Engineering Research Methods. Research Proposal, Structure of a Paper, Data Collection and Analysis

Libro Especializado , 2023 , 110 Páginas

Ingeniería - General

"Engineering Research Methods" is a text book intended for students and instructors in University or higher education for postgraduate students undertaking Engineering and related applied Sciences. Some of the fields which this text is relevant include Agricultural Engineering, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Hydraulics Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Other related Physical and Applied Sciences Field may include General Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Extension, Horticulture sciences

The content of this text book has been presented in a coherent style, arranged in logical sequence that adheres to University and higher education curriculum as it is customized to the postgraduate research that take place in Engineering and Applied Sciences. This makes the book suitable for every postgraduate student. For proper illustrations, some examples have been quoted especially in research problem and research objectives to help postgraduate researchers to grasp knowledge and skills on research problem identification. Each chapter is well formulated with relevant diagrams and illustration for the readers to easily comprehend the details presented. For the purpose of improvement, any criticism from students, trainers and practitioners will be thankfully received by the author.

Table of content

CHAPTER 1 Research in Engineering
1.1 Importance of Engineering Research
1.2 Introduction to research
1.3 Sources of knowledge in Engineering Research
1.4 Purpose of Engineering Research
1.5 Advantages of Engineering Research
1.6 Key Steps in Engineering Research
1.6.1 Concept of Engineering Research
1.7 Engineering research for sustainable development

CHAPTER 2 Developing a Research Proposal
2.1 Structure of the research proposal
2.2 Desirable qualities of a good researcher

CHAPTER 3 Background Information
3.1 Description of background Information
3.2 How to write the background information
3.3 Structure of the background of the Study

CHAPTER 4 Problem Identification
4.1 What is research problem?
4.2 Purpose and sources of a research problem
4.3 Categories of research problems
4.4 Basic characteristics of Statement of the problem
4.5 Development of a desirable ‘statement of the problem’

CHAPTER 5 Objectives and Research Questions
5.1 Description of research objectives
5.2 Characteristics of research objectives
5.3 Need of research objective
5.4 Criteria for setting out research objectives
5.5 Research Questions

CHAPTER 6 Literature Review
6.1 Understanding literature review
6.2 Importance of literature review
6.3 Development of literature review
6.4 Qualities of desirable literature review
6.5 Referencing in literature review

Research Methods
7.1 Organization of research methods
7.2 Research involving Engineering designs
7.3 Quantitative research
7.4 Types of quantitative research design
7.5 Principles of experimental designs
7.6 Qualitative research
7.7 Model calibration and validation
7.8 Sensitivity analysis
7.9 Methods of data analysis

CHAPTER 8 Expected Results and Outcomes
8.1 Expected results
8.2 Expected outcomes

CHAPTER 9 Data Collection and Analysis
9.1 Description of data collection
9.2 Types of data
9.3 Primary data collection
9.4 Secondary Data collection
9.5 Selected methods for Engineering Research
9.6 Types of Data Analysis

CHAPTER 10 Optimization Techniques
10.3 Constrained Verses unconstrained optimization
10.3 Differential Calculus
10.4 Partial Derivatives
10.5 Lagrangian multiplier techniques

CHAPTER 11 Formulation of Work plan
11.1 Work schedule
11.2 The Gantt chart

CHAPTER 12 Project Proposal Budgeting
12.1 Research Project proposal budgeting
12.2 Importance of budgeting
12.3 Contents of a Budget for Proposal
12.4 Desirable budgeting for Engineering Research

Concluding Sections of Thesis
13.1 Results and Discussions
13.2 Results
13.3 The link between Results, discussion and literature review
13.4 Organization of the results and discussions
13.5 Conclusion and Recommendations
13.6 Conclusion
13.7 Checklist for a desirable Conclusion
13.8 Some guidelines for a desiarble conclusion
13.9 Recommendations for further research
13.10 Recommendations for Policy
13.11 Dissemination and Publications
13.12 How to Publish Research Findings from Thesis
13.13 Benefits of publishing Research Findings
13.14 Key steps in publishing Research Findings

References

Acknowledgement

My sincere appreciation goes to the following people;

To my wife, Theresa Monthe, who has always made valuable contribution for development of this book. My writing has been successful because she has been part of my life.

