INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT WORK
Definition of research
Different authors have defined research as follows:
Research is carrying out a diligent inquiry or a critical examination of a given phenomenon.
Research involves a critical analysis of existing conclusions or theories with regard to newly
discovered facts i.e. it’s a continued search for new knowledge and understanding of the world
around us.
Research is a process of arriving at effective solutions to problems through systematic collection,
analysis and interpretation of data.
Purpose of Research
To discover new knowledge
To describe a phenomenon(fact or occurrence)
To enable prediction.
To enable control i.e. the ability to regulate the phenomenon under study.
To enable explanation of a phenomenon i.e. accurate observation and measurement of a given
phenomenon.
To enable theory development and validation of existing theories. Theory development involves
formulating concepts, laws and generalizations about a given phenomenon.
Research provides one with the knowledge and skills needed for the fast-paced decision-making
environment
Sources of Knowledge
Research
Experience: Empiricists attempt to describe, explain, and make predictions through observation.
Tradition: Rationalists believe all knowledge can be deduced from known laws or basic truths of
nature
Authority: They serve as important sources of knowledge, but should be judged on integrity and
willingness to present a balanced case.
Intuition: it is the perception, explanation or insight into phenomena by instinct.
The Value of Acquiring Research Skills
To gather more information before selecting a course of action
To do a high-level research study
To understand research design
To evaluate and resolve a current management dilemma
To establish a career as a research specialist
Definition of Basic Terms used in Research
Population: it refers to an entire group of individuals, events or objects having a common
observable characteristic.
Sample: It is a smaller group obtained from the accessible population.
Sampling: It is the process of selecting a number of individuals for a study in such a way that the
individuals selected represent the population.
Variable: It is a measurable characteristic that assumes different values among the subjects. They
can be dependent, independent, intervening, confounding or antecedent variables.
Data: refers to all information a researcher gathers for his or her study. Can be secondary data or
primary data.
Parameter: It is a characteristic that is measurable and can assume different values in the
population.
Statistics: it is the science of organizing, describing and analyzing data. Descriptive and inferential
statistics.
Objective: it refers to the specific aspects of the phenomenon under study that the researcher
desires to bring out at the end of the research study.
Literature review: It involves locating, reading and evaluating reports of previous studies,
observations and opinions related to the planned study.
Hypothesis: It is a researcher’s anticipated explanation or opinion regarding the result of the study.
Theory: It is a set of concepts or constructs and the interrelations that are assumed to exist among
those concepts. It provides the basis for establishing the hypothesis to be tested in the study.
A construct is an image or idea specifically invented for a given research and/or theory-building
purpose
A concept is a bundle of meanings or characteristics associated with certain events, objects,
conditions, situations, and behaviors. Concepts have been developed over time through shared
usage
Meaning of a project:
a project is a series of tasks that need to be completed to reach a specific
outcome. A project can also be defined as a set of inputs and outputs required to
achieve a particular goal.
A research project is a scientific endeavor to answer a research question.
Research projects may include: • Case series • Case control study • Cohort study •
Randomized, controlled trial • Survey • Secondary data analysis such as decision
analysis, cost effectiveness analysis or meta-analysis.
Importance of a project:
There are tools to help avoid failure and to help recover when the unforeseen
happens. Projects are vehicles to help organizations learn, change, adapt,
improve, and adopt new processes, products, or technology.
A research project allows us to disprove lies and support truths. It is a means to find, gauge,
and seize opportunities. It promotes a love of and confidence in reading, writing, analyzing, and
sharing valuable information.
It is the most valuable tool to understand the complexities of a problem, disapprove lies, uphold
truth and build on to create knowledge that is reliable and authentic. Conducting research
develops a better understanding and enhances decision-making capabilities.
A research purpose is met through forming hypotheses, collecting data, analysing,
etc. It summarises the research study's specific topic and goals, providing
readers with an accurate, concrete understanding of the findings, the purpose
of research and its characteristics.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
Selection of a project
Types of projects
Practical
Mathematical
Evaluative
research
Project objectives
Importance of project proposal
Preparation of a project proposal
METHODOLOGIES
Sampling
Instruments for data collection
Data collection procedure
ANALYSIS
Methods of data analysis
PRESENTATION
Display of products
Project report writing