1. Formulating and Clarifying Research Topics
MSc. Nguyen Duc Hoa Cuong
Skype: Insight.Vietnam
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2. Objectives
Generate ideas that will help in the choice of a suitable research topic
Identify the attributes of a good research topic
Turn research ideas into a research project with clear research question(s) and objectives.

3. Introduction
Alice asks the Cat “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to walk from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat
“I don’t much care where,” said Alice
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you walk,” said the Cat.
(Alice’s Adventure in the Wonderland)

4. Introduction Formulating and clarifying research topics is:
A starting point of a research project
Time-consuming
Generating research ideas
Then turning them into research questions and objectives.

5. Attributes of a good research topic
A good student graduation research:
Meet the examining body’s requirements
Linked to theory
Ensuring symmetry of potential outcomes
You are capable of undertaking
One that excites your imagination.

6. Generating research ideas
Rational thinking technique:
Examining your own strengths and interests
Looking at past projects
Discussion
Searching the literature.

7. Generating research ideas
Creative thinking technique:
Keeping a notebook of ideas
Exploring personal preferences using past projects
Relevant trees
Brainstorming.

8. Refining research ideas
Delphi technique – using a group of people who are either involved or interested in the research idea to generate and choose a more specific research idea:
Briefing the research idea
Encouraging group members to seek clarification or more information
Asking each group member to generate up to 3 specific research ideas independently
Collect the research ideas and distribute them to all group members
A second cycle of the process
Subsequent cycle of the process until a concensus is reached (voting if necessary).

9. Writing research questions
Begin with one general focus research question which flows from your research idea. Examples:
Research idea
General focus research question
The sponsorship of the city football club
What benefit do commercial organizations derive from their sponsorship?
The adoption of by manufacturing companies of “flexible workforces”
Will do manufacturing companies devide their workforces into “core” and “peripheral” workers?
Openning a handicraft shop
Where does the shop locate?

10. Writing research questions
Lead to several more detailed research questions or the definition of research objectives. Examples:
General focus research question
Detailed research question
Where does the handicraft shop locate?
Who are the target client markets? What are the main transportation flows in the city? What are shop rental prices? Etc.

11. Writing research objectives
Greater specificity than the research questions. Examples:
Research questions
Research objectives
Who are the target client markets?
What are the main transportation flows in the city?
What are shop rental prices?
To justify the economic viabilty of the business idea
To determine designing of the handicrafts
To approach the walks-in
To estimate the start-up investment

12. Your project Any Question?
Starting point: research topics given by FMT faculty
Preliminary study
Brainstorming and discussions
Resources needed
Writing up the research proposal
Approval and undertaking
Defense and submission
Celebration.

13. Good luck!