Introduction to Research Methods

At the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. Understand how to identify and define a research problem and formulate relevant research topic in Quantity Surveying; 2. Develop the knowledge of the sources of related literature and gain the understanding of the strategy for conducting literature review, citation and referencing of sources reviewed; 3. Understand and apply different research designs, approaches to data collection and instruments for data collection; 4. Develop a basic understanding of different sources of data; 5. Apply statistical tools to Quantity Surveying research and draw valid conclusions; and 6. Develop the knowledge and understanding of presentation of written and oral project report.

Research principles and methods. Identifying and defining a research problem. Topic selection and proposal writing; searching and reviewing literature. Citation and referencing in research. Research design, sampling techniques, techniques for data collection and questionnaire design. Data analysis and presentation of results. Drawing conclusions; making recommendations; dissertation structuring and writing up. Presentation of research report.