To my students I have taught over the years specifically in the fields of Agricultural Engineering, Water and Environmental Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, General Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Extension. Through their participation, the above students have assisted me to improve some sections of the book to be more relevant to University learning and training environment.

During my academic career I have received assistance and words of encouragement from my lecturers, mentors and colleagues, I express my deep gratitude to them.

‘Engineering Research Methods’ is part of my personal interest to continue writing and publishing textbooks for sharing, dissemination of knowledge and skills in Engineering research to members of University fraternity. The text book is specifically customized to Engineering and Applied Sciences research. It has taken time to come up with a valuable content of the textbook that give reliable materials in research proposal conceptualization, development implementation and writing of thesis. It is my hope this ‘Engineering Research Methods’ text book is useful to those who are developing their research proposals and thesis at postgraduate (Masters and Doctoral Degrees) levels.

Raphael Muli Wambua

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to students in postgraduate level who may use this text to gain practical skills and theoretical principles of Research Methods and in addition take a step in applying it Engineering Research; and

Instructors in higher education that find it useful in guiding and teaching at the institutions of higher learning; and

This book is also dedicated to relevant professionals and field officers who may want to apply research methods for purpose research proposal development and implementation.

Preface

‘Engineering Research Methods’ is a text book intended for students and instructors in University or higher education for postgraduate students undertaking Engineering and related applied Sciences. Some of the fields which this text is relevant include Agricultural Engineering, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Hydraulics Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Other related Physical and Applied Sciences Field may include General Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Extension, Horticulture sciences

The content of this text book has been presented in a coherent style, arranged in logical sequence that adheres to University and higher education curriculum as it is customized to the postgraduate research that take place in Engineering and Applied Sciences. This makes the book suitable for every postgraduate student. For proper illustrations, some examples have been quoted especially in research problem and research objectives to help postgraduate researchers to grasp knowledge and skills on research problem identification. Each chapter is well formulated with relevant diagrams and illustration for the readers to easily comprehend the details presented. For the purpose of improvement, any criticism from students, trainers and practitioners will be thankfully received by the author.

Raphael M. Wambua

CHAPTER 1Research in Engineering

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1.1 Importance of Engineering Research

1.2 Introduction to research

Generally, doing research means conducting systematic method involving conceptualizing and explicitly defining a problem, formulating research questions or hypothesis, acquiring data or information, analyzing the data and making inferences that culminate to conclusions that may be in form of solutions to the original problems.

Engineering research is crucial since it offers solutions to challenges or problems affecting mankind. Generally this research entail application of mathematical and scientific principles for improvement of existing engineering systems as well as creation of new ones. In this regard, scientific research and method involves conducting experiments, measurements, computations, development of theories and modelling. Engineering research is based on relevant specific scientific methods employed in practical application of science on natural resources, artificial products, infrastructure, technical and social services.

The focus of an engineering research on services and processes is usually to come up with a new way to perform, execute, and conduct work efficiently. It is through innovations, creativity, and application of engineering knowledge that make things to happen. Majority of present services in the world, products or processes have an element of engineering involved. Engineering research may be applied in concept conceptualization, design and development that pave way for a long full filling and healthy lives of mankind. By applying engineering resources, engineering research methods, research engineers formulate and develop solutions to the world challenges.

