Research Methodology Ronan Fitzpatrick School of Computing, Dublin Institute of Technology. February 2009

Overview

Research A process of enquiry

Methodology According to Avison and Fitzgerald (1988) Philosophy Model Techniques Scope Outputs Practice Product

Research methodology The body of rules and methods that support a process of enquiry Qualitative research Quantitative research

Qualitative research Developed in the social sciences to enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena. Method Examples are Action research, Case study research and Ethnography. Data sources include Observation and Participant observation (fieldwork), Interviews and Questionnaires, Documents and texts, and the Researcher’s impressions and reactions.

Quantitative research Developed in the natural sciences to study natural phenomena Method examples include Survey methods Laboratory experiments Formal methods (e.g. econometrics) Numerical methods such as mathematical modeling.

Hypothesis Data gathering Data analysis

MSc (Information Technology) Philosophy Focus is organisational Information Technology (IT) initiatives Trained to undertake research and develop research proposals Trained to critically analyse and synthesise appropriate research literature Trained to identify and utilize correct analysis techniques for a range of IT-Based scenarios.

Literature review Definition A comprehensive study, critical analysis and authoritative presentation of the published research and practice in a domain of investigation.

Comprehensive study Focus The focus is Knowledge Management. Width Seminal sources. Knowledge Management topics (PESTLE). Depth Detail to suit target audience. (will the audience understand).

Prepare for explaining W6h Comprehensive study

Critical Analysis Critique Comment on what is good as well as what might be inappropriate. Argument Substantiate any alternative perspective or interpretation of the research material. Synthesis Propose an enhanced alternative.

Authoritative presentation Written presentation Highest standard (academic and professional) Structure and content Format - Language, vocabulary and style Illustration and appearance Citation and Bibliography. Repeatable Must be possible for researchers to revisit your sources Explain and clarify how your synthesis is an enhanced alternative.

Oral presentation Authoritative presentation

Overall impression Scholarly and Authoritative Based on seminal sources Dated/modern sources Depth & breadth Completeness of research Content balance Argument & critique - The ‘so what?’ factor Vocabulary – Evidence of having researched and understood the domain.

Tips of the masters Read – appropriate publications Listen – to seminar presenters Ask – questions of everybody Observe – in places that you can access Think – and form opinion Write – based on what you read, hear and observe Read what you write, enhance it, read it again and enhance it again – at least twice.

Other sources MSc programme at School of Computing since 1995 Many dissertations Research papers Build on what you already know.

Conclusion (Revisit Overview slide)

Questions?