Faculty of Engineering and Technology

Department of Civil Engineering

7001BEPG
Research Methodology

Dr Patryk Kot
Room 3. 09 Peter Jost Enterprise Centre
p.kot@ljmu.ac.uk
01512312420
1

Introduction
In this session…

 Module guide
 Syllabus outline
 Assessments
 Book List
 Introduction to Research Methodology
Learning outcomes

 At the end of this session you should:

– Have an idea of the module content and syllabus.
– Be aware of the course work required.
– Understand the assessments that would be required.
– Have understanding of risk assessment and ethical approval.
Module guide
Learning Outcomes
 Critically evaluate key theories, concepts and methodological issues related
to research in Civil Engineering and/or Water, Energy and the Environment.

 Critically evaluate relevant published research literature in terms of its

methodology.

 Evaluate the nature and purpose of each stage in the research process and
be able to justify options related to the preparation of a post-graduate
research study.

 Design an experimental research proposal, with appropriate techniques for

obtaining and analysing data and minimising errors.
Syllabus outline
Overview of the research process focusing on research design
and strategy

Formulation of a research question and specific area of study.

Information sources and the purpose, nature and scope of

literature reviewing.

Data collection techniques used in quantitative and qualitative

research.

Process of data validation, inputting, and analysis.

Assessment
This module comprises two written report assessments:

 Evaluation of Published Work

− No more than 3000 words (excluding references)
− Hand-in Date – 12th March 2021
− Feedback Date – 2nd April 2021

 Research proposal
− No more than 3000 words
− Hand-in Date – 2nd April 2021
− Feedback Date – 23rd April 2021
Assessment Criteria & Indicative Marking Scheme
 Evaluation of Published Work
Requirements marks
Abstract: a short, ≈250-300 word summary of the report and its
key findings, designed to be accessible to a non-specialist 20
reader
Outline of the phenomenon/technique and its applications 20
History and development: how was the phenomenon discovered,
and how did it progress from there to present day. Highlight key
findings and discoveries. 20

Critical appraisal: which articles are most

important/valuable/reliable and why? Identify and discuss
controversies and any differences in 30
interpretation/implementation.
Bibliography and references: usage, frequency, format and
suitability. Use Harvard style for presentation. 10
Assessment Criteria & Indicative Marking Scheme
 Research proposal
Requirements Marks
Technical and lay summaries – this is the proposal’s equivalent of an 25
abstract. The technical summary is for expert review, while the lay
summary should be aimed at others in the review panel who are likely to
be professional researchers, but will not necessarily have experience of
the field.

A brief literature review, citing the latest in the field and as much 20
background as necessary to guide the reader’s understanding. Frame the
problem and highlight major steps in the development of existing
technologies.
Aims and objectives must be concise, logically ordered and achievable 10
during the time available to the research study. The objectives must be
suitable for answering the questions or achieving the aims outlined.
Assessment Criteria & Indicative Marking Scheme
 Research proposal - cont.
Requirements Marks
Methodology, timeline and justification of resources. Explain the details of 25
your experimental plan, demonstrating how you will be able to use the tools at
your disposal to achieve your research goals. Cost of materials, instrument
access and supervision time should be estimated, even if provided by a third
party
The impact statement has become a critical component of any proposal, 20
explaining the return on investment by the funding body. What will be known
or achievable after the conclusion of the research? Who will benefit?
Suggestions should be optimistic but grounded in reality, and explain why
your research deserves to be funded above and beyond its intellectual merit.
Ethics approval and risk assessments of the relevant projects. Demonstrate 0
that the ethical criteria of the research have been satisfied with the
submission of the ethical approval form. Confirm that risk assessment and
COSHH assessment have been carried out and that relevant forms submitted.
Research Dissertation – 7002BEPG
 This is a separate module that assesses your MSc
project dissertation.

 You need to pass the assessment for the Research

Methodology – 7001BEPG in order to be assessed for
the Research dissertation.
Book List
 Research methods for engineers (Book)
Thiel, David V.,
ISBN - 9781107610194
Cambridge, United Kingdom : Cambridge University Press, 2014.

 Research Methods for Construction (Book)

Richard F. Fellows, Anita M. M. Liu
4th Edition, July 2015
ISBN: 978-1-118-91574-5
Research Methodology - Introduction
Definition

Research is the systematic investigation into and the

study of things in order to establish facts and reach
new conclusions.
(Oxford English dictionary)
Need for the Research
 Contribution to Knowledge
Develop and advance current knowledge and understanding.

 Investigate and provide solutions to encountered

problems/situations.