1.3 Sources of knowledge in Engineering Research

There are a number of recognized sources of engineering knowledge that may be inter-connected in one way or the other. These sources may be linked together using a continuous circular line, and is illustrated in Figure 1.1 and explained in the subsequent parts (i) to (ix):

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Figure 1.1. Inter-connected sources of knowledge in engineering research

(i) Knowledge from technology: This is knowledge gained from the design, use or application of certain technologies.
(ii) Tenacity: The knowledge gained by tenacity means gaining some ideas and beliefs because they have previously been accepted as facts for a long time by communities. Thus, the knowledge by tenacity is based on people’s habits of continuous knowledge transfer and belief.
(iii) Rationalism: The view and philosophy that knowledge is from reason and logic. This recognizes the fact that knowledge and truth is gained through a structured logic that must be reasoned out.
(iv) Empiricism: This is often used by natural scientists, whose meaning is “knowledge is based on experience". This knowledge is said to be ‘tentative and probabilistic’, and is subject to continuous revision. Empirical research, including experiments and validation of the findings, measurement tools, guidelines and the scientific methods
(v) Experience: Knowledge is gained through certain practices in life for instance a farmer, after growing a particular crop for many years under different systems of irrigation, may draw a conclusion that the crop does best when a sprinkler irrigation is used. This conclusion is developed based on the fact that yields per unit area and its quality are higher for the crop grown under the sprinkler irrigation system compared to other systems of irrigation.
(vi) Tradition: This source of knowledge is acquired through inherited culture and practices. Culture is a system adopted of rules, norms, standards and values of how things should be done. Through socialization and dissemination of cultural knowledge in society, passing this knowledge to new generation is mainly done by parents, peers, adults, teachers and the clergy and is considered to represent truth in knowledge acceptable to the beliefs.
(vii) Intuition: Intuition refers to the perception or insight into phenomena by instinct. It is the ability to gain new knowledge without rational process.
(viii) Professionals and persons in authority: This is knowledge from an expert or skilled person in a specialized area giving an opinion on a certain issue. The people’s belief on this matter depend on the position of the person giving the opinion. For instance, people may accept the fact that scheduled regular servicing of a certain machine improves its efficiency if the information is from an engineer rather than an accountant.
(ix) Science or Research: This is the most reliable and accurate source of knowledge. It is considered to be an objective exploration that involves systematic procedures of investigation that yield conclusions of new knowledge.

1.4 Purpose of Engineering Research

Research is an investigation that is really involving, takes a lot of resources such as time and energy, materials and facilities. It is not an easy task to undertake. So why conduct research?. There are a number of reasons of conducting research that are beneficial to humankind. These are briefly described below.

(i) The main purpose of research is to discover new knowledge . This involves detection of new facts, their correct interpretation and practical applications. Research seeks demonstrable truth, making it the most efficient, reliable and accurate source of information.
(ii) To create new products , processes that are more efficient: Human population require certain products that are of better quality than the existing ones. Thus research helps to develop and create better products for improved livelihoods. Certain process that are used by people may be cumbersome, time consuming and produce poor quality products and results. Research helps to improve the current processes for the better.
(iii) To develop new methods of measurements: New techniques for instance to measure certain quantities are required which are usually developed via research where efficiency of new methods are tested and improved.
(iv) To describe a phenomenon. Accurate identification of an event involves thorough description in terms of its characteristics; process, colour, shape, size, weight, age, change over time. These aspects are best explained after they are investigated in a systematic manner.
(v) To aid in prediction : Prediction is the ability to estimate values or levels of a given phenomenon or variable(s) using another known phenomenon or set of variables.
(vi) To enable control. Control is concerned with the ability to regulate the variables under study, the objective for which many scientific and applied research and experimentations are designed to achieve. The researcher manipulates one or more variables to estimate its impact on other variables.
(vii) To support explanation of phenomena: Explanation of a phenomenon deals with description of its variables, characteristics, prediction of its occurrence and observation of factors which cause its occurrence with reasonable degree of certainty and accuracy.
(viii) To develop new theories , validate or confirm existing theories. Theory development involves formulation of concepts, laws and generalizations about the phenomenon under study. A study involving the creation of new theories may be more important than that for validating or confirming the existing theories.

1.5 Advantages of Engineering Research

Engineering research is key in improving people’s livelihoods. Generally research greatly contributes to a better world where human population live, the advantages of which can be summarized in the following points.

