Assignment Brief and Guidance
Scenario:
You have recently been hired as a junior researcher for ‘The Archimedes’ a third-party organisation who provide a project consultancy service for small to medium Engineering companies. Their services range from; carrying out research prior to projects start, to assisting with the management and evaluation of projects during and after their life cycle. This can include market and technological research, or the provision of additional manpower and tailored plans to achieve objectives.
As part of your initiation, you have been tasked with conducting a research project for the newest client of ‘The Archimedes’ (this research project can be for an organisation with which you are familiar).
You will need to clearly define a research question or hypothesis and include a range of key objectives for the research relating to the practices of your chosen organisation.
Task 1: (Submit to your tutor for review before proceeding with Task 2)
Produce an initial research project proposal that will define why you have selected this path for research. Identify the resource requirements and the estimated project time. What are the key research project objectives relevant to your research project?Discuss what goals you expect to achieve from your research project. Explain how you expect to achieve these goals.Identify and discuss the risks that will be present during the project. What is the probability and severity of each risk, and how will these considerations be mitigated?Expand on your initial proposal from Question 1 to produce a formal project proposal that discusses the following, as a minimum:The topic of the research project.The problem that you are hoping to solve with the research.The significance of conducting this research project.What resources will be used (both primary/secondary).Any limitations that the project may have.The research methods that will be used, including justification of the methods selected.
Task 2:
Following the approval of your research project proposal, the next stage of your project should be to review the literature surrounding the chosen field and discuss the most important theories, models and texts that surround and influence your research questions, conveying your understanding and awareness of the key issues and debates.
It should focus on the theoretical and practical knowledge gaps that your work aims to address, as this ultimately justifies the need for your project.
The purpose of a literature review is for you to summarise key theories, models, hypotheses, research findings-and more. For this section of your assignment, you will
Recommended Resources
Textbooks
LEONG, E.C., LEE-HSIA, C.H. and WEE ONG, K.K. (2015) Guide to Research Projects for Engineering Stu- dents: Planning, Writing and Presenting.
Apple Academic Press Inc.
OBERLENDER, G.D. (2014) Project Management for Engineering and Construction. 3rd Ed. McGraw-Hill Education.
Websites
https://www.apm.org.uk/ Association for Project Management (General Reference)
Expert`s Response
LO1 Conduct the preliminary stages involved in the creation of an engineering research project.
Creating an engineering research project involves several preliminary stages to ensure its success. Here`s a breakdown of the key steps:
Identify the Research Topic: Begin by selecting a research topic that aligns with your interests, expertise, and the current trends in engineering. Consider the significance, feasibility, and potential impact of the topic.Literature Review: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature related to your chosen topic. This step helps you understand the current state of research, identify gaps in knowledge, and refine your research questions.Formulate Research Questions/Objectives: Based on the literature review, formulate clear and concise research questions or objectives. These should guide your investigation and help you stay focused throughout the project.Define Scope and Objectives: Clearly define the scope of your research, including the boundaries, limitations, and objectives. This ensures that your project remains manageable and achievable within the available resources and time frame.Select Research Methodology: Choose appropriate research methodologies and techniques to address your research questions. Consider whether quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method approaches are most suitable for your study.Develop a Research Plan: Create a detailed plan outlining the tasks, timelines, resources, and milestones for your project. Break down the research process into smaller, manageable steps to facilitate progress tracking and time management.Identify Resources: Determine the resources required for your research, including equipment, materials, software, and personnel. Ensure that you have access to necessary facilities and support services.Ethical Considerations: Consider ethical implications related to your research, such as participant consent, data confidentiality, and potential risks to stakeholders. Develop strategies to address ethical concerns and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks and challenges that may arise during the research process. Evaluate their likelihood and impact, and develop contingency plans to mitigate or address them effectively.Budget Planning: Estimate the budget required for your research project, including expenses for equipment, materials, travel, personnel, and other relevant costs. Seek funding opportunities if necessary and plan your budget accordingly.
By following these preliminary stages, you can lay a solid foundation for your engineering research project and increase its chances of success