MME 491 Technical Report

Writing

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

 THE RESEARCH PROCESS
BREAKDOWN

1. Research problem definition and formulation

2. Conceptualisation of a research design
3. Methods of data collection
4. Compilation of a research proposal
5. Data collection
6. Data analysis and interpretation
7. Compilation of research report
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION
The first and most important steps in the research process.
Defining what you intend to research, - your destination.
The most crucial part of research, the quality and
relevance of your project depends on this.

Operational steps:
1.Literature review
2.Defining research problem
3.Identify variables
4.Construct hypotheses
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION
Literature Review
The literature review is a fundamental part of the research process and plays a
valuable role to almost every operational step.
You need to understand the available literature in the body of knowledge in your area
of interest.
1. In the initial stages of research: literature review assist in establishing the
theoretical roots of your study, clarify your ideas and develop research
methodology.
2. Later stages of research: the literature review serves to enhance and
consolidate your own knowledge base, helps you interpret your results and
integrate your findings with existing body of knowledge.
3. During the compilation of research report: literature review helps you to
integrate your findings with existing knowledge – that is, to either support or
contradict earlier research.
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION
Literature Review
REVIEWING THE LITERATURE:
A continuous process throughout research process.
The four important steps in conducting a literature review:

1. Searching for the existing literature in your area of study

2. Reviewing the selected literature

3. Developing a theoretical framework

4. Developing a conceptual framework

RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION AND
FORMULATION
Literature Review
SEARCHING FOR THE EXISTING LITERATURE:
There are three sources that you can use to prepare a
bibliography:
1. Books – publications such as Book Review Index for location
2. Journals - search electronic databases
3. The internet – using keywords
RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION AND
FORMULATION
Literature Review
REVIEWING THE SELECTED LITERATURE:
Critically study what you have, pulling together themes and issues relevant to you.
While going through the literature, critically examine it with respect to the following:
1. Notice the theories, methodologies and their critisms.
2. Notice where there are significant differences of opinion among researchers.
3. Ascertain the gaps that exist in the body of knowledge.
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION

Literature Review
DEVELOPING A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Theoretical framework comprises of the theories in
which your investigation is entrenched.
1. Make an attempt to develop a framework, with
this you can organise the rest of your literature.
2. Write information that are general, gradually
narrowing it down to the specific.
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION
Literature Review
DEVELOPING A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Conceptual framework stems from the theoretical
framework and usually focuses on the sections which
become the basis of your study – it relates to specific
research problem.
Conceptual framework is focused on indicators that will enable
measurements to be taken.
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION
Literature Review
DEVELOPING A THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORKS
2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 13
2.2 LASERS ....................................................................................................... 14
2.2.1 Laser Surface Alloying (LSA) .............................................................................. 15 2.2.2
Other Common Laser Application Processes ............................................................ 17
2.2.3 Laser Processing Parameters ............................................................................. 18
2.3 PHYSICAL METALLURGY OF STEELS ...................................................................... 19
2.3.1 Steels and their Service Defencies ....................................................................... 19
2.3.2 Solidification ................................................................................................ 21 2.3.3
Cooling Rate ................................................................................................ 21 2.3.4 Surface
Modication of Steels ............................................................................. 22
2.3.5 Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) ......................................................................... 22
2.3.6 Intermetallics and Microstructures ...................................................................... 23
2.3.7 Electrochemical and Tribological Properties Analyses ................................................ 24
2.4 PUBLICATIONS IN OPEN LITERATURE ..................................................................... 26
2.4.1 A Review of Problem Definition and Formulation...................................................... 26
2.4.2 A Review of the Corrosion Properties of Laser Surface Alloyed Steel. .............................. 28
2.4.3 A Review of the Tribological Properties of Laser Surface Alloyed Steel ............................ 33
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION
Defining Research Problem
SOURCES OF PROBLEMS
1. People - Information from communities/individuals
2. Problems - Needs, issues, situations, associations
3. Programmes - Attributes, structure, outcomes
4. Phenomena - Causes and effects, relationships
Careful evaluation of the research problem in the light of the available
resources: funds, time, expertise and knowledge in the field of study,
computers and software. Other considerations include: interest,
magnitude, relevance, ethics, measurement of concepts.
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION
Defining Research Problem

