BK10A1200 Research Methods and Methodologies Introduction 2013

1. BK10A1200Research Methods and MethodologiesIntroduction2013 Dr. Harri Eskelinen

2. Briefly about the lecturer… • D.Sc Harri Eskelinen, GSM +358 40 1979 280, email:harri.eskelinen@lut.fi • Senior Research Scientist at LUT since 1999, before that lecturer and assistant since 1985. Since 2011 nominated as an adjunct professor. • D.Sc 1999 • Main research topics: • DFMA • MW-mechanics • Green technology in material selection • Distance learning • Supervising following courses: • Technical Drawing and 3D-modelling • Material Science • Engineering Design and Mechanisms • Machine Element Design • Research Methods and Methodologies

3. General information • Year and period of the university course module: • M.Sc 1, periods 1-2 • Modes of study: • Lectures: only 1st period (on Wednesdays at 13.15-15.00, room 4509) • Exercises and presentations: only 2nd period (on Wednesdays 14.15-16.00, room 4509) • Independent study 1st-2nd period • Estimated total workload 104 h

4. Content • Learning outcomes: • Criteria to evaluate scientific contribution. • Scientific research projects in engineering science. • Principles of qualitative and quantitative analysis. • Viewpoints of how to illustrate the results of quantitative analysis. • Different means to carry out literature reviews, interviews and surveys.

5. Content (continued…) • Utilization of tacit (silent) knowledge. • Contents and structures of research plans and research structures based on IMRAD-principle. • Viewpoints of writing scientific articles and conference papers. • Practical advice about making a conference presentation. • Guidelines of acting as an opponent in a scientific conference or seminar.

6. Practical work • Each student will be asked to prepare a scientific research plan according to giving instructions • The required theory, guidelines and framework for preparing the research plan will be discussed in the classroom during the lectures (period 1) • The students are asked to make notes during the lectures. The lectures are more like “discussions together” than typical “teacher-to-student interaction” • The research plan will be presented to the other students in a form of a seminar presentation (period 2) • Each student will be asked to work as an opponent to another student in the seminar

7. Timetable

8. Evaluation • Grading (0) 1…5 • No written exam • Activity at classroom during the lectures and exercises 30%, period 1 • Seminar presentation and working as an opponent 70%, period 2

9. Topic of the research plan • Select the topic for your research based on the following general guidelines: • The purpose is to carry out scientific research • You should be familiar with the theoretical basis of the research topic • It would be good if both qualitative and quantitative methods could be utilized. However, the main part should be quantitative. • Try to find the topic from the research area, which is familiar either to your own home university or to LUT • Try to find a topic, which requires a research team and where the total time of the research could be 3-4 years • Try to avoid too general research topics • Name the first draft of the research topic during this introduction lecture and give the final topic to the lecturer during the week 39 • Do not copy any existing research plans!