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RMEC-321 Course Outline

The RMEC-321 module at Malawi University of Science and Technology focuses on research methods in computing, aiming to equip students with essential research concepts, proposal writing skills, and an understanding of various research methodologies. Students will learn to evaluate research ideas, conduct literature surveys, and discuss ethical considerations in research. The assessment includes coursework and a research proposal, with a mix of lectures, seminars, and online learning as teaching methods.

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3 views3 pages

RMEC-321 Course Outline

The RMEC-321 module at Malawi University of Science and Technology focuses on research methods in computing, aiming to equip students with essential research concepts, proposal writing skills, and an understanding of various research methodologies. Students will learn to evaluate research ideas, conduct literature surveys, and discuss ethical considerations in research. The assessment includes coursework and a research proposal, with a mix of lectures, seminars, and online learning as teaching methods.

Uploaded by

naomichataikah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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RMEC-321 Research Methods in Computing

MALAWI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


MALAWI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

1. Programme(s): BBIT/BCSS
2. Module Title: Research Methods in Computing
3. Module code: RMEC-321
4. Year: 4
5. Credit: 10
6. Presented to: Senate
7. Presented by: Malawi Institute of Technology
8. Lecture (hours/week): 1
9. Tutorial (hours/week): 3
10. Prerequisites:
11. Co-requisites:
12. Module Aim:
To provide the student with enough background in research concepts and theories as
well as proposal writing skills in computing

13. Intended Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of this module, module the student should be able to:
Familiarize themselves with a scientific research process in computing
Apply different research methods in computing
Evaluate the novelty and contribution of a research idea
Perform a literature survey and outline the work needed to produce a research
proposal
Identify assumptions, limitations and premises of different research approaches
and methods
Discuss ethical aspects of research designs and dissemination mechanism in
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computing

14. Indicative Content


a. Introduction to Scientific Research - definition of research, goals of research,
principles of the scientific method, scientific research process, mistakes in scientific
research.
b. Research Methodologies in Computing - research method vs research methodology;
research methodologies - formal methodology, case study, action research, design
science research/constructive research, experimental methodology, model
methodology;
c. Research methods: quantitative research methods vs qualitative research methods;
qualitative research methods - one-to-one interviews; quantitative research methods
- survey and correlational research; other research methods also applicable to
computing - algorithmic analysis, cognitive walkthrough, critical analysis of
literature, end-user study, forensic analysis, heuristic evaluation, mathematical
modelling, mathematical proof, proof by demonstration, simulation, static analysis,
think aloud, usability testing, and Wizard of Oz; techniques for analyzing data
d. Writing a research proposal - Introduction, Problem statement, Aims and objectives,
Preliminary literature review, Research methodology, Ethical considerations, Budget,
Appendices and References
e. Writing a dissertation - Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results,
Discussion and Conclusion. Other sections of a dissertation - Abstract, Table of
Contents, List of Figures and Tables, Bibliography and Appendices.
f. Case studies
g. Intellectual Property

15. Assessment

30% Course work (tests, exercises, presentations, group and individual assignments)

70% Research Proposal assessed based on a rubric. However, if research proposal is


done in a group, then the individual grade in research shall be calculated using the
formula ((student participation in project as determined by supervisor on a scale of 0 to
10)/10)*group research proposal grade.

16. Teaching and Learning Methods / Activities


1) Lectures
2) Seminars
3) Online learning

17. Prescribed Texts


Recker, J. (2013).
. Springer
115
Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social science research: Principles, methods, and practices.
URL: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/oa_textbooks/3/ License: CC BY-NC-SA:
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

18. Recommended Resources

Holz, H. J., Applin, A., Haberman, B., Joyce, D., Purchase, H., & Reed, C. (2006).
Research Methods in Computing: What are they, and how should we teach
them?. In Working group reports on ITiCSE on Innovation and technology in
computer science education (pp. 96-114).
Roodt, G., & Fouche, C. (2004). Guidelines for writing a research proposal.
Johannesburg, South Africa: University of Johannesburg.
Sudheesh, K., Duggappa, D. R., & Nethra, S. S. (2016). How to write a research
proposal?. Indian Journal of Anaesthesia, 60(9), 631 634.
Hayes, G. R. (2011). The relationship of action research to human-computer
interaction. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction (TOCHI), 18(3),
1-20.
Järvinen, P. (2007). Action research is similar to design science. Quality & Quantity,
41(1), 37-54.
Piirainen, K. A., & Gonzalez, R. A. (2013). Seeking constructive synergy: design
science and the constructive research approach. In International conference on
design science research in information systems (pp. 59-72). Springer, Berlin,
Heidelberg.
Dresch, A., Lacerda, D. P., & Miguel, P. A. C. (2015). A distinctive analysis of case
study, action research and design science research. Review of Business
Management, 17(56), 1116.
Rudestam, K. E., & Newton, R. R. (2001). Surviving your dissertation: A
comprehensive guide to content and process (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage.
19. Journals
International Journal of Computer Science iaeng
Computer science and information technology imedpub
International Journal of Innovative Research in Computer and Communication
Engineering - rroij

20. Date: March 2016, Reviewed March 2021

116

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