Research Methods

Dr Francis Boateng Agyenim

Tel: 0302984459 or 0302200622
Emails: dean.gradschool@gtuc.edu.gh
fagyenim@gtuc.edu.gh

www.nottingham.ac.uk/sbe

iSET

Institute of Sustainable Energy Technology

Week

Research Methodology:
Module
Content
Content
Lecturer

Research and its methods

Dr F Agyenim

Research proposals and funding

sources

Dr F Agyenim

Literature review

Dr F Agyenim

Identifying variables & hypothesis

Dr F Agyenim

Lab/Ecobuilding/Meeting Researchers
from ABE

Dr F Agyenim

Tutorial

Dr F Agyenim

Computer modelling/simulation
(Selection of appropriate software)

Dr F Agyenim

The experimental methods

Dr F Agyenim

Analysis, conclusions and reporting

Dr F Agyenim

Research Ethics/Research Innovation in

Industry

Dr F Agyenim

Presentation and Assessment

Dr F Agyenim

Research
proposal

Module Aim:
The module aims to give preparation either for a further
research/academic career working towards a PhD, or for
involvement with industry-based R & D projects.

Expected Outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding of research methodologies in the

area of engineering and science subjects, including literature
searches, timetabling and project management, experiment
methodology design and analysis of results

Intellectual skills in information technology, online databases as

well as statistical and analytical techniques

Professional practical skills in compiling research proposals

Transferable (key) skills in the ability to employ the research

methods to carry out research projects

RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
ASSESSMENT
Maximum

Mark (%)

Project 1: Project Proposal

2000 words

40%

Project 2: Literature review

paper, relevant to your
dissertation topic

4000 words

60%

Total

Date of
submission

100%

Details of project work will be given at end of Lecture

and can also be found at the WebCT.
www.nottingham.ac.uk/sbe

iSET

Institute of Sustainable Energy Technology

Module Aim:
The module aims to give preparation for student course, dissertation
further research/academic career working towards a PhD, or for
involvement with industry-based R & D projects.

Expected Outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding of research methodologies including

literature review and searches
timetabling and project management
methodology design and analysis of results

Intellectual skills in information technology, online databases as

well as statistical and analytical techniques

Professional practical skills in compiling research proposals

Transferable (key) skills in the ability to employ the research

methods to carry out research projects

Lecture 1

What is/is not research?

Why do research?
Where does research occur?
Who does research?
What do researchers use?
Types of research
Research route

Lecture 2:
Research Proposal
Funding Sources
Study Skills

WHY RESEARCH
METHODS
Todays Agenda
Research Basics
The Research Process
Proposal development

1-2 Why Research Methods 1

Because we say so
So you can understand works in your
Profession
So you can conduct a meaningful research
work
So you can evaluate research works
To improve knowledge in your area

1-2 WHY DO RESEARCH 2

To pursue knowledge for the sake of

curiosity

To meet specific needs of real-world

- To design a low cost house;

- To design an energy efficient cooling/heating
system;
- To develop a solar powered CHP system;

To pursue a postgraduate (MPhil, PhD)

qualification

What Research Is
Research is:
the systematic process of collecting and
analyzing information (data) in order to increase
our understanding of the phenomenon about
which we are concerned or interested.1
1.

Leedy P. D. and Ormrod J. E., Practical Research: Planning and

Design, 7th Edition. 2001.

1-1 WHAT IS RESEARCH?

Research is defined in many ways by different authors,
Including:

Critical process for asking and attempting to answer questions about the
world (Dane, 2011)

The overall scheme of scientific activities in which scientists engage in

order to produce new knowledge (Nachmias and Nachmias, 1981)

A systematic quest for undiscovered knowledge - Discovering things answering unanswered questions.

A process of expanding the boundaries of our knowledge

Creating things - that does not currently exist.

The discovery and the creation of knowledge lies at the heart of research

Good research is systematic in that it is planned, organised and has a

specific goal. However, research is not always systematic and controlled)

What is not research

Mere information gathering
Transportation of fact from one location to
another
Catchword to grab attention
Mere rummaging for information (moving
around, turning over, or looking through
contents)

What Research Is Not

Research isnt information gathering:
Gathering information from resources such as
books or magazines isnt research.
No contribution to new knowledge.

Research isnt the transportation of facts:

Merely transporting facts from one resource to
another doesnt constitute research.
No contribution to new knowledge although this
might make existing knowledge more
accessible.

