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Project Formulation CSP600

(Final Year Project I)

How To Choose A Topic and Supervisor(s)

Dr Muhammad Izzad bin Ramli

Universiti Teknologi MARA

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How To Choose A Research Topic

There are two main ways by which students can develop research topics:

Propose an original research topic

Browse from a list of available research topics provided by a supervisor. This option is not always available however is most common in science and engineering.

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You should discuss your ideas with a potential supervisor at an early stage.

They will be able to let you know which of these options may be best for you

They can also offer advice on writing your research proposal.

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How To Develop An Original Research Topic

Read broadly and widely to find a subject that you are passionate about.

Immerse yourself in the literature by reading journal articles and theses associated with your topic.

Narrow your focus to a single research question. Be specific and resist the temptation to be overambitious.

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Make sure your approach is flexible. As your research develops it is likely that some of your initial ideas will be challenged. You must to be prepared to change or modify your question if necessary.

Make sure you are familiar with the most recent developments in your field. This will ensure your idea is achievable and that it has not already been addressed by another researcher.

Discuss your idea with a possible supervisor.

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How To Search For A Supervisor

Get the list of the lecturers’ names from the website (or anywhere possible)

Search for an expert in a specific field

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Fields / Area in Computer Science Research

Wide areas of research
Some of the areas:
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Architecture & Engineering
Database Management Systems
Graphics
Human-Computer Interaction
Operating Systems & Networking
Programming Systems
Scientific Computing
Security

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Information Retrieval
Cloud Computing
Image Processing
Bio Informatics
Health Information System
Mobile Computing
Web Application
Big Data
and many many more..

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How To Write A Research Proposal

There are several ways you can structure a proposal however most contain the basic elements below.

Introduction. Provide a brief overview of your research project. Include aims and objectives, and outline the question your research will address.

Background/ literature review. Outline a specific theoretical foundation for your research project. Prove you are familiar with major theoretical and empirical contributions by other researchers and frame your own research question in this context.

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Significance. Explain why your project is unique and how the new knowledge generated by your research project will contribute to existing knowledge in this field.

Methodology. Outline how you will conduct your research project including sources, research methods you will use and how you plan to analyse and report data. Be clear as to the boundaries and conditions of your research. Discuss the potential limitations of your methodology and show that you have thought about the ethical issues involved.

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References. You may like to cite similar studies to yours or landmark studies in the field.

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Working With Your Supervisor

Your choice of supervisor is one of the most important decisions you will make.

Many research students state that their supervisor had a lifelong influence on their future career.

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What is working with a supervisor like?

The supervisor’s role is not to tell you every single thing what to do, or oversee every aspect of your research project.

Rather, they should act as a guide who you can discuss your ideas with and seek advice from.

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What you supervisor?

can expect from your

Intellectual support. Your supervisor can help you find your way through the literature, help you formulate a topic and design your methodology. In later stages of your project assistance may include discussion of your ideas and critique of your arguments and writing style.

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Emotional support. While supervisors should take a critical approach to your work, they should also provide understanding and encouragement.

Quality assurance. Your supervisor knows what standard your thesis should meet and can assess the feasibility of your plans.

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What you?

your

supervisor

will

expect

from

Good communication. You need to keep them informed about the progress of your work and whether you're facing any problems

A strong work ethic. Treat your research project like it were a job, work hard and meet agreed deadlines.

Take initiative. You alone are in control of your research project and must direct your own learning.

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How do you know if a supervisor is right for you and your research project?

Do your homework. Develop an idea about their approach to your field of research by reading some of their previous academic work.

Get a feel for what your relationship will be like by meeting with your prospective supervisor in person. This can help you assess if their personality is compatible with your own. If this is not possible you should at least talk to them over the phone and exchange emails about your topic.

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Develop an understanding of mutual expectations from the very beginning. Ask them about their communication and work styles. What frequency and quality of meetings do they expect? Will they be active in helping you set academic goals or take a more hands off approach?