 Curiosity to discover and understand new ideas,

phenomena and behaviours.

 Further establish existing knowledge.

Time to put that into practice
Example
A new material has been proven scientifically to be reliable
replacement for asphalt and concrete for road building.
− The material has excellent physical and chemical properties.

An Engineering Research study of the material might verify

 The material is in abundant supply from renewable
resources.
 The material can be recycled at the end of its usefulness.
 The toxicity of the material does not adversely impact the
environment.
Research Questions
 Why?
− Why does it happen.

 What?
− What is the reason for it to happen

 How?
− How can it happen and the required conditions

 When?
− When can it happen
Why?
 Why did the wind turbine collapse
in 100kph (62mph) winds?
− Review the literature for similar
incidents.
− Assess the weather conditions (wind)
at the time of collapse.
− Carry out numerical modelling and
experiments.
− Investigate fatigue and other points of
weakness.
− Inspect/Investigate other similar wind
turbines.
What ?
 What is the effect on concrete
strength when recycled aggregate
is used?
− Review the literature for previous
investigations.
− Carry out experiments – testing for
compressive and shear strength on
varying concrete mixes and
conditions.
− Investigate the properties of concrete
containing recycled aggregates.
How?
 How can the braking system of a
railway carriage be self-activating
when exceeds a specified
threshold velocity.
− Review the literature and patents for
automatic braking systems.
− Calculate the braking power required.
− Conduct model-based experiments on
braking systems.
When?
 When will the roof bolts in an
underground tunnel give way as a result
of environmental degradation.
− Review the literature for previous studies in
different rock types and environmental
conditions.
− Review the types of roof bolts in common use.
− Carry out survey of rock bolts in different tunnel
environments to assess degradation.
− Carry out experiments to measure the
degradation of the roof bolts under accelerated
weather conditions.
Research Process

Research Define the Data

Literature
Topic Problem Collection
Review
Key Words Statement

-Results
Conclusions -Analysis
-Discussion
Research can be
 Empirical
− Experiments
− Measurements in field and/or in laboratory

 Theoretical
− Modelling
− Computation and Maths
− Philosophical
Time management
Time management
 Literature reviews take time.

 Think about your familiarisation time

− Do you have to learn a new technique?
− A programming language?

 How many data points will you get per experiment?

− What’s your experiment time?

 When will your material or instrument be available?

Why is MSc research project important?
 Advancing Knowledge.

 Your dissertation will be your showpiece.

 Do it right, and you’ll be an expert on the topic (at least

for a while).

 Do it really right, and you might be a published author at

the end.
Things to know
 You must hand in a risk assessment and ethical form
with your proposal
− Indicate if not applicable.

 Any research involving people such as questionnaire

survey will require ethical approval and taking on-line
training.

 Don’t leave everything until Late.

Things to know - cont.

 Must be original research and generate primary data.

 Does not have to be laboratory work.

 Options include:
− Design and computer software analysis / statistical modelling
− Survey (need ethical approval)
− Meta-analysis
Things to know - cont.

 You will be marked as an individual: not as group project.

 However, collaboration between researchers is allowed.

 You must ensure you are clear whose data are whose.
Research Methodology - Ethics
Research Ethics

Research ethics- “Refers to the moral principles

guiding research, from its inception through to its
completion and publication of results and beyond”.
(Economics and Social Research Council, 2013)
Ethics Principles
 Literature Review and Theory
 Data Collection, Use and Disposal
 Accuracy and Competence
 Honesty and integrity
 Respect for life, law and the public good
 Responsible leadership: listening and informing
Ethics Principles – cont.

 Literature Review and Theory

− Acknowledge other people’s work when reporting.
− Avoid passing off someone else’s work as one’s
own- Plagiarism.
Ethics Principles – cont.

 Data Collection, Use and Disposal

Mainly for research involving people in-
− Surveys- asking participants to respond to questions.
− Physical activity- asking participants to perform manual
tasks.
− Mental activity- asking participants to perform mental tasks,
such as solving puzzles.
 Needs to be voluntary
 Obtain informed consent
 The right of participants to ask questions and to withdraw
Ethics Principles – cont.

 Accuracy and Competence

− Keep one’s knowledge and skills up to date and assist the
development of engineering knowledge and skills in others.

− Not knowingly mislead or allow others to be misled about

engineering matters.

− Present and review engineering evidence, theory and

interpretation honestly, accurately and without bias

− Identify, evaluate and, where possible, quantify risks.

Ethics Principles – cont.

 Honesty and integrity

− Be alert to the ways in which your work might affect others
and respect the rights of others.

