2.0 SELECTING AND DEFINING A RESEARCH PROBLEM...2.0 SELECTING AND DEFINING A RESEARCH PROBLEM Engr. (Prof.) Azikiwe Peter ONWUALU FNSE, FNIM, FAEng, FAS African University of Science

2.0 SELECTING AND DEFINING A RESEARCH

PROBLEM

Engr. (Prof.) Azikiwe Peter ONWUALUFNSE, FNIM, FAEng, FAS

African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja.Former Visiting Professor, National Universities Commission

(NUC), Abuja.Former Director General, Raw Materials Research and

Development Council (RMRDC), Abuja.

Email: [email protected]: [email protected]

1Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas

African University of Science and Technology, Abuja

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

LECTURE MODULES

• 2. Selecting and defining a research problem• 2.1 Problem formulation • 2.2 Criteria for selecting a problem• 2.3 Identifying variables• 2.4 Evaluating problems• 2.5 Functions of a hypothesis• 2.6 Experimental design & Statistical analyses of data• 2.7 Preparations before conducting your research• 2.8 Disruptive research and innovation• 2.9 Product oriented/market driven research



TRAINING METHODS

Lectures

Case Study

Questions

Discussion

Assessment



TEXTBOOKS AND RESOURCES (1)

• Agbaje, A. 2010. Introductory Lecture Notes on Research Methodology. University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

• Asika, N. 2012. Research Methodology in the BehaviouralSciences. Learn Africa Plc. Ikeja.

• Eko, E.E. 2015. Effective Writing and Communication. HEBN Publishers Plc, Ibadan.

• Gupta, S.C. Fundamentals of Statistics. Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai.

• Kothari, C.R. and Garg, G. 2014. Research Methodology . 3rd

Edition. New Age International Publishers., New Delhi.• Northrop, R.P. Introduction to Instrumentation and

Measurements. 2nd Edition. Taylor and Francis, Florida.

Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fasAfrican University of Science and Technology, Abuja

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• Onwualu, A.P. 2012. Commercialization of ST&I Spin off. A Paper delivered at the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology Capacity Building Program held in Abuja.

• Onwualu, A.P. 2013. Research and Development Spill overs Patents and the Incentives to Innovate in Nigeria. A paper delivered at the one day public seminar on Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (IPTT) at the Assembly hall, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

• Onwualu, A.P., Obasi, E., Olife, I.C. and Inyang, A. 2013. (Eds.) Unlocking the Potentials of Nigeria’s Non-Oil Sector. Pitmak Publishers Ltd, Abuja. by Raw Materials Research and Development Council. ISBN: 978-978-52367-2-9

• Onwualu, A.P., Ogunwusi, A.A., Olife, I.C. and Inyang, A. 2013. (Eds.) Raw Materials Development for the Transformation of the Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria. Published by Raw Materials Research and Development Council. ISBN: 978-978-52367-1-2.

• Onwualu, A.P. 2015. Optimizing the potentials of research in a university: case of University of Port Harcourt. Invited Keynote paper presented at conference to mark 40th anniversary of University of Port Harcourt, Centre for Research Management, University of Port Harcourt.

• Onwualu, A.P. 2015. Academia industry collaboration as a strategy for commercialization of research output in Nigeria. Invited keynote paper Strategic Academia Industry Interface, University of Benin, Benin City. 24th August, 2015.


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• Ugonna, U.D and Onwualu. A.P. 2016. Beyond Research and Development: Policy Options for Overcoming the Obstacles to Commercialization of R&D in Nigeria. International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialization (Accepted for publication).

• Onwualu, A.P. 2016. Benchmarks for research for the generation of exploitable intellectual property. Workshop on Intellectual Property, Nnamdi AzikiweUniversity, Awka. 12th – 13th April, 2016.

• Onwualu, A.P. 2017. Research Methodology and Communication (in press).• Onwe, O.J. (Undated). Research Methodology. National Open University of Nigeria

Lecture Notes MGS 731.• Osuala, E.C. 2013. Introduction to Research Methodology. Africana First Publishers

Plc, Onitsha. • Sing, Y.K. 2006. Fundamental of Research Methodology and Statistics. New Age

International Publishers, New Delhi.• Spiegel, M.R. and Stephens, L.J. 2008. Theory and Problems of Statistics. 4th

Edition. Schaum’s Outline Series, McGraw-Hill, New York.


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2.2CRITERIA FOR SELECTING

A PROBLEM Researcher’s Ecosystem Scientific Content Novel, revolutionary, transformative Potential Local, regional, global impact Scalable Feasibility Sustainability Requirements of funding agency Summary Questions and Discussion



LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this session, you shouldbe equipped with knowledge on thecriteria to consider when selecting aresearch problem.



RESEARCHER’S ECOSYSTEM

Background training of researcher.

Researcher’s competence.

Past Experiences and knowledge.

Career track and future career.

Researchers interest and passion.