It allows researchers to control of engineering systems : Engineers conduct research through controlled experimentation, design and modeling where they manipulate variables in a way that help them observe and interpret phenomena at hand in a precise manner. Engineers can filter variables by removing or adding operation factors that affect the results making it possible to narrow, focus and concentrate on desired variables.

(i) It allows research engineers to utilize numerous variations: An engineering experiment can be designed in such a way that many variables can be studied simultaneously depending on the research design.
(ii) It provides reliable results: The fact that an engineering experiment can be controlled makes it possible to obtain reliable results. The experiment allows the researcher to understand the relationship the variables, subjects and the environment, identifying the causes and effects of specific phenomena being studied. The possibility of replication of the engineering experiment improves the reliability of the results derived from the research work.
(iii) It can be used for innovations and creativity: Engineering experiments are used as bases of making new ideas and discoveries a reality. Through experimentation new products, designs, services, processes and procedures that are more efficient can be created.
(iv) Engineering research helps in saving resources, materials and time: Since the research focuses on specific variables that can easily be selected and focused on, this saves time and resources that could have been wasted on a trial and error experiments.
(v) It helps save our environment and make it sustainable: Through engineering research, new technologies that build better ecosystems or remedy the damaged environment are developed. By saving and recovering the environment, natural resources are made sustainable and available for future generations in line with intergenerational equity. Three options may be adopted to achieve this; development of renewable energy technologies, saving of endangered natural resources and adoption of smart lifestyle and smart homes.
(vi) It provides conclusions that are specific to certain solutions or problems: In engineering research, specific conclusions are tied to the variables being investigated. This helps to answer explicitly the research problem at hand as initially defined by the researcher(s).
(vii) The results from such a research can be duplicated: This duplication is very key when a researcher wants to repeat and confirm the same research, or is involved in commercialization of certain products, concepts and theories.

1.6 Key Steps in Engineering Research

1.6.1 Concept of Engineering Research

Engineering research is based on fundamental understanding of science that has been developing over a long period of time. For a researcher who is planning to engage in investigating a project with a view to developing new knowledge, products, advancing technology and processes, it is vital to first have a thorough understanding of recent information in the field of interest, prior to designing the research project. A new research project should thus be formulated on the bases of previous research. Additionally, the research strategy, materials and methods that are going to be applied should be recognized by other scholars. If a new strategy or method is being developed, it should be presented in a systematic manner in line with engineering and scientific principles. Any new method being developed should be aligned to the existing engineering concepts. There are two broad engineering research concepts applied in engineering or applied research. These are described in (i) and (ii) below

(i) New fundamental innovation and creativity: this concept involves alteration of the way engineering researchers think. It’s about coming up with new ideas and inventions that culminate into new products and services in a systematic process that can be duplicated.
(ii) Advancement in the existing body of knowledge, products, processes and services: In this concept, a number of approaches may be employed for the sole purpose of improvement. This include applying technology from one field to another, modifying an existing concept and improving it to another level, and modifying an existing technology via altering their efficiency, sustainability and the way it interacts with the environment.

Before embarking on any research endeavor, it’s prudent to have a general understanding of a research process. In reality there is no single procedure that can be claimed to apply to all engineering experimentations or research studies. The following can therefore be adopted as a general guide to the planning and execution of a research project. The actual procedure may depend upon the type of research study and the environment within which it is being undertaken. The steps are chronologically as.

(i) Establishment of the problem and the need for the research study about to be undertaken and review literature
(ii) Establishment and definition of the objectives of the intended study
(iii) Establishment of the primary variables which must be measured depending on the research project
(iv) Selection of the appropriate instrumentation for the various measurements to match the appropriate accuracy
(v) Collecting of data, usually its recommended to pick few data points, conduct a preliminary analysis to ensure that the study is on course as planned otherwise modification may be required
(vi) Once a researcher is satisfied that the study is on good course, then collection of the rest of the data is undertaken
(vii) Analysis of the data is then conducted to obtain the final results
(viii) The results and findings are then organized, discussed and published

