1. Chapter 2: Designing your project
Introduction
2.1 Overview of the tools
2.2 Project design
2.3 A few examples
2.4 Conclusion

2. Introduction Variety of approaches that can be mixed and matched:
Literature surveys
Models
Languages
Prototypes
Mathematical proofs
Experiments
Surveys
Case studies
Arguments
Etc., etc.

3. 2.1 Overview of the tools Literature surveys Models
“If you decide on a topic it is imperative that you read all articles that have ever been published on that topic” – B.S.
Models
It is easier to manipulate or comprehend a model than the real thing.
Model includes all aspects of the real thing that is relevant to your problem and excludes other aspects.
Models can be described formally (mathematically) or informally (diagrams).
Models are often used to propose a new as well as existing ideas.
Example
Architecture of a system
Ecyclopedia paper
PGDT

4. 2.1 Overview of the tools (cont.)
Languages
Automation of processes expressed in terms of a language
Example: SQL
If you propose new language, it should be formally described
Arguments
Reasoning is necessary to convince the research community why one proposed solution to a specific problem is better than another.

5. 2.1 Overview of the tools (cont.)
Mathematical proofs
The ultimate argument: If the proof is correct, it cannot be disputed
Prototypes
Programming per se is not research
Prototypes may demonstrate that a proposed model can be implemented successfully
Prototypes may serve as vehicle for experimentation

6. 2.1 Overview of the tools (cont.)
Algorithms
Purpose of study may be to find a new algorithm for a problem.
Algorithm must be good, better than any previously proposed for the problem
May also be useful to express some of your ideas as program fragments on paper
Surveys
Questionnaires that are distributed to be completed by a sample or completed by a surveyor during an interview.
Stock counting, counting the number of occurrences of certain phenomena on the internet, etc.

7. 2.1 Overview of the tools (cont.)
Case studies
Learn form the current situation in real life
Measures (observes) a large number of aspects of few cases (whereas surveys measure few aspects of large number of cases).
Case studies can also be qualitative, i.e. using descriptive statements.
Experiments
Try something and note the effects
Can be done under controlled circumstances or in the field
Simulations
Active model that is executed and results measured

8. 2.2 Project design Completing a building
Ultimately you want a roof over your head, but
You have to lay the foundations and erect the walls.
Primary goals and secondary goals
E.g. literature survey may be secondary goal
Table 2.1, p 12

9. 2.2 Project design (cont.) Empirical methods Creative methods
depend on observation
Include surveys, case studies and experiments
Creative methods
Devise new abstractions or mechanisms
Models, Prototypes, Algorithms, Languages
Tautological (manipulation) methods
Inputs transformed into something that was not obvious previously
Mathematical proofs, arguments

10. 2.2 Project design (cont.) Exploratory research Extension of theory
Observe in order to formulate a theory
Plays a role as secondary method in many research projects
Inability of exploratory research to add new theories to the body of accepted knowledge may be too limiting to be acceptable as major thrust of research
Extension of theory
Use research to confirm a theory

11. Workshop
Distinguish between research design and research methodology (refer to Beelders Chapter 4)
Consider the research problem of the previous workshop and provide an outline of a possible research design and research methodolgy.