SCIENTIFIC CONTENT

New models (mathematical or statistical)

New designs and productsProducts can be goods or servicesNew procedure or techniqueIntellectual property (patents)Contribution to knowledge, extending

what is scientifically known



NOVEL

Out of the box strategic thinking

Revolutionary

Transformative

Disruptive

Big idea that can change the world



LOCAL, REGIONAL AND GLOBAL IMPACT

Local Impact (solving local problems such as power, transport, water, food)

Regional Impact (problems that cut across regions such as Africa, ECOWAS)

Global Impact (global problems such as communication, entertainment, global warming, global conflicts, infectious diseases, food safety, high volume products and services)



SCALABLE

Possibility of commercialization

Potential Market and end user

Challenges of Market entry

Challenges of infrastructure for moving from idea to product



FEASIBILITY

Technical Feasibility

Economic Feasibility

Social Feasibility

Research Facility



SUSTAINABILITY

Funding

Post funding

Environmental issues

Gender issues

Leadership and mentorship



REQUIREMENTS OF FUNDING AGENCY

In some cases, for donor funded projects the criteria are already set by the funding agency.

The researcher should endeavor to meet these requirements.

In most cases, the criteria listed above are the similar to what is usually prescribed.

In addition, the area of focus will be specified by the funding agency.



MAJOR DIRECTION OF GLOBAL RESEARCH

Energy (green, renewable, clean energy) Materials (value addition, new materials) ICT (mobile apps, bid data, smart systems) Food security (high yielding and disease resistant varieties,

food production inputs, post harvest systems, marketing and packaging, food safety, mechanization)

Environment (climate change, desertification, erosion, pollution control, recycling)

Healthcare (vaccines, organic drugs, infectious diseases, public health)

Advanced Production and Manufacturing Systems (3D printing, superconductors, GMOs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Space Systems)



QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION

• Questions from participants ???

• Discuss two major research projectsas case study



2.3IDENTIFYING VARIABLES

Meaning of variables in research Types of Variables Quantitative and Qualitative Variables Steps in Identifying Variables Controlling Variables Summary Questions and Discussion



LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this session, you should beequipped with the knowledge and skill toidentify, understand and control variablesin a research project.



MEANING OF VARIABLE

A concept is an abstraction based on characteristics of perceived reality. For example, the concept “height” is used to measure how tall or short a human being is.

A variable is a concept that can vary in the course of an experiment.

It is important to identify all variables in a research project at inception, in order to avoid obtaining spurious results.

It may not be possible to study all the variables but one must know that those variables are important for the study.



EXAMPLES OF VARIABLES

A study of waste water or effluent from a brewery: The water quality can be measured by different variables including level of acidity (pH). This is affected by a number of other variables, thus;

pH = f(T, SS, COD, H, G, Mg, Cl)Where T=temperature; SS=suspended

solids; COD=Chemical Oxygen Demand



TYPES OF VARIABLES

Dependent Variable

Independent Variable

Continuous Variable

Discrete variable

Extraneous Variables



DEPENDENT AND INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

At the beginning, all variables must be identified. Those variables which can be used to characterize

the behaviour of the process or system and which usually depend on other variables are referred to as Dependent Variables. The levels of the dependent variable are usually not set by the researcher.

Those variables whose levels can be set and varied by the researcher in order to determine the effect on the dependent variables are referred to as independent variables. They are sometimes referred to as treatments.



QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE VARIABLES

Quantitative Variables – those variables which can take numerical values and can be measured. Eg: weight, height, cost, temperature, pressure.

Qualitative Variables – those variables that are descriptive and can only be observed, not measured. Eg: colour, smell. They are sometimes called categorical variables.



DISCRETE AND CONTINUOUS VARIABLES

Discrete variables: A variable is discrete when it takes a finite set of values.

Continuous Variables: When the variable can take an infinite set of values between two specified points.

Note that a variable can be discrete at a time and at other times becomes continuous depending on the scale and resolution of measurement.



EXTRANEOUS VARIABLES

Extraneous variables (sometimes called confounding variables) are those variables which are not being studied but which can actually affect the results of the research.

They include those ones ignored by the researcher. Examples include: human error in measurements,

instrument error, environmental effects such as noise in electrical signals, temperature of the environmental area.

Extraneous variables can introduce spurious results in a research and need to be identified and controlled.



STEPS IN IDENTIFYING VARIABLES

Conduct literature review on the problemList the dependent variable(s)List the independent variable(s)Based on the problem formulated, reduce the

dependent variables to the major important ones that can be measured.

In the same manner, reduce the independent variables to the ones that can be varied.

Provide adequate control mechanism for the extraneous variables.



CONTROLLING EXTRANEOUS VARIABLES

Blocking or replications

Sampling techniques

Use of standard procedures

Minimizing the occurrence by considering all possible variables in planning the experiment

29Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas African University

of Science and Technology, Abuja

SUMMARY

Types of variables include dependent and independent; discrete and continuous; quantitative and qualitative.

