Research Methods

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe and explain key research concepts, issues, types of research and the systematic process of research gap identification and documentation and use contexts; 2. Search for, assembling and critically analysing research articles, papers and reports and general literature; 3. Formulate and evaluate research objectives, questions and hypotheses; 4. Developing a research proposal or industry project plan; 5. Identify and develop appropriate data acquisition and analysis methods and instrument; 6. Design/structure and lead the research process using appropriate research designs; 7. Use appropriate tools/techniques, including computer soft- and hardware /technologies to interpret, discuss and report/present the result and conclusions derived from research data analysis in oral or written form; and 8. Prepare/format/package research results/output for academic, journal articles, technical and other reports and exhibitions/fairs (scientific, trade, etc.) as an individual or team/work group.

Origins and definitions of research; problem identification and formulation; research types/design; qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods of research; measurement; sampling; data analysis; interpretation of data and technical report writing; use of encyclopedia, research guides, handbooks, academic databases for computing and computer engineering discipline; use of tools/techniques for research production: referencing formats/styles and software; research management and reporting best practices; plagiarism- definitions, types, detection software; basics of document analysis, systematic review and management methods; practical documentation/presentation projects/seminars.