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How Research Methodology Is Going To Change Your PhD Strategies

by | Jul 11, 2020 | HowTo, PhD

This is my PhD Research Operational Framework (ROF). In other words, my research journey for 3 and 1/2 years from start till end.

So what is takes to come out this ROF? Well a clear Research Methodology is a must

 

What is the research methodology? I bet every research students already know about this.

 

But do you really know how to design the best research methodology for your own research?

 

Well that’s is a tough question.

 

….and how many times do you change and revise your research methodology and plans?

 

A research methodology is very important in PhD and Master research/project because it is the record of how the research needs to be carried out. It is generally the part where researchers explain their study. The methodology has greater importance in research. A researcher needs to design the right methodology to arrive at the conclusion of the problem.

 

A research methodology or involves specific techniques that are adopted in the research process to collect, assemble and evaluate data. It defines those tools that are used to gather relevant information in a specific research study. Surveys, questionnaires and interviews are the common tools of research.

 

In a simple way, how do you introduce a research methodology?  Well, this is the base, as long as you follow these FOUR steps well you are in the right track.  What you need to do is just to explain in details, to the very extreme details without any dispute…(yes I am serious).

Step 1: Explain your methodological approach. Begin by introducing your overall approach to the research. …
Step 2: Describe your methods of data collection. …
Step 3: Describe your methods of analysis. …
Step 4: Evaluate and justify your methodological choices.

Since I am from Information System domain and I choose to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, my favourite reference books in Research Methodology are:

Saunder, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2012). Research Methodology for Business Students. England: British Library.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.

 

Plus of course, you should read also as many reference books to make you understand better

My advice:

  1. Choose the approach that suitable with your ability and nature (liking)
  2. Of course, the approach must fit with the research problem (so decide early, how you want to solve that research problem)
  3. Find a doable and possible method with accessible data collection. Without empirical data, it is though
  4. Be flexible with the research plan (change is constant in research)
  5. Always have plan A,B,C….even Z
  6. Be quick to adapt and respond if you plan didn’t work
  7. Again always have a backup plan and in fact backup data.

This is what I mean to collect more data (refer the above figure)

My study requires the experts to validate the findings, and out of three categories of experts only two categories respond with 12% and 45% respond rate, however, I don’t worry much because the % is sufficient (also because this is mixed-method study, hence I still have other quantitative data to support my findings). Also, the experts’ criteria for these three categories are at the same level of expertise, therefore the results are valid though ONE group never responded to my evaluation questions.

So, in doing research (PhD), again, don’t be stress, trust, sad if the respondent didn’t respond, let it be. You have any other potential respondents (that’s why planning and research method is very important at the early stage, you will know how to act when this situation occurs). Always have a backup plan and backup data (it is better to collect more, not that too much-but just enough to compensate if anything happened when you want to analyse the findings later)

I think enough for now, I believe there are many more tips and resources on research methodology that you can get from other researchers and experts out there.  Till then, if you want to discuss or tips on this topic don’t hesitate to email me at azaliah@utm.my

p/s: that ROF is not publishable anywhere. For reporting purposes in the thesis that ROF was redesigned into a clear, concise and comprehensive diagram.  That ROF was a ‘wallpaper’, in front of my study desk..

 

 

Sharing my knowledge and experience~Lets learn from each other

Emotional self-management

by | May 18, 2020 | HowTo

Critical thinking sounds like a dispassionate process but it can engage emotions and even passionate responses. This should not surprise us when we consider that reasoning requires us to decide between opposing points of view. In particular, we may not like evidence that contradicts our own opinions or beliefs. If the evidence points in a direction that is unexpected and challenging, that can rouse unexpected feelings of anger, frustration or anxiety.

The academic world traditionally likes to consider itself as logical and immune to emotions, so if feelings do emerge, this can be especially difficult. Being able to manage your emotions under such circumstances is a useful skill. If you can remain calm, and present your reasons logically, you will be better able to argue your point of view in a convincing way.

 

So remember, we as the professional, academician or not we criticize the work, not who deliver the work, not your personality. Be open and accept these critical analyses….to become better in whatever you do.  The professionals never have any grudge against the subjects that we critics, done our job in providing these critics, they you go we close the book and everything resume as usual.

8 STRATEGIES FOR INDEPENDENT RESEARCHER & STUDENT

by | May 10, 2020 | HowTo, PhD, research

1. Treat an online course like a “real” course.
When it comes to online classes, you need to have the discipline to sit down and say, “I am going to work on this,” as well as the dedication to actually follow through. Though you can be flexible as to when you choose to complete your work during the week, you can’t put it off indefinitely.

One of the easiest ways to ensure follow-through is to remember that you are paying to take this online course, just as you would for a traditional, in-person class. You must “show up” if you’re going to get real value out of your class. Treat your online classes the same way you would a face-to-face class—or, better yet, a job—and you’ll be off to the right start.

