Technical Communication for Engineers

Data inputs and analytical methods

Dr. Arun K. Saraf,

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Key contents of technical communications:
1. Title / topic
2. Abstract / synopsis / summary / extended abstract
3. Keywords
4. Introduction
5. Background / review work
6. Data Inputs (datasets, field data etc.)
7. Analysis methods / approach / algorithms etc.
8. Results
9. Discussions
10. Outcome / observations
11. Conclusions
12. References / bibliography
13. Acknowledgement
14. …

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 Input data / datasets used
• The singular form of "data" is "datum“.
• "Datum" means "one raw fact" or "one numerical value".
• The word "datum" is rarely used in any form of communication.
• Data is a collection of information that is gathered through
observations, measurements, research, or analysis.
• Data can consist of facts, numbers, names, figures, or even
descriptions of things.
• It can be organized in the form of graphs, charts, or tables.

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 Input data / datasets used
Data can be described as:
• A collection of discrete or continuous values that convey information.
• A systematic record of a specific quantity.
• A set of facts and figures that are useful in a particular purpose like a
survey or an analysis.
• A set of values of qualitative or quantitative variables about one or
more persons or objects.
• Data can be presented in numbers, letters, or other form. It can be
stored and processed by a computer.

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 Input data / datasets used
Data vs Information vs Knowledge:
• Data in their simplest form consist of raw alphanumeric values.
• Information is created when data are processed, organized, or
structured to provide context and meaning.
• Information is essentially processed data.
• Knowledge is what we know.

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 Input data / datasets used

Data Computer Information GIS Knowledge

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Input data / datasets used

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 used
datasets
Input data /

https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E12AQE2-EzVXJaabg/article-cover_image-
shrink_600_2000/0/1597814167665?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=uwGBvHF4Uu9fn0som3O0ilyPOjRl3hNCKuGpqtE2kmw
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 used
datasets
Input data /

https://www.analytixlabs.co.in/blog/difference-between-data-and-information/
 Input data / datasets used
• In this section of the thesis / report, it is important to provide
complete information about data used in the study.
• The source of datasets must be declared with proper references and
acknowledgement.
• If data has been collected by the student / report writer then it should
also be mentioned accordingly.
• Generally, it is preferable to provide data used information in tabular
format.

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Input data / datasets used: Example

http://203.159.29.7/index.php/journal/article/view/253
Baral et. al., 2016

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 Baral et. al., 2016

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http://203.159.29.7/index.php/journal/article/view/253
 Saraf et. al., 2010

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https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-010-9660-0
Key contents of technical communications:
1. Title / topic
2. Abstract / synopsis / summary / extended abstract
3. Keywords
4. Introduction
5. Background / review work
6. Data Inputs (datasets, field data etc.)
7. Analysis methods / methodology / approach / algorithms etc.
8. Results
9. Discussions
10. Outcome / observations
11. Conclusions
12. References / bibliography
13. Acknowledgement
14. …

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 Analysis methods / methodology/ approach / algorithms
• The methodology section of a research paper is a key part of any
academic or scientific work.
• A research methodology section describes how a researcher
systematically designs a study to ensure valid and reliable results.
• The purpose of this section is to address what you performed and
how you did it, letting readers assess the reliability and validity of
your study.
• The methodology section can begin with a description of a theoretical
or conceptual framework outlining the parameters that the author
plans to operate within.
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 Analysis methods / methodology/ approach / algorithms
• It outlines the methods selected and used in the research process, as
well as factors for data analysis.
• The methodology section of a research paper lets your readers
analyze your approach to the study.
• It states the topic of your study and the tools used to conduct the
research.

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 Analysis methods / methodology/ approach / algorithms
Tips for writing a methodology for a research paper:
• Restate your thesis or research problem
• Explain the approach you chose
• Explain any uncommon methodology you use
• Describe how you collected the data you used
• Explain the methods you used to analyze the data you collected
• Evaluate and justify the methodological choices you made

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 Analysis methods / methodology/ approach / algorithms
Tips for writing a methodology for a research paper:
• Focusing on information on how you intend to analyze your results
• Describing how you plan and intend to achieve an accurate assessment
of the hypotheses, relationships, patterns, trends, distributions
associated with your data and research purpose
• Be very specific about your analysis

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 Analysis methods / methodology/ approach / algorithms
• In this section of the thesis / report, it is important to provide
complete information about analytical approach / methods /
methodology / algorithms etc.
• If there any improvement over already published work, then it should
be mentioned clearly.
• In case of methodology, instead of writing in the text, the same may
be presented through an easily understandable flow chart.
• Generally, it is preferable to provide complete details about
methodology.

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THANKS

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