Discuss how a “Hypothesis” may be used when planning “Quantitative” field research (after conducting a literature review into a subject area) – include examples concerning IoT based HA systems

MSc Engineering Management (Online)

MSc Engineering Operations Management (online) MSc in Advanced Manufacturing Systems 

MSc in Advanced Manufacturing Systems and Technologies (online)

Learning Outcomes to be demonstrated through this course work:

• Independently conduct customer, operational or end user value analysis [in Part 1].
• Conduct a critical appraisal of user- centred research [in Part 2].
• Prepare research proposals for process and systems innovation and evaluate critically [in Part 3].
• Evaluate the approaches to researching user service experiences and visualise the findings [in Part 1].
• Analyse user requirements and recognise the importance of supporting diversity and inclusion [in Part 2].
• Take the initiative to utilise ethical approaches to process development [in Part 3].

Assessment:

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 controlling home appliances to reduce energy usage (and costs) using an IoT based home automation (HA) system (which comprises a network of household devices connected to the Internet that allows users to manage household appliances remotely). The second part concerns a review of appropriate research approaches amongst stakeholders of IoT based HA systems (with a focus on reducing energy usage). 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.

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 of 2,500 words maximum (excluding tables). Also 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. In this assessment, the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is only permitted as far as the preparation for this course work and not for creation of the written material. Presenting AI-generated text or images as your own work constitutes a form of plagiarism. You, therefore, must acknowledge and describe how you have used AI in your work. This should be in an included “Acknowledgement Section”.

You must also familiarise yourself with the University’s policy on Using AI in your studies. The submitted assignment will be assessed by an AI detection software package. Any unacknowledged use of AI identified will be further investigated, and consequences might ensue.

Marking criteria: attached (Annex I)

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 IoT based HA systems (with a focus on reducing energy usage) 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 IoT based HA systems (with a focus on reducing energy usage) – 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 stakeholders of IoT based HA systems (with a focus on reducing energy usage).

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 IoT based HA systems (with a focus on reducing energy usage) that are self-learning?

Note: include mention of diversity and inclusion in your discussion.

The Research Wheel

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.

Prepare a detailed research proposal that addresses the following:

Background

A paragraph introducing the general area of the project.

A couple of paragraphs discussing previous work in the field; be sure to reference previous academic research papers.

A final paragraph explaining a problem that arises from the discussion of previous research - this should be the research question(s) that your project will address.

Aims and objectives

Explain the project and the specific goals you want to achieve. You should state your objectives in such a way that, when achieved, they will demonstrate successful completion of the overall project goal.

Tip: The topic should be feasible, i.e., you should have no difficulty obtaining the necessary data and be able to complete it in the allotted time.

Preliminary Review of the literature

This section in the proposal - as well as the corresponding part of your final project is of vital importance:

The relevant literature review will help you:

-Explore your topic.

-Understand the significance of studies already conducted in the field.

-Reflect on the current state of research and evidence.

-Identify gaps in the literature and neglected areas.

Your task is to summarise/synthesise the different views /findings of other researchers.

Project Methodology

Here you explain and justify the process you will use to address your topic and answer your research question. This includes the collection of data and some form of interaction with potential participants (e.g., interviews, surveys, case studies, observations), the analysis of which will provide the answer to your research question.

The method may involve analysis of quantitative or qualitative data.

Note: include mention of ethical aspects in your research design.

For your study, you will need to describe the accessibility of the data you intend to collect and the techniques you will use to collect and analyse the data (quantitatively or qualitatively). 

References

Reflect on at least 15 scholarly references relevant to your research project, using Harvard style. Please use as many different journals as possible.

Appendix

Note that although it is not part of the marking criteria for this coursework you are advised to prepare a diagrammatic work plan to use to help you plan your research project within the time allocated. You can adapt the table below to show your own plan; it is fine if you wish to use project planning software to develop your plan; however, you must produce a version which can be inserted into your Word file in an Appendix:

 = Milestone

= Key task

Submission deadline: 11:59 am UK time Thursday, 1^st May 2025

Submission Method: via the WISEflow platform

Late submission rules: as per the University’s policy Relevant Programme regulation: Senate Regulations 3 Provision of formative assessment: Not applicable.

Marking criteria: attached (Annex I) 

Provisional Grade Release: 29^th May 2025

** All submissions will be electronically checked for plagiarism. **

It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the University regulations related to academic misconduct (e.g. plagiarism, collusion). For further information please refer to: Senate Regulation 6 – Student Conduct (Academic and Non-Academic)