Though the above procedure can be used as a general guide to research, a more detailed systematic steps have been developed for engineering and other applied research projects. The main stages of such a research process include identification of research problem, review of literature, re-definition and clarification of research problem, formulation of research questions or hypothesis, development of research design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation and reporting. During the reporting step new opportunities for research is created and thus a new research problem can be formulated to explore more research. Thus research has no beginning nor an end. The summary of these eight steps in research are presented in the following flow chart (Figure 1.2)

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Figure 1.2. Flow chart of the steps involved in Research process

1.7 Engineering research for sustainable development

Engineering research has continuously been changing the world in numerous aspects. Advancement in engineering research, science and technology has led to solutions that are relevant to almost all sectors that affect humankind. Engineering research has always played a crucial role in creating and developing technologies that are appropriate for instance in support of realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. So how can the research make the SDGs happen?. The following points illustrate how engineering research can support realization of each of the 17 SDGs of the United Nations.

No poverty (SDG 1): Creation and development of basic services, infrastructure such as roads, water supply systems, railways, agro-industries and telecommunications. Engineers develop technologies that lead to employment, entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

Zero Hunger (SDG 2): Engineering research support this goal through projects involved in mechanization of agriculture, development of technologies for enhanced food production systems, automation, optimization of water application, fertilizer, reduction of postharvest losses, forecasting of weather for proper planning

Good health and well-being (SDG 3): Research in improved water supply systems can help reduce community diseases. Biomedical engineers continue to improve quality of life via development of health equipment and technology needed in health sector.

Quality education (SDG 4): Contribution through r esearch dealing with creation of new technologies for training for instance online tools that are effective and timely delivery of knowledge and skills. Development of low cost satellites and aerial devices for remote training.

Gender equality (SDG 5): Numerous gender gaps can be closed by increasing women access to engineering technology and as well as leadership. Increased participation in women in technology development, automation and telecommunication.

Clean water and sanitation (SDG 6): Research aid in developing technology that provide clean water and sewerage systems. This aid in reducing water borne diseases and improved livelihoods. Water resources systems development, hydrological modeling and other engineering solutions can be developed for communities in cities and rural settings .

Affordable and clean energy (SDG 7): Research that lead into development of affordable renewable energy solutions such as solar, wind and geothermal energy as well as provision of access to electricity supply in cities, industries and communities is a major part engineering contribution.

Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8): Engineering research and development that help in roads, railways, water supply systems, electrical supply and telecommunication assist communities to live in decent working environment.

Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9): It is expected that research on design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure, innovation can lead into increase employment.

Reduced inequalities (SDG 10): Inequalities such as incomes, education, incomes, asset ownership has been high in some areas. Through engineering research and infrastructure development in all areas for decent work and employment creation as well as access to basic service for all, these inequalities will be minimized.

Sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11): This can be realized through research that deal with access to affordable housing, public transport which is currently a priority to develop and developing countries. Engineers research and engage policy makers on design and development of comfortable, sustainable and resilient cities. These smart cities require efficient energy, lighting, transportation, water resources supply that depend on advanced technologies.

Responsible consumption and production (SDG 12): Engineers can engage on research projects that lead to efficient management of natural resources such as minerals, water resources, agricultural production systems and sustainable management of biodiversity. In this advanced technologies and innovations for resources production and management is done.

Climate action (SDG 13): This can be realized via creation of technology that reduce greenhouse emissions and mitigate impacts of climate change. Alternative sources of energy that lead to zero carbon emissions and develop systems in cities and rural setting that are resilient to climate change impacts.

Life below water (SDG 14): Oceans provide huge water resources and marine-based food supply as well as mode of transport. Research in engineering can help in maximizing benefits of blue economy. The concept of blue economy entails sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods while preserving the environment.

Life on land (SDG 15): Engineering research projects can help in creation of innovation for the management of biodiversity. For instance the application of geographical information systems and remote sensing in mapping of natural resources and design scenarios that can be implemented on ground .

Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16): Engineers can be involved in setting up strong professional institutions for engineering practice, research, education as well as regulation of engineering education and practice.

Partnerships for the goals (SDG 17) : Upon the setting up of engineering institutions and organizations, engineers can partner with other professional bodies in multi-disciplinary research projects and practice for accelerated realization of the goals.

CHAPTER 2 Developing a Research Proposal

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2.1 Structure of the research proposal

A research proposal is the written description of a project that has not yet been undertaken. The proposal describes the purpose and nature of the projects, and sets forth the plan for carrying out the research study. It guides the researcher and other interested parties as to:

(i) The aims and objectives intended to be achieved by the study,
(ii) The methods to be used in attaining the objects,
(iii) Anticipated or expected results and their significance.

The main important sections of an engineering research proposal are described in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1. Structure of research proposal

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2.2 Desirable qualities of a good researcher

A good researcher is required to possess specific qualities that immensely contribute to success of any research exploration. A researcher is expected to have an acute interest and dedication to every activity of the research process. Research calls for focus and willingness to pursue and advance ideas in a specific area of interest. Some of the desirable qualities of a researcher that help in realizing the success of all the undertakings include

Focus : This a single-mindedness that allows a researcher to concentrate attention, effort and time on solving a particular research problem rather than having a divided attention on several problems.

Personal Commitment: this refers to own obligation coupled with volunteered attention, effort time and other resources in conducting all the activities of the research project. A good researcher should be willing to solve the problem at hand without being cajoled or directed or by anybody.

Curiosity: This is a quality that enables one to enquire, investigate and interrogate issues surrounding a particular topic. It makes a researcher to be passionate about every activity being undertaken.

Systematic: This is being orderly in the way the research activities are conducted. A repeated check on the methods and organizing them in line with objectives and conclusions is key to a progressive and successful research .

Analytical : This is a key quality that allows a researcher to analyze a variety of factors, methods, time frames, hypothesis, and research findings in a manner that critical information can be synthesized . This helps the researcher to direct how the implementation of proposal at hand should be optimized.

Perseverance : Successful researchers have one thing in common; they exhibit a tremendous perseverance. This makes a researcher to strive to overcome every challenge or obstacle of the research process without giving up.

Innovativeness: Coming up with new perspective and ideas in the research undertaking. It is all about believing that a great invention and discovery can happen anytime, anywhere and at any situation.

Adaptability : This about how long and well one can adjust to new situations; a good researcher is expected to swiftly align and effectively in solving the defined research problem and any other challenges associated with it. A researcher who possess this quality does not experience prolonged delays while conducting the research.

Open to criticism : Listening to other researchers with a view to improving the research work. Whether positive or negative, a researcher should humbly listen for the opinion from others for the purpose of quality improvement of the project. Discussing the research with others and getting diverse ideas is key to a good research. During the discussion it is also important to clarify some issues that may not be clear during conceptualization of the project.

Integrity : Good researchers are supposed to uphold the best ethical practices at all times. Some of the attributes of this quality include practicing honesty, fairness, accuracy, protection and care of human beings and animals.

Communication: A successful researcher need to effectively communicate. Information should flow to supervisors, reviewers, editors, co-authors, donors, readers and scholars. A researcher should use different styles of communication based on different situations such as conferences, press reporters and laypersons.

Collaboration: Numerous expertise or brains from diverse fields to develop solutions that are inclusive. Scientific expertise from different fields resolve global challenges-multi-disciplinary research- pursuing new fields and doing publications together and being cited more.

CHAPTER 3 Background Information

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3.1 Description of background Information

The background information is one of the vital components of a research project or thesis. The quality and clarity of the background to the readers determines whether rest of the document will be interesting and worth reading or not. To ensure that the readers invest in reading the entire research work, it is important to write an attractive, current, and effective background section.

The background information of a research thesis is the first section that explains to the readers where the research exploration started, reasons why the researcher got interested in solving the present problem issues, how the main research objective was developed, and includes an illustration of the objective towards the last sentences of the paragraph. This section first establishes the context of the research being conducted with a general overview of the topic the key issues, contains the reasons that called for the study the statement of the problem.

