1. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Analytical methods for Information Systems Professionals Week 10 Lecture 1 Feasibility and constraints The research proposal

2. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Today’s topics Planning the research project and Writing the proposal

3. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Important preliminary questions 1.What is a proposal? 2.What is the purpose of a proposal? 3.Why have I chosen my particular topic? 4.Is my topic feasible and focused? 5.Do I need any kind of ethical permission? 6.What facilities will I need? 7.What kind of help from other people will I need? 8.What sort of research and methodology is most appropriate for my topic?

4. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. The Research Proposal Definition: A document that presents a case for an idea and the action one proposes with respect to it Krathwohl, D.R. (1988) (3rd ed.) How to prepare a research proposal. Guidelines for funding and dissertations in the social and behavioural sciences. Syracuse, New York: Syracuse University Press.

5. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. The Research Proposal Purpose To justify what you plan to do, in order to gain approval for it Tornquist, E.M. (1986) From proposal to publication. An informal guide to writing about nursing research. Menlo Park, California: Addison-Wesley.

6. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. The research proposal Lays the groundwork for the work you’re planning to do Forces you to think through the whole project from beginning to end. This means you can anticipate problems tht may occur during the course of your study and to be prepared for them If you have an idea of where you are going, it’s easier to get there.

7. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Structure of a research proposal Title Introduction to the project/study Objectives Background to the problem/question – the literature review Conceptual framework Research methodology data collection and analysis Time schedule and budget Chapter outline of report Bibliography

8. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Title and Introduction The topic: Exploratory (self-generated) OR Given (responsive) Must be feasible and within your competence Moves from the general to the specific May change over time limitations See handout for topic guide

9. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Title and Introduction The introduction: Provides a map for the reader of what lies ahead Makes the reader want to know more Tells: –What the study is about –Why it is important –Gives context by referring to other work in the area –States what is needed to be done –States the problem/question

10. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Objectives Defining the purpose –To explain –To describe –To explore –To support a position –Present the main objective of the project –Present specific objectives –Why is this worth doing –What will it achieve

11. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Background to the problem/question – the literature review What have others said about the topic? What theories address it and what do they say? What previous research/body of work exists? Are there consistent findings or do past studies disagree? Are there gaps in the existing work that you can fill

12. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Background to the problem/question – the literature review Contributes to your overall justification of your research Must be more than a summary of what you read in the area Tells your reader where your work fits in with other’s work

13. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Identifies relevant issues or controversies Organises and categorises relevant works Critiques their value Analyses and synthesises what you have read Identifies the theoretical background to your research

14. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. The conceptual framework Conceptualisation The conceptual framework indicates how the researcher views the concepts involved in a study – especially the relationships among concepts

15. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Identify concepts Explore relationships among concepts Development of the conceptual framework Operationalise concepts Define concepts See textbook p 32- 34

16. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Four elements of research Epistemology  Theoretical perspective  Methodology  Methods What do we recognise as knowledge How do we know what we know? What is “true” Objectivist = meaning and reality exist apart from anybody being conscious of them Constructivist = meaning derives from our interaction with the world Subjectivist = meaning is imposed on an object by the subject Positivist Interpretive Critical Plan of action, research design and why The philosphical stance that underlies our chosen methodology – our assumptions Techniques Surveys Interviews observation

17. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Research methodology: data collection and analysis Where does your study fit along the empirical/non-empirical range? What is your theoretical or conceptual framework? What is your overall research methodology? Are there any ethical considerations

18. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. What information do you need to collect? Primary vs secondary data Where will you get it? How will you collect it? How will you analyse it? What resources and skills do you need for the analysis?

19. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Time schedule and budget Plan your project as you would any other project Identify all tasks Provide a timeline allocating all tasks in it Identify contingencies

20. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. identify milestones Identify points of risk identify the resources you need (money, people, time, equipment, supplies, telephone, postage etc.) Identify where you will get those resources from

21. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Write a chapter outline of report before you begin your research.

22. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases. Bibliography

23. Introduction Introduction. Problem. Literature. Data. Quantitative. Qualitative. Presentation. Cases.