Research design andmethodologyAssignment #$2$:Write up your Research proposal and do Mini ProjectHint:Read about those underlined key terms in the statements of the assignments and what they are madeup of$,$ before proceeding. While the assignments are easy, they can become difficult if this critical firststep is not understood

Definitions$1.$ Recall that research design deals with the element of research such as where, who, role ofparticipants, what and how.a$.$ As a definition, research design refers to the overall strategy that you choose to integratethe different components of the study in a coherent and logical way, thereby, ensuring youwill effectively address the research problem; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection,measurement, and analysis of data. Research design is a plan to answer your researchquestion.

$1.$ A research method is a strategy used to implement that plana. Research methodology is the specific $($INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING$)$ procedures or techniquesused to identify, select, process, and analyze information about a topicb. So$,$ research methodology is a detail explanation of the research specific objectives. You willtypically get it wrong if you don$$t explain how you are going to achieve each and everyobjective $($i$.$e$.$ every sub$-$question$)$ listed early, and as such your list specific objectives will notbe complete if things that are explained that will be done are not covered under themain$/$specific objectives section.

$1.$ A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it's important, and how you willdo the research i$.$e$.$a$.$ describe what you will investigateb. while bearing in mind that any reader must be able to visualise or see the $$outcome page$$or $$research cycle page$$ that are found in PowerPoint Presentation that was handed out toyou in class $($and electronically via email$)$ in your proposal, all the elements of the outcomeor research cycle should not be covered in details in a proposal since the work still has to bedone $($what are examples of those elements?$).$

a$.$ Personal reading list: read about to:i$.$ Identify and briefly describe five data gathering techniques: observation,interviewing, document collection, participation, and artifact collection.ii$.$Identify and briefly describe four data recording techniques: field notes,photographs and photocopying, sound recording, and videotapingiii.Apply basic skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis andreporting

$$ Some of the additional things to take note of are:a$.$ Research benefits $($or why such investigation is important$)$: covers theoutcomes or benefits of the addressing the problem, economic benefits,benefits to human and environmental benefits, etc.b$.$ Research Timeframe has to be simply extracted from your methods and shouldat least cover all elements of the specific objectives i$.$e$.$ in short, allocate timefor each $($major$)$ activity in your workc. Research Budget deals with resources that you need to effectively carry outthose activities identified above i$.$e$.$ allocate cost to each $($major$)$ activity

a$.$ References and list of references are indicators of good practice, acknowledgment and appreciation.i$.$ They can be used to explain $$re$-$search or searching againii. You have to acknowledge that you are not starting what is not connected to previous searchesand works in the past. You are only trying to throw more light and$/$or add more valueiii.Say thank you to $($i$.$e$.$ acknowledge$)$ those whose have done similar works in the past that you areusing the ideas either as a means to move forward or to dispute their findingsiv.Thus, previous known facts and findings must be cited and citations listed must be under list ofreferences following prescribed referencing format$1.$ The above hint points are just to give a global guidance, but you have to regularly consult the experts suchas your lecturer$($s$),$ supervisor$($s$)$ or mentor$($s$)$ so as to critique your work and guide you focus on criticalissues and critical path