ECE Design Project

Chapter 1 - Introduction
by: Engr. Ricrey E. Marquez, CpE, MSCS Lecturer

Todays Agenda
How to write a/an:
Introduction Background of the Study Company Profile Statement of the Problem Significance of the Study Objective of the Study Research Methodology
Research Design Sources of Data Research Instruments Data Gathering Procedure

Review of Literature Definition of Terms

Writing a Design Project Introduction

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Introduction should describe your project which:

Provides the reader with the basis behind the work, with the intention of defending it. Takes place the work into a theoretical context. Enables the reader to understand and appreciate the objectives.

There are several parts to the introduction:

Background or historical development; Relation of research to the background; Important of research; Exact plan to do research.

Introduction should not exceed two pages

Approach of an Effective Introduction

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Abstract is the only text in a research paper to be written without using paragraphs in order to separate major points. Approaches vary widely, however for in design project the following approach can produce an effective introduction:
Describe the importance (significance) of the study; Defend the model; Provide a underlying principle; Briefly describe the research study.

Approach for an Effective Introduction

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Describe the importance (significance) of the study

Why was this significance doing in the first place? Provide a broad context
Literature review should provide you with an adequate background of your chosen topic

Approach for an Effective Introduction

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Defend the model

Why did you use this particular system or models?
State the advantages You might comment on its suitability from a theoretical point of view as well as indicate practical reasons for using it.

Approach for an Effective Introduction

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Provide a rationale
State your specific hypothesis(es) or objective(s) Describe the reasoning that led you to select the topic.

Approach for an Effective Introduction

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Briefly describe your research

Describe the experimental design Describe how it accomplished the stated objectives. Should be written for a general readership

Formulation of Background of the Study

Chapter 1 Introduction (Background of the Study)

Background of the study in a research paper goes is a part of introductory chapter.

write about the background of the research (or topic) that helps you to explain why the research was either essential or accepted. may contain the general description, and may include the broader description of the topic. discuss the current setup/process of the selected client discuss the some of the problems encountered with present setup/process which headed you to formulate your statement of the problem

Formulation of Company Profile

Chapter 1 Introduction (Background of the Study)

In writing your company profile, you should include the following:

Brief history of the client Location Number of manpower Nature of the company

Avoid of writing long company profile. Dont write anything that is against the company.

Writing Statement of the Problem

Chapter 1 Introduction (Statement of the Problem)

Statement of the problem is a more specific description of the problem described in the introduction.
Problem description should include the scope of the problem and any outside elements that would affect the outcome of the problem. It contains the general problem as well as specific problems. Clear and precise statement of the problem to be addressed and the need for solution.

Use the statement of the problem to show that the proposed project is definitely needed.

Criteria of Formulating a Problem Statement

Chapter 1 Introduction (Statement of the Problem)

The following criteria should be considered in formulating the problem statement as suggested by Edralin (2000):
Research problem is written in question form; Research problem identifies a specific area; Topic is phrased in workable and manageable term; Scope is limited to realistic parameters that are neither too narrow nor too broad; Words used are balanced, objective, and not emotion-laden; Phrases or wordings are measureable and can be empirically proven; Research problem identifies the data and techniques needed to answer the questions; and Research problem is stated clearly in acceptable in grammatical terms.

Five Key Questions to Answer Your Problem Statement

Chapter 1 Introduction (Statement of the Problem)

Does your problem statement:

Demonstrate a exact understanding of the problem you are trying to solve? Clearly deliver the focus of your project early in the background of the study? Indicate the relationship of your project to a larger set of problems and justify why your particular focus has been selected? Demonstrate that your problem is feasible to solve? Make others want to read it further?

Stating the Significance of the Study

Chapter 1 Introduction (Scope and Limitation of the Study)

Should discuss the importance of the proposed research and its relevance. An explanation of who will benefit from the study and how they will benefit. Researchers should present why his/her study is value his/her time, effort, and expenses.

Stating the Significance of the Study

Chapter 1 Introduction (Scope and Limitation of the Study)

According to Edralin (2000), study-derived benefits that may contribute to all or any of the following:
Individuals Level
Researchers Students Employees

Organization Level
Schools Industries Associations

Others
Communities Government Consumers

Formulation of Objectives of the Study

Chapter 1 Introduction (Objective of the Study)

The statement of the problem should be followed by the objectives of the study.
General objectives. Provide a short statement of the development goal being pursued by the research. Specific objectives. These are operational in nature.