The background forms the crux of the research study since it introduces the audience to the research topic clearly and logically. Here readers are made to understand where the researcher is coming from and why there is need for the research being presented. In brief this part of research thesis openly indicates that there is a gap in the current research, or a clear research problem with the current technology, information, process and so forth the researcher is justified to proceed with formulation of research questions or hypothesis and the methods to be used to do the research.

3.2 How to write the background information

A desirable background information section should be written by integrating the following key points in the context.

(i) It should start with a strong beginning : The background should start by explicitly defining the research topic and then identifying the possible audience and beneficiaries of the research.
(ii) It should cover key components : All the key theories should be explained, concepts, terms, and ideas to clarify them to the audience
(iii) Include important literature and prerequisites: The relevant literature is reviewed in detail, notes taken while reading and then citation of the sources of information included in the background.
(iv) Maintain the focus: this section should make sure that the information is focused on important details, while at the same time being considerate for other broader audience who may not be professional in the current topic.
(v) Historical data should be included: Relevant historical information should be included since usually current issues largely originate from such.
(vi) The novelty in the current research should be described: For a methodology, model or new design that is unique or novel, a description that help the readers to understand the research better should be provided.
(vii) Harmony and logic in background information: This section should be well organized, the flow of ideas and paragraphs should be logical and interesting. Some mistakes should be avoided in this section as they make readers loose interest in the research. Avoid ambiguity, unrelated themes, and poor organization of ideas.

3.3 Structure of the background of the Study

Before writing the background information, it is important to know the content. Provision of general overview and main issues concerning the topic are described. A research may be basic, applied in nature and this may also be implied in the background study with regard to details of the elements presented. The following are the fundamental elements that should all be included in the background information of any research undertaking.

(i) A general overview of the topic : the topic overview and why it is important to be studied. This may also mean establishing the importance of the topic.
(ii) Inclusion of the current state of the research : A background that contains the most current research and technology on the topic at hand is worthwhile. This may be obtained from the current literature review.
(iii) Contradictions in literature review : if there are any discrepancies in research findings or methods used in current topic, the researcher should summarize and give a justification why specific choices are made.
(iv) Statements of assumptions: t hat have been made by the researcher(s) or institutions, should be explained.
(v) Inclusion of methods and techniques : The methods and techniques adopted or adapted in the study or the new developed methods should be presented in clear and clear manner.

CHAPTER 4 Problem Identification

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4.1 What is research problem ?

A ‘ research problem ’ is an interrogative phrase or statement that connects two or more variables or parameters, usually integrated within a statement of problem. A statement of the problem refers to a set of declarative sentences that are linked within which the challenges being investigated as well as the research problem are explicitly defined.

A research problem should be well organized statement indicating a condition that causes dissatisfaction and calls for solution. In other words it should exhibit the question that the researcher is going to answer at the end or the work. Some of the world conditions that are have not been solved or not properly understood form fundamental gaps that research out to fill and is defined in a research problem. A number of human and environmental challenges exist around which research can be explored.

It is very important to note that a research problem that is addressed by specific research is always more crucial compared to an academic degree a learner might attain at the end. Thus, identification, definition and formulation of a good research problem is the first crucial milestone in any research undertaking. Many scholars consider this as the most challenging phase of research project. Development of a research problem may depend upon some factors such as background training of the researcher, skills, interest, motivation, creativity, multi-disciplinary exposure and available resources. Normally for beginners, there is an initial challenge in identifying, defining and formulating an effective research problem. However, after undertaking trainings in research methods, it becomes possible to proceed with ease.