Research Characteristics
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Originates with a question or problem.

Requires clear articulation of a goal.
Follows a specific plan or procedure.
Often divides main problem into subproblems.
Guided by specific problem, question, or hypothesis.
Accepts certain critical assumptions.
Requires collection and interpretation of data.
Cyclical (helical) in nature.

Characteristics of Research
Originates with a question or problem (Guided by specific
research problem or question)
Requires a goal and specific plan for completing the
research
Main problem is divided into sub-problems and objectives
are assigned for each sub-problem
Certain assumptions are acceptable
Requires collection and interpretation of data
Cyclical in nature

A View of Research
Different viewpoints of research:

A quest for knowledge and understanding

An interesting, and perhaps useful experience
A course for qualification
A career
A style of life
An essential process for commercial successes
A way to improve human quality of life
An ego boost for you
A justification for fund for department and its continued
existence

Research Projects
Research begins with a problem.
This problem need not be Earth-shaking.

Identifying this problem can actually be the

hardest part of the research.
In general, good research projects should:
Address an important question.
Advance knowledge.

Research Project Pitfalls

The following kinds of projects usually
dont make for good research:
Self-enlightenment.
Comparing data sets.
Correlating data sets.
Problems with yes / no answers.

High-Quality Research
(1 of 2)

Good research requires:

The scope and limitations of the work to be
clearly defined.
The process to be clearly explained so that it
can be reproduced and verified by other
researchers.
A thoroughly planned design that is as
objective as possible.

High-Quality Research
(2 of 2)

Good research requires:

Highly ethical standards to be applied.
All limitations be documented.
Data be adequately analyzed and explained.
All findings be presented unambiguously and
all conclusions be justified by sufficient
evidence.

Sources of Research Problems

Observation.
Literature reviews.
Professional conferences.
Experts.

Stating the Research Problem

Once youve identified a research problem:
State that problem clearly and completely.
Determine the feasibility of the research.

Identify subproblems:
Completely researchable units.
Small in number.
Add up to the total problem.
Must be clearly tied to the interpretation of the
data.

Hypotheses
Hypotheses are tentative, intelligent
guesses as to the solution of the problem.
There is often a 1-1 correspondence between
a subproblem and a hypothesis.
Hypotheses can direct later research activities
since they can help determine the nature of
the research and methods applied.

Delimitations
All research has limitations and thus
certain work that will not be performed.
The work that will not be undertaken is
described as the delimitations of the
research.

Definitions
Define each technical term as it is used in
relation to your research project.
This helps remove significant ambiguity from
the research itself by ensuring that reviewers,
while they may not agree with your definitions,
at least know what youre talking about.

Assumptions
Assumptions are those things that the
researcher is taking for granted.
For example: a given test instrument accurately
and consistently measures the phenomenon in
question.

As a general rule youre better off

documenting an assumption than ignoring it.
Overlooked assumptions provide a prime source of
debate about a research projects results.

Importance of the Study

Many research problems have a kind of
theoretical feel about them. Such projects
often need to be justified:
What is the research projects practical value?

Without this justification, it will prove

difficult to convince others that the
problem in question is worth study.

1-3 WHERE DOES RESEARCH OCCUR?

Museums

Companies

Universities

Technical Institutes

Research Councils and

Government Departments

1-4 WHO DOES RESEARCH?

Scientists

Doctors

Academia

Researchers

Technicians

- Engineers;

Postgraduates

1-5 Research Tools What do researchers use?

Library and information resources
- internet databases and libraries
Used to find out what is already known/done in the
field;
Computer software and mathematics:
- Investigate the mechanism and inherent
characteristics of the problem using theoretical
approach
Experiments and Measurement techniques:
- Physical testing and experiments to test and
validate new theories (hypotheses) using data
collected

 Statistics:
- Evaluate your results using softwares such as
Excel, SPSS, etc
Language and facilities
- for reporting or communicating results and findings:
Report these results to the scientific community
through journals and conferences presentations
Human mind:
- Most important tool on researchers workbench.
Interpret data and arrive at logical conclusion .

