Overview of the research process

1. Overview of the research process

2. Purpose of research • Research with us since early days (why?) • Main reasons: • Explain why things are the way they are (e.g. sun rises every morning?) • Predict phenomena (e.g. human behaviour) • Add value (improve things) • New discoveries (inventions speak for themselves)

3. Why do research? • Research should not be an obligation • Should be planned and executed because: • A problem must be solved • Personal interest • Developing skills • Job advancement • Better qualifications • Therefore research should have an aim/goal to make it easier

4. Origin of research problems • Research problems originate from: • Practical problems • Previous research • Historical research • Case studies • Action research (control groups and experimental groups) • Personal interest

5. Making key research decision • Do not start from scratch (investigate your field of interest first) • Write down what you want to do. Have a notebook to note all information, ideas and references • Do not rush into a decision. Play with ideas and talk to as many people and experts in the field – do thorough literature review • Evaluate all alternatives and get opinions • Take responsibility, its your project, time and effort

6. Hurdles in the research process • Initial stages in the research is difficult • Research begins with idea/interest/project • Then formulate problem linked to topic • Hard work to narrow down problem and keep it focused • Research design and methodology can assist you here (multi-method strategy) • Triangulation helps with testing own data and for validity and reliability of results • Important aspects in the process are: • Preparation (formulate problem, supervisor) • Planning (Literature and proposal - essentail) • Process (literature and empirical study) • Product (writing it down)

7. Factors influencing research process • Motivation • supervisor and interest in topic are crucial • Isolation • Get involved in research groups, share references and ideas • Planning and management of time • Read book by Mouton: How to succeed in a M & D study, chapter 15 • Work out a time schedule (project management) • Methodology • crucial for results and answering research problem • Empirical study • collecting data and verifying it • Book with statician or get software package to identify trends and provide detailed excel spreadsheets (peoplesurveys)

8. Methodology Focus on research process and tools, procedures to be used Point of departure = Specific tasks (data collection/sampling) Focus on individual steps in research process and most objective procedures to be employed Research design versus methodology • Design • Focus on the end product: What kind of study is planned? • Point of departure = Research problem • Focus on logic of research: What kind of evidence is required to address questions adequately?

9. About the choice of design and method • Make sure about your choice • Have enough evidence to support your choice • Determine the value of triangulation • Make sure of the different criteria and categories • Be realistic • Sampling respondents or participants • Get ethical approval or consent from them before conducting collection of data • Data collection and choices also needs consideration

10. Search for information • Make use of library (Faculty librarian) • Electronic databases (IEEE, ACM) • Governmental policies, white papers, documents on the topic • Identify primary sources and secondary sources • Make use of latest references on the topic (conference papers, journal articles) • Read as much as possible on the topic to ensure you do not duplicate a study already done • Look on NRF Nexus database to ensure study is unique • Ask expert advise from international researchers • Use citation guide for referencing • Get training from library people on searching for information at the right places

11. Choosing your supervisor • The Faculty usually will support you here to allocate a available supervisor in the field of study • Important to decide on your compatibility with prospective supervisor • Talk to student he/she has already assisted or are currently assisting with postgraduate supervision • Trace your supervisor’s publication record in his/her field • Certain rules and guidelines must be determined • Negotiate roles and responsibilities between you and your supervisor • Stick to appointments and be honest if you did not progress • Collaboration and participation from both is necessary • Indicate any problems to Head of Department • Establish number of students successfully graduated by your supervisor as a guideline to decide on a specific supervisor • Remember postgraduate research is a subjective process and a journey into the unknown for you • Enjoy the ride!!

12. Thank you