It is important to identify all possible variables in a research project at inception.

Those variables which cannot be identified at the beginning which eventually affect the results are called extraneous variables.

Extraneous variables can be controlled by employing proper sampling techniques and using statistical tools to analyze the data.




• Questions from participants ???

• Using two equations, discussdependent and independentvariables.



2.4EVALUATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

Statement of the research problem

Criteria for evaluating a research problem

Summary

Questions and discussion



LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module, you should be equipped with the following knowledge:

meaning of a research problem

criteria for evaluating a research problem

33Prof. A.P. ONWUALU, fas African University of Science and

Technology, Abuja

WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROBLEM?

• A question the researcher wants to answer.• An interrogative sentence or statement that asks what

relation exists between two or more variables.• A question asked in order to address an area of concern

where there is a gap in knowledge.• An action taken to provide knowledge when there is no

ready response by instinct or by previous acquired knowledge.

• A statement about an area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated or a troubling question that exits in a field of study or application.



SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

• Intuition.• Personal Practical experience.• Social issues in society.• Economic problems in society.• Folklores.• Existing theory.• Previous research.• Literature • Consultation with experts and industrialists.• Field work and market research.• Brainstorming.



CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT

Adequate highlight of the nature of the problem.

Key variables must be identified.

Variables must be measurable.

Method of research and data analysis must be specified.



CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM (1)

• Clarity: the problem must be specific, clear and brief.• Feasibility: there must be evidence of adequate resources in terms of technical

feasibility, time, money, skills and potential reward.• Ethics: the problem must address ethical concerns.• Importance and Significance: Must address an important problem of significance

to the local, regional and global community. Implications of research to policy. • Scientific Content: must fill gap in theory and knowledge, use unique methods,

repeatable, use of new measurement techniques or improvement on existing methods, development of new equipment, process or theory.

• Equipment and facilities: There must be adequate equipment and facilities to carry out the research.

• Researcher Competence: The researcher must have training and experiences relevant to the study. Otherwise the research team must be multidisciplinary in nature.

• Environmental and Sustainability issues: The research must address issues of environmental impacts and sustainability of potential results.



CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM (2)

• Timeliness: The work plan must show timeliness of operations.

• Budget: There must be adequate budgetary to support literature search, stipends for research assistants and support personnel, transport, materials, laboratory fees, etc.

• Originality: the problem should be original, unique, new, current and has not been studied in the same way before by other researchers.

• Intellectual Property: The problem should have potential of generating intellectual property.

• Commercialization: The research problem should be such that the result should be scalable and the possibility of commercialization of result high.



ACTUAL EVALUATION OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM

• To evaluate a research problem in actual practice, the criteria above can be used to develop a matrix.

• Each of the criteria is given a weight or all of them can be given equal weight as the case may be.

• The problem is then scored on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 represents low and 5 represents high, with 2, 3, 4 between them.

• At the end the scores are tallied to obtain a total which can be used for evaluating or assessing the problem.

• This procedure is very useful for self assessment by the researcher before sending out a project proposal.

• It is also useful for assessors, when confronted with choosing from a number of alternatives.



SUMMARY

A research problem is evaluated usingdifferent criteria including: originality,scientific content, technical andeconomic feasibility, clarity, ethics,relevance and importance andpotential production of intellectualproperty and commercialization ofresults.




Questions????

Discussion: A problem was initially stated as: “What are the effects of global warming on crop production?”. Discuss how to change the problem to: “How does global warming affect post harvest production of cereal crops in Nigeria?”



2.5FUNCTIONS OF HYPOTHESIS

Meaning of hypothesis

Null and alternative hypothesis

Characteristics of a good hypothesis

Functions of hypothesis

Sources of hypothesis

Hypothesis testing

Summary


Prof A.P. ONWUALU, fasAfrican University of Science and Technology, Abuja

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LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this module, participants will understand the meaning of hypothesis and formulate and test hypothesis in research.


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MEANING OF HYPOTHESIS

Hypothesis is a proposition, an informal intelligent guess about the solution to a problem.

It can also be an intelligent guess of the relationship between variables in a research project.

Research hypothesis is usually stated in a general sense

Statistical hypothesis is stated in specific terms


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FUNCTIONS OF HYPOTHESIS

The hypothesis provides the link between reality, theory and explanations in research.

It assists the researcher to transform his ideas into testable forms.

It enables the researcher identify relevant variables in a research.

It enhances the design of the research. It enables the researcher analyze results scientifically. It makes the research to be more focused and directed

towards desired goals. It helps to save time in research


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CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD HYPOTHESIS

It should be clear, not ambiguous.

It should be specific and precise.

It should be capable of being tested.

It should state relationship between two variables.

It should be limited in scope.

It should be stated in simple terms.

It should be consistent with known facts.


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SOURCES OF HYPOTHESIS

• Experience

• Literature

• Theory

• Previous work

• Thinking

• Brainstorming among members of research team.