Objectives are written to clearly indicate the specific focus and purpose of the research study These are clear statements that describe intended outcomes (output). Strengthen goals and translate them into action.

Formulation of Objective of the Study

Chapter 1 Introduction (Objective of the Study)

A good objective emphasizes what will be done, whereas a method will explain why or how it will be done. Keep your objectives:
Specific - indicate precisely what you intend to change/do through your project Logical how each objective contributes systematically to achieving your overall goal

SMAAC Model of Writing Objective of the Study

Chapter 1 Introduction (Objective of the Study)

Specific are the objectives stated clearly and specifically, are they easily understood as to what is intended, and indicate what is to be achieved through the research study Measurable ensuring that the objectives can measure what has been intended through the research study. Can the stated objectives measure what the RESEARCHER claim? Achievable are the objectives realistic and can they be achieved? Can they actually achieve what it was originally intended? Accountable who is responsible to ensure that the objective is put into action and what specifically is being put into action? Compatible are the objectives in line with the purpose and focus of the research study?

A A C

Criteria of Formulating the Objective of the Study

Chapter 1 Introduction (Objective of the Study)

Project objectives must be stated in a declarative form. Specific variables to be investigated must be written clearly. Concepts to be studied must be measurable. The scope of the study must be attainable. Each statement is related to the main problem.

Research Methodology
Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

It gives the reader an insight on the methods and procedures of the research. It usually begins with a few short paragraphs that restate the purpose (objective) and the question (problem) of the research. This part of the research process particularly tells what the researchers/thesis-writers did and how did they do it.
Explanation of how data was collected/generated explanation of how data was analyzed explanation of methodological problems and their solutions or effects

Research Design
Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

Research Design provides the glue that holds the research project together.
A design is used to structure the research, to show how all of the major parts of the research project -the samples or groups, measures, treatments or programs, and methods of assignment -- work together to try to address the central research questions. Contains description of details such methods to be employed in collecting and analyzing data.

Parts of Research Design

Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

According to Lapis (2001), Research Design appears to be the overall plan, structure and strategy of how the research problem should be answered
STRATEGY STRUCTURE PLAN
Over-all scheme to be followed in conducting the research More specific outline of how the variables are operated Description of details such as methods to be employed in collecting and analyzing data

Types of Research Design

Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

There are three research methods usually used in design project:

Descriptive Research. (describe, analyze, explain, define, and illustrate the existing condition) Case Study Research. Emphasize detailed contextual analysis of a limited number of events or conditions and their relationships. Experimental Research (determine the effects, examine the differences, compare the results and analyze the influence)

Sample Size
Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

How to get the sample:

n = N (1 + Ne2) Where: n = sample N = population e = margin of error (0.01, 0.05, or 0.10)

Sampling Design
Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

PROBABILITY SAMPLING Simple Random. Selecting a sample size from a universe such that each member has an equal chance of being included Stratified. Selecting samples in such a way that the specific subgroups or strata will have sufficient number of representatives

Sampling Design
Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

Example (Stratified Random Sampling)

Respondents Students Instructors Administrators Total
  

Sub Population Size (Ni) 150 30 20 N=200

Percentage Distribution 75% 15% 10% 100%

Sample Size (ni) 99 20 13 n=132

For n1: f1 = N1/N = 150/200 = 0.75, n1 = f1 * n = 0.75 *132 = 99 For n2: f2 = N2/N = 30/200 = 0.15, n2 = f2 * n = 0.15 * 132 = 20 For n3: f3 = N3/N = 20/200 = 0.10, n3 = f3 * n = 0.10 * 132 = 13

Sampling Design
Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING Accidental. Information are collected from respondents who by chance are met by the researcher in the process of data gathering Purposive. Judgmental sampling using standard criteria Convenience. Allows the researcher to gather data from the respondents who are conveniently available to provide the necessary information

Sources of Data
Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

Primary and secondary materials are those information serving as proof/evidence of the study.
Data are either quantitative or qualitative, and written or unwritten It should be noted that the best sources of materials and data are those falling under the category of primary source.

