. It covers the constituent considerations and ordering of problem identification, assumptions, justification, scope, limitations, organization, literature review and information sources, objectives, hypothesis setting and testing, research questions, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, research design, design of experiments (including manufacture of prototype or experimental rig), sampling, research methods, data collection methods, field tools and techniques, techniques of data measurement, statistical as well as computer supports for data analysis, interpretations, conclusions, recommendations and implications as well as financial and time budgeting (Scheduling and Gantt Charts). Technical report writing and approaches to referencing are also given emphasis.
Learning Outcomes :
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:
- The meaning and purpose of research in computer engineering;
- The importance and relevance of methodology in inquiry
- The scientific method and the value of scientific theory in inquiry
- Identify and delineate a researchable problem.
- Conduct a critical review of relevant literature
- Develop consistent theoretical and conceptual frameworks
- Prepare effective, valid and reliable research designs.
- Assemble usable field tools that reflect practical data measurement scales.
- Obtain credible representative field data.
- Carry out competent automated statistical analysis.
- Abstract convincing inferences from observed data trends
- Prepare readable research reports that adhere to convention
- Write effective project and research proposals;
- Conduct repeatable scientific inquiry;
- Disseminate research results conventionally through seminars, conferences and reports.
- Undertake lifelong self learning in the relevant and related areas.
- Produce relevant and true reports
Indicative Content :
- Fundamentals of Research: Meaning of research, Purpose of research, Understanding of methodology in inquiry, the scientific method, Value of scientific theory.
- Research Process: Design of questionnaires, Data collection and Data analysis.
- Writing a research or project proposal / Content of a proposal: problem identification, literature review, hypothesis, objectives, methodology, and budget.
- Planning and organization of project: Scheduling and Gantt chart.
- Analytical Skills: Using the relevant hardware and advanced software packages for critical analysis.
- Research reporting and technical writing: Writing style, Referencing- especially the IEEE format.
Learning & Teaching Strategy :
The research methodology part will be taught so as to enable the student to apply it directly to the research project. Thus the lectures will be interactive and accompanied by some tutorial or workshop sessions to help the students the ways and means to develop the applications. Assignments will require the students to undertake some investigation on their own, develop original ideas and apply them, while also producing requisite reports.
The student will also be expected to exercise initiatives throughout the project under the guidance of the project supervisor, with whom he/she will meet at least once per week to review the progress made in the previous works and to agree on the targets for the ongoing period. The outcome of these sessions will be recorded in the project log book. As much as possible the supervisor will encourage the student to generate ideas and carry out the work on his/her own, but directing the student where to find information and how to carry out investigations if required may also be made. The aim will be to encourage the student to become an independent investigator, making use of various resources, including the supervisor of his expertise, in the course of the research.
Assessment Strategy :
The research methodology will be assessed throughout the course work. For that, assignments and structured exercises will be considered. This assessment will have the objective to ensure that the methodology is truly applied to the project work of the student. The supervisor will also assess the level of independence and involvement of the student as well as the student’s enthusiasm, application and effectiveness in the project. At the end of semester a progress report and presentation will provide evidence of the communication skills as well as the content of the work and the applications of the principles of research methodology. The report will be expected to contain details of the planning, budgeting, resource acquisition, etc. as well as a risks, health and safety assessment. It will also contain the outcome of the initial investigations. A matrix of assessment criteria for the module will be prepared and given to the student to follow the appropriate approach to the work.
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