• Potential end users of the research.


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NULL AND ALTERNATIVE HYPOTHESIS

• Suppose we want to compare the performance of two cars using a particular variable such as fuel efficiency.

• Assume that fuel efficiency is represented by A and B for each of the cars respectively.

• We can set a Null Hypothesis that A=B, that is there is no significant difference between the fuel efficiency of the two cars.

• The Null Hypothesis is Ho: A=B• The Alternative Hypotheses is that the two values are not

the same• Ha: A≠B; A>B; A<B• Thus the Null Hypothesis is usually stated as a statement of

no difference between two means or parameters.


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STEPS FOR HYPOTHESIS TESTING

• State or formulate the hypothesis.• Select levels of significance for testing, usually 5% or 1%.• Decide on the test Statistic.• Normal distribution, Z-statistic is usually used for large sample size,

n>=30.• Student t-distribution (t-statistic) is used for small sample size,

n<=30.• Calculate the test statistic (see next slide)• Obtain the tabulated value of the statistic (α in the case of one

tailed test and α/2 in the case of two tailed test), using n-1 degrees of freedom.

• Apply the decision rule and accept or reject the null hypothesis.• If the Null hypothesis is accepted, then the alternative hypothesis is

rejected and vice versa.


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DECISION RULE FOR TESTING HYPOTHESIS

• As an illustration, suppose we have a situation where there are 15 observations and we want to use 5% level of significance.

• The degrees of freedom (n-1) become 14 df.• From t-table we obtain: Tu=1.761, Tl=-1.761 for one sided rejection region.

Tu=upper value of t and Tl=lower value of t. Tu=2.145, Tl=-2.145 for two sided rejection region.

• Calculate t-statistic (Tc) as:

• Tc=µ−µ𝑜

𝑆𝑥where 𝑆𝑥 =

𝑆

𝑛−1

• µ= sample mean; µo=population mean, Sx=standard error of sample mean, S=standard deviation.

• If Tc<Tu, or Tc>Tl, accept Ho; • If Tc>Tu or Tc<Tl, reject Ho• The sample principle applies to the use of Z-statistic, t-statistic and F-

distribution.


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WORKED EXAMPLES

The concepts above can be understood more by working through examples 1-20, pages 193-227 of Kothari, C.R 2004. Research Methodology. Ebook


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SUMMARY

Hypothesis is used to for making an intelligent guess about the relationship between variables in a research project.

They are usually stated as Null and Alternative Hypotheses. Such hypotheses, once formulated and stated must be

tested using statistical analysis, by comparing t, z and F statistic calculated using standard equations and those obtained from statistical tables using appropriate degrees of freedom and levels of significnce.

Decision rules are used to accept or reject the null hypothesis. These are used to improve the level of confidence in assessing observed differences between variables in an experiment.


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• Questions from participants????

• Discussion: Why do we have to use hypothesis in a scientific research. Can we do without it? Under what circumstances do we have to use Z, t and F statistic in analysis of data.


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LECTURE 2.6EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN and STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Development of mathematical model.Software development for numerical solution.Survey.Development of research equipment. Development of a process, material or product.Experimental design.Library, field and laboratory experiments. Instrumentation and measurements.Data analysis and validation of models.


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LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this module, participants will beequipped with knowledge of experimentaldesigns and statistical analysis of data toimprove the formulation of research problems.


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INFORMAL EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS

Before and after treatment design, without control

After treatment only design (with control)

Before and after treatment design (with control)


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BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT DESIGN WITHOUT CONTROL

• In this type of experimental design, measurements are taken before and after treatment is applied.

• There is no control.

• The effect of the treatment is taken as the difference between the value of the variable before and after the treatment.

• Such experimental designs can introduce extraneous variables but may be the only option especially in expensive experiments.

• Only simple statistics can be used for analysis of data.


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AFTER TREATMENT ONLY DESIGN WITH CONTROL

• In this type of design, no measurements is made on the experimental object until after the treatment.

• However, measurement is made on both the object that received the treatment and a control that did not receive treatment.

• This is allowed when it is not possible to measure before and after treatment on the same object or sample.

• Data generated can only be analyzed using simple statistics.


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BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT DESIGN (WITH CONTROL)

• In this type of design, the relevant variables are measured on the sample or object before and after treatment.

• In addition, the variables are also measured on a control sample or object.

• This design helps in minimizing the effects of extraneous variables.

• However, it is more costly than the earlier designs.

• The data cannot be subjected to rigorous statistical analysis.


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FORMAL EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS

Complete Randomized Design

Randomized Block Design

Latin Square Design

Factorial Design


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COMPLETE RANDOMIZED DESIGN

In this design samples are assigned treatments at random in order to minimize the effect of extraneous variables.

The treatments are next replicated.

It can be analyzed by one way or two way analysis of variance.


