Research Methodology Dr Amir M Elamir Lecture 1

Research Methodology Dr. Amir M. Elamir Lecture 1 Introduction to Research 1

What is Research? • Research is an effort to obtain new knowledge in order to answer a question or to solve a problem. 2

What is Research? • New knowledge can either be: – A new idea or a new problem. – A new technique, model, framework to solve the current problem. – To adjust a current technique, model, framework to solve a current problem in a new environment. 3

New Idea/Problems David Hilbert is a prominent mathematicians in the 19 th and 20 th century. In 1900, he proposed 23 problems that has influenced research in mathematics in the 20 th century. Problem 1: The continuum hypothesis (that is, there is no set whose size is strictly between that of the integers and that of the real numbers). Problem 2: Prove that the axioms of arithmetic are consistent. 4

New Idea/Problems • Tony Hoare proposed a concept of verifying compiler. 5

Techniques • Method/approach that can be used for solving a problem. 6

Techniques • Problem: Solve Ax = B. 7

Models • A model is a description of a certain things. • A model can normally be used for making prediction. • For example, Porter’s Competitive Forces Model. 8

Potter’s Competitive Forces Model 9

Framework • A description of a complex system or processes. • It normally describes all of the components within the system and relationship between these components 10

Framework • An example is the Malaysian Qualification Framework. 11

Why Research is Important? • New knowledge will enable a society, an organization or a company to expand. 12

Why Research is Important? • Companies must do research: – To develop a new product – To find ways to market their products – To find out whether their products are accepted by the customers 13

Research Characteristics • Must be done: – Within a certain philosophical framework – By using procedure, method and techniques that are reliable – Properly designed so that it is objective and not bias 14

Research Philosophy • Knowledge is accumulative. • Knowledge can be obtained through discussion and justification(good reason) • Unclear source of knowledge such as dream, cannot be taken as a basis for knowledge development. 15

Research Characteristics 1 -Controlled ﺧﺎﺿﻊ ﻟﻠﺴﻴﻄﺮﺓ 2 -Rigorous ﺩﻗﻴﻖ 3 -Systematic ﻣﻨﻬﺠﻲ 4 -Valid ﺻﺎﻟﺢ 5 -Empirical ﺗﺠﺮﻳﺒﻲ 6 -Critical ﺣﺎﺳﻢ 16

Types of Research Application Basic Objectives Applied Descriptive Mode of Inquiry Quantitative Exploratory Corelational Qualitative Explanatory 17

Research Process • 4 steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. To determine what type of research to be done. To plan how to do the research To do the research. To deliver the research output 18

Developing Research Problem • To determine what type of research to be carried out. • Must be based on current knowledge • Importance of literature review. *Do not confuse between this hypothesis and th statistical hypothesis. Current Knowledge New Knowledge (Hypothesis) proof Thesis 19

Research Methodology • Hypothesis must be proven. • Method for proving the hypothesis is called the research methodology. • Depends of the type of hypothesis. Current Knowledge New Knowledge (Hypothesis) proof Tesis 20

Research Design • After we have identified the research methodology to be used. • To plan the strategy to be used in implementing the research. 21

Research Design • Must identify List of tasks. • If it involves data collection, identify how this will be done. • Identify “milestone” and “deliverables”. • Determine time needed for each task. • Determine the cost for each task. 22

Research Design • List of tasks depends on the research methodology that is used. 23

Doing the Research • To implements the tasks identified in the research design. • Need to give special attention to schedule, milestones and deliverables. 24

Delivering Research Output • To enable us to share our research finding and output. 25

Research Output • • Research Reports Research Monographs Research Papers Research products Intellectual Property Right (IPR) Human Capital Development Training/Workshop 26

Research Process Literature Review Problem Statements Research Activity Research Design Research Result Research Output Research Objectives Research Methodology 27

Research in IT • IT is a big area. • Research methodology to be used depends on the research types and objectives. • All of the research must be based on the IT theoretical framework. 28

Research Students • Research is an important component of university education. • Aim – to ensure that graduates will be able to do research properly. 29

Research Students • Different emphasis depending on types and levels. • Undergraduate: – Honours Year Project • Master – Master Project – Master Thesis • Doctoral – Doctoral Thesis 30