As You Begin Your Research … Diljit Singh

Preparing for the Journey

Where am I going? Why am I going? Who is going? When am I going? How am I going? What do I need? …

How Are You Starting?

or

How Do You Intend to Finish?

or

Start well, finish strong A good beginning is half completion The seeds of success are sown right at the start, as are the seeds of failure.

Start wellFinish successfully

You Want to be Successful at the End

Outline of Presentation Importance of good research The need to start well Type of research should you be doing Resources to help you with your research Having a successful professional relationship with your supervisor Successfully completing your research

Importance of Good Research Scenario 1 Applications open for PhD, scholarship available Candidate A: Graduate of University of ABC CGPA : 3.5 Lecturers recommendation: Good Papers published: 1 local conference Candidate B: Graduate of XYZ University CGPA : 3.5 Lecturers recommendation: Good Papers published: 1 local conference, 1 international conference, 2 journal papers (incl 1 ISI journal paper) Who should get the place for the PhD?

Importance of Good Research Scenario 2 Your are Head of Department of Computer Science, University DEF, and have the opportunity to employ a new lecturer Candidate A: PhD holder Finished PhD in 3 years Supervisor's recommendation: Good Papers published: 3 conference papers, 2 journal papers, No of times papers have been cited: 8 Candidate B: PhD holder Finished PhD in 5 years Lecturers recommendation: Good Papers published: 3 conference papers, 2 journal papers, No of times papers have been cited: 0 Whom would you employ?

Importance of Good Research Enhance personal reputation Enhance university reputation Better job / promotion prospects More satisfying experience Less use of resources

Importance of Good Research Research output plays an important part in university rankings UM aims to be among the top 100 by 2013

The Need to Start Well Start well, finish strong A good beginning is half completion The seeds of success are sown right at the start, as are the seeds of failure.

The Need to Start Well Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. St. Francis of Assisi

Starting Your Research Research involves Identifying a research area and topic Identifying a problem and research question(s) Linking your research to the work of others Collecting and analyzing data / Developing a system Drawing your conclusions Communicating your findings If you have not already started, start today

Types of Research Research that is of interest to you Research in emerging areas Research that can be published Research that leads to citations

Starting Your Research Choose an area that really interests you You have to sustain your interest for months (maybe more) Read widely about the topic Develop a bibliography of research resources related to topic Install EndNote on to your computer (can be downloaded free from attend UM Library training workshop if necessaryhttp://ict.um.edu.my/

Starting Your Research Develop a bibliography of research resources related to topic Search Google scholar, Library databases, Web of Science; use forward and backward chaining Focus on journal articles, theses and dissertations, conference papers; minimize books and.com web sites Search also Conferences and Call for Papers to identify topics of current interest Identify research groups and key people in your area, look at their web sites Identify hot research topics - important for publication later on

Starting Your Research What are hot topics? New research areas Areas of focus by academia, industry, nation How to identify hot topics Look at conference Call for Papers Attend conferences, network with people Look at top journals

Starting Your Research Read at least 20 – 25 journal articles, theses and dissertations, conference papers Develop a brief proposal (5-10 pages), introduction, statement of problem, objectives, brief literature review, methodology, significance of research Discuss it proposal with potential Supervisor

Starting Your Research Refine proposal, or find a new Supervisor Get commitment from Supervisor Submit form to Office, indicating research area and name of Supervisor

Types of Research Research that is of interest to you Research that can be published Research in emerging areas Research that leads to citations

Professional Relationships Keeping a good professional relationship With your Supervisor Get to know him / her well Know his expectations Keep him informed Follow his / her advice, but know when to differ With your mentor(s) With professional colleagues (other students)

Resources for Your Research Supervisor Colleagues / peers in UM Colleagues / peers internationally Equipment Finances Library resources

Succeeding in Your Research Prepare yourself Intellectually Emotionally Socially Physically Financially

Plan Your Research Set a goal to complete I shall successfully complete my ……………………. (name of degree) by ……….………. Month Year …………… Signature

Plan Your Research Plan your activities Aim to do some work every day, at least 30 minutes

Plan Your Research Write out your proposal Apply for funding PPP From UM, e.g. IPPP Max. RM 30,000 for full research students, RM 10,000 for coursework + dissertation students From outside UM, e.g. eScience, industry

Keep to Your Plan Keep a record of your activities

Keep to Your Plan Learn from others Join discussion groups, attend seminars, … Get help From Supervisor, other lecturers, seniors, peers, friends, online friends (Facebook, …) Keep your Supervisor informed Submit a weekly progress report, irrespective of whether your get feedback or not Be aware of University policies 3-month notice of submission, format for thesis, no plagiarism, etc.

Evaluation of Your Research Self evaluation Peer evaluation Supervisor evaluation Evaluation by examiners Evaluation by professionals

Evaluation of Your Research Evaluation by examiners Research contribution Significance Innovative Content Sections Flow of sections Presentation Language Format

To Summarize What type of research should you be doing? Where can you get resources to help you with your research? How can you have a successful professional relationship? What do you need to successfully complete your research? What do examiners look for in your research?

Remember 1.If you have not started yet, start today 2.Plan your research 3.Get the resources (supervisor, equipment, readings, time, money, etc.), but dont wait until everything is perfect 4.Keep to your plan 5.Get help where necessary Good luck !

Q & A