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RANDOMIZED BLOCK DEISGN

This is an improvement on the complete randomized deisgn.

In addition to the randomization, the concept of blocking is introduced.

First the experimental area is divided into blocks. The treatment, including control are assigned at random to the block with replications. There can be 2,3, 4 etc blocks.

Two way analysis of variance is used for the analysis.


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LATIN SQUARE DESIGN

In agricultural field experiments, there may be variations in the field with respect to nutrients, moisture content.

Such extraneous factors can be minimized by using them as if they are blocks in the design.

That way, the treatments are randomized in the different blocks such that no one level of treatment appears in the same location throughout the field.


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FACTORIAL DESIGN

In some experiments, the number of factors or variables can be many and at different levels.

Such experiments can be handled by factorial designs

It is possible to have 2x2x4 factorial experiments. It is probably the most superior design because it

can handle any number of variables.However, it can be expensive since the number

and levels of variables leads to a large number of experimental samples or units.


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STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF DATA

Tabulation of results.Descriptive statisticsDescriptive plots and graphsRegression analysisAnalysis of variance (ANOVA)Use of software for analysis of

data.Prof A.P. ONWUALU, fas

African University of Science and Technology, Abuja65

DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS

These are tools used for describing data generated from a research.

They include: frequency, mean, mode, median, range, mean deviation, standard deviation.


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DESCRIPTIVE PLOTS AND GRAPHS

Pie charts

Bar charts

Graphs

Trend analysis


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COMPUTER APPRECIATION

• Operating Systems (MS-DOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Unix)

• Managing Files, folders and general navigation within the computer

• File Formats (doc, docx, pdf, jpg,odt)• Computer protection• Multi-media use of computers• Keyboarding• Communication using computers• You must have a functional lap top

68Prof A.P. ONWUALU, fas


USE OF INTERNET FOR RESEARCH

Communication and interaction among researchersLiterature search GoogleYahooOther search enginesFiltering and optimizing your searchScientific Networks Journal Alerts BlogsOpen source and other e-resources



STATISTICS PACKAGES

SPSSStatsgraphicsSASStatistical LabAnalyticaBMDPGenSTATExcelMinitab



NUMERICAL ANALYSIS

Matlab

TK Solver

Analytica

GNU Octave

Free Mat

Lab View



FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Abacus

ANSYS

Nastram

REEM

Adina

OpenFoam



PRESENTATION

Skype

Power Point

Websites (Word Press)

Video (You tube)

Animation

Use of pointers

Body language

Timeliness of presentations



GRAPHICS

Any Chart Chart Director DADiSP Datacopia EJS PLPlot EZL Fusion Charts GNU Plot Lab Plot



WORD PROCESSING

AbiWord Calligra Words Ether Pad GNU Texmacs Polaris Office Adobe Page maker Apple Pages Documents to Go Lotus Word Pro Tech Writer Word Perfect Google Docs Authorea Adobe Buzzword ComWriter Microsoft Office Online Microsoft Word LaTEX



ENGINEERING DESIGN

Granta ProE AutoCAD Autodesk Product Design Suite CATIA ZW3DMech Designer BricsCAD Solid Edge Geomagic Design



REGRESSION ANALYSIS

• Simple and multiple regression.

• Linear, non linear regression.

• Curve fitting

• Details and examples in Spiegel (Schaum’sseries) Chaper 13, pg 316 E-book.



ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE

Details of procedure for analysis of variance (ANOVA) in the e-books:

Siegel (Schaum series) Chapter 16, pg 403;

Kothari, Chap 11, pg 256-284



SUMMARY

• Experimental designs include formal and informal designs.

• Informal designs include: before and after treatment design,without control; after treatment only design (with control);before and after treatment design (with control)

• Formal designs include complete randomized design,randomized complete block design, latin square design andfactorial design.

• Analysis of data can be achieved with different computersoftware packages including SPSS and Minitab.

• Researchers should train and re-train themselves on the use ofthese and other computer applications to enhance the quality oftheir research.


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• Questions?????• Discussion: Discuss the difficulties in using

formal experimental designs inresearch. Discuss the challenges in using

software packages for research andhow to overcome the obstacles.


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PRACTICAL SESSIONS

Using Minitab and SPSS, practicedata analysis….. Descriptivestatistics such as mean, standarddeviation, regression andcorrelation, analysis of variance,graph plotting, etc


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LECTURE 2.7PREPARATION BEFORE CONDUCTING YOUR

RESEARCH

• Obstacles and challenges of research.

• Internal preparations before conducting your research.

• External preparations before conducting your research.

• Identify and pursue your targets.

• Summary.

• Questions and discussion.


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LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this module, participants shouldbe equipped with knowledge on preparations tomake before embarking on research.


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CHALLENGES OF RESEARCH

• Accuracy and reliability of data and research results.

• Poor record keeping.• Poor funding.• Poor library facilities.• Poor ICT infrastructure.• Poor power supply.• Logistics challenges (laboratory supplies).• Institutional bureaucracy.• Cooperation among research team members.


