OC61600-RESEARCH METHODS AND SEMINARS

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF AIMS AND CONTENT

Dear students,

Welcome to the module of OC61600: Research Methods and Seminars!

This module aims at familiarising the learners with the methodologies and techniques of Academic research which will prepare them for the end of program dissertation work in the appropriate areas of communications management. This module examines some of the theories and methods associated with educational research methodologies through a consideration of definitions and purposes of research, approaches to framing the enquiry, methods, analysis and writing up the research project. Students are introduced to a range of research methods which are critically assessed. The module aims to give those working in education the confidence, critical understanding and skills to enable them to embark on their own educational research project. It also aims to provide a basis for informed judgements about research methods and evidence those members of research-led profession need to make.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

A.  Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

1.1.  Theories of operational communication and methodologies relevant to  Research and development.

1.2.  General and specific objectives of research related to operational communication 

1.3.   Research hypotheses and their importance with spectrum related issues.

1.4. Research methodologies (literature review, need of assessment, data collection, data analysis, validation, verification, and testing).

1.5. Budgeting and financing of research projects.

1.6. Methods of statistical analysis. 

1.7. Current trends and advancement in research on quality standards and otherrelevant benchmarks.

B. Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

2.1.Develop plans for research on operational communication. 

2.2.Develop new techniques and solutions to operational communication problems

2.3.Create new and innovative designs of management tools. 

2.4.Assess R&D work done by self and others.

2.5.Analyse different issues related to failure of operational communicationSystems. 

2.6.Assess and evaluated technical risks due to failure of hardware and software. 

2.7.Explore commercial and business risks due to system failure. 

2.8.Related research on environmental risks due to faulty system design and/orimplementation. 

C. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

3.1. Design and Develop new projects in communications and its operations.  

3.2. Collect primary and secondary data, observe, analyse and report appropriately.

3.3. Analyse data using standard statistical packages or customised software. 

3.4. Design and develop new operational communication systems and related.

software independently.

3.5. Validate Software development / Management strategies based on the requirements specification. 

D. General transferable skills

Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

4.1. Organize and conduct research in ICT management related research activities. 

4.2. Investigate and formulate reports on communications research projects. 

4.3. Coordinate with a team in research and also take lead when required. 

4.4. Save time and resources which add to cost directly or indirectly.

4.5. Communicate verbally with other individuals and groups, and prepare reports on

communications research projects. 

4.6. Demonstrate computational skills and mathematical utility as required. 

4.7. Use all kinds of hardware and software tools appropriate for ICT and research.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

• Introduction to research methods, research concepts and methodologies
• Reviewing the literature: bibliographic methods, sources, archives, information retrieval, keeping records and making notes, critical reading and structuring a literature review
• Academic writing. Scholarly conventions and referencing. Plagiarism.
• Planning the research process
• Research design: types of design, selecting a design, establishing feasibility/access
• Ethical questions in research. Research codes of practice
• Developing the research proposal
• Qualitative research: principles, methods and practice
• Quantitative research: principles and approaches
• Data analysis and presentation of information
• Research supervision
• Preparing the thesis.

LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY

The prime learning strategy is to make use of the self learning capability of the learners which will be supplanted with e-learning strategies, with a little bit of group work  and case studies on research methodology. Students will be encouraged to refer to the web and other relevant sources for learning materials. Further, the learners will also be familiarised to read and review current research publications in their area of study. Learning by problem solving also be another strategy.

The teaching is aimed at facilitating the learners to practice self study. Part of the teaching will be effected by the conventional lecture-tutorial techniques while the rest by modern techniques of instruction like field work, practice sessions, brain-storming and team-teaching (whenever possible).

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

The assessment strategies are aimed at testing the achievement of the learners in different aspects of research methodology. As this is a practice oriented module requiring familiarity with reading and interpreting research literature, more weight will be given to testing the attainment of those skills required to understand and analyse research publications and disseminated knowledge. Assessment will also be made based on field work and regular practice sessions.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

For the assessment, criteria will be drawn up appropriate to the topic, based on the learning outcomes. For the practice part will be made based during the regular practice and problem solving sessions.

ASSESSMENT PATTERN

STRATEGY FOR FEEDBACK AND STUDENT SUPPORT DURING MODULE

The Lecture / tutorial session are interactive with opportunity for students to do self-study Feedback is provided by the tutors after the assignment is submitted. Feedback for the module shall be taken on students feedback form. Lecture notes and presentation slides for modules will be provided by module leader. 

INDICATIVE RESOURCES

 Core Text 

1. Research Methodology by Reddy

Publisher: APH Publishing Corporation (1 Dec 2004)

Language English

ISBN-10: 8176486728

ISBN-13: 978-8176486729

2. Research Methodology by Khan

ISBN: 9780761935896

Publisher SAGE international

3. Research Methodology: Techniques & Trends by V. V. Khanzode

ISBN: 8170246482ISBN-13: 9788170246480, 978-2008

Publisher: APH Publishing Corporation

4. Research Methodology by Debashis Chakraborty

Published: Saurabh Publishing House

ISBN: 9788189005276

5. Research Methodology: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners by Ranjit Kumar

Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd (28 Jan 1999)

ISBN-10: 076196214X

ISBN-13: 978-0761962144

6. Research Methodology by Bhattacharyya D K

Publisher: Excel

ISBN:  8183234972

7. Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques by C. R. Kothari

Publisher: Wiley Eastern Limited (1985)

ASIN: B000KWR1TG

Background Texts  

1. Management Research Methodology: Integration of Principles, Methods and  Techniques by K. N. Krishnaswamy, AppaIyerSivakumar, M. Mathirajan

Prentice Hall, 2009

ISBN: 8177585630

ISBN-13: 9788177585636, 978-8177585636

2. Research Methodology by Thanulingam, N

Himalaya Publishing House

3. Research Methodology by Manoharan

Publisher: APH Publishing Corporation (January 1, 2009)

ISBN-10: 8131305295

ISBN-13: 978-8131305294

4. Research Methodology by Rohilla

Publisher: PHI

ISBN:  8120324528

EAN:   9788120324527

Journals

Key websites and on-line resources

Teaching/Technical Assistance

3 Lecturers     

Laboratory space and equipment

For group work sessions a room is required with a level floor with furniture that can be arranged for students to sit in groups.  A black or white board is also required. A computer lab with 30 terminals is required for assisting students in research and presentation of seminar.

Computer requirements

Others

PLEASE ADD ANYTHING ELSE YOU THINK IS IMPORTANT        

TEACHING TEAM

Dr. Alfred Uwitonze

Dr. Gaurav Bajpai