RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (Syllabus of Ph. D/ M. Phil/ M.

S course work from the academic year 2012-2013) (Common to all branches of Engineering/ Management/Human Social Sciences) The objective of the course is to introduce the basic methods of conducting research, explore ideas in formulating research objectives and hypotheses and sample framework for taking up research studies in a structured manner. Also it is intended to facilitate for the development of an insight into different statistical tools for data analysis, interpretation and presentation of reports in different areas of research. The literature study conducted during the research work should chronologically and logically analyze the research problem contemplated and should result in framing a research problem which will further enhance the level of understanding. With the enhancement of technology and access to internet, research results are available abundantly. The thesis submitted by a scholar should in no way a repetition of the work already done. It should be uniquely different and distinctly help in enhancement of scientific and technical knowledge. The technology must be utilized for improving the quality of research and should not be a short-cut for producing a duplicate work. Unit-I: General introduction to Research Methodology: History of Science & Technology: Importance of research, role of research, aims & objectives, research process, phases of research. Unit-II: Research Problem Formulation: Review of Research Literature: Purpose and use of literature review, locating relevant information, use of electronic databases, preparing written literature review, research article reviews, theoretical models and frame work. Identification of gaps in research, formulation of research problem, definition of research objectives. Unit-III: Research Design: Qualitative Methods: Types of hypothesis and characterization. Quantitative Methods: Statistical methods for testing and evaluation. Characterization of experiments: Accuracy, reliability, reproducibility, sensitivity. Unit-IV: Research Publication: Thesis, Research Paper, Review Article & Technical Reports: Organization of thesis and reports, formatting issues, citation methods, references, prevention of review of literature. Quality indicies of research publication: impact factor, immediacy factor, H-index and other citation indicies.

Unit-V: Research Ethics and Morals: Issues related to plagiarism, collaborative models and ethics, acknowledgements. Intellectual Property Rights: copy rights, copy left; Patents, Industrial designs, Trade marks.

References: 1. Chalmers, A.F.: What is this thing called Science. 2. Graziano, A.M., Raulin, M.L: Research Methods A Process of Inquiry, Pearson Publications. 3. C.R. Kothari: Research Methodology, Methods & Techniques, 2nd Edition, Viswa Prakashan 2009. 4. Bhandarkar & Wilkinson: Methodology and Techniques of Social Research, Himalaya publications, 2009. 5. Bell. J.2005: Doing your Research Project, 4th Edition, Open University Press, Berkshire. 6. How to write a Thesis:, Murray, R. Tata Mc Graw-Hill. 7. Writing for Academic Journals, Murray, r. 2009, McGraw-Hill International. 8. A Handbook of Academic Writing, Murray, R. and Moore, S. 2006, Tata Mc Graw-Hill International. 9. Writing for Publication, Henson, K.T. 2005.