By: Kibash
Research simply mean systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and draw conclusions about phenomena. Project can be said to be an individual or collaborative enterprise in which strategies and resources are employed to achieve certain objectives. Research project can therefore be referred to as employment of material and non-material resources in investigating and looking into materials and sources so as to establish facts and conclusions about certain phenomenon.
Research project to most students is a compulsory final year "ritual". It is a partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree in Economics. The nature of research project varies across all fields of knowledge. The focus of this article is Economics field.
Types of Research Project
I) By end purpose or objectives
(a). Basic Research: The objective is to add to human knowledge. It does not attempt to resolve immediate problems.
(b). Applied Research: The objective is to resolve a practical problem. It is meant to give response or provide solution to social problem.
II) By Research Strategy
(a). Qualitative: This has to do with the use of inductive approach, reliance on individual interpretation and conduct of research, focus on recording and analysing events. It also focuses on words and their meanings.
(b). Quantitative: This adopt deductive approach, experimentation, focuses on concepts and variables, statistical analysis and social reality. For this kind of research, variables in research topic must be measurable and observable.
III) Source of Data
(a). Primary data: For this kind of research, the data to be used is usually gathered by researcher through field work with the use of either survey, questionnaire or interview.
(b). Secondary data: This is the type of data obtained from a source. The data is ready-made and available for use. Most time series data are obtained from secondary sources.
To write a project, there is need to choose a topic, wrong choice of topic has resulted most students to being "stucked" at the middle thereby facing problems. The research area or topic describes the subject matter of the research project. The choice of research area or topic depends on certain factors. They are :
SMARTS
I). Scope of Economic Research : The subject matter of the research project should be within the confines of economics (branches such as Agriculture, Labour, Monetary, Health, Transport, Development, e.t.c. ). If the choice of topic is related to policy, there is need to consider MDAs ( Ministries, Departments and Agencies) associated or responsible for the coordination of such policy.
II). Motivation and Contribution to Knowledge : The reason for writing a project is another important factor. It could be to discuss social problems, issues or policies and it could also be to reveal gaps in literature, test new theory or replicate study in another context. The motivation of a study determines the type of research and the purpose of research. It could be for knowledge building or social reform.
III). Research Strategy : This has to do with with the general orientation to the conduct of research, choosing between qualitative and quantitative research. This affects the type of research questions to be asked. The more common and accepted research in Economics is quantitative research.
IV). Types of Research Question / Topic: Research topic can take any of the six forms below:
(a). Description of phenomenon E.g Corruption in Nigeria 1999-2015
Revenue Allocation in Nigeria 1980-2015
(b). Explaining the causes and consequences of a phenomenon. E.g Determinants of Agricultural output in Nigeria 1980-2015
Factors hindering diversification in Nigeria 1986-2015
Impact of interest rate on investment in Nigeria 1999-2015
(c). Predicting a phenomenon. E.g Prospects of TIN on tax administration in Nigeria
Sustainability of National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (NOAS) in Nigeria
(d). Evaluating a phenomenon. E.g Evaluation of EFCC performance on corruption in Nigeria
Evaluation of NIN scheme in Nigeria
Evaluation of SURE-P in Nigeria.
(e). Comparison. E.g Relative performance of Lagos and Oyo state in the mobilization of IGR
Relative impact of direct and indirect taxes on revenue generation in Nigeria
(f). Developing good practice. E.g Reforms of the banking sector in Nigeria.
Strategic options for reform of SMEs in Nigeria.
V). Administrative Regulations and Guidelines : This varies from school to school. Using Department of Economics, University of Ilorin as an example, the number of words in a topic must not be more than 18. Topic must be within the confines of themes and sub-themes.
VI). Supervisor : This is a very important factor which most writers and lecturers refuse to shed light on. The interest, likes and field of supervisor are also important factors to considered. Some lecturers prefer quantitative research to qualitative research while some prefer otherwise. The structure of the project, where and how to begin also depend on supervisor. Some prefer starting with proposal while some prefer starting with literature review (chapter two). There is need to seek help from predecessors of same supervisor to understand this better.
Features of a Good Research Topic
1). It must be clear, simple and comprehensive.
2). It must neither be too narrow nor too broad.
3). It must be researchable.
4). Should have tendency of contributing to knowledge.
5). Should have some connection to established literature.
6). Quantitative research must be quantifiable and observable.
For further help or enquiry on project writing, analysis and consultation, contact KIBASH on 08174327803, 07068769014( whatsapp only) or SAIDOX on 08060587948.
Source: Author's summary of Professor I.O Taiwo (Department of Economics, University of Ilorin) presentation at a Seminar on Undergraduate project writing held on Monday, 16th November, 2015.
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