Part $1.$ Understanding the Research Context $(30\%$ of assignment marks$)$

a$)$ Discuss how a $$Hypothesis$$ may be used when planning $$Quantitative$$ field research $($after conducting a literature review into a subject area$)$ include examples concerning Smart Home systems $($that provide home automation$)$ in terms of their value to an organisation or to end users.

b$)$ Examine the benefits of $$Qualitative$$ research approaches compared to $$Quantitative$$ research methods for researching the effectiveness of innovative systems specifically Smart Homes $$ include discussion of how thematic analysis can aid in presenting the findings of a research study.

Note: utilise Course materials and wider reading $($from academic sources$)$ to discuss potential research methods that may be used by engineering firms and their management.