1-6 TYPES OF RESEARCH

Goal

Method

Pure research

Experimental research
Creative research
Descriptive research

Applied research Ex post facto research

Action research
Historical research
Expository research

1-6-1. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

investigate problems of cause and effect
identify the variables of interest
determine if changes in one variable
(cause) result in change in another (effect)

Examples:
-

Effect of prefabrication techniques on the cost of houses

Effect of renewable energy technologies on the CO2
emission
Effect of using air conditioning system on the health of
occupants

1-6-1. EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

Exercise 1:
Give 2 examples that follow the route of
experimental research (5 minutes):

1-6-2 CREATIVE RESEARCH

development of new things
suitable for all fields, less structured and less pre-planned
either practical or theoretical:
- Practical creative research - design of physical things
(artefacts) and the development of real-world processes,
made by trial and error .
- Theoretical creative research is about the discovery
or creation of new models, theorems, algorithms, etc.
Examples:
- Software for automatic control of robots operation
- Mathematical model simulating the behaviours and
movement of the universe
- A novel mathematical model to predict the transfer of heat
across building fabric

1-6-2 CREATIVE RESEARCH

Exercise 2:
Give 2 examples of creative research
(5 minutes):

1-6-3 DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

case study
studying a specific situation to give rise to
any general theories
examine if existing general theories are
borne out by a specific situation

Examples:
Energy performance of a central London office
building whether the renewable technologies are
necessary in refurbishment of the building in order
to achieve the specified target given by new Part L
building regulations.

1-6-3 DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH

Exercise 3:
Give 2 examples of descriptive
research (5 minutes):

1-6-4 EX POST FACTO RESEARCH

effect to cause
looks back at the effects and try to deduce the causes
get rid of all other possible causes, and find one which
truly affects the result

Example:
The relationship between road development in an area and
its current population.
Investigating the growth in population in an area within the
past 20 years to find out what caused the growth. Was it
road development, culture reason, race issue and economic
reasons.

1-6-3 EX POST FACTO RESEARCH

Exercise 4:
Give 2 examples of ex post facto research (5
minutes):

1-6-5 ACTION RESEARCH

Problems approaches to solve the problems
effectiveness conclusions
Particularly used in applied research
All the steps are objective and follow a certain
scientific method

Procedures:
- Expert gathering of data about the specific problem
(from the company) and the general topic (from
literature study).
- Recommend changes and to be implemented by the
company.
- After a suitable time-period, research is conducted to
determine the effectiveness of the changes.

1-6-6 HISTORICAL RESEARCH

Study of the past to examine the current OR to
predict the future
Cause-effect patterns
Does not directly study current cause or effects
Data is gathered from primary sources (records
made at the time of the past events) and
secondary sources (records made after the
events)
Deals with the meaning of events (different from
study of history)
Examples:

- Stock-market forecasting
- Economic depression meaning of events but not just
chronology of events

1-6-7 EXPOSITORY RESEARCH

From existing information to extract/deduce
new insights or findings
Review-type research
Research procedure:
- Reading to gather information/ points of view
- Comparing, contrasting, analysing and synthesising all
points of view
- Finding important insights.

www.nottingham.ac.uk/sbe

iSET

Institute of Sustainable Energy Technology

The Research Process

1-7 RESEARCH ROUTE

1. Identify a question/problem (ideas)
2. Choose a good topic relating to the question/problem
3. Convert the topic into a well-depicted research proposal
(plan)
4. Undertake review of literature to identify knowledge gap
5. Carry out the research (modelling, experimentation etc)
6. Analyse the research results and draw conclusions
7. Write up the findings (Research report, thesis, paper)
8. Present the research findings

1-7-1 Identifying a PROBLEM

Identifying the research problem is the heart of the Research
Process)
A research problem can be found in several different
ways, including:
-preliminary research
-Needs
-new opportunities
-intellectual curiosity

1-7-1-1 PRELIMINARY RESEARCH

Studies of previous research will often suggest

useful research problems/knowledge gap
Answer to a particular problem often suggests a
number of new problems/opportunities

Examples:
-Research onto a refrigeration cycle for cooling gave rise to a
new idea that the cycle can be used for heating
-Research on Rankine cycle for power generation led to the
development of CHP (combined heat and power) system

1-7-1-2 NEEDS
Applied research often arises from specific
needs of industries, institutions, countries or
people.
Examples:
- Find materials for quality low-cost housing
- A paint company want to produce longer-lasting paints
- A moving firm want to minimise total distance
travelled
- A technikon wants to devise an exam timetable which
minimise clashes
- Development of light composite materials for use as
wind turbine blades
- Develop techniques for energy storage in buildings to
reduce heating/cooling load

1-7-1-3 NEW OPPORTUNITIES

New practical and theoretical breakthroughs often open
the door to new research on how these breakthroughs
can be used.

