Research Methods

At the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. define the meaning data and its use to describe the real-world scenarios; 2. Perform statistical calculations to help understand and present practical data; 3. demonstrate by presenting data analytics skills for tackling practical problems, logically and sequentially; and 4. Undertake Research into the problems of the physical environment.

Identifying potential research areas. Literature review: elements, structure, and importance. Formulating aims and objectives. Types and sources of data for research in construction: past project records, surveys, laboratory investigations. Qualitative and quantitative research methods. Methods of data collection. Interviews: types, objectives, recording. Questionnaire: types, development. Design of experiments (laboratory procedures). Description of materials and methods in experimental research. Hypothesis: formulation of hypothesis; testing of hypothesis; concept of significance. Methods of data analysis; types, choice and description. Interpretation of data analysis results. Computer based analysis. Referencing. Bibliography. Communication skills and oral presentation/defence of research projects. Minimum Academic Standards Equipment Drawing Boards, T-squares, financial and other calculators, Audio Visual Projector and Accessories. Computer and Accessories (1 PC per 5 students). Plan Printing machine, Guillotine Cutter, Spiral Binding Machine, 100 metre chains, Video and Digital Cameras, Photocopying Machines, Duplicating Machines, Electric Typewriters and Steel Cabinet. A Peugeot 504 Station Wagon A bus capable of carrying not less than 40 students for field work. Staffing Personnel The personnel requirements for the programme should reflect students’ population and the variety of activities to be performed in the classrooms, studios, laboratories and workshops. The ratios should conform to the NUC minimum guidelines on staff/student ratio of 1:15. Academic Staff The point of entry for each of the recognized academic positions should reflect appropriate academic qualifications, and experience in both teaching and professional practice. Details of the requirements for the various positions are indicated below: Academic Support Personnel Teaching Assistant/Demonstrators are recommended to assist lecturers in the conduct of tutorials, practicals and fieldwork. Administrative Support Personnel The services of the administrative support staff are indispensable in the proper administration of the departments. These will normally include confidential secretaries, clerical officers, typists, messengers and cleaners. It is important to recruit very competent senior personnel who are technology savvy. Technical Support Personnel The technical support personnel shall consist of technical officers and technologists. It is important to recruit very competent senior technical staff to maintain teaching and research equipment. Library In addition to the library resources at the University central library, the programme should be provided with fully equipped library and information technology centre with minimum of 5 computers, Internet connectivity, 5 reference books, 5 periodicals, 5 Journals for each of the areas of specialisation in the programme and audio-visual materials. The computers should be fully connected to the e-library section of the University central library having e-books and e- journals in all areas of specialisation of the programme. Classrooms, Laboratories, Clinics, Workshops and Offices Space Use Minimum (m²) 1. Professors Office Academic 24 2. Head of Department Administration 24 3. Senior Lecturer Academic 20 4. Lecturer Academic 16 5. Assistant Lecturer Academic 12 6. Senior Technical Staff Technical 12 7. Senior Administrative Staff Administration 12 8. Junior Technical Staff Technical 10 9. Junior Administrative Staff Administration 10 10. Studio Space Students 30 11. Lecture Space Students 75 12. Seminar Space Students 30 13. Laboratory Space Students 30 14. Library Students 35 15. Social Space Students 40 16. Storage Space Students 30