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INTERNAL PREPARATIONS BEFORE CONDUCTING YOUR RESEARCH

• Identify and formulate the research problem properly.

• Carry out extensive literature review.

• Design the research

• Develop and work plan and budget

• Conduct a review and peer review of the research plan.

• Ensure all research materials and equipment are available.

• For each of the plans, ensure you have a plan B.

• Review plans and logistics through project meetings.

• Ensure proper documentation as the project proceeds.


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EXTERNAL PREPARATIONS BEFORE CONDUCTING YOUR RESEARCH

• Establish linkages with relevant researchers outside your university.

• Establish linkages with industry and potential users.• Plan for a robust ICT facility.• Create and maintain a functional website.• Establish web presence through social media.• Ensure that external procurements are planned for,

allowing for adequate lead times.• Where foreign exchange is involved, work out how to

overcomes current challenges in the foreign exchange market.


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IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP PLANS FOR MEETING TARGETS ON TIME

• Number of PhDs and MScs to be produced.

• Number of innovations and products to be produced.

• Patents and other intellectual properties.

• Start-ups.

• Commercialization.

• Adoption of research results by industry


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IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP PLANS FOR MEETING TARGETS ON TIME

• Number of PhDs and MScs to be produced.

• Number of innovations and products to be produced.

• Patents and other intellectual properties.

• Start-ups.

• Commercialization.

• Adoption of research results by industry


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SUMMARY

• Research is confronted by a number of obstacles and challenges.

• Before embarking on research, theses obstacles should be identified.

• Plans should be made on how to overcomes the obstacles before embarking on the research.


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• Questions by participants????

• Discussion:

Identify potential obstacles to the execution of a research project.

Discuss how to overcome each obstacle identified.


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LECTURE 2.8DISRUPTIVE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

• Importance of Research

• Types of Research

• Types of Innovation

• Research, Innovation, Wealth Nexus

• Characteristics of Disruptive Research and Innovation

• Examples of Disruptive Research and Innovation

• How to Achieve Disruptive Research and Innovation

• Summary

Questions and Discussion.

Prof Onwualu, fasAfrican University of Science and Technology, Abuja 91

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this module,participants should be able toinitiate and implement DisruptiveResearch and Innovation usingmulti-disciplinary teams.

Prof Onwualu, fasAfrican University of Science and Technology, Abuja

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IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

• Deeper understanding of nature and environment.

• Custodian of Knowledge.

• More Acquisition of Knowledge.

• Exploitation of Knowledge for New Products and Services.

• Sustainable Innovation System.

• Sustainable Industrialization.

• Wealth Creation.

• Economic Growth and Sustainable Development.

93Prof Onwualu, fas


TYPES OF RESEARCH (1)

Pure research Fundamental or the theoretical research.Basic and original.Can lead to the discovery of a new theory.Can result in the development or refinement of a theory that already exists.Helps in getting knowledge without thinking of implementing it in practice.

Applied research Based on the concept of the pure research.Is problem oriented.Helps in finding results or solutions for real life problems.Provides evidence of usefulness to society.Helps in testing empirical content of a theory.Helps in developing the techniques that can be used for basic research.Helps in testing the validity of a theory but under some conditions.Provides data that can lead to the acceleration of the process of generalization.


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Exploratory research Involves exploring a general aspect.Includes studying of a problem, about which nothing or a very little is known.Follows a very formal approach of research.Helps in exploring new ideas.Helps in gathering information to study a specific problem very minutely.Helps in knowing the feasibility in attempting a study.

Descriptive research

Simplest form of research.More specific in nature and working than exploratory research.It involves a mutual effort.Helps in identifying various features of a problem.Restricted to the problems that are describable and not arguable.Existing theories can be easily put under test by empirical observations.Underlines factors that may lead to experimental research.It consumes a lot of time.It is not directed by hypothesis.


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Diagnostic studyQuite similar to the descriptive research.Identifies the causes of the problems and then solutions for these problems.Related to causal relations.It is directed by hypothesis.Can be done only where knowledge is advanced.

Evaluation study Form of applied research.Studies the development project.Gives access to social or economical programmes.Studies the quality and also the quantity of an activity


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WHAT IS INNOVATION?

The process of translating an idea or invention into a value added product or service that is marketable

Innovation is bringing into being a better idea or method while invention is just to create an idea or method

Innovation leads to more effective ideas, processes, technologies, products and services that are readily available to the market.

It is usually assured in an economy when there is a functional National System of Innovation (NSI) based on the Triple Helix Concept (Government, Research and Industry working together).

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•Figure iv. Waves of Innovation Model. •Source: Hargroves, K. and Smith, M. (2005), p 17.[1]

•[1] Hargroves, K. and Smith, M.H. (2005) The Natural Advantage of Nations: Business Opportunities, Innovation and Governance in the 21st Century, Earthscan, London.