Examples:
- manufacture of strong, lightweight alloys stimulated
research in the field of aircraft design
- silicon chip has stimulated research in the design and
manufacture of more effective
- computers availability of optical technology has helped
create new possibilities of camera
- Isaac Newtons development of the theory of calculus
enabled researchers to solve many problems that were
previously unsolvable.

1-7-1-4 INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY

Why or how, asking the right question
needs some insight, and experience.
Examples:
- Leonardo da Vinci asked how birds fly and thus
produced the first design for a flying-machine
- Ignaz Semmelweis in 1850s asked why more people
die in some hospitals than others, and discovered that
sterile conditions are necessary in operation;

1-7-2 HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD TOPIC RELATING

TO A QUESTION/PROBLEM
Preliminary research, needs, new opportunities and
intellectual curiosity are the four major ways in which
researchers can gain ideas for research topics.
A good topic should be answerable by the methods available and
valuable in providing the answer.
To choose a good topic for a question, a researcher must have a
substantial knowledge of the field quested, and understand the
current status and future development of the target area.

Example:

- Isaac Newton is reported to have begun his

investigations into gravity after an apple fell on his
head.

1-7-3 CONVERTING THE TOPIC INTO A RESEARCH

PROPOSAL
Conduct review on the latest development relating to the
question/problem
- whether the problem has been solved, or the question has

been answered
- what an impact it will be if the problem were solved through
this research

Refine the question/problem to indicate its limits and

application scope
Evaluate the approach to be used for solving the
problem (or answering the question)
Develop a research proposal to guide the research

1-7-4 CARRYING OUT THE RESEARCH

Follow the plan (proposal)
Identify variables or hypothesis
Develop a mathematical model or use an existing
computer model to find the solutions of the variables
or hypothesis
Construct an experimental rig or use an existing rig to
experiment with problem/question to be investigated,
solution of variables
Collect data of results

1-7-5 ANALYSE THE RESEARCH RESULTS

(CONCLUSIONS)

Compare the theoretical results with experimental data

Validate the computer (theoretical) model with experimental

data, and subsequently refine the model developed

Verify experimental data using the modelling results, and

re- examine

Find out the solutions of problem/question, relation between

variables, and indicate accuracy of the hypothesis

Draw out the conclusions which can answer the question as

expected.

1-7-6 WRITING UP THE FINDINGS (REPORT, THESIS

OR PAPER)
Entails pulling together the information you have already collected into one
large document. A report (or thesis or journal/conference paper) should include
the following:

Title
Abstract
Contents
Question and hypothesis (Background)
Literature review
Research procedure (modelling and experiment)
Results analysis
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Reference List / Bibliography
Tables and Figures
Appendices

1-7-7 PRESENTING THE RESEARCH FINDINGS

Prepare a presentation to communicate your work and results to
others Eg in a conference (fair)

Choose a vision catchy, attention-grabbing title

Organize your information like a newspaper so that your
audience can quickly follow
Don't put text on top of photographs or images
Check the rules for your fair, and follow it
Take advantage of the space on the table in front of your
board to help describe your project.

Lecture 2:
Research Proposal
Funding Sources
Study Skills

CONTENT
2-1 What a proposal entails
2-2 Funding resources
2-3 Introduction of EPSRC
2-4 EU seventh framework programme
2-5 DTI (TSB) programme
2-6 Carbon trust

Research Proposal
Research begins with an idea/problem
Present idea to be funded (developing a good proposal)
Research proposal:

lays out the research problem,

describes how the research will be conducted and

outlines in precise detail the resources the researcher will
use to achieve the desire results.