Sources of Data Primary Data

Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

First hand information Usually the best and the purest Less chance of being contaminated
Experimentation/Observations Interviews Questionnaires Surveys

Interviewing is the most widely used technique in requirements engineering.

Sources of Data Secondary Data

Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

Second hand information Information supplied by the person who is not a direct observer or participant of the event/condition Data published or compiled by an individual or organization taken from primary source
Books Journals Magazines Previous theses/design projects Related written articles from various research institutions, libraries, and the Internet

Research Instruments
Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

These are materials and techniques that will appropriately measures the variable of the study There are three research instruments that can be used in design project such as:
Survey questionnaire (series of written questions prepared and calculated to solicit answers which will give the researchers the needed information about the problem/topic) Interview schedule (structured set of questions which are usually asked orally and recorded in writing by the interviewer) Interview guide (questions are directly asked by the researcher)

Data Gathering Procedures

Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

Common data collection methods Elauria (2000)

Observation/Experimental method Survey method Program and prototyping simulation method

What is Related Literature?

Related Literature

Provide among other things an opportunity for researchers to articulate what drew them to a project in the first place. Works you consulted in order to understand and investigate your research problem;
Not just a descriptive list of the material available, or a set of summaries.

What is Review of Literature?

Review of Related Literature

Account of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers; Allow you to:
explore, justify, question, and critique
research methodologies solution techniques problem-solving procedures overall conclusions

Is a Review of Literature is a Summary?

Review of Related Literature

Although you need to summarize relevant research, it is also vital that you evaluate this work, show the relationships between different work, and show how it relates to your work .
Language Center, Asian Institute of Technology

Organization of the Literature Review

Review of Related Literature

After you have read a few articles, patterns will begin to emerge, with general and specific topics. You may have planned for some of these topics, but others may appear as you read.

Organization of the Lit Review

Review of Related Literature

Organizing the Literature Search: The Tree Diagram

Review of Related Literature

subtopic

subtopic subtopic

subtopic subtopic subtopic

Topic

Why Do We Write Related of Literature?

Review of Related Literature

To identify gaps in the literature; To avoid reinventing the wheel; To carry on from where others have already reached; To identify other people working the same fields; To increase your breadth of knowledge of your subject area; To identify influential works in your area;

Why Do We Write Related of Literature?

Review of Related Literature

To provide the intellectual context for your own work, enabling you to position your project relative to other work; To identify opposing views; To put your work into perspective; To demonstrate that you can access previous work in an area; To identify information and ideas that may be relevant to your project; and To identify methods that could be relevant to your project.

What Should Be the Content of the Related of Literature?

Review of Related Literature

Accepted facts in the area Popular opinion Main variables Relationship between concepts and variables Shortcomings in the existing findings Limitations in the methods used in the existing findings Relevance of your research Suggestions for further research in the area.

Common Misconceptions in Writing a Related of Literature

Review of Related Literature

Literature review does not simply:

show that nothing has been written on the topic; show your awareness of the big names in the field; provide a summary of all the literature on the topic; introduce the reader to a pre-given field of research; occur at the beginning of the research process; occur once all relevant material has been searched and copied.

What Should You Do Before Writing the Literature of Review?

Review of Related Literature

Clarify
Roughly how many sources should you include? What types of sources (books, journal articles, websites)? Should you summarize, synthesize, or critique your sources by discussing a common theme or issue? Should you evaluate your sources? Should you provide subheadings and other background information, such as definitions and/or a history

Consider whether your sources are current

Some disciplines require that you use information that is as current as possible.

What Should You Do Before Writing the Literature of Review?

Review of Related Literature

Find models
Look for other literature reviews in your area of interest or in the discipline and read them to get a sense of the types of themes you might want to look for in your own research or ways to organize your final review.

Narrow your topic

Narrower your topic, the easier it will be to limit the number of sources you need to read in order to get a good survey of the material.

How Can I Write a Good Literature Review?

Review of Related Literature

Remember the purpose

Show why your research needs to be carried out, Show how you came to choose certain methodologies or theories to work with Show how your work adds to the research already carried out, etc.

How Can I Write a Good Literature Review?

Review of Related Literature

Read with a purpose

Summarize the your work you read but you must also decide which ideas or information are important to your research and which are less important and can be covered briefly or left out of your review. Look for the major concepts, conclusions, theories, arguments etc. that underlie the work Look for similarities and differences with closely related work.

How Can I Write a Good Literature Review?

Review of Related Literature

Write with a purpose

Evaluate and show relationships between the work already done and between this work and your own. Carefully plan how you are going to organize your work.

Basics of Good Writing

Review of Related Literature

Plan your writing Ignore the Language Write and rewrite Find Readers Keep writing

Steps in Developing a Review of Literature

Review of Related Literature

Identify Record Ensure Relevance Retrieve Review Write

Steps in Developing a Review of Literature - Identify

Review of Related Literature

Start by compiling a list of references; Keeping your topic and questions in mind then speak with your adviser and other staff and students working in a similar area and ask them what they consider to be key readings relating to your topic. Make an appointment with the liaison librarian and speak with them about the best retrieval systems and databases relating to your topic.

Steps in Developing a Review of Literature - Identify

Review of Related Literature

Use the library s search strategies on-line tutorial to focus on the appropriate keywords and data sources. Work through the key catalogues, databases, indexes, bibliographies and web-sites for relevant resources. Check the references used in the articles you read. Locate and use research

Steps in Developing a Review of Literature - Record

Review of Related Literature

Make a record of any literature that relates to your topic. Write a couple of sentences that will help us remember what the article is about. Reading log is great tool that has been found to be useful in this section.

Steps in Developing a Review of Literature - Ensure Relevance

Review of Related Literature

Identify and make a note of why it has a high, medium or low priority Develop the habit of screening the literature for relevance before downloading it Focus on the literature that have identified as being the most important, the key theories/research in your area, the most recent developments, and the most accessible

Steps in Developing a Review of Literature - Retrieve

Review of Related Literature

Make hard copies of the most important literature and work through this first. Most of the literature requires will be available through the other University libraries.

Steps in Developing a Review of Literature - Review

Review of Related Literature

Make up your own or use the reading log which allows you to record different kinds of information:
bibliographic details, description, relationship to other readings critical analysis, and questions that it raises in terms of your own research.

Steps in Developing a Review of Literature - Write

Review of Related Literature

The literature review has its own internal structure.

Introductory paragraph Discusses the literature in a logical and coherent way; and Concludes with a paragraph that relates the literature to the research project.

Remember to take by academic conventions.

Sources of Related Literature

Review of Related Literature

journal articles books conference proceedings government and corporate reports newspapers theses and dissertations Internet (electronic journals) CD-ROM magazines

What is Plagiarism?
Review of Related Literature

Using someone else's words, ideas or information without referencing them - in other words, presenting them as your own.
Any work that is not referenced is assumed to be yours, so ensure that this is true.

Serious academic offence and can result in penalties, including dismissal from the Institute. Use quotations and paraphrases with proper referencing.
When you are reading, keep careful notes of your sources, including
all the bibliographic information that you need to write a full reference for the sources.

What is Referencing?
Review of Related Literature

Also called citing or documenting your sources means systematically showing what information or ideas you are quoting or paraphrasing, and where they come from. Referencing systems vary between different fields of study and between different journals or publishers within a field of study

What Must I Reference?

Review of Related Literature

All work done by other researchers, and that you want to refer to in your own writing. Other writers' words

What Do I Not Need to Reference?

Review of Related Literature

General knowledge Information that is common knowledge in your field, and Ideas that are definitely your own, and findings or insights from your own research.

Definition of Terms
Chapter 1 Introduction (Research Methodology)

These identifies and defines relevant terms significant to the study for further understanding and interpretation. Major terms or variables in the study can be defined in two ways
Conceptual definition (explaining the concepts or variables based on available dictionaries, books, or manuals of the discipline) Operational definition (functional definition of the concept which involves the transformation of the abstract meaning of the term into observable and measureable data levels or components in the context of investigation, Edralin (2000))

Avoid multiple definitions of term

CHAPTER I - Introduction

QUESTIONS?

Thank You for Listening and Good Luck!