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TYPES OF INNOVATION

• Evolutionary or Revolutionary

• Incremental or Radical

• Product, Service and Process

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INNOVATION and WEALTH OF NATIONS

There is direct relationship

between

innovation output

and

wealth of nations

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RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT NEXUS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH

INNOVATION


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EXAMPLES OF PRODUCTS OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Computer, television, radio, air conditioner, fan, washing machine, GSM.

Internet, Facebook, Whatsapp, Tweeter, Microsoft, Apple, HP, printers.

Bicycle, motorcycle, car, aircrafts, engines, train, drones, rocket, missile.

Telephone, photography, films, cinema, novels, camera, dryer, cooker.

Capacitor, OLED, solar cell, battery, petrochemicals, bulb, flourescent.

X-ray, microwave, radio signal, eye glass, clock, stethoscope, ECG.

Paper, pencil, pen, ink, books, calculator, CAD/CAM systems, e-books.

Industrial chemicals, drugs, packaging materials, cement, lubricants.

Buildings, roads, railway, airports, seaports, space station, glass, steel.

Soccer, monopoly scrabble, golf, cricket, handball, baseball, toys.

THESE DISCOVERIES HAVE MADE LIFE MORE INTERESTING AND ENABLED MAN TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES OF HIS ENVIRONMENT.

For a minute, let us reflect on some other achievements of man, aided by innovations and research.



RICH OR POOR?ANY INNOVATION?

Prof Onwualu, fas African University of Science and Technology, Abuja

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TRANSPORTATION-AIRCRAFTS


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ENERGY- ELECTRICITY


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AGRICULTURE-TRACTORS


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HEALTHCARE-HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT


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GLOBAL INNOVATION SPECTRUM: Where is Nigeria?

• Different Indices can be used to quantify Innovation. These include: International Innovation Index; Innovation Indikator; Innovation Union Scoreboard; Global Competitiveness Index; Bloomberg Innovation Index and Global Innovation Index (GII)

• GII gives an indication of the capability of an economy in generating and using innovation continuously for development

• It is an average of two sub indices namely input and output sub indices



GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX =Average of Input and Output Indices

Innovation Input Sub Index Pillars• Institutions• Human Capital• Research• Infrastructure• Market Sophistication• Business Sophistication

Innovation Output Sub Index Pillars• Knowledge and Technology Output• Creative outputs

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GII: Framework of the Global Innovation Index 2014



GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 2014 RANKING

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1. Switzerland 64.78 10. Honk Kong 56.82

2. UK 62.37 21. Japan 52.41

3. Sweden 62.29 29. China 46.57

4. Finland 60.67 53. South Africa 38.25

5. Netherlands 60.59 78. Tunisia 32.94

6.USA 60.09 85. Kenya 31.85

7. Singapore 59.24 96. Ghana 30.26

8. Denmark 57.52 109. Burkina Faso 28.18

9. Luxemburg 56.86 110. Nigeria 27.76


CHALLENGES OF NATIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

Food and Agricultur

e Health care,

Education and

Employment

Power, Transport and Communicatio

nWater, environment and Security

Housing and Urban

Development

Commerce and

Industry



Wealth

Science

Research and Development

Engineering Capability

Technological Capability

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Increased Productivity

and Production



SOLUTION TO NIGERIA’S PROBLEMS

DISRUPTIVE

RESEARCH

AND

INNOVATION


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CHARACTERISTIC OUTCOMES OF DISRUPTIVE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Completely displaces existing ideas, products, services and the way we do things

Leads to enormous wealth creation

Leads to tremendous improvement in standard of living

Leads to global disruptions in technology available to do things that hitherto were impossible


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EXAMPLES OF PRODUCTS OF DISRUPTIVE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

• Wikipedia vs traditional encyclopeadia (Wikipeadia has 5 million articles and is free; Encyclopeadia Brittanicca has 120,000 articles, costs $1000 and bulky).

• Computers vs traditional methods of calculation or word processing

• Data Storage (floppy disk, CD, USB)• Display – LED (light bulb, CRT, LEDs)• Food processing and storage• Air-conditioning• Drip Irrigation in a dessert• Organ transplants• Smart mobile phones• Speed trains and jumbo jets• Publishing


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CHALLENGES OF DISRUPTIVE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

• Very Costly in terms of equipment, personnel and research funds

• Higher risk of failure

• Longer to achieve

• Requires functional infrastructure

• Requires high skill and continuous training

• Requires dedication and persistent work.

• Requires multi-disciplinary teams.


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STRATEGIES TO ACHIEVE DISRUPTIVE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Look at the big picture - Projects that integrate theory and simulation, practice and experiments, surveys, capacity building, patents, product development, scale-ups, start-ups.

Entrepreneurial research - Do not be discouraged by your environment in terms of available funding, laboratory, time etc

Identify and engage partners in the Triple Helix (government, industry and academia)

Consider research that are game changers and can completely change existing processes and products.


