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As a researcher it is essential to understand where quantitative/qualitative research fits within
the wider context/structure of the research process – this is the focus of Part 1 for the example
of Smart Doorbells (where motion detectors detect visitors and provide users a real-time
notification via their mobile phone and also remote access to video). The second part concerns
a review of appropriate research approaches amongst stakeholders of Smart Doorbells. The
third part concerns formulation of a research problem and developing a proposal for
researching your chosen topic on behalf of an engineering firm.
Note that this assignment involves identifying a suitable topic to research that may be studied
during the Research Project module.
Learning Outcomes to be demonstrated through this course work:
1. Independently conduct customer, operational or end user value analysis [in Part 1].
2. Conduct a critical appraisal of user- centred research [in Part 2].
3. Prepare research proposals for process and systems innovation and evaluate critically [in
Part 3].
4. Evaluate the approaches to researching user service experiences and visualise the findings
[in Part 1].
5. Analyse user requirements and recognise the importance of supporting diversity and
inclusion [in Part 2].
6. Take the initiative to utilise ethical approaches to process development [in Part 3].
*Please ensure to give yourself
enough time to submit before the deadline
1
Prepare a formal written report:
Prepare a Word document with a Title page and write formally (i.e. avoid use of “I” or casual terms).
Parts 1 to 3 to total 2,500 words maximum (excluding tables). Followed by References (essential)
and Appendices (if needed). Minimum 12 point font for text.
Prepare an individual assignment (no shared work). Full references and sources of all materials
must be stated. To assist you with your coursework preparation please refer to the Marking
Guidelines provided on the final page.
Part 1. Understanding the Research Context (30% of assignment marks)
a) Discuss how a “Hypothesis” may be used when planning “Quantitative” field research (after
conducting a literature review into a subject area) – include examples concerning Smart Doorbell
systems (to secure home access) in terms of their value to an organisation or to end users.
b) Examine the benefits of ‘Qualitative’ research approaches compared to ‘Quantitative’ research
methods for researching the effectiveness of innovative systems specifically Smart Doorbells –
include discussion of how thematic analysis can aid in presenting the findings of a research study.
Note: utilise Course materials and wider reading (from academic sources) to discuss potential
research methods that may be used by engineering firms and their management.
Part 2. Research Approaches (30% of assignment marks)
a) A Designer who specialises in user-centred research utilises ‘Inductive’ research approaches
(as shown in the figure of the Research Wheel below) – discuss this research approach. Review
and assess ways of conducting research amongst Smart Doorbell stakeholders.
b) Distinguish between ‘Inductive’ and ‘Deductive’ research approaches (as shown in the figure
below) – which would you recommend for researching the different market applications/
segments for next-generation Smart Doorbell systems which utilise facial recognition?
Note: include mention of diversity and inclusion in your discussion.
The Research Wheel
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Part 3. Research Proposal (40% of assignment marks)
Preparation: Identify a potential research area for an engineering firm within which there are
particular issues to examine. You should select one that may be studied during the Research
Project module and must align with your MSc programme (for example, if you are studying MSc
Engineering Management then your project should fit within this area and address a management
aspect on behalf of an engineering firm). Prepare a couple of sentences that explain your
proposed research “focus” by means of a problem formulation and explain why this issue is worthy
of research investigation (maximum 500 words) – you are advised to e-mail this to your allocated
tutor to check the proposed project is appropriate before preparing your research proposal.