Reference no: EM132545176 , Length: 9 pages

Unit 13 Computing Research Project - Higher National Diploma in Computing

Unit code T/615/1639

Learning Outcome 1: Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the research process.

Learning Outcome 2: Conduct and analyse research relevant to a computing research project.

Learning Outcome 3: Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders.

Learning Outcome 4: Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts.

LO1 Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the research process

Developing a research proposition:
The importance of developing methodical and valid propositions as the foundation for a research project.
Rationale: the purpose and significance for research question or hypothesis.
The value of the philosophical position of the researcher and the chosen methods.
Use of Saunders's research onion as a guide to establishing a methodological approach.

Literature review:
Conceptualisation of the research problem or hypothesis.
The importance of positioning a research project in context of existing knowledge.
Significance and means of providing benchmarks by which data can be judged.

Qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research:
Key theoretical frameworks for research.
Advantages and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research approaches and methods.

LO2 Conduct and analyse research relevant for a business research project

Research as a process:
Research has distinct phases which support a coherent and logical argument. This includes using secondary research to inform a primary, empirical, study.

Selecting a sample:
The importance of gathering data and information (qualitative or quantitative) to support research analysis.
Selecting sample types and sizes that are relevant to the research.
Considering sampling approaches and techniques, including probability and non-probability sampling.

Ethics, reliability and validity:
Research should be conducted ethically. How is this achieved and reported?
Research should also be reliable (similar results would be achieved from a similar sample) and valid (the research measures what it aimed to measure).

Analysing data:
Using data collection tools such as interviews and questionnaires.
Using analytical techniques such as trend analysis, coding or typologies.

LO3 Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders

Stakeholders:
Who are they?
Why would they be interested in the research outcomes? What communication method do they expect?
Communicating research outcomes:
Consideration of different methods of communicating outcomes (e.g. written word, spoken word) and the medium (e.g. report, online, presentation). The method and medium will be influenced by the research and its intended audience.

Convincing arguments:
No matter what the method/medium, all research should be convincing and presented logically where the assumption is that the audience has little or no knowledge of the research process.
The importance of developing evaluative conclusions.

LO4 Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts

Reflection for learning and practice:
Difference between reflecting on performance and evaluating a research project. The former considers the research process; the latter considers the quality of the research argument and use of evidence.
Reflection on the merits, limitations and potential pitfalls of the chosen methods.

The cycle of reflection:
To include reflection in action and reflection on action.
Considering how to use reflection to inform future behaviour and future considerations.

Reflective writing:
Avoiding generalisation and focusing on personal development and the research journey in a critical and objective way.