− Avoid deceptive acts, take steps to prevent corrupt

practices or professional misconduct, and declare conflicts
of interest.

− Act in a reliable and trustworthy manner.

Ethics Principles – cont.

 Respect for life, law and the public good

− Ensure that all work is lawful and justified

− Minimise and justify any adverse effect on society or on the

natural environment.

− Take due account of the limited availability of natural and

human resources.

− Hold paramount the health and safety of others.

Ethics Principles – cont.

 Responsible leadership- listening and informing

− Be aware of the issues that engineering and technology
raise for society, and listen to the aspirations and concerns
of others.
− Actively promote public awareness and understanding of
the impact and benefits of engineering achievements.
− Be objective and truthful in any statement made in a
professional capacity.
RISK ASSESSMENT
RISK ASSESSMENT

DEFINITION-
A risk assessment is simply a careful examination of
what, in the work we undertake, could cause harm to
people, so that we can weigh up whether enough
precautions have been taken – or if more should be
done to prevent harm.
RISK ASSESSMENT - cont.

 A risk assessment is an important step in protecting staff,

students, visitors and therefore the University, as far as is
reasonably practicable.

 It would help to focus on the risks that really matter –

those with the potential to cause real harm.
RISK ASSESSMENT - cont.

HAZARD AND RISK

 Hazard – is anything that may cause harm.
− For example chemicals, electricity, using machinery, and
working from ladders etc.

 Risk – is the chance (high or low) that somebody could

be harmed by the hazards identified, together with an
indication of how serious the harm could be.
ASSESSING RISKS - FIVE STEPS
 Step 1- Identify the hazards
– Walk around your workplace and look at what could reasonably
be expected to cause harm.
– Ask others of what they think. They may have noticed things that
are not immediately obvious to you.
– Think about long-term hazards to health (e.g. high levels of noise
or exposure to harmful substances) as well as safety hazards.
ASSESSING RISKS - cont.

• Step 2- Decide who might be harmed and how

– For each hazard you need to be clear about who might be

harmed and if they could be hurt by your activities.

– It will help you identify the best way of managing the risk.
ASSESSING RISKS - cont.

 Step 3- Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions

− Having spotted the hazard(s), you then have to decide
what to do about it(them).
− Look at what you’re already doing, then compare this with
good practice and see if there’s more you should be doing
to bring yourself up to standard.
− Consider the questions:
 Can I get rid of the hazard altogether?
 If not, how can I control the risks so that harm is
unlikely?
ASSESSING RISKS - cont.

 Step 4- Record your findings and implement them

− Write down the results of the risk assessment and put them
into practice
− For the risk assessment to be suitable and sufficient you
will need to demonstrate that:
 A proper check was made
 You asked who might be affected
 You dealt with all the significant hazards.
 The precautions are reasonable, and the remaining risk is
low
ASSESSING RISKS - cont.

 Step 5- Review your assessment and update if

needed
− Check the risk assessment and, where necessary,
amend it.
Forms Needed?

 Ethics Application Form

 Complete ethics training available in the link here.

 Complete decision tool available in the link here and send

completed form to your supervisor

 Risk Assessment Form

 Submit both forms and indicate if not applicable.
Health and Safety
Safety Measures
 Materials should be stored out of harms way.
 Gloves should be used when handling materials with sharp edges
 Materials should be stored appropriately and securely
 All chemicals, finishes and solvents should be stored correctly in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
 Some materials may need special storage away from other
substances
 Where necessary ensure all appropriate protective wear are on at
all times:
gloves – hard hats – goggles – face masks – safety boots
Health and Safety
Laboratory Equipment

 Never use any laboratory equipment unless you are trained &
have been authorised to do so.

 As well as injuring yourself you may cause very costly damage.

 Report all accidents to your supervisor or departmental safety

officer.
Health and Safety
First Aid

 First aid kits are made available in the laboratory for emergency
treatments.

 Laboratory personnel would have the necessary training to

administer first aid.

 If you suffer from a medical condition which may affect you in the
laboratory then ensure that the laboratory supervisor is made
aware.
Health and Safety
Waste Materials

 Part of risk assessment is to determine how to dispose of waste

lab materials safely.

 Should not dispose of materials down the drain or in with normal

waste unless authorised to do so.
Health and Safety
Laboratory hygiene

 Do not eat, drink or smoke in a laboratory.

 Do not touch your face, mouth or eyes.

 Always wash your hands before you leave and especially before
eating.
Health and Safety

When in doubt – ASK

Next session

 Literature Searching for your dissertation