Compares to an Architects plan to the construction of a

building
Good proposal demonstrates clear thinking without
confusion (focused, organised, precise, logical,
systematic)
Straightforward (simple , logical train of thought)
Clear, concise use of language

2-1 ORGANISATION OF A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Every proposal is different and depend on sponsors requirement .
A well depicted research application document will cover most of the
following aspects

Applicant details
Title of proposed research
Background
Aim and objectives
Novelty and Timeliness
Description of the Question/Problem
Methodology
Beneficiaries arisen from the research
Dissemination and exploitation of the research results
Justification of Resources
Qualification of Researcher
Reference
Project Timetable

Applicant Details
NAME
POSITION
SCHOOL
CAMPUS
EMAIL ADDRESS

Dr Francis Boateng Agyenim

Lecturer Sustainable Energy Technologies,
Course Director MEng Architecture and
Environmental Design
Faculty of Engineering/Architecture and Built
Environment
University Park, Nottingham
Francis.agyenim@nottingham.ac.uk

Details may include applicant achievements, current research, academic

publications etc
Title of proposed Examples:
research
1.The development of standardised methods for
testing phase change energy storage systems
for heating/cooling applications.
2.Intelligent agents for home energy
management
3.Reduction of energy demand in buildings
through optimal use of wireless behaviour
information system

2-1-1 BACKGROUND
Background section should address the following points:
Current status and trend of development of the target area
Existing problems still in the target area of study
Novelty and significance of the research topic, particularly
innovation, technical advancement and economic and
social impacts which may result in the near and medium
future.
Facts and figures in background should always be
supported with credible citations

Title of
proposed
research

Development of an educational material for solar thermal

energy storage systems to improve learner awareness of
low carbon technologies

Background
Solar energy sources are intermittent in nature, requiring storage to adjust the
mismatch between their generation and consumption. This makes it imperative to
expand knowledge into energy storage studies in engineering and Built Environment
curricula of universities to address the potential shortfall in skills when designing
renewable energy systems. ..
Over the last three decades, much research has been conducted in the area of energy
storage, concentrating on systems performance and efficiency measurement. For
example, several studies have been conducted to study heat transfer enhancement
techniques in thermal energy storage including finned tubes (Agyenim et al, 2010),
bubble agitation (Velraj et al, 1997), insertion of a metal matrix into the PCM (Trelles
and Dufly, 2003; Hoogendoorn and Bart, 1992), dispersion with high conductivity
particles (Mettawee and Assassa, 2007), micro-encapsulation, (Griffiths and Eames) or
shell and tube (multitubes) (Agyenim et al 2009, and Hendra et al, 2005). To date,
however, the applicant is not aware of any educational facility and material developed
and dedicated to the teaching of energy storage. This project proposal is intended to
develop an interactive, fun and exciting educational material of different energy storage
technologies to help inform students and the wider public on the need to incorporate
energy storage in renewable energy system design. The educational material
developed will primarily be used for teaching related activities.

2-1-2 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

This section provides the overall aim of the project, and
specific objectives the project will be expected to achieve.
Specific objectives is a breakdown of the overall aim into
section
Examples
Title of proposed
research

Development of an educational material for

energy storage systems to improve learner
awareness of low carbon technologies

Aims of the
proposed
research?

The overall aim of the project is to develop

an interactive energy storage material to
help educate students and improve
awareness on energy storage needs.

2-1-2 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

Objectives

The aim of the proposed project will be achieved

through the following objectives:
Develop and build a lab-scale prototype energy
storage system for demonstration,
UG students to investigate heat transfer mechanism
of the storage system and how they can be improved
Establish through physical testing and computer
modelling an interactive internet methodology to
predict energy storage output for varying
environmental and input conditions

2-1-3 NOVELTY AND TIMELINESS

This section will highlight the Innovative aspects of the
proposed research, and point out the significance and
suitability of the research.
Title of proposed
research

Development of solar air conditioning system

in Uganda

NOVELTY AND TIMELINESS

Heat transfer in energy storage systems creates an interesting multiphysics problem combining engineering design, thermal energy
conduction and convection, mass transfer, and also systems dynamics
and economics. This is an exciting area and a novel scientific work
combining solar powered absorption cooling system with a full scale
solar thermal energy storage has promising technical achievements;
storing excess energy generated during peak incident solar radiation to
drive an absorption cooling when solar energy is not available and thus
over-come non-collection periods to avoid wastage, taking advantage to
reduce cost and improve efficiency.

