CSM 04 Business Communication Professionalism Lectures on Research

CSM 04 Business Communication & Professionalism Lectures on Research Study Khurshid Ahmad Professor of Artificial Intelligence September 25, 2003 1 1

PREAMBLE RESEARCH METHODS IN COMPUTING Ours is decidedly a new kind of discipline one in which, for example, theory is not concerned with explaining extant physical phenomena, and experimentation is not necessarily concerned with testing whether theory predicts reality. Viewing computer science through the lens of traditional academic disciplines can lead to misconceptions of what is important and of how research in computer science is done, even though aspects of computer science can be traced to the natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering. International Review of Research in Computer Science in the UK (2001) 2

PREAMBLE RESEARCH METHODS IN COMPUTING Theoretical research in computer science concerns the power, limits, and costs of computation. A theorem might, for example, characterise a class of problems that cannot be computed by a digital computer, thereby making a statement not only about present-day hardware but also about any digital computing device that might ever be built or conceived. Theoreticians also derive bounds on the time or memory required by any program that solves problems from a given class (such as searching, sorting, or scheduling). 3

PREAMBLE RESEARCH METHODS IN COMPUTING Sometimes the cost or intractability of a problem is reason for dismay; sometimes not --- the premise of modern cryptography is that reversing certain methods of encryption would be intractable. Much of the work in theoretical computer science is mathematical in character. And formal logic is central. By definition, each step in a formal proof must be mechanisable, creating an intimate connection between proof and computation. The study of programming languages, like the study of logic, is concerned with the expressive power of formal notations, with correspondences between syntax (programs) and semantics (what they mean), and with the means by which texts in a formal language can be analysed (automatically or manually) in order to extract truths. 4

PREAMBLE RESEARCH METHODS IN COMPUTING Experimental work plays a very different role in computer science research from the part it plays in the natural sciences. Rather than attempting to understand an existing reality, experiments in computer science are often intended to explore new approaches or abstractions. Here, a research prototype might be built, instrumented, deployed, and measured in order to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of something that the prototype embodies. 5

PREAMBLE RESEARCH METHODS IN COMPUTING Experiments are pivotal in the natural sciences when they demonstrate aspects of reality that depart from what current theory predicts and thus defy our understanding; in computer science, it is prototypes that launch paradigm shifts. Building a prototype might expose implicit assumptions, n prevent key sub-problems from being ignored by its builders, n or allow its users to discover synergies and unanticipated uses issues that would not be addressed if analytical techniques were applied to a paper design. Timeshared computing, the personal computer (with all its productivity-enhancing software), and the Internet itself, all started as experimental prototypes. n 6

SOME DEFINITIONS RESEARCH: n n The act of searching (closely or carefully) for or after a specified thing or person A search or investigation directed to the discovery of some fact by careful consideration or study of a subject; a course of critical or scientific inquiry. Without article: Investigation, inquiry into things. Also, as a quality of persons, habitude of carrying out such investigation attrib. and Comb. , as research assistant, building, bureau, council, degree, department, doctorate, fellowship, grant, laboratory, library, officer, personnel, post, programme, project, room, scholarship, station, student, unit, vessel, worker; research-minded 7

SOME DEFINITIONS RESEARCH: n n The act of searching (closely or carefully) for or after a specified thing or person A search or investigation directed to the discovery of some fact by careful consideration or study of a subject; a course of critical or scientific inquiry. Without article: Investigation, inquiry into things. Also, as a quality of persons, habitude of carrying out such investigation attrib. and Comb. , as research assistant, building, bureau, council, degree, department, doctorate, fellowship, grant, laboratory, library, officer, personnel, post, programme, project, room, scholarship, station, student, unit, vessel, worker; research-minded 8

SOME DEFINITIONS METHOD n n n Procedure for attaining an object. A special form of procedure adopted in any branch of mental activity, whether for the purpose of teaching and exposition, or for that of investigation and inquiry. In wider sense: A way of doing anything, esp. according to a defined and regular plan; a mode of procedure in any activity, business, etc In generalized use: The methods of procedure in any department, considered as the object of a branch of study; esp. with reference to teaching. Orderly arrangement of ideas and topics in thinking or writing; orderliness and sequence of thought or expression. Phr. method in one's madness 9

SOME DEFINITIONS RESEARCH PROJECT: A process model Identify broad area; Select Research Topic; Decide the approach; Formulate research plan; Collect data or information; Analyse and interpret data; Present the findings. 10

SOME DEFINITIONS RESEARCH PROJECTS – Some Exemplars n Evaluation of NHS Direct w What is NHS Direct? A kind of expert system w What is the big deal New method of delivering health care w Who specified the requirements? Interviews/Research w Who built the system? w What of the end-user? on the phone; through the Internet w What of the future? n HYPOTHESIS: The role of the nurses in the delivery of health care in the context of NHS Direct 11

SOME DEFINITIONS RESEARCH PROJECTS – Some Exemplars Evaluation an Information System from a technological/user point of view n Specify, design and build an Information System n Evaluate the impact of a new method, or tool or technique for building information system n Investigate the ethical and social consequences of the use of a computing system in a specific enterprise n 12