4.2 Purpose and sources of a research problem

A research problem is the most critical part of an engineering research. It defines the focus and direction of the research undertaking. A research problem;

(i) Introduces the readers to the importance of the topic being studied
(ii) Helps to define the parameters and or variables to be investigated
(iii) Helps to formulate the framework for reporting the results and findings
(iv) Gives focus and right direction to the research enables concentration of effort, time and other resources
(v) Informs the kind of relevant literature to be sought

So what are the sources of engineering researcher problem? A researcher may obtain an engineering research problem from;

(i) Previous research documents such as theses or dissertations, journals
(ii) Books and technical reports
(iii) Resource persons such as professors, technical persons, farmers, experts
(iv) Structured brainstorming with people from diverse background
(v) Mass media; newspapers, television, radio,
(vi) Seminars, workshops/conferences
(vii) Information from research organizations, centers, institutes
(viii) Encyclopedia and related compiled information
(ix) Own critical observations on artificial and natural systems and situations
(x) Discussions with fellows, colleagues, friends

4.3 Categories of research problems

While developing a statement of problem cum the research problem, it is omnipotent to recognize the following six categories of challenges that a specific research undertaking may solve in isolation or in composite

(i) Technical: This is where for instance ineffective methods used to address certain challenges lack certain advanced technology to achieve certain conceptualized targets.
(ii) Environmental: This category involves natural events or processes that happen and may create local, regional or global challenges.
(iii) Management: this includes a discrepancy in the way social, environmental, organizational and economic problems are managed or controlled.
(iv) Knowledge: It is a situation where a researcher tries to explore and interpret why and how certain things happen.
(v) Information: In this aspect, a research investigates certain issues with a view to filling limited information or obtaining such for the circumstances where it is lacking.
(vi) Social : This entails some challenges in human society either caused by natural disasters, human-induced or a combination of the two.

A number of factors may be considered while selecting a research problem. These factors may be taken in isolation or in combination depending on the context of what is to be explored. These factors include

(i) Academic background of the researcher
(ii) Researcher's experiences, aptitudes, ability , values , character
(iii) Researcher's background training and orientation
(iv) Researcher's purpose and objectives of the department or section
(v) Originality and Utility of the research area
(vi) Direction of the organization where the researcher works
(vii) Availability of data and information – primary and secondary sources
(viii) Access to equipment, study site, area
(ix) Resource availability including money, manpower
(x) Time factor
(xi) Supervisor’s time, qualification, experiences, interest
(xii) Stakeholders’ needs and benefits

4.4 Basic characteristics of Statement of the problem

(i) Significance: If the research problem is contributing to existing body of knowledge or fills identified research gaps, then is significant and should be pursued.
(ii) Feasible: A problem should be achieved within specified and acceptable technology, methods, time, effort, equipment, money and other resources defined for achieving it. Feasibility here means that a solution can be obtained for this problem within practical means and resources.
(iii) Novel: A good research problem should portray originality so that it does not just duplicate previous work. A researcher should factor in new thinking and see which research gaps exist and attempt to fill by exploring new ideas.
(iv) Current issues: A relevant problem should be in line with current issues and not obsolete information that was used long time ago. Issues that advance technology and knowledge in the current generation is very key and is of great interest to readers.
(v) Clarity: The research problem should be precisely defined so that other scholars can understand it. Ambiguity and lengthy problem statements should be avoided to make readers grasp the meaning of the problem.
(vi) Simple: The language used in formulating a research problem should be easily interpreted by readers. If possible complicated terms should be avoided though technical terms may be used where necessary.
(vii) Ethical: A research problem should not cause any physical or psychological harm to humanity, animals, environment and natural resources.

While developing a statement of the problem that take into consideration of the above important characteristics, it is also crucial to integrate within the statement, the following five elements denoted as ‘ 5Ws ’ (What, Why, Where, When and Whom). These are described in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1. The five key elements of statement of problem

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• Universidad: South Eastern Kenya University, Kitui Campus
• Autor: Dr. Raphael Muli Wambua (Autor)
• Año de publicación: 2023
• Páginas: 110
• No. de catálogo: V1321942
• ISBN (Ebook): 9783346812643
• ISBN (Libro): 9783346812650
• Idioma: Inglés
• Etiqueta: engineering, research, methods, proposal, structure, paper, data, collection, analysis