Formulating and Clarifying Research Topics MSc. Nguyen Duc Hoa Cuong cuongndh@hanu.vn Skype: Insight.Vietnam Cell: 0912120860

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.

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)

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.

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.

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

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

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).

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?

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.

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

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.

Good luck!