14TH OCT, 2023

MS PROJECT MANAGMENT

Research Methodology

Submitted By Ambreen Tabassam

Submitted To Prof Dr. Muhammad Zeb Khan
Reg. No 2367159
 Conducting Research
Process of research to test the credibility of knowledge.

Example: If some claims that

“Men are more efficient leaders than women”

Here the opinion of the whole population can be “Yes” OR “No”. But if we measure effectiveness, our
opinion will be based on “empirical evidence”. By empirical evidence, we mean that it is based on facts
so that nobody can deny its truthfulness.

Hypothesis: The proposed explanation of something is called a hypothesis. A proposition made as a

basis for reasoning, without any assumption of its truth. A theory that is testable with logic.

Theory: Logical explanation of some things

Example: Iterative multimedia is more effective than Traditional methods of teaching.

Iterative Multimedia Traditional methods of teaching.

Experimental Group Control Group
Pre-Test – 75 % Pre-Test – 75 %
Post-Test – 85 % Post-Test – 75 %

Hence proved that due to IMM, a 10% increase in understanding is observed.

Competence: By competence, we mean knowledge plus skills

Literature: Previous study or existing knowledge

What is a Research Gap

1. The difference between the desired and actual results.

2. It is done to check and address the gap in knowledge

Problem Statement/Research Problem/Research Question Gap

Three Types of Research Gaps
Conceptual Gap: Gap in existing knowledge. It is inconsistency or ambiguity in a concept, resulting in
confusion and misunderstanding.

Contextual Gap: Study at a different place, time, or subject. It is a gap in existing knowledge and a
different context. It exists when there is research on a particular topic but an absence of research in
specific contexts.

Example: Research conducted on the IT industry instead of a whole industry, it is done on Men and
women are not included in it and it is done in the USA but it is not conducted in Pakistan.

Methodological Gap: Verification of existing knowledge using an experimental research design.

Example: In the survey, we usually use a questionnaire or interview method. We can use experimental
research design such as Triangulation for it.

Triangulation: Collect data through three different methods or sources

Independent variable (cause)

Dependent variable (effect)

Moderator/Mediator

Structure of Research
A well-structured and comprehensive research proposal is very important for any researcher aiming to
embark on a successful research project.

Title:

The title of a research proposal should be short, attractive, and reflective of the study’s purpose. It
should provide a clear indication of the research topic and its significance. The date should also be
mentioned on the title page.

Acknowledgment: Acknowledgment from someone who has helped in the research and development of
the document. Acknowledgement from the resources who assists in research.

List of Content: It contains the main components of the document.

Abstract: It is the summary of the document. It defines what the study is about.

The abstract concisely summarizes the research proposal, highlighting its core elements. It includes the
research problem, objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes.

By reading the abstract, readers get the purpose of the proposal without needing to read the entire
document. The abstract is important for researchers, reviewers, and decision-makers in assessing the
proposal’s significance and relevance.

Introduction

This section sets the stage for the research by introducing the topic. It provides background information
and establishes the research problem or gap in knowledge. It should clearly explain the research
question or hypothesis and explain why the study is important and relevant.

1. Background of study
2. Gap identification
1. Conceptual Gap
2. Contextual Gap
3. Methodological Gap
3. Problem Statement: This study examines the relationship between “X” and “Y”

Significance

In this section, researchers should explain the benefits of the study. It also explains how it contributes to
the existing body of knowledge. They should also highlight the expected outcomes and potential
implications of the research. Demonstrating the study’s value and relevance strengthens the proposal’s
overall impact.

1. Theoretical: (What is new? Addition or new knowledge)

2. Practical implications (Which problem it will solve? Practical implications)

Literature review

The literature review demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of existing research related to the
chosen topic. It helps to identify the research gap and justifies the need for the proposed study. It is
work in continuous progress.

1. What is literature
2. Purpose
3. How to do it

Literature Sources

1. Journals
2. Research books
3. Conference papers
4. Thesis/Dissertation
5. Reports (Institutional Research)
6. Newspaper
 7. Magazines

Impact Factors: Total number of times its article was cited

Total number of articles during 2 years

Purpose of Literature Review

1. To provide justification to the study in question. By justification, we mean what is Controversy?

2. To put an existing study in perspective
 Seminal studies: (initial study, to find iterative background, why it is studied?)
An influential study because it provides new or unique insights, methodologies, or results.
Seminal studies often provide the foundation for future research. It is generally used for a
work, creation, or event that is the seed of future events or developments and is
highly influential.

 Path-breaking studies: (major study). It suggests a work that leads the way, but possibly is
not the actual beginning of a trend or line of thought, but rather something that developed
and pushed ahead some set of developments.
  Extant studies: (current study or recent study). It refers to existing or currently available
research that has been conducted, published and is accessible for review and analysis. It
includes all the studies, articles, papers, books, or any other type of research output that is
already completed and available to the public or within a particular academic or
professional community.
3. Conceptual Clarities: To clear the concepts and theories (Theoretical support, define keywords,
variables)

Writing Styles

The writeup should be relevant and logically coherent

Thematic review: It has a logical structure, firstly we look at the relevance and secondly logical
coherence. By coherence, we mean slow thoughts.

Chronological review: It means date-wise review or evaluation over time.

Models: How are variables related?

(Conceptual model)