SOME DEFINITIONS RESEARCH PROJECTS – Some Exemplars There a number of case studies available at the European Case Clearing House, Cranfield University Business School. n Check the web-site and send a request to your tutor for obtaining ONE case study. n You may check out other information sources. n 13

SOME DEFINITIONS Stages of Research: Form HYPOTHESIS; Find EVIDENCE collected by others to support or negate the hypothesis; COLLECT your own data; CONSTRUCT your own models; WRITE a program to process others/own data; ANALYSE what others and you have done to support/negate your hypothesis; CONCLUDE by indicating whether your hypothesis is valid or not; what FURTHER WORK can be done. 14

OBJECTIVES & LEARNING OUTCOMES Objectives: n n n To enable the students: to understand what is involved in undertaking research projects in computing; to articulate aims, objectives, methods, techniques and achievements of a research project. Learning Outcomes: n Skills for executing a research project from inception to delivery. 15

OBJECTIVES & LEARNING OUTCOMES Stages and Process Hypothesis Literature Review Research Method Implementation/Testing Conclusion 16

CONTENTS The course is divided into four main topics: n n Typology of research methods: Case studies; observational/field research; survey research; simulation and forecasting. Collecting, analysing and processing research data; Writing-up: Notes on scientific/technological writing; Presenting research results: audio-visual presentation. 17

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT & WEIGHTING Research Methods Coursework: 50% The students, working in groups, are expected to conduct research in a specific area of computing within the context of a specific application area. The major coursework will be an individual project report of approximately 2500 -3000 words. Each group is expected to give two 15 minute presentations, a project plan and an interim progress report. Project Plan (5%) Interim Report (15%) and A Press Release Project Report (30%) 18

CONDUCTING YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT You are expected to work in groups – largely made up of the tutorial group of your personal tutor – there a few exceptions; You will write your own final report and press release; You are expected to give joint presentations It is essential to elect a group co-ordinator for your group to arrange weekly meeting with your Research Methods Tutor etc. 19

CONDUCTING YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT Please observe the protocols of a group project: n n n Organise meetings of your group; Allocate the research tasks to the various individuals in the group; Assign deadlines and stick to them Keep the minutes of the group meeting – attach the minutes with your Team spirit is important but please do not undertake to do the work of others. 20

CONDUCTING YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT REMEMBER PLAGARISM IS THEFT 21

EVALUATION Evaluation of a computing system may involve you making a hypothesis that: n The system is an instrument of progress but it must be controlled by those with appropriate skill and insight; n The system is an instrument of progress but it must recognise its imperfections of its use and work to improve and ameliorate them n n The system is value neutral with benefits and drawbacks for a given community. It must be made accountable and placed under some degree of control; The system is out of control and a threat to a given community. We must question the real nature and power of this system (Source: Cornford, Tony. & Smithson, Steve. (1996). Project Research in Information Systems – A Students’ Guide. Houndsmills: Mac. Millan Press Ltd. ) 22

RESEARCH SUPERVISION You will have to make arrangements to see your Research Methods Tutor, on a weekly basis initially Dr Terry Hinton & Peter Obemeata will co-ordinate the module. Your supervisor, together with co-ordinators will examine your reports, press release, and presentations. Ms Christine West will be available for advice on writing in her writing-support surgery. Mr Paolo Olivera will help you in obtaining case study materials relevant to your study and approved by your tutor. 23

CONDUCT of the RESEARCH PROJECT Project Teams are given Reference Numbers: Group 1 to Group 16 with 5 people per team. Please use group reference numbers on your reports. 24

CONDUCT of the RESEARCH PROJECT Project Teams and their Tutors together with their Ref. Number will be posted on the web site: www. computing. surrey. ac. uk/courses/csm 04 The schedule of Presentation meetings will be posted on the above web site. 25

CONDUCT of the RESEARCH PROJECT Each team will make one presentation to 2 other groups and 2 or 3 members of staff • Interim Presentation – Key findings to date; Feedback from other teams; Tentative conclusions; Hypothesis • Groups will be asked to make a brief report on each group that they hear 26

RESOURCES Directories and gateways - which provide an entry point for resources collated specifically for a chosen area which you can search and browse. Article reference and abstracts databases - which provide searchable information about where you can find publications and articles in journals. Online journals and texts - where you can read publications and documents such as official and unofficial reports, essays, reviews, on-going debates and press articles. Library catalogues - which tell you about library holdings and help you locate specific books and published reports. Research and research resources information databases - which let you explore details of current research, types of software for research and data resources including statistical, qualitative and historical data. Professional organisations and governmental Web sites - which inform you about research and teaching profiles, conferences, policy, active research and membership. Universities and research sponsors, government and public bodies, professional associations and charities all tend to have Web sites. Software for research - sites where you can review, learn about or download software and tools for social research. Discussion lists and mailing lists - which provide a forum for sharing views, debates and promoting events or resources in a chosen area. Teaching and learning materials - where you can find lecture notes, reading lists, online tutorials and where you may be able to download interactive materials and software for teaching 27

CONDUCTING YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT End Lecture 1 28