Adds Ababa Institute of Technology

School of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Research Methods in Engineering (ECEG-7901)

Assignment Number 2 Due Date: May 6, 2020!

Part I - Theoretical

Instructions:

 Read Chapter 2 of the lecture material and additional related articles from the Internet.
 Do not use more than four lines to respond to each question and use a standard font size of 12.
 Care on the organization and write-up of your work.
 Submission is via softcopy and in Microsoft Word format (to easily compare the files).
 Bisrat is responsible for the TNE track while Nebyu handles the TIS track.

Two core observations from the lecture material of Chapter 2 are: approaching a research from
system perspective and the need to have appropriate system models.

1. Regarding system-level approach of a research, answer the following questions.

1.1. What is a system-level approach, in general terms?
1.2. What are the main components (constituting parts) of a system?
1.3. On your own terms, what are the advantages of system-level approach to a
research (for that matter to any other system)?
2. Suppose that you want to apply a system-level approach to study growth of data
traffic in your company. Assume that traffic measurement is taken for a one year
period on an hourly basis.
2.1. Identify the input parameter(s), output parameter(s) and undesired
disturbance(s) of the system. As multiple answers are possible, state your key
assumptions.
2.2. By properly stating your assumptions categorize the identified system,
parameters and disturbance(s) as,
 Continuous or discrete in time and/or position
 Time varying (dynamic) or time invariant (static/steady)
 Deterministic or stochastic
 Memoryless or with memory (with initial condition)
 Linear or non-linear system
 Causal or non-causal
  Stable or unstable
3. Empirical modeling is one scientific modeling approach that is used to capture the
relationship between input(s) and output(s) of a system via a set of equation(s) or
graphical expression(s).
3.1. When are empirical models preferable over the other scientific models?
3.2. Re-consider the data traffic model example in Question 2. Can you propose a
possible empirical model that captures the growth? State your assumptions.
3.3. Mention benefits of the empirical model you proposed in question 3.2 above.
3.4. From the courses you took so far and/or based on your own experience,
mention (with brief explanation) two most widely used empirical models in
(tele)communication sector. Do not state the examples given in the slides.
Part II - Practical

Instructions:

 This is a semester project where you are expected to develop it slowly and as you evolve in
the course.
 Care on the organization and write-up of your work.
 Submission is via softcopy and in Microsoft Word format (to easily compare the files).

4. Re-consider the research problem you have identified from ethio telecom as part of the
first assignment.
4.1. Is it possible to have a system approach while addressing the problem?
Explain weather your response is yes or no.
4.2. If your answer to part (b) is yes:
4.2.1. Identify possible system variables (both inputs and outputs)?
4.2.2. Based on the classifications provided in slides 5 and 6 of the lecture
classify the identified variables.
4.2.3. Can you foresee some undesired disturbances (external factors) with a
potential to alter the input-output relationship of your research? Explain.
4.2.4. What type of model (mathematical, statistical, empirical or simulation)
do you recommend while approaching your research? Explain.