2. Hold yourself accountable
Set goals at the beginning of the semester, and check-in with yourself weekly. In a traditional classroom setting, you’ll often receive verbal or visual reminders of an assignment’s upcoming due date. But without a professor actively reminding you, it’s up to you to make sure you’ve allotted enough time to complete the work so you’re not starting an assignment the day before it’s due.

If you’re having trouble holding yourself responsible, pair up with a fellow classmate, or enlist the help of a spouse or friend to check in as an accountability partner. By being organized, proactive, and self-aware, you can get the most from your online class even when life outside of school becomes chaotic.

3. Practice time management.

The flexibility to create your own schedule is often one of the biggest appeals of taking online classes. But that freedom can also be detrimental if you do not have solid time management skills. Without them, you might easily to find yourself cramming before classes or handing in subpar assignments.

Though how you manage your time will depend on your schedule, learning style, and personality, here are some universally valuable tips to help you practice and improve your time management skills:

  • Look at the syllabus at the start of the semester and make note of major assignments. Mark them on a calendar you check regularly so you know what workload is coming in the weeks ahead. Don’t forget to factor in prior commitments that may interfere with your regular study schedules, such as weddings or vacations, so you can give yourself enough extra time to complete assignments.
  • Create a weekly schedule that you follow, designating certain hours each week to read, watching lectures, completing assignments, studying, and participating in forums. Commit to making your online coursework part of your weekly routine, and set reminders for yourself to complete these tasks.
  • When working on your assignments, try time-blocking, allotting yourself a certain amount of time for each task before moving on to the next one and setting a timer to keep you accountable.
  • Check-in periodically throughout the term, and look at how you’re spending your time. Ask yourself: How much time am I dedicating to course reading and assignments? Am I regularly underestimating the time it’s taking me to get things done, forcing me to cram the nights before the exams? A little self-reflection and adjustment can go a long way.

4. Create a regular study space and stay organized.
Set up a dedicated learning environment for studying. By completing your work there repeatedly, you’ll begin to establish a routine. Whether your workspace is your kitchen table, a library, or the corner booth in a local coffee shop, it’s important to determine what type of environment will work best for you. Experiment to discover which type of setting boosts your productivity. Wherever you choose, make sure there’s high-speed internet access so you’re not trying to take an online course over a lagging connection.

Setting up a regular workspace or office will also help you to stay organized. Knowing exactly where important dates, files, forms, syllabi, books, and assignments live will help keep you on track towards hitting your goals. When setting up your study space, make sure you:

Have a high-speed internet connection
Have the required books, materials, and software for the course
Have headphones for listening to lectures or discussions (especially important in shared spaces)

5. Eliminate distractions.
From Netflix to social media to dishes piling up in the skink, you’ll be faced with many distractions that can easily derail your studies. The best online students know how to lessen these distractions and set aside time to focus.

Exactly how much of a challenge these distractions will prove to be will depend on your own unique personality and situation. Some might find that they can tune out a noisy home by listening to music. Others might choose to work from a local coffee shop or library to eliminate their urge to multitask at home. Ultimately, you will need to find a strategy that works best for you.

Regardless of where you choose to work, consider turning your cell phone off to avoid losing focus every time a text message or notification pops up. And if you’re still having trouble resisting the temptation to check your email or surf the web, try downloading a website blocker. Using applications like Cold Turkey and Freedom can help eliminate distractions by blocking the apps or websites that tend to compete for your attention, such as Facebook and Twitter.

6. Figure Out How You Learn Best
Once you’ve established where you’ll learn, think about when and how you accomplish your best work. If you’re a morning person, make time to study first thing. More of a night owl? Set aside an hour or two after dinner to cozy up to your computer. If the kids require your morning and evening attention, try to carve out a study session mid-day while they’re at school. Brew your usual cup of coffee, put on your go-to playlist, and do whatever you need to get into the zone and down to business.

Not everyone learns the same way, so think about what types of information help you best grasp new concepts and employ relevant study strategies. If you’re a visual learner, for example, print out transcripts of the video lectures to review. Learn best by listening? Make sure to build time into your schedule to play and replay all audio- and video-based course content.

7. Actively participate.
Participate in the course’s online forum to help you better understand course materials and engage with fellow classmates. This might involve commenting on a classmate’s paper on a discussion board or posting a question about a project you’re working on. Read what other students and your professor are saying, and if you have a question, ask for clarification.

Make sure you are checking in as often as you can, too. The flexibility of online learning means that if you have 30 minutes before dinner plans, you could squeeze in a discussion response around your schedule. Set a goal to check in on the class discussion threads every day.

And if you do feel yourself falling behind, speak up. Don’t wait until an assignment is almost due to ask questions or report issues. Email your professor and be proactive in asking for help.

8. Leverage your network.
Online classes may sometimes make you feel like you are learning on your own, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Most online courses are built around the concept of collaboration, with professors and instructors actively encouraging that students work together to complete assignments and discuss lessons.

