1. Selecting a Topic

2. Introduction l In this presentation we will: l Introduce the process of selection of a topic; l Consider the contents of a research proposal.

3. The Scope of a Research project l Selecting a topic for study is one of the most difficult tasks faced by a researcher. l Generally people set their targets too high: –scope; –discoveries.

4. The Scope of a Research project l It is surprising to many first-time researchers just how little can be achieved in a research project. l Most MSc /MA proposals attempt far too much and have to be restricted in order to obtain the required depth of study.

5. You can not expect to change the construction industry on the basis of 200 hours work!

6. The Scope of a Research project l Seek advise from more experienced researchers (your supervisor) to quantify what is achievable in the time constraints that you have identified. l YOU are the most important person involved with the research project. l YOU will have to live with the decision YOU make concerning YOUR project.

7. Subject Selection l This will be the starting point for most of you. l In general all subjects offer opportunities for research. l However, in the context of your MSc / MA programme you are restricted to subjects that are “related to the pathway” you are studying.

8. Subject Selection l Even with this restriction, possibilities are still vast. l Thus subject selection can be seen as a process of progressive narrowing and refinement. l Many believe that this process is one of strategy!

9. Subject Selection l If you agree with this approach then the process can be helped by the use of strategic tools such as: l SWOT analyses; l PEST factors.

10. Subject Selection l Strengths: –of the researcher; –of the organisation. l Weaknesses; –of the researcher; –of the organisation.

11. Subject Selection l Opportunities: –topical issues within the industry; –opportunities within an organisation. l Threats: –unavailability of data; –cost. l Identification of Opportunities and Threats can be aided by PEST factors.

12. Subject Selection l Political l Economic l Social l Technical

13. Subject Selection l It is often a sound strategy to build on strengths and overcome weaknesses in order to take advantage of opportunities and eliminate threats.

14. Subject Selection l In selecting a topic for a research project it is often useful to draw up a number of lists. l Topics of interest to YOU. –Sustainability; –Facilities Management requirements for high street banks.

15. Subject Selection l Personal strengths and weaknesses. –Good at economics, weak at math's and stat’s. –experienced in contracting not in design. l Certain strengths and weaknesses could influence the choice of topic directly, others may influence the methodologies available.

16. Subject Selection l Note: Whilst building on strengths is good, a research project that extends your knowledge and expertise in a currently weak area could provide you with greater opportunities in the long run.

17. Subject Selection l Topics of current interest: –what is in the technical press? –what are the ‘hot’ topics of the day? »Urban Regeneration; »Globalisation; »Modern Methods of Manufacture; »Sustainability etc. l Adopting such topics can ease data collection.

18. Subject Selection l Other criteria to consider are: –Access to data. –Desires of employers. –Expertise of potential supervisors. –Constraints and resources available.

19. Subject Selection l It is best if the lists contain raw ideas not sophisticated evaluations. –The ideas will have to be restricted because of time constraints. l Most ideas come from ‘brain-storming’ in a group or amongst colleagues. l Don’t force the issue.

20. A Tentative Title l Once you have produced your various lists you have to begin the process of evaluation. l Let the suggested topics be the driving force in the evaluation and the constraints be the parametric factors defining the limits and extent of what may be done.

21. A Tentative Title l When considering each topic it is useful to address the following questions: l What do YOU want to achieve? –Get a good mark for your dissertation; –Extend your understanding in a subject; –Broaden your understanding in a subject. l This should lead to the identification of a broad subject area.

22. A Tentative Title l What do YOU want to find out? l This concerns the selection of a particular topic within the broad subject area previously identified. l Examine each topic on your list that falls within the broad area against the lists of personal factors and constraints.

23. A Tentative Title l From this process you should be able to narrow your original list down to two or three topics which you can now evaluate in greater detail. l Consult literature; l Examine terminology/data needs. l Discuss with potential supervisors.

24. A Tentative Title l Don’t be dismayed if a topic has already been studied. l An integral part of research is replication. –Tangential approach; –Temporal displacement; –Physical displacement.

25. A Tentative Title l The process of selection will take some time to complete. l However it is an integral part of the research process and should not be rushed. l At the end of the process you should be able to write a tentative research project title.

26. Example (Bell 193)

27. Example l The following example is taken from Bell (1993) and, although she doesn’t follow exactly the same process as outlined in the presentation, I believe her approach is close enough to illustrate the general process.

28. Example l She presents the following scenario. l As an academic working in higher education she is interested in researching a subject related to mature students. l The first thing she has to do is to refine the broad subject area down to a more specific project.

29. Example (Brainstorm list) l Barriers to learning: –Timetabling; –Mode of delivery; –Age at entry; –Previous academic history; –Family profile –Student support mechanisms

30. Example (SWOT) l Strengths –Experience, Availability of subject group l Weaknesses –Controversial, Lack of control. l Opportunities –Topical, life-long education. l Threats –Opposition of colleagues/university.

31. Example (Refining ideas) l Build on the strengths, overcome weaknesses, take advantage of opportunities eliminate threats. l A project which: –uses current students; –not controversial; –life long learning; –useful to the university.

32. Example (Brainstorm list) l Timetabling; Uses current students Non controversial  Life long learning Useful to university

33. Example (Brainstorm list) l Modes of delivery; Uses current students  Non controversial  Life long learning Useful to university

34. Example (Brainstorm list) l Age at entry; Uses current students  Non controversial Life long learning Useful to university

35. Example (Brainstorm list) l Previous academic history; Uses current students  Non controversial  Life long learning Useful to university

36. Example (Brainstorm list) l Family profile Uses current students  Non controversial  Life long learning Useful to university 

37. Example (Brainstorm list) l Student support systems: Uses current students  Non controversial Life long learning Useful to university

38. Example (Brainstorming) l The SWOT analysis identifies a number of potential problems, particularly relating to the controversial nature of some of the data required. l However, overall the project would appear achievable.

39. Summary l In this presentation we have examined a process by which a suitable topic for research may be selected. l The process is one of narrowing down and refining ideas. l Next… Aims and Objectives. Further Reading: Bell chapter 2