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SUMMARY

• Research leads to innovation and innovation leads to wealth of nations.

• The challenges of development in Nigeria are such that disruptive research and innovation must be evolved and used.

• Strategies for evolving disruptive research and innovation include entrepreneurial, multi-disciplinary research which must be aimed at changing the way we do things.


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Questions from participants???? Discussion: • Identify any existing disruptive research and innovation

in Nigeria?. • In your field of specialization, identify one possible

disruptive research and one possible disruptive innovation.

• Identify the challenges in implementing such an innovation and proffer solutions.

• Is it possible to have disruptive research and innovation in Nigeria?.


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LECTURE 2.9PRODUCT ORIENTED AND MARKET

DRIVEN RESEARCH

Curiosity oriented research

Product oriented research

Market driven research

Challenges

Prospects

Strategies for fostering product oriented and market driven research

Summary



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LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this module, participantsshould be equipped with knowledge tobe able to initiate and implementcuriosity oriented research, productoriented research and market drivenresearch.


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CURIOSITY ORIENTED (DRIVEN) RESEARCH

Research that is done to satisfy the curiosity of the researcher.

Used to achieve deeper understanding of a phenomenon. Useful in establishing theories, standards, etc. Examples include establishment of laws such as Newton’s

laws of motion. They may not have immediate application in the short

term. For a developing country such as Nigeria, many people may

think that this is not useful because of the numerous problems begging for solution.

But it should be noted that most applied and product oriented research are based on curiosity driven research.


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PRODUCT ORIENTED RESEARCH

• Research targeted at production of goods and services which may or may not be in demand.

• It is based on the technology push model of research where technologies or products are developed and pushed into the market.

• Advantages include that it can quickly expand the range of products in an economy.

• It can also energize the production of products not earlier considered by consumers.

• It may not necessarily require high scientific content.• It can be costly especially when it fails.• It required aggressive and comprehensive marketing to penetrate the

market.• It is a better model for a developing country because impact is

immediately felt.


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EXAMPLES OF PRODUCT ORIENTED RESEARCH

• Development of a new method of writing.

• Development of a product to minimize fuel consumption in a vehicle.

• Development of a more efficient roofing material.

• Development of a new machine tool.

• Development of a new solar powered telephone hand set.


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MARKET DRIVEN RESEARCH

• Research targeted at providing the need of a clientele or the general public.

• It is based on demand and so the results of the research find immediate application.

• The demand can be actual or perceived but must be confirmed before the commencement of research.

• Some times the research is done in collaboration with the end user (research-industry linkage)


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EXAMPLES OF MARKET DRIVEN RESEARCH

• Research on alternative energy sources.

• Research on infectious diseases.

• Research on high yielding and disease resistant planting materials.

• Research on cheaper and safer means of transport.

• Research on cheaper and more efficient means of communication.


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IMPLEMENTING PRODUCT ORIENTED and MARKET DRIVEN RESEARCH

• Global market survey of products.• Survey of existing patents and trademarks.• Interaction with product producers and consumers to

understand what is required.• Identify target products that can displace or compete

favorably with existing products.• Product or goods/service can be developed using

contract research or contract production.• It may require convincing potential clients to contract

the researcher for a particular technology, product or service.


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CHALLENGES

Product must be of highest standards to satisfy regulatory and standard organizations.

Poor intellectual property regime. Difficulties in commercialization and manufacturing of products. Poor access to funds to drive research to the point of producing

acceptable goods and services. Very few venture capital companies. Absence of research environment that can support product oriented and

market driven research such as industrial or technology parks. Competition with imported technology, goods and services which reduces

the real market demand for products. Lack of collaboration culture to support very serious multi-disciplinary

teams that can bring researchers, industry and funding institutions together.


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STRATEGIES FOR FOSTERING PRODUCTORIENTED AND MARKET DRIVEN RESEARCH

• There should be a national integrated approach to research and development.

• A group of experts including key people from academia, industry and government can come together and identify major research thrusts.

• These can be used to challenge universities to form multi-disciplinary consortium of researchers based on the expertise of each university.

• Adequate funding will be provided to drive each research to the end product in the market.

• In the mean time, universities should form such groups to cover key sectors of the economy and then cultivate the buy in of the other stake holders and pursue the projects.


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SUMMARY

• For most developing countries, researchers should focus on product oriented and market driven researchas opposed to curiosity or pure research.

• Such research must focus on developing products and services, especially the type that can solve immediate problems.

• Multi-disciplinary teams of researchers in universities should be formed to address the challenges facing Nigeria in different areas of the economy.

• Such research must be targeted at technologies, products and services determined as requires by people.


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Questions ??????Discussion:• Identify the challenges in forming and

operationalizing multi-disciplinary research teams that can handle product oriented and market driven research.

• Discuss the challenges that can face such a team and how to overcome them.

• Identify clusters of research themes that can lead to product oriented and market driven research.


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