To start anything, people always wonder where to start, so it's also a question of "Where to start a research work for a degree to PhD".
How to start?
We are dividing the roadmap into several components to understand it properly.
The framework of a road map to accomplishing the PhD research work addresses the research process and several research options in steps in the research process and research designs. This model allows novice PhD researchers to discover where they are in the process and compare research designs, methods, analysis, and interpretation options. The aim is that using a research roadmap would help students make better research project selections and ease some of the uncertainty. This road map also helps PhD students approach their dissertation assignments more confidently.
THE PROCESS
The first step of a PhD Research Roadmap is to lay out the process for the research project. The method includes tasks as mentioned below:
· Topic selection
· Purpose Statement
· Research Question
· Literature Search
· Research Methodology/Design
· Data Collection Tools
· Research Proposal
· Collection & Analysis and Reporting
It is also important to note that while the sequence ―looks linear in the model, in actual practice, there is a great deal of iterative or recursive effort, circling back to refine and revise earlier steps.
RESEARCH STRATEGY AND PLAN
A sound research strategy developed early in the study is essential to success. It will help organise the entire research effort and, more importantly, provide a blueprint or roadmap by which a PhD researcher can conduct the analysis. Think of this activity as a pre-proposal effort that researchers can use throughout the proposal's development.
TOPIC SELECTION
Selecting a topic that the researcher desires to analyse and assess is the beginning of the research effort. The topic must be sufficiently narrowed to be adequately quantified and studied. An exemplary process step is to review professional journals and articles, previous research initiatives, formal reports, and doctoral dissertations to begin the research effort. Read our blog "PhD Topic Selection: An Important Activity for PhD" for detailed insight.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
PhD students should use the purpose statement to generate the primary research questions. The questions should also aid in narrowing and focusing the investigation. The purpose statement should also have the outcomes or results the researcher reasonably expects from the analysis. Once the purpose is determined, the researcher can develop the research questions and select the appropriate research design, data collection, and analysis.
RESEARCH QUESTION
The research questions should also aid in narrowing and focusing the investigation. What will be studied/investigated must be stated in the research questions. For instance:
· What does the researcher want to discover?
· What would be the most efficient way to achieve this?
A good approach for developing a solid research question is to begin with a general topic and then narrow the topic down to a specific question.
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Another method for organising research data is to create an annotated bibliography. Most academic organisations require this deliverable as part of the initial research process. The annotated bibliography will depict that the PhD researcher has read and understood the materials gathered. It also identifies critical research issues directly supporting the study topic, such as research designs, methodology, samples, and findings.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
The study proposal summary should be written in the same manner as a formal contract. The proposal outline will go over the entire study process, including data gathering, analysis, and final report drafting. The proposal will, at the very least, comprise the following key topic sections:
· Topic
· Problem Statement
· Review of the Literature,
· Purpose
· Research Question or Hypothesis, Definitions of Terms
· Assumptions and Limitations
· Methods and Procedures
· Results and Conclusions
· Ethical Considerations
· Timeline and Major Milestones
· List of references
Each section must offer comprehensive facts rather than conjecture. This is when having an outstanding overall research approach and plan might come in handy. Read our blog " HOW TO WRITE A SUCCESSFUL RESEARCH PROPOSAL" for more insights.
DATA COLLECTION
The sample procedures, data collecting, and data analysis are all included in the methodology portion of the study report. The data gathering procedure differs depending on the research design.
SAMPLING
Diverse study designs necessitate different procedures for selecting participants, materials, and data collecting sites.
REPORTING
The research report is as vital as the rest of the research process. The final report may be a peer-reviewed publication, a dissertation, an assessment report, or another formal publication. A research report is used to effectively communicate the findings of a systematic inquiry to the public. A study report would allow you to identify information gaps for additional investigation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
For performing research projects, students and researchers require standards and processes. Recommendations are intended to encourage action or solutions to the problems you researched in your research report. Based on the findings of your investigation, your suggestions identify solutions and steps that researchers should adopt.
Research can be a daunting experience if the appropriate planning is not executed upfront. Understanding the entire research process and the steps necessary to produce a solid research effort is critical. Hopefully, this provided a roadmap of the research process, standard designs, and activities throughout the process.
To learn more about the PhD community, contact EDAMBA, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and enabling interaction among Doctoral Programs in Management and Business Administration.
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