Research Proposal Guide

Research Refresher
to graduate successfully

September 6, 2011

C.A.W. Bal
HZ University of Applied Sciences
Vlissingen, The Netherlands

There are many books on research

Luckily, they all tell the same story.

C.A.W. Bal, Hogeschool Zeeland 7-‐9-‐2011

Become a competent researcher !
Research competency:
Phase 1: Planning and preparing your research
product: research proposal (background + theory)
Phase 2: Executing your research
product: work on site (practical component)
Phase 3: Finalising the research
product: report (shared knowledge)
attitude
product: success

What is research?
Finding answers to questions
(complex/scientific)
In a structured manner:
Sharing/ Question/
hypothesis
using

Answer Orientation
Research phases:
Two-‐way Cycle

Analysis
Approach/
Strategy
Gathering
data


What is research?
Finding answers to questions
(complex/scientific)
In a structured manner:
Report Sharing/ Question/
hypothesis
using

Answer Orientation
Research phases:
Two-‐way Cycle

Analysis
Approach/
Strategy
Gathering
data

Practical component Research Proposal

Phase 1: Planning and preparation
1.1 Sketch of problem, research question(s), goal

1.2 Literature and expert review

1.3 Research design (using )
Bricks

1.4 Research proposal


Brick

1.1 Research Question

Ends with
Not too simple, not too complex
Sum of subquestions answer the main question
Define the scope and the concepts
Link to theory and professional practice
SMART

Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Timed


Brick

1.1 Research Question

Is this question OK?:

can firm A improve business results

How about this one?:

What are firm legal, technical and marketing
requirements for successful introduction of product Y


Brick

1.2 Literature review

Search strategy (diversity of sources, keep a log)
Search terms (synonyms, language, combinations, theory
Use databases (e.g. from the Mediatheek)
Check references for further leads

Mind the quality (recent, trustworthy)
Be critical (arguments in favor, arguments against)
Write summaries, and integrate findings in a chapter
Revise research question if needed

1.3 Research design

Research strategy
Sample choice (size, representative)
Operationalisation satisfaction
Measurement instrument
Data analysis method

It is the key to finding a proper answer


1.3 Research design

Sharing/
Publication
using

Answer/
Answer
discussion
Quantitative Qualitative
Analysis
analysis analysis

Gathering Question-‐ Secundary
Observation Interview
data naire data

Approach/ Grounded Action
Experiment Survey Case study
Strategy theory Research

Question + Literature
Question
orientation review


Brick

Experiment
Sharing/
Publication
using

Answer/
Answer
discussion
Analysis
analysis analysis

data naire data
Grounded Action
Approach Experiment Survey Case study
theory Research

Question
orientation review


Brick

Grounded theory
Does this look like an effective teaching method?
Sharing/
using
Could you derive a theory? Publication

Coldren, J., & Hively, J., (2009). Interpersonal Teaching Style and
Answer/
Answer
discussion
Student Impression Formation. College Teaching; Spring2009,
57 [2], pp. 93-‐98
4 Quantitative Qualitative
Analysis
analysis analysis

data naire data
Grounded Action
theory Research

Question
orientation review


Brick

Grounded theory
Sharing/
Publication
using

Answer/
Answer
discussion
Analysis
analysis analysis

data naire data
Grounded Action
theory Research

Question
orientation review


Brick

Survey
Sharing/
Publication
using

Answer/
Answer
discussion
Analysis
analysis analysis

data naire data
Grounded Action
theory Research

Question
orientation review


Brick

Case study
Sharing/
Publication
using

Answer/
Answer
discussion
Emerging Energy Research, (2008). Global Wind Turbine
Markets and Strategies, 2008 2020 (New market study).
Analysis [On-‐line, Hyperlink to pdf ] (price 3350).
4 analysis analysis

data naire data
Grounded Action
theory Research

Question
orientation review


Brick

Case study
Sharing/
Publication
using

Answer/
Answer
discussion
Analysis
analysis analysis

data naire data
Grounded Action
theory Research

Question
orientation review


Brick

Action research
Sharing/ Hall, D.T., Otazo, K.L., & Hollenbeck, G.P. (1999).
Publication
Behind Closed Doors: What Really Happens in
using
Executive Coaching. Organizational Dynamics,
27 [3], pp. 39-‐54 Answer/
Answer
discussion
Analysis
analysis analysis

data naire data
Grounded Action
theory Research

Question
orientation review


Brick

Action research
Sharing/
Publication
using

Answer/
Answer
discussion
Analysis
analysis analysis

data naire data
Grounded Action
theory Research

Question
orientation review



This is the document that convinces
yourself and outside parties (host company, tutors)
that your research is worthwhile, well prepared,
and organized in such a way that you will find an answer/result

Now they will invest in you!

