1. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Literature Review
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

2. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
So far … #1
Introduction (Lecture #1)
Nature of research
Definitions, Research as a process
Classifying Research
The field of research, The purpose of research
The approach to research, The nature of research
Types of research methods (Lecture #2)
Qualitative research
Quantitative Research
Types of experimental design (Lecture #3):
Pre-Experimental Design
True Experimental Design
Quasi-Experimental Design
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

3. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
So far … #2
Survey Research (Lecture #4)
Definition
Planning and undertaking survey
Information sources, search method
Guidelines, Documentation and presentation
Student Project Planning (Lecture #5)
An overview of project development process
Selecting a suitable topic,
Selecting an appropriate analytical framework,
Time management
Activity Network Diagram
Introduction
Example
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6 2

4. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
In This Session …
literature search and indexing
recording references
literature review
How to “do” a literature review
Finding relevant publications
Structuring the literature review
Writing the literature review
Reminder: Setting the Scene
Refer to lecture notes: Supplecture5.ppt
Discussing
Student Project Design and Idea Generation
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

5. Overview of Project Work Structure
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Overview of Project Work Structure
Do MSc Project
Select a
topic
Make a
plan
Gather &
analyse data
Perform
literature
search
Write up
Decide
objectives
Develop
Work Struct.
Produce
estimates
Plan
resources
Create
Gantt
chart
Source Ref: to be added
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

6. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Research Design
General sequence of steps in research design
Identify the research problem
Determine the purpose of research
Develop the theoretical framework
Define the research questions and/or hypotheses
Define the scope of the study
Decide on methodology
Define expected outcomes
Writing up
J Hussey & R Hussey, Business Research (Palgrave, 1997), Ch. 5.
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

7. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Identifying the topic
Why this topic?
is it topical, timely?
is there a clear need for work in this area?
if so, who needs it, who will use it?
how will the world be a better place?
Where does expertise lie?
who can you talk to?
what can you read to find out more?
does this confirm the need for the research?
Is the proposed research novel?
How does the project relate to other work?
does it follow on sequentially from something? (eg extension of previous project)
does it apply similar approach to another project?
does it fill a gap in knowledge?
draw a “mind map” of the subject
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

8. Generating a Research Idea #1
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Generating a Research Idea #1
Following questions can help to define a research focus including;
What does the research seek to find out? What questions does it aim to answer, or what hypothesis does it seek to test?
What areas of knowledge, subjects and disciplines will the research need to draw on?
What do we know already that is relevant? Where shall we need to add new knowledge or know how?
What are the likely sources for the required information?
What are the potentially useful ways of doing the research - the methodological options?
What limits must we set to the breadth and depth of the inquiry?
What obligations do we have to fulfil to the institution in which we are doing the research?
E Orna w. G Stevens, Managing Information for Research (OU Press 1995), Ch. 2.
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

9. Generating a Research Idea #2
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Generating a Research Idea #2
finding your research subject
brainstorming
ways of refining the topic
analogy - import ideas and procedures from a similar area
morphological analysis - methodical breakdown of key dimensions of general area of interest
mind maps - use network diagram to extend out from central concept
relevance trees - use hierarchical diagram to develop fine categories within research area
importance of literature review
to increase your knowledge of research area and methodologies
to scope, justify and decide feasibility of your proposed work
to develop critical appraisal and ability to synthesize
consider purpose, conduct, findings, strengths and weaknesses of the studies you read
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

10. Defining Research: problems/questions
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Defining Research: problems/questions
identifying a research problem
developing research questions
1. read literature,
identify gaps
1. state purpose
of research
2. formulate specific
questions or
hypotheses
2. generate list of
interesting questions N
6. does suitable
problem exist? Y N
3. are they interesting
or important?
3. questions already
answered in literature? Y Y
5. have questions been
answered already? Y N
5. eliminate
impractical questions N
4. test feasibility
4. survey
relevant literature
to next stage in
research design
to next stage in
research design
J Hussey & R Hussey, Business Research (Palgrave, 1997), Ch. 5.
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

11. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
An Example -- Mind Map
E Orna w. G Stevens, Managing Information for Research (OU Press 1995), Ch. 2.
organizational policy
- strategic objectives
- corporate planning
how organizations make
decisions on information
products
information
resource
management
technology for
information products
- DTP
- databases
- electronic publishing
- document management
monitoring and evaluation
of information products
training
management of information products
- writing - design - editing
- typesetting - production - budget
organizational
- how they are used
- medium of production
people involved in
- decision makers
- professional specialists
‘the role of information products and
information presentation in organizations’
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

12. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Literature Survey
Literature search
a methodical search of published sources of information to identify items relevant to a particular need, for instance;
Topic selection, Find specific project information
Discover structure of information in a particular subject, etc.
But remember to
Define your initial topic, scope, content and parameters for your own work first
Decide on what sort of relevant information to your project
range of sources - eg, reference works, books and articles, government publications, theses, conference proceedings, standards and statistics, directories, company and market reports…
Structure how you get it
decide on a search order, allow enough time, keep detailed records
identify keywords for searching, use computerized databases and Internet, but narrow your search first
Keep notes of references on index cards or computer
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

13. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Searching Cycle
Document/Start
Search statement
Information
Sources
Search Strategy
SEARCH
Evaluate
Modify
Read/Store
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

14. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Information sources #1
Some useful links including;
Information Skills Tutorial
Some useful sources
Ei Compendex & Ei Engineering Village 2
All aspects of engineering and computing
Inspec
Physics, engineering, communications, control engineering, and computing
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

15. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Information sources #2
Cambridge Scientific Abstracts
Umbrella service for 30+ databases
Subject coverage includes computing, engineering and science
ANTE - Abstracts in New Technologies and Engineering
Computing, electronics, engineering including; biotechnology and medical technology.
Emerald Abstracts - Computer Abstracts International Database
All aspects of computing
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

16. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Information Sources #3
IngentaJournals
Incorporates full-text links to a number of engineering and computing journals
Conference papers
Index of Conference Proceedings
(via Web of Science)
ACM Digital Library
Finding theses and research in progress (GB and Ireland)
COS Expertise
COS Expertise, our knowledge management service for individuals and institutions, contains more than 460,000 first-person profiles of researchers from over 1300 institutions worldwide.
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

17. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Information Sources #4
Full-text Access to Electronic Journals see
Ingenta Journals (
ScienceDirect (
Emerald, Catchword
IDEAL
Expanded Academic ASAP International
etc,
Finding standards and patents
Technical Indexes: British Standards (
EEVL (
Select EEVL catalogue, tick resource(s) required, select resource operator (or/and)
Ei Engineering Village 2
US patents full-text
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

18. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Information Sources #5
Finding company and industry information
Company/Professional association websites
Mintel Marketing Intelligence (Web)
consumer market research reports
Newspapers (Learning Centres, Web)
Findex see Cambridge Scientific Abstracts
Finding Internet resources
Search Engines such as;
AltaVista, Yahoo, Google
For CS and IT only
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

19. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Other Catalogues #1
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

20. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Other Catalogues #2
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

21. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Other Catalogues #3
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

22. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Other Catalogues #4
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

23. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Storing information
extracting information from sources - an exhaustive process
use key topics as ‘hooks’ for searching and storing
making notes
make accurate note of bibliographic details of item
at top of notes about any item, put key topic(s) prominently
don’t copy large chunks of text, but do note page no. of any quotations you might use
which vehicles to use for notes? Cards, loose leaf, notebooks? If notebooks, number them and number pages.
storing information - key decisions
what containers to use
how to arrange items in containers
like with like (need to label the containers by key topic)
in sequence (need to number items as they come in)
whether to create records of the items you store
probably yes
if no, items must be clearly labelled, and you will need an index into them by topic (etc)
E Orna w. G Stevens, Managing Information for Research (OU Press 1995), Ch. 3.
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

24. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
Software: Endnote
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

25. Evaluating your Search Results
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Evaluating your Search Results
Ask yourself a number of questions;
relevant to your needs?
useful for the problem in hand?
date of publication appropriate?
obtainable?
level of information correct?
Too simple/advanced?
Is this a new information or do you know this already?
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

26. Searching your information
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Searching your information
Key considerations for indexing
decide what are the key topics
put them on index cards or use reference database software (Endnote)
use them as hooks to fish for information
put main topics on notes you make and on items you photocopy.
decide how to store your information - in number sequence or by main topic
set up an index - use cards from 2 or make back-of-book index to notebooks.
Searching your information
look up the cards for topics you want.
go from there to information store, and take out relevant items
E Orna w. G Stevens, Managing Information for Research (OU Press 1995), Ch. 3.
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

27. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Literature Review
Definition
A story or narrative, which documents the previous research that is relevant to your own research area
The literature review essentially “sets the scene” and prepares the reader for your own contribution
The literature review usually occurs as chapter 2 in your thesis
But other sections of your thesis are likely to contain references to material considered in the literature review
Also the literature review is also an opportunity to learn more about the subject area you are researching
Purpose
knowledge of current literature and your own reading
present it thematically or in an order that relates to the rest of the project structure
identify trends, gaps etc in the literature
analyse, evaluate and otherwise demonstrate that you have understood what you have read
ALWAYS check your project guidelines
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