2-1-4 DESCRIPTION OF THE QUESTION/PROBLEM

This section describes the question/problem to be investigated in
the research. It also addresses other aspects of the
question/problem.
The statement of problem and subprogrammes
Hypothesis
Delimitations
Assumptions
Importance of the study

2-1-5 METHODOLOGY (WORK PROGRAMME)

Methodology provides the methods to be employed in the
proposed research. It also breaks the whole project down to a list
of sub-tasks, each task guided by a roadmap on how to achieve
the specified objective.
Methodology entails
Data needed
Means of obtaining data (data collection strategies)
Treatment of data (data analysis strategies)
Theoretical framework
Design and assumptions
Selection and description of site/participants
Methods of achieving validity

2-1-5 METHODOLOGY (WORK PROGRAMME)

Title of proposed
research

Development of an educational material for

energy storage systems to improve learner
awareness of low carbon technologies

1. Construction of a model storage system for students to measure

temperature input and outputs, voltage and current, power output etc.
2. Development of an interactive internet sources to predict energy storage
output for varying environmental and input conditions
3. A CD-Rom and printed material (manual) about the mobile storage
explaining and demonstrating the working principle of the storage model
including DIY procedure and leaflets for distribution to students
4. Posters and online sources of the mobile system and
5. Presentation of the project at the Faculty of Engineering seminar
6. The incorporation of the mobile system results at the department
website, and into the lecture to provide students with the option of
incorporating different energy storage design options in meeting building
energy use.

2-1-5 METHODOLOGY (WORK PROGRAMME)

Title of proposed
research

Reduction of energy demand in

buildings through optimal use of
wireless behaviour information system

1. Undertake detailed literature review to select the most common house

type that consumes most energy per square meter of floor space.
2. Develop an interactive internet sources to predict energy consumption by
component under varying environmental and meteorological conditions
normally encountered in practice.
3. Develop a methodology and numerical model to predict human behaviour
and to monitor behaviour remotely
4. Develop an innovative means of integrating system to wall clock to
demonstrate energy consumption by source in a given building

2-1-6. Potential beneficiaries of the research

Identifying impact of the proposed research on economy, society,
environment and national policies. This helps reviewers (referees) to
assess whether the project is worthy of study or funding and what
significant impact it will have after its successful completion..

Identify the potential impact of the proposed work

Show who is likely to benefit from the proposed research. If the
benefits do not directly relate to wealth creation and/or to
improving the quality of life, give details of other beneficiaries
and explain their importance.
Indicate any collaborations with potential beneficiaries and
explain the role they are going to play in the project

Title of proposed
research

Passive use of solar energy to reduce

building energy demand

Applicant and University of Nottingham

The proposed project will act as a platform for the training of researchers to
match the demands of undergraduate and postgraduate future career paths in
the area of building design with passive control of building temperature. The
research-related knowledge and skills will provide further research-informing
teaching capability to provide vital training, vocational and entrepreneurial
skills. Research outputs will be disseminated through peer reviewed journals
and conferences to help applicant actively engage with the public (the building
industry in particular) at both the local and national levels about the research
and its broader implications. This will potentially lead to collaboration,
knowledge transfer partnerships and subsequent development of the
applicants academic career by building on existing and developing new
partnerships from academia, government and industry.
Building-related Industry (Group A 3 benefits)
UK and world at large (Group B 3 benefits)

Impact summary
Impact summary should normally have no or few technical words
and no references are needed.
Title of proposed
research

Passive use of solar energy to reduce

building energy demand

Technologies needed to passively control building temperatures are becoming

ever more important as society demands environmentally benign energy
processes that minimise the use of fossil based fuels. The concept of using
latent heat storage materials in buildings has been widely studied because
latent heat have the advantage of high energy density and delivery of
constant or near constant temperature at their melting temperature. In cold
weather, the integration of PCMs into building fabric means that solar energy
is absorbed and stored during the hot periods of the day and released in the
cold period to help control (maintain) temperature at the thermal comfort
zone if even the ambient temperatures are lower. In hot weather, the use of
appropriate PCMs can similarly be used to shift peak cooling loads. Current
research on PCMs application in buildings have primarily concentrated on
material integration into wallboards, concrete and insulation materials to
shift peak energy load demand and to improve use of waste, solar heat and
the efficiency of operation for heating/cooling equipments..

2-1-7 DISSEMINATION AND EXPLOITATION OF THE

RESEARCH OUTPUTS

Indicate how to publicise the research results

publishing papers in scientific journals,
presenting the results in conferences or seminars or website,
poster presentation in an exhibition centre
Indicate the opportunities for commercialisation and exploitation of
your research findings. Routine exploitation include
patenting,
finding industrial partners,
marketing strategy.

Indicate the proposed dissemination and technology transfer routes and

explain how the transfer of knowledge will take place to beneficiaries and
the general public.
Identify the mechanisms in place for identification, protection and
subsequent exploitation of any exploitable results which may arise from the
research (including details of any specific collaborative agreement, when
relevant).

