Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- An introductory note for instructors
- 1 Introduction to engineering research
- 2 Literature search and review
- 3 Developing a research plan
- 4 Statistical analysis
- 5 Optimization techniques
- 6 Survey research methods
- 7 Research presentation
- 8 The path forward
- Appendix A: Matlab plot functions
- Appendix B: Excel plot functions
- Index
Preface
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 September 2014
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- An introductory note for instructors
- 1 Introduction to engineering research
- 2 Literature search and review
- 3 Developing a research plan
- 4 Statistical analysis
- 5 Optimization techniques
- 6 Survey research methods
- 7 Research presentation
- 8 The path forward
- Appendix A: Matlab plot functions
- Appendix B: Excel plot functions
- Index
Summary
This book is unashamedly idealistic. It aims first to convey to engineers and engineering undergraduates interested in conducting research a reminder of the fundamental principles of engineering, and then to explain the requirements of conducting excellent, publishable research which will benefit humankind. A number of issues distinguish engineering research from other forms of scientific research. These issues include the dedication of engineering to the betterment of humankind, an acknowledgement of the codes of ethics regulating all engineering activities, the use of engineering standards to ensure quality and acceptable research outcomes and a conviction that sustainability is now a major engineering imperative.
The book is based on a lecture course delivered at Griffith University in the engineering school for coursework master's degree students both on and off campus. The initial concept for the course was developed by Professor Sherif Mohammed at Griffith University. This was revised substantially by the author and then further modified by other faculty staff involved in delivery of the course. The course has also been substantially improved by the students themselves – many of these students have English as a second or third language. To accommodate this, the book contains many starting hints particularly aimed at these students, so that students can rapidly progress without resorting to direct copying from other sources.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Research Methods for Engineers , pp. ix - xiPublisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2014