Build relationships with other students by introducing yourself and engaging in online discussion boards. Your peers can be a valuable resource when preparing for exams or asking for feedback on assignments. Don’t be afraid to turn to them to create a virtual study group. Chances are good that they will appreciate it just as much as you will.

How This World Champion Chess Player Survived a Crisis of Confidence

by | Mar 28, 2020 | HowTo

When chess prodigy Magnus Carlsen was 13 years old, he squared off against chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov, one of the world’s top-rated players. As Carlsen sat down to spar, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he couldn’t possibly win against such a formidable opponent. Now 27 years old, Carlsen says giving in to that belief was his biggest mistake.

“In that particular game if I [had] believed very seriously that I could [have] beat Kasparov, then I probably could have managed,” he says. In other words, the skill will only take you so far; confidence was the missing piece he needed to beat his opponent.

In business, too, there are plenty of ways in which you might face similar crises of confidence, whether it’s making a pitch to investors or trying to win an account with a big customer. Here are three tips from Carlsen on how to manage these moments and build self-confidence:

1. Trust yourself, no matter the consequences.
Confidence comes from trusting yourself to make a decision and being OK with the results, even if you fail. This explains why so many successful entrepreneurs count failures on their lists of achievements. For Carlsen, this meant trusting his gut and making a fast decision — and then not looking back. “It’s better to trust your gut and be burned sometimes than to always second-guess yourself,” he says.

2. Be willing to put in the work.
By the time Carlsen was 17, he was playing the best chess players in the world — and for the first time, he says, he started to feel confident in his abilities. “When I was 10 or 12 years old, I would often give away draws to presumably stronger opponents because I didn’t believe that I could beat them and I was happy with a draw,” he says. Of course, he had many matches during those intervening years, which helped him improve his skillset, and thereby his confidence.

This kind of self-doubt is often referred to as imposter syndrome — a psychological pattern in which you doubt your accomplishments or believe that you don’t deserve them. To overcome this, as Carlsen did, you must first recognize the condition and then work diligently to overcome it. As Carlsen says: “Within a few years I was completely convinced, rightly or not, that I was the man, I was the best.”

3. Look for an immediate win after you lose.
Carlsen’s approach to losing is also instructive. When he loses, he says he doesn’t dwell on it because bad results can linger. Instead, he looks for a win — as soon as possible. “For me, I just… need to somehow be able to strike back,” he says.

He also notes that he’s never been a good loser and that instead of working on ways to handle losses more gracefully, he focuses on a different problem: “I should be better at not losing.”

Bill Gates Describes What Separates Successful Leaders From Everyone Else During Bad Times

by | Mar 20, 2020 | HowTo

In 1999, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates was well on his way toward fulfilling his vision of putting a computer in every home, running Microsoft software.

That year, Gates also wrote Business @ the Speed of Thought, in which he accurately predicted the way the internet would change business.

But the uncanny leadership insights captured by then 44-year-old Gates, however, is almost prophetic at a time when people are begging for transparent and honest leadership during immensely uncertain times.

I say this because many executives in times of crisis will deflect bad news and try to paint a rosy picture of reality, which backfires when employees and customers see right through the disingenuousness.

Gates’s description of leadership in bad times
In the book, Gates explains that a company’s ability to respond to unplanned events, good or bad — and I can’t think of something more unplanned than a global pandemic — is a strong indicator of competitive advantage.

Why?

At the 30,000 ft. level, a CEO’s central role, writes Gates, is to do something rare: look for bad news and empower people to respond to it. He says leaders must model safety and encourage employees to share bad news as much as good news.

Easier said than done — especially if employees are trapped in a command-and-control environment. To Gates’s point, however: The flatter the corporate hierarchy, the more likely it is that employees will communicate bad news and act upon it.

“A change in corporate attitude, encouraging and listening to bad news, has to come from the top,” writes Gates.

He offers several tips applicable to today’s leader caught in making tough decisions daily:

  • Take the initiative to create an environment that fosters open discussion
  • Reward failure and allow experimentation
  • Embrace bad news to learn where you need the most improvement
  • Communicate bad news quickly
  • Make informed decisions with reliable data
  • Then, free up virtual teams to work on solutions quickly

You’ll recall the book was written in 1999 — before Slack, Zoom, and social media. Texting was just surfacing as a business tool, so email was king. Notice the way Gates describes the good practices of shared leadership and authentic communication between teams — things we desperately need right now:

“These independent explorations led to dozens and dozens of great ideas. Quickly, over e-mail, people offered their opinions, fleshed out the issues, considered the options. The amount of e-mail was just fantastic. E-mail discussions led to many small group meetings — often loud, informal ones in the hallways — to hammer out recommendations.”

At a time when people at all levels — including and especially those on the frontlines — need the information to make decisions quickly, great leaders will take off their masks, communicate what they’re feeling and seeing, and push the bad news to the forefront. They do this because they trust in the ability of those who they hired to come up with the answers to problems.