Title of proposed
research

Passive use of solar energy to reduce building

energy demand

Journal

Description of proposed
paper

Solar
Energy
(Impact
factor
2.011)
Conference
:
WREC 2012
or ISES
conference
2012.

Publication on the comparison

between energy consumption of
a building integrated with latent
heat material with conventional
building with no heat storage.
Proposed guidelines on the
innovative
mechanism
of
integrating PCM into buildings as
a step to reducing building
energy consumption and reduce
CO2 emissions.

Proposed Estimate
submissi
d
on date publicati
on date
August,
2012

February,
2013

June,
2012

August,
2012

2-1-8 JUSTIFICATION OF RESOURCES

In this section (maximum 1 side of A4) you should describe the
need for the resources you are requesting. Give peer reviewers
enough information to understand why the resources are
necessary for your proposed project.
You should cover:
All of the directly incurred elements of your proposal,
including the effort and cost of all research
assistants/fellows (even where they are named as a coinvestigator).
The effort, but not the cost, of the principal investigator and
any co-investigators (excluding research assistants/fellows
named as co-investigators).
Items under the other directly allocated fund heading except
for departmental technical and administrative services.

Example on project proposal on model energy storage

design for educational purposes.
Item
Staff costs (Technician cost for putting
together model storage system,
Part-time student work)
Staff costs (PI (Applicant) 0.5day per
week)
Travel and Subsistence
Consumables
Equipments for model storage

Budget ()
25,000.00
Free
500.00
500.00
4,000.00

(data loggers, sensors (temperature, pressure, wind

and flow rate), controls and analysers)

CD ROM and Printed Material Cost

Miscellaneous
Total

500.00
500.00
31,000.00

2-1-9 REFERENCE
All the information (data, and/or conclusions) used from
other sources should be referred, which give origin of those
information (date, publication details). Reference should use
standard formats accepted in general publications.
Examples:
Fischer, J., Hallstrom, P. E., Sand, J., Desiccant-based preconditioning market analysis, Oak Ridge National
Laboratory e.a., June 2000.
Jain, S., Desiccant cooling systems, IIF-IIR Commissions,
New Delhi, 1998.
Stoitchkov, N. J. and Dimitrov, G. I., Effectiveness of
crossflow plate heat exchanger for indirect evaporative
cooling, International Journal of Refrigeration, 1998; 21(6):
463-471.

Journal citation examples Solar Energy

Reference to a journal publication:
Van der Geer, J., Hanraads, J.A.J., Lupton, R.A., 2000. The art of writing a
scientific article. J. Sci. Commun. 163, 51-59.
Reference to a book:
Strunk Jr., W., White, E.B., 1979. The Elements of Style, third ed. Macmillan,
New York.
Reference to a chapter in an edited book:
Mettam, G.R., Adams, L.B., 1999. How to prepare an electronic version of
your article, in: Jones, B.S., Smith , R.Z. (Eds.), Introduction to the
Electronic Age. E-Publishing Inc., New York, pp. 281-304.

Reference management
software

Using plug-ins to wordprocessing packages, appropriate template can be

selected when preparing document and the list of references and citations
to these will be formatted according to the style described.

Endnote http://www.endnote.com/support/enstyles.asp
Reference Manager: http://refman.com/support/rmstyles.asp

Citation in text
Can be numbered in brackets [1] or
(Surname, year) Examples; (Prescott, 2010), Khan and Kuo
(2008), (Prescott et. al., 2007)
Notes
Ensure that every reference cited in the text is also present in the
reference list (and vice versa).
Unpublished results and personal communications are not
recommended in reference list but may be cited in text
reference as "in press" implies that the item has been accepted for
publication
Reference list should follow the standard reference style of a
journal and should include
-Name(s) of author(s)
-Title of paper
-Publication date
-Edition of Journal
-Volume
-Pages

2-1-10 PROJECT TIMETABLE GANTT CHART

A diagrammatic chart providing tasks involved, and time span for
each task. A list of deliverables should be provided accompanied
with clear milestones.