(NB: Count on needing four weeks, after approval and start of the
graduation assignment, for finalizing your research proposal)


It consists of several paragraphs (usually 3 to 5 pages):
Introduction (sketch of the problem or task)
Research question Use a solid
Theoretical framework set of
Practical relevance references!
Research design + instrument
Project planning and scope

Write what you plan to do, and why

Project planning
Do this upfront (in your research proposal)
Arrange budget and access
Timing usually runs out:
Theory/literature
Setting up interventions/equipment
Allow
Interviews (travel, preparation) some slack!
Questionnaire (participants, data)
Leave time for analysis


Phase 2: Executing your research
2.1 Gathering the data

2.2 Processing the data for interpretation

2.3 Monitor progress and quality


2.1 Gathering the data

Think about access to your data
Apply the rules for proper research:
Objectivity
Validity
Ethics
Reliability -‐ Repeatability
Transparency
NB: Violation disqualifies research findings


Increase our road capacity

How do you apply these rules:

Objectivity: Measuring cars or opinions?
Validity: Can we use existing simulation models?
Ethics: Tell the truth or the desired outcome?
Reliability: Who to trust on knowledge?
Repeatability: Will we find the same next time?
Transparency: Is it 100% clear what we did?


Brick

Observation
Take notes
Sample choice is important
Be systematic, use a coding scheme
You only see what looking for
Do not interpret, report facts


Brick

Questionnaire
Frequently used
Think research through, and pilot test very very
bad good
Do not ask: you 1 2 3 4
never always
But ask: often do you 1 2 3 4

you drink and 1 2 3 4

you indicate direction 1 2 3 4

Such Likert scale higher reliability and validity
Know the limitations of your sample (non-‐respons)


Brick

Interview
Prepare (background of interviewee, subject knowledge,
professional appearance)
Access (person, location, time)
Topic list
Timing
Make a transcript
Listen well, use follow-‐up questions
Summarize the answers (as a check)
Ask for further contacts, ideas, suggestions

Checking numbers and statistics
Things you could read somewhere:
One windmill is enough to power 300 households
(But what size, for how long, where on the planet, etc)
5% population growth means doubling in 20 years
(well, not quite, how about doubling every 14 years)
70% of the internet respondents have experienced crime
(who are they, which crime, when, is this not a bit high)
In the crisis every investor has lost 50% of his/her wealth
(on average, exactly 50%, investor in what, what is wealth)


Checking numbers and statistics
Things you could read somewhere:
One windmill is enough to power 300 households
(But what size, for how long, where on the planet, etc)
5% population growth means doubling in 20 years
(well, not quite, how about doubling every 14 years)
70% of the internet respondents have experienced crime
(who are they, which crime, when, is this not a bit high)
In the crisis every investor has lost 50% of his/her wealth
(on average, exactly 50%, investor in what, what is wealth)
These may be calculation or (more likely) copying accidents,
but could also deliberately be put there to mislead!

2.2 Processing the data

(into numbers or categories)
Indicate relationships
(between variables or categories)
Show overview and structure through:
key numbers, graphs, tables, schemes
(make them self-‐explanatory)
Use of Excel

Clear and logical


2.3 Monitor progress and quality

Stay on track
Adhere to your planning
Be pragmatic, keep moving
the project ahead

Intervene/change if necessary
Things do not always go as you plan them!
Keep a record of changes and their justification


Phase 3: Finalizing the research
3.1 Interpret your data

3.2 Report your research (process and results)


3.1 Interpret your data

Interpret in light of your research question
Formulate conclusions and recommendations
Compare with other research
Report new applications and insights
Propose further research