STEPS
1. Identify a subject area: Metallurgy -: Mineral Processing,
Extractive or Physical (as a matter of interest).
2. Further Dissect broad areas into sub-areas: Extractive -:
Hydro-, or Pyro Metallurgy (as a matter of interest).
3. Raise Research questions: make a list of what you will like
to find out. Select manageable number of questions.
4. Formulate Objectives and carry out assessment.
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION
Defining Research Problem
FORMULATE RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Objectives inform the readers of your intended achievements
through the study
1. Main Objective(s)–: Overall statement showing main
associations/relationships you want to investigate.
2. Sub-objectives–: specific aspects under investigation within
the main framework. Must be clear, not ambiguous. One
aspect of study per time.
Words like: ‘to determine’, ‘to find out’, ‘to measure’, ‘to
investigate’.
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION
Identifying Variables
Research warrants the use of measuring mechanisms.
Variable is defined as an image, perception or concept that is capable of
measurement.
A variable is a property that takes on different values (Kerlinger, 1986:27).
Measurability is the main difference between a concept and a variable.
Concepts are mental images or perceptions, therefore they cannot be
measured whereas a variable can be subjected to measurements.
Conversion of concept to variable can be done through a set of indicators.
CONCEPTS VARIABLES
Effectiveness Weight (kg)
Satisfaction Height (cm)
Domestic violence Income ($ per annum)
Self-esteem Age (x yrs)
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION
Constructing Hypotheses
The second important consideration in the formulation of a research
problem is construction of hypothesis, although not essential for a study.
According to Bailey (1978:35), Hypothesis is a proposition that is stated in a
testable form and that predicts a particular relationship between (or more)
variables.
In other words, hypothesis can be called assumptions, assertions, statements
or hunches -they become the basis of an enquiry, because their validity is
unknown.
 RESEARCH PROBLEM DEFINITION
AND FORMULATION
Constructing Hypotheses
CHARACTERISTICS:
Hypothesis should be capable of verification, should be related to the
existing body of knowledge, should be specific and conceptually clear.
FUNCTIONS:
1. It provides the study with a focus – enhances objectivity in a study.
2. It indicates which data is relevant and should be collected.
3. It enables specific conclusion – true/false.
Once you are clear about your research problem definition and formulation,
you need to proceed:-
✓ Which procedures do you want to adopt to answer your research
questions?
✓ How do you carry out the needed tasks to complete the different
components of the research process?
A research design is a procedural plan adopted by a researcher to answer
questions validly, objectively, accurately and economically. Research
design is a detailed plan for completing a research study.
 CONCEPTUALISATION
OF A RESEARCH DESIGN
These includes operationalizing variables to be measured, collection of
data for testing hypotheses and analysing results. You detail in your
research design the rationale and justification for each decision you make
in your research journey (support this from literature).
Thus through a research design:
✓ You conceptualise an operational plan to undertake the various
procedures and tasks required to complete your study.
✓ You ensure that these procedures are adequate to obtain valid,
objective and accurate answers to the research questions.
 CONCEPTUALISATION OF A
RESEARCH DESIGN
Quantitative Study Design:
Quantitative study designs are specific, well structured, and
have been tested for their validity and reliability and can be
explicitly defined and recognised.
The measurement and classification requirements of the
information gathered in Quantitative research, demand that
study designs are more structured, rigid, fixed and
predetermined in their use to ensure accuracy in measurement
and classification.
 METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
The research tool provides the input to a study and therefore the quality
and validity of the output, your findings are solely dependent upon it.
A research instrument in quantitative research must be developed in light
of the objectives of your study – a direct link.
Procedure for construction/selecting an instrument for data
collection:
Step I: Clearly define and make a list of all your objectives and
hypotheses.
Step II: Take each question/objective and list the information required to
answer it.
Step III:Select the necessary instrument as per the requirement.
 METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
There are different approaches to information gathering about a person, situation,
problem or phenomenon. Based on these approaches data can be divided into two:
Primary and Secondary Data.

Primary Data:
Observation (participant, non-participant)
Interview (structured, unstructured)
Questionnaire (mailed, collective)

Secondary Data:
Documents (publications, census, personal records, client history)
Before using data from secondary sources, ensure the validity and reliability of your
source.
COMPILATION OF RESEARCH
PROPOSAL
Title Page
Abstract
Tables of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background/Motivation
2. PROBLEM STATEMENT
2.1 Sub-Problem
3. HYPOTHESIS
4. OBJECTIVES
4.1 Main Objective/Aim
4.2 Sub-Objectives
5. SIGNIFICANCE
6. LITERATURE REVIEW
7. METHODOLOGY
7.1 Research Approaches
7.2 -------------
7.3 -------------
8. CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE
9. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
10. BUDGET
11. TIMEFRAME
12. DISSEMINATION
13. REFERENCES
 DATA COLLECTION
Ethics deals with issues relating to the adherence to the code of conduct
that has evolved over the years for an acceptable professional practice.
Ethical issues should be looked in relation to the stakeholders:
✓ The research participants (areas of ethical issues: collecting
information, seeking consent, providing incentives, seeking sensitive
information, causing harm on participants and maintaining
confidentiality).
✓ The researcher (areas of ethical issues: introducing bias, providing and
depriving individuals of treatment, using unacceptable research
methodology, inaccurate reporting and the inappropriate use of
information)
✓ The Funders (impose restrictions on research designs and possible use
of findings).
 DATA ANALYSIS AND
INTERPRETATION
✓ Editing data (cleaning – free from inconsistencies and
incompleteness).
✓ Coding your data (transform information into numerical
values).
✓ Data analysis (statistics, tools).
✓ Representation of data (graphs, charts, tables).
✓ Data interpretation (scientifically backed up by
literature).
REPORT COMPILATION OF RESEARCH
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Tables of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Abbreviations

CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND/MOTIVATION
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
1.3 HYPOTHESIS
1.4 OBJECTIVES
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE
1.6 CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE
CHAPTER TWO
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.2 GENERAL REVIEW 1 e.g. METALLIC MATERIALS; CORROSION, SURFACE ENGINEERING
2.2.1 Mild Steels
2.2.2………….
2.2.2.1 Phase transformation in steels
2.2.2.2………
2.3 GENERAL REVIEW 2 2.4 SPECIFIC REVIEW
2.3.1 Review of Publications on Laser Surface Modification of Steels
2.4 CONCLUSION
CHAPTER THREE
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 INTRODUCTION 3.2 MATERIALS
3.2.1…………..
3.2.2…………..
3.3 METHODS
3.3.1 Methodology
3.3.2 Equipment
CHAPTER FOUR
4. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 ---------
4.2.1………..
4.2.2………..
CHAPTER FIVE
5. CONCLUSION
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 -------
5.3 RECOMMENDATION
REFERENCE
APPENDIX