Study Skills

How to get good grades

Adopt a Strategic Approach
Work out exactly what you are trying to do and why
(your goals)
A certificate might get you a job,
it will not help you keep it!
Decide which of your goals have the highest priority
Review the resources available to you
Work out a plan that makes best use of your resources to
achieve your goals
Develop an interest in your subject, you cannot learn
effectively unless you get some enjoyment out of it

How to get good grades

Answer the question!
maintain focus on the specific question asked
read the question very carefully
identify the requirements (Blooms Taxonomy)
listen to the tutors advice, ask questions
discuss the assignment with your fellow
students
clarify any areas of uncertainty with your tutor
make sure everything you include is relevant

How to get good grades

Put in the effort needed
read around the subject - research
cover the topic in sufficient breadth & depth
adopt a rigorous, analytical & critical approach
question the unquestionable think for yourself!
ensure you demonstrate insight and originality
include relevant examples, quotations and
references fully & clearly attributed
DO NOT include whole blocks of material
extracted from other authors even if referenced

How to get good grades

Present your work well
plan and logically structure your work
reference all quotations, indent & or use italics
identify the source of all data, figures, graphs &
material extracted from other authors
number pages & provide a contents list
use paragraph numbers, headings, where appropriate
read through carefully, check grammar & syntax,
check your spelling - use the spell checking facility but
do not rely on it

Spell Chequer?
(malapropisms)
Cautionary Tail
Awl thou the whirred processing soft wear as a spelling cheque
facility, ewe should not putt two match faith inn it. Their are sum
things it can cheque and sum it Cannes knit. Four egg sample
this paragraph had know treble hat awl in getting threw it.
Inn many weighs having the soft wear is a disadvantage, and it
wood bee risk key to assume that big horse yore let tear, essay
or reap ought got through the spell chequer it must be correct!
Comb two thing cough it, it cud caws ewe to leaf a whirled in
witch yew mite have spotted if yew add red it properly in the
furs plaice, simply because it hasn't wrung a bell at yew.
The name thing is too yews it as Anne aid, and knot to relay
on it two much.

Common Errors

Morale degree of enthusiasm, spirit of optimism

Moral difference between good & evil, conduct
Whether implying doubt or choice
Weather rain, wind, snow etc.
Wether castrated male sheep
Their belonging to, associated with
There place or position, where it is
Personal private aspects of a person, to do with self
Personnel people needed in an enterprise to carry out a
task
Continual repeated at frequent intervals, intermittent
Continuous without interruption, never ceasing
Material substance of which something is made
Materiel equipment required to carry out a task
Principle rule, standard of reference, basic facts
Principal first, main, important, key,
Stationary not moving
Stationery writing materials, pens, paper, ink, etc.

Critical Thinking

Skilled & active interpretation & evaluation of observatio

& communications, information & argumentation. (Fisher & Scriven, 199

What are the parts that make up this problem ?

What do you think caused that?
What is the context, situation, background?

Explain & justify your reasoning.

Why do you think that?
Can you defend your position?
How might we prove/disprove that?
What criteria or tests should we use in this case?

Consider all points of view, both for & against.

Analysis

Seeing patterns & relationships (systems)

Organisation of parts (sub-systems)
Identification of components
Inputs and Outputs
Recognition of hidden meanings, purpose
what are the reasons, data, evidence?
what is assumed, implicit & explicit

Synthesis
Use old ideas to create new ones
Generalise from given facts
Relate knowledge from several
areas
Predict, draw conclusions

Evaluation
Assess the value of theories, models etc.
Compare and discriminate between ideas
Make choices based on reasoned argument
are the reasons / assumptions acceptable?
verify value of evidence / credibility of source
does the reasoning support the conclusions?
are there other relevant factors that support or
weaken the case?
Recognise subjectivity and bias

Assignments
Required
Write a GOOD one page executive summary of your Proposed project
( 500 words minimum, 550 max-12 pitch font- times new roman-1 page single space)
Optional Task
A Research Proposal (1500 words maximum) related to a selected topic is to be
developed. The topic and format of the document submitted is at the discretion of the
candidate but it is expected that at least the following aspects will be covered:
Background - a general overview of the field. The significance of the field and its
application to society. The present state of knowledge.
Aims and Objectives - what is to be achieved? Broad aims and particular objectives to be
established with an explanation of their importance in the context of current work.

Methodology proposed - how you intend to achieve the objectives and the overall aim? A
description of the techniques to be employed in reaching the objectives. Reference to the
work of other researchers will substantiate the choice of Methodology. A realistic
assessment of risks associated with the methodology chosen should be included.

Programme of work - a Timetable of work should be included with brief explanations of

the activities indicated.