28. Planning the Literature Review #1
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Planning the Literature Review #1
Planning the literature review
Set aside enough time to find, read and review a given publication.
75% of the literature review can be done in one session
The other 25% may be ongoing as your understanding, knowledge and research skills develop
Identify the main areas of the literature to be covered
Make up a “shopping-list” of these areas so you know what you are looking for
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

29. Planning the Literature Review #2
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Planning the Literature Review #2
Find relevant publications
Always follow the literature search cycle
Remember
to find 10 relevant publications you may have to read over 30 
Thus you need to adhere to
Find, read and record relevant literature
Record the title of each publication
Record the source (e.g. reference or a web-page)
Make a brief note about the relevance of the publication
TURNING TO Software Instrumentation A SIMPLE But SUFFICIENT DESCRIPTION of software instrumentation according to David Wells Is
“Software Developed SPECIFICALLY To Measure Performance AND/OR Monitor the Behaviour Of An Application”
Software Instrumentation LIKE INSTRUMENTATION IN ENGINEERING DISCPLINES can make use of PRIMITIVE instruments, such as Gauges, Sensors Probes and Loggers
AND COMPOUND Instruments, such as Monitors and Analyzers, which are constructed from PRIMITIVES
FINALLY, The MAIN REASONS For Using Instrumentation With Distributed Applications Is That Distributed Applications Are Notoriously Difficult to Develop and Manage For A NUMBER OF REASONS
And Probably the MOST IMPORTANT REASON Is The DYNAMICS INHERENT In Distributed Applications Such That the Collection of Clients and Services Can CHANGE ON THE FLY MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND The BEHAVIOUR Of A Distributed Application
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

30. Structuring your Review #1
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Structuring your Review #1
Structure the literature that you have reviewed
You could even use a table with appropriate categories
Start by drawing a “concept map” or an overall plan of the literature review chapter
Identify the main areas of the literature
This will include the “parent” or main discipline and the context of your research
The main areas will be the main sections in the literature chapter
Identify relevant sub-areas to be highlighted
Sub-divide the main literature areas into smaller sections
These sections will be the sub-sections within the main sections of the literature chapter
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

31. Structuring your Review #2
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Structuring the literature review
Structuring your Review #2
Section 2.1 (introduction)
Introduce your own research topic and explain what literature areas need to be reviewed
Briefly present your concept map or plan to show the reader how the literature review is logically structured
Section 2.2 to 2.x
Address each of the main areas of the concept map or plan
Try to move towards specific discussion of each area and identify what is already known and what is not known
Section 2.x (final section)
End by stating your own research challenge/question or any hypothesis
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

32. Structuring your Review #3
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Writing the literature review
Structuring your Review #3
Different literature review structures can be used including;
The ‘funnel’ approach:
from broad to narrow focus,
from main areas/issues to detail
from periphery to centre of research issue
The ‘family tree’ approach:
different levels of knowledge at each level:
various options/theories/issues
Time line
Concept map
2.2
2.3
2.2
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

33. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Guidelines #1
The literature review chapter should not be standalone but relates to other chapters
Ensure that the literature review chapter is closely linked to your study
Mention your research topic up-front
Then proceed to identify the main areas that will drive the literature review
Show how your study is related to previous work (e.g. extends, fills gap, applies in different contexts, etc.)
Use the literature review chapter to develop your own research framework or research model
Use the literature review chapter to help shape subsequent chapters in your thesis
Often to highlight the gap including research problem that your project is to focus on
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

34. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Guidelines #2
Try to review topics rather than articles
GOOD: reviewing topics
“Absenteeism has been defined in three ways:
genuine absences through illness [1]
voluntary non-attendance e.g. skiving [2]
frequent absences due to mental or physical health problems [3]”
NOT AS GOOD: reviewing articles
“[1] says voluntary absences are due to illness. [2] suggests some absences are simply due to non-attendance e.g. skiving. [3] did a study and found that frequent absences are caused by mental or physical health problems ”
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

35. Additional Lecture Notes
CMSSEM Research Methods
20/04/2017
Additional Lecture Notes
Lecture notes: literature survey
Literature_Survey.pdf
See guidance re: how to avoid plagiarism, etc.
Examples
An example literature survey (Also)
An example review paper
Oral Presentation
SuppLecture1.ppt
Technical Report Writing
SuppLecture6.ppt
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

36. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Tutorial
Tutorial
No tutorial, just study the handout, which considers a good literature review and a not so good literature review.
You can find this article and other useful material on technical writing at the following URL
Also visit the online: Information skills tutorial at
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6

37. CMSSEM003 -- Research Methods
20/04/2017
Next Sessions …
Roles of Supervisor and Project Student
Writing your MSc project proposal
Prof. A. Taleb-Bendiab, Lecture notes: Lecture 6