Analytical thinking, Logic and coherency,
Structured writing, Creativity, Hard work,
Concentration

Brick

Quantitative analysis
The fun part:
Reporting numbers in colourful graphs and tables.
Such descriptive statistics are often useful
More advanced: cross-‐tables, correlation and regression
The tricky part:
What can you conclude from your sampled data.
Need inferential statistics (confidence levels, accuracy)

Get good advice upfront: course, book, or prof.
Software is great, if you understand what it does


Brick

Qualitative analysis
Coding and structuring (search for relationships between
concepts, explain categories in words, link to theory)
Present text fragments (quotes)
Use schematical representations (diagram or table)
Use word processor (or qualitative analysis software such as
Kwalitan, Kodani)

Motivate your choices, apply strict logic, demonstrate
the arguments that lead to your conclusions


attitude
Before moving to writing your report, first a few words
about the fourth part of the research competency:
your attitude as a researcher

Adapt behavior to research norms, professional ethics,
and professional responsability
Neutrality, Preciseness
Critical mindset, High standards,
Curiosity, Perseverance, Respect


Neutrality?


High standards and critical mindset

Do not believe, until convinced
One source is not enough
Do not use, unless understand
Check, check and double check
Always consider alternatives
Try to prove yourself wrong

responsible !


Creativity and hard work

Creativity is a source of ideas and solutions, but takes
an investment to reap the benefits

Brick

3.2 Report your research

Start from day one
Make and discuss TOC (Table Of Contents) early
Structure: Introduction/background, Method, Results,
Discussion/conclusions/implications
Answer the research question!
Clear and logical, Argued choices
References
Research should be reproducible based on report
Target audience, use of appropriate language

Brick


Only as good as your score on attitudes and skills:
.

Neutrality Take some distance every now and then

Preciseness Only write what is needed (no frills, appendix)

Critical mindset If something appears simple, check for errors

High standards Be extremely strict on yourself in every phase

Curiosity Your thesis is a consequence, not a goal

Perseverance When fed up, do not give up

Analytical thinking Is every claim justified Continued


Brick


Logic and coherency The thesis should be fully self-‐explanatory

Structured writing Lay-‐out matters (references, APA?)

Creativity Give new ideas follow up

Hard work Proper effort and no result is a result too

Project planning Count on several times writing, start early

Concentration Write in half-‐days, not hours

Then:


A real project:
production
Sharing/ Kao, C., (2009). Efficiency measurement
using Communication to MT and floor
for parallel production systems.
European Journal of Operational Research,
Answer With adaptations, series production
196 [3], pp. 1107-‐1112

Analysis Both numbers and production concepts
Gathering
data Production data, floor lay out, staffing
Approach Case study, secundary data
Question +
orientation What is flexible and cost efficient?


A real project:
production
Sharing/
using Communication to MT and floor
Answer With adaptations, series production
Analysis Both numbers and production concepts
Gathering
data Production data, floor lay out, staffing
Approach Case study, secundary data
Question +
orientation What is flexible and cost efficient?


Your next project:
Finding right job and
Sharing/ LaGesse, D., (2009). Turning Social Networking Into a Job Offer.
using
Write application letter(s)
U.S. News & World Report, 146 [4], pp. 44-‐45

Answer Short list of positions and companies

Analysis Qualitative and quantitative comparison
Gathering
data Interviews, secundary data
Approach Survey of jobs and industries
Question +
orientation Which jobs fit my skills and interests


Your next project:
Finding right job and
Sharing/
using
Write application letter(s)

Answer Short list of positions and companies

Analysis Qualitative and quantitative comparison
Gathering
data Interviews, secundary data
Approach Survey of jobs and industries
Question +
orientation Which jobs fit my skills and interests


Conclusion
This is just a refresher
(to know what you do not know is a good start)
The details are important, use your books
(and any good research advice you find at school or on-‐line)
Research is finding answers systematically
(answers that come easily are suspicious)
BUT:
If you master the attitudes and skills, succes will follow
These are applicable everywhere, and highly valued
Learning is in doing, with the thesis as living proof

Any questions?
Thank you
Wish you wisdom and luck
during graduation and thereafter!

Research Refresher:

A competent researcher!

kees.bal@hz.nl


Research Proposal Guide

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