Session 2 - Basic Level Online Classes - What's the Topic and Use advanced search options
Session Title: Getting Started with Research Project
Date
and Time - 30 May 2024, 09:30PM to 11:00PM
Objective:
The
goal of this session is to guide research students on how to effectively start
their research projects. This includes selecting a research topic, conducting
basic and advanced literature searches, and choosing a topic that aligns with
their interests and research objectives.
1.
Introduction: Importance of Choosing the Right Topic
- Foundation
of Research: The topic sets the foundation for the
entire research thesis. It's essential to pick a topic that not only interests
the researcher but also aligns with the objectives of their assignment or
research goals.
- Personal
Interest: Choosing a topic that genuinely interests the
researcher can keep them motivated throughout the research process.
- Alignment
with Objectives: The topic should align with the research
objectives and goals, ensuring that the research contributes valuable insights
to the field.
2. Steps to Choose a Research Topic
-
Explore Ideas:
Started
by exploring a broad range of ideas within the general field of interest.
Example
Areas: HR and Succession Planning in Startups, GIG Employees Engagement in
Startups.
-
Brainstorm:
Engage
in brainstorming sessions to generate a list of potential topics.
Discuss
these ideas with peers, mentors, or advisors to refine them.
-
Narrow Down Options:
Evaluate
the feasibility of each topic based on available resources, time, and scope.
Narrow
down the options to a manageable number and then select the one that fits best.
3. Conducting Basic Search
-
Initial Searches:
Use
general search engines like Google Scholar to get an overview of existing
literature.
Enter
broad keywords related to your topic to see the range of available studies.
-
Reading Abstracts:
Start
by reading abstracts of the articles to get a sense of their relevance.
Identify
key papers that are frequently cited and seem to form the basis of the topic
area.
4. Advanced Search Techniques
-
Use Databases:
Use
academic databases like JSTOR, PubMed, and industry-specific databases.
Example:
For HR and Succession Planning, use databases like Business Source Complete and
ABI/INFORM.
-
Boolean Operators:
Use
Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine searches.
Example:
“Succession Planning AND Startups” or “GIG Employees OR Freelancers AