IT2033

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

INTRODUCTION
Research is a process of planning, acquiring, analyzing, and disseminating relevant data, information, and
insights to decision-makers in ways that mobilize the organization to take appropriate actions that, in turn,
maximize performance (Cooper & Schindler, 2014).

Computer Science is the study and development of the protocols required for automated processing and
manipulation of data. For example, it includes creating algorithms for efficiently searching large volumes of
information or encrypting data so that it can be stored and transmitted securely (Nature Research, n.d.). As a
research discipline, computer science is a field profoundly rooted in mathematics, which are anchored to strong
theories, such as database theories, computational complexity theories, and engineering theories.

Possible areas of research:

• Cloud Computing • Assistive Technologies
• Cyber Security • Data Science
• Databases and Data Mining • Wireless Networking and Security
• Multimedia Systems and Applications • Human-Computer Interaction

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
The research methods course recognizes that students preparing to manage any function—regardless of the
setting—need training in a disciplined process for conducting an inquiry of a management dilemma, the problem
or opportunity that requires a management decision. Several factors should stimulate your interest in studying
research methods (Cooper & Schindler, 2014):

• Information overload: Although the Internet and its search engines present extensive amounts of
information, the information's quality and credibility must be continuously evaluated. The ubiquitous access
to information has brought about the development of knowledge communities and the need for
organizations to leverage this knowledge universe for innovation—or risk merely drowning in data.
• Shifting global centers of economic activity and competition: The shift increases the value of research
designs that can accommodate different norms, values, technologies, and languages. Some in the research
industry believe innovation in research methodology will come from the developing world, not the developed
economies, as countries in the developing world are already embracing mobile/social research
methodologies to a greater degree.
• Increasingly critical scrutiny of big business: The availability of information has made it possible for all
stakeholders to demand inclusion in company decision making, particularly those in the field of information
and communications industry.
• Battle for analytical content: Companies and organizations face progressively complex decisions,
applying mathematical models to extract meaningful knowledge from volumes of data and using highly
sophisticated software to run their organizations. The shift to knowledge-intensive industries puts greater
demand on a scarcity of well-trained talent with advanced analytical skills. With its infusion of new talent
sources, the integration of global labor markets is only a partial answer. Many believe the value of research
may no longer be in collecting data but rather focusing on context, implications, and outcomes. Data
collection and even some major elements of analysis may become the future domain of technologists and
data scientists. Researchers will be forced to offer new value based on strategic consulting principles as
data collection becomes more of a commodity.

This is where Big Data comes in. Big data is a combination of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured
data collected by organizations that can be mined for information and used in machine learning projects,
predictive modeling, and other advanced analytics applications. Companies use the big data accumulated
in their systems to improve operations, provide better service, create personalized marketing campaigns
based on specific user preferences, and, ultimately, increase profitability. Companies and organizations
that utilize big data hold a potential competitive advantage over those that don't since they can make faster
and more informed business decisions, provided they use the data effectively. (Rouse, 2019). Historical
and real-time data can be used to assess the evolving preferences of end-users, consequently enabling
 IT2033

companies and organizations to update and improve their strategies and become more responsive to the
end-users' desires and needs (Rouse, 2019).

A research topic must be something the author can undertake and one that excites his/her imagination.
Capability can be considered in a variety of ways. On a personal level, you need to feel comfortable that you
have or can develop the skills required to research the topic. The author's ability to find suitable resources to
research the topic will also affect his/her capability, given that there are topics that are unlikely to be possible to
complete in the time allowed by the course of study. Capability also means s/he must be reasonably certain of
gaining access to any data or information you might need to collect.

The technological issues within research are commonly linked to some existing technological theory. Initially, a
theory may be based just on the reading undertaken as part of the study to date. However, as part of your
assessment criteria, you are almost certain to be asked to set your topic in context. Consequently, you will need
to have knowledge of the literature and undertake further reading as part of defining your research question(s),
aim, and objectives.

Most project tutors will argue that one of the attributes of a good topic is a clearly defined research question(s),
aim, and objectives. These will, along with a good knowledge of the literature, enable you to assess the extent
to which your research is likely to provide new insights into the topic. Many students believe this is going to be
difficult. Fortunately, there are numerous ways in which such insight can be defined as new.

If you have already been given a research idea (perhaps by an organization), you will need to ensure that your
question(s), aim, and objectives relate clearly to the idea. It is also important that your topic will have symmetry
of potential outcomes: that is, your results will be of similar value whatever you find out. Without this symmetry,
you may spend a considerable amount of time researching your topic, only to find an answer of little importance.
Whatever the outcome, you need to ensure you have the scope to write an interesting project report.

Finally, it may be important to consider your future aspirations. If you wish to obtain employment or pursue a
career in a particular subject area, it is sensible to use this opportunity to start to develop some expertise in it.
It is almost inevitable that the extent to which these attributes apply to your research topic will depend on your
topic and why you are undertaking the research. However, most will apply. For this reason, you must check and
continue to check any potential research topic against the list of points below.

Attributes of a good research topic:

• Capability: Is it feasible?
o Is the topic something with which you are fascinated?
o Do you have, or can you develop within the project time frame, the necessary research skills to
undertake the topic?
o Is the research topic achievable within the available time?
o Will the topic still be current when you finish your project?
o Is the topic achievable within the resources that are likely to be available?
o Are you reasonably certain of gaining access to data you are likely to require for this topic?
• Appropriateness: Is it worthwhile?
o Does the topic for the specifications and meet the standards set by the examining institution?
o Does your topic contain issues that have a clear link to a theory?
o Are you able to state your research question(s), aim, and objectives?
o Will your proposed research be able to provide fresh insights into this topic?
o Does your topic relate clearly to the idea you have been given (perhaps by an organization?)
o Are the findings for this topic likely to be symmetrical: that is, of similar value whatever the outcome?

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Researchers usually treat the research study as a sequential process involving several clearly defined steps.
Figure 1 models the general sequence of the research process. No one claims that research requires the
completion of each step before going to the next. Recycling, circumventing, and skipping occur. Some steps
are begun out of sequence, some are carried out simultaneously, and some may be omitted. Despite these
variations, the idea of a sequence is useful for developing a research project and keeping it orderly as it unfolds

01 Handout 1 *Property of STI

 [email protected] Page 2 of 4
 IT2033

(Cooper & Schindler, 2014). You will notice that the top of the model is devoted to understanding the
predicament of the management or of the organization since this triggers the need to conduct research (Cooper
& Schindler, 2014).

Figure 1. The Research Process

Source: Business Research Methods (12th Ed.), 2014, p.14.

RESEARCH ETHICS AND INTEGRITY

Ethics is a system of moral principles that governs a person's behavior and decisions. It is composed of what is
good for the people and the society. On the other hand, integrity pertains to the quality of being honest and
having strong moral principles. According to the University of Edinburgh, ethics and integrity guide researchers
to perform the highest standards of practices, produce high-quality output with the possibility of advancement,
and lower the risk of adverse results towards any environment.

01 Handout 1 *Property of STI

 [email protected] Page 3 of 4
 IT2033

Ethical research conduct implies the application of fundamental ethical principles and legislation to all possible
domains of research. Good research practices are then anchored on these fundamental ethical principles, which
also encompass integrity. Research integrity directs researchers in their work and their engagement with the
practical, ethical, and intellectual challenges inherent in research (PERFORM, n.d.).

The following are some ethical principles in conducting research:

• The research must be conducted honestly.
• The research must not support or instigate any inappropriate action.
• The researchers must guarantee that the conclusions are reliable and accurate.
• The researchers must protect the confidentiality of all sensitive data and/or information collected during
research.
• The researchers must ensure that all important research areas are thoroughly investigated using the most
appropriate method possible.
• The researchers must have a clear set of objectives to avoid conflict of interest along the research process.

Even though integrity is widely considered an essential aspect of research, there is an ongoing debate on what
constitutes research integrity. The understanding of integrity ranges from the minimal, which only considers
falsification, fabrication, and plagiarism, to the maximum, which blends integrity into science ethics. However,
underlying this obvious range, there are more subtle differences that are not as immediately evident. There are
diverging notions of integrity as an individual or as an institutional responsibility or integrity as adherence to a
clear set of norms versus an aspiration to an unobtainable ideal (Horbach & Halffman, 2017).

_______________________________________________________________________________________
REFERENCES
Bordens, K. S., & Abbott, B. B. (2017). Research Design and Methods: A Process Approach (10th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Computer Science. (n.d.). In Nature Research. Retrieved January 20, 2021, from https://www.nature.com/subjects/computer-science
Cooper, D. R., & Schindler, P. S. (2014). Business Research Methods (12th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Gray, D. E. (2017). Doing Research in the Business World. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Horbach, S. & Halffman, W. (2017). Promoting Virtue or Punishing Fraud: Mapping Contrasts in the Language of "Scientific Integrity."
Retrieved January 21, 2021, from http://www.perform-research.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/19005_PERFORM_A4-
document_01.9_BW_Research-Ethics-and-Integrity.pdf
Research Ethics and Integrity. (n.d.). In Creative Commons by PERFORM. Retrieved January 20, 2021, from http://www.perform-
research.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/19005_PERFORM_A4-document_01.9_BW_Research-Ethics-and-Integrity.pdf
Research Ethics and Integrity. (n.d.). In The University of Edinburgh. Retrieved January 21, 2021, from
https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/research_ethics_and_integrity_awareness.pdf
Rouse, M. (2019, October 25). What is Big Data and Why is it Important?. Retrieved April 15, 2020, from
https://searchdatamanagement.techtarget.com/definition/big-data
What is a Decision Maker in a Company? (2017, October 16). Retrieved May 11, 2020, from https://www.tenfold.com/sales-
coaching/decision-maker-company/

01 Handout 1 *Property of STI

 [email protected] Page 4 of 4