Formulating and Clarifying the Research Topic - Outline Example

Analysis and research methods Number: Lecturer: ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH METHODS FOR BUSINESS Chapter 2: Formulating and clarifying the Research Topic This chapter expects the researcher to generate ideas that will assist in identifying an appropriate topic for a research, attributes of the topic and transformation of the ideas into the mobile government project with objectives and questions. Ultimately it will help in drafting the project proposal. Choosing a mobile government topic could draw excitement in choice of something that develops ones interest in the study throughout the research process. The topic elicits an idea of what should be done by leaning on clarity and purpose hence forming the starting point of the research project. By identifying a topic as delivery of e-government and m-government services, it is possible to choose a good research strategy, data collection and analytical methods. Although it consumes lots of time, it is important as it renders the project a great success. Initial stages obviously involves coming up with ideas on e-government by undertaking a formulation and clarification exercise. The specific ideas are refined to make the work feasible. The ideas are then turned into research questions, objectives and eventual development of the entire project. Mobile technology taunted to radicalize the dispensation of government services in the sultanate of Oman. It is also expected to positively affect e-government service delivery as well. M-Government information has allowed effective service delivery in Oman. E-government and m-government services have been popularized especially in the third world countries as a way of advancement in technology. Many research studies have investigated how the government and the people of Sultanate of Oman are adopting m-government services. Indeed, existing literature has explored deeper into the popularity of m-government applications and services. This is as a result of the government effectiveness in provision of better and good services. However, there is little evidence on the government’s investment on the m-government through the exploration of feasibility and viability of mobile government in the sultanate of Oman, to find out if there is need to comprehend the underlying concepts, mobile computing and mobile governance and determine its impact on Oman government. This is the quest by government of the sultanate of Oman to increase productivity, efficiency and improve effectiveness. M-government entails a strategy and carrying out of government services via a mobile mode to its users who happen to be citizens and government civil servants. This will have a great advantage of enabling users obtain services at their convenience, anytime and anywhere. Employing m-government is crucial in the use of new technology through tailor made services and content delivery. The project will be keen in seeking for a more convenient access and availability. Besides, it will look into the accurateness and personalization in identifying users and content. The power of reach will also be important in reaching many people including those who have no training or experience in the use of technology like computers and internet yet commonly use the mobile primarily for voice communication. Attributes of a good Research Topic The study of e-government and m-government should meet the examining body requirements and it should be at the correct level. This is differentiated by the universities requirements that students collect own data as part of research or to base their data on already collected information. The assessment criteria for the project should be within the subject matter of the course and thus the choice of the topic meets these criteria. In addition, the topic of research on m-government and e-government is capable of being undertaken and exciting. Capability can be developed at personal level as it is comfortable and skills enhancing. The skills likely to be acquired are the foreign language in this case English and genuine interest in the topic. Financial and time resources will affect this research as it requires wide travels and meetings. Capability enables access to data to be collected more easily and be linked to theory through having knowledge on literature and gaining confidence in generating questions and ideas are the most important attributes of a research. Questions and objectives asked relate to the ideas and develop a topic with symmetry of potential outcomes meaning values should give similarity and great importance. Career goals enable one to become an expert in the subject area or industry, hence an opportunity to develop this immense expertise. Application of attributes is therefore based on topic and reasons for the undertaking and should be checked against the summary checklist. Generating and refining ideas of Research A range of techniques are available for finding and selection of topic for researchers without initial research idea. They can be brainstormed through rational and critical thinking as they ensure that the researchers head and heart are in the project. Variety of technique application are advisable since they will help develop into the outcomes as one or more probable project ideas and panic arising from lack of topical interest. Examining of own strengths and interests provides enthusiasm to searching, reading and focusing more on ideas to conduct the research. Having the research topic helps during interview sessions. There is need to look at past project titles on m-government as it is a useful way of generating ideas, creating interest and providing fresh insights. This is possible through scanning projects in the library though most may not give the quality and analyses required. Colleagues, tutors and friends, practitioners and professionals will help to generate project ideas and create a pleasant discussion. Note taking will help in documentation and remembrance of the ideas and discussion proceedings. Searching the Literature These include searching for articles in academic and professional journals, report and books. Academic review articles are important as they contain state of knowledge and pointers towards areas of further research. It is good to browse for recent publications as they are up to date and contain useful current recommendations. Books may not be up to date but have good overview of all the research undertaken. Preliminary search for publications involves examining lecture notes and course textbooks by noting interesting subjects and relevant authors. Articles and reports help to point out unfounded assertions and statements when the research is absent. In addition, it is important to scan the media for rich source of ideas mainly stories located in the central story. A note book of ideas simply sparks off thoughts and applies rational thinking techniques. Exploring project ideas can be done by using past project reports from the institution. Other ways to generate ideas are by using relevance trees and brainstorming. Refining research involves using the Delphi technique of people interested in a research idea by choosing specific research ideas. It is also advisable to undertake a preliminary study to cover issue like news items, techniques re-visit and understanding of the research host. Integrate ideas from the techniques to project a clear direction and eliminate mismatch. Refining ideas given by an employing organization requires isolation of elements in large organization and considering as course projects. Turning research ideas into Projects It is now important to turn the research ideas into projects through writing research questions, having a set of clear conclusions and clarity of initial research. The research questions should be consistent with the standards expected. The questions asked should not be difficult, too big, too small, too ‘hot’ but just right. It might be useful to have a starting point in writing research questions by starting with a general focus research question emanating from the research idea. Consulting a tutor helps prevent pitfalls and demystify the research questions. Research objectives begin with general focus questions then detailed research questions in the form of research objectives. The objectives are operationalized to match the topic by introducing explicit effectiveness criteria. Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic and time bound. The objectives in this case are Identifying and comparing national mobile projects and evaluating the levels of efficacy and overall outcome are also important. This concept can help develop a model based on such analysis in tandem with the needs and opportunities present in the case of Oman government and outline the challenges to mobile governances. In effect it will identify success factors of mobile government and provide solutions that can address each of them. Government leadership may have complexities owing to its unique features necessitating more studies in these areas likely to address the impact of mobile technology. Theory in Research Theory helps in decision making of which research design to use in advancing the research in m-government. Good theory must guarantee plausibility and coherence of relationships. Intelligence gathering goes beyond to explain phenomena, analyze relationships, compare settings, predict outcomes and generalize theoretical levels. Writing the Research Proposal This part should entail organizing ones ideas, convincing the audience, making a contract with the ‘client-Information Technology Authority’ in the case of mobile government in Oman. Acceptance of the project proposal by the client is a sum of an existence of the contract. The content of the research should contain; title, background, research questions and objectives, methodology, timescale, resources and references. The criteria for evaluating research proposals is the extent to which the components of the proposal fit among each other, viability of proposal and absence of preconceived ideas. A summary should be given to contain briefs on the process of formulating and clarifying research topic, attributes of research, refining research ideas and integrating with techniques. Chapter 4: Understanding Research Philosophies and Approaches The research approaches will involve use of a theory which may or may not be explicit to design. M-government research uses inductive approach of collecting data and developing a theory as a consequence of data analysis. Inductive theory gets a feel of what is going on so as to understand the nature of the problem better. The research will be particular to contexts in which events are taking place. Study of large sample of subject in mobile government is possible with an inductive approach. It helps to re-organize the research strategies and choices. In addition, it enables adaptation of research design that caters for the constraints like limited data access and lack of prior subject knowledge. Combining research approaches considers practical criteria of existing literature is more appropriate through induction by idea generation, analysis and reflecting on theoretical themes. Induction has the fear of emergence of non-useful data patterns and theory. Audience may not be familiar with induction and summing decisions on the research approach. The summary part assesses research philosophy in development of knowledge, assumptions, and major ways of thinking about research philosophy, pragmatism and ontology. Dissertation Study Plan No. Activity Research materials Date Remarks 1. Formulation and topic clarification Lecturer guidance Brainstorming with colleagues 1st June 2012 to 15th June 2012 Seek more advice from lecturers and peers 2. Critical review of literature Books, articles, and reports on mobile government Review of details by research methods lecturer 15th June 22nd June 2012 Perform literature scanning and browsing 3. Drafting research philosophies and ethics Relevant Books and articles Review with tutor 23rd June 2012 to 29th June 2012 Adopt inductive and ethical approach to the study 4. Selection of samples Identifying sample methods 30th June 2012 to 10th July 2012 Sampling procedures to be used as cluster and strata samples 5. Collecting data Issue of questionnaires, interview schedules 10th July 2012 to 31st July 2012 Administer sheets, fill and collect 6. Analyzing data Use of the SPSS software version 17.0 1st August 2012 to 10th August 2012 Generate tables, figures, correlations 7. Finalizing the project report Review with lecturer on the draft reports 11th August 2012 27th August 2012 Adding the in-text citations, grammar, references, appendices 8. Presenting the project report PowerPoint presentations and complete reports 31st August 2012 Final presentation of the project for acceptance. References Saunders, M, Lewis, P & Thornhill, A 2009, Research methods for business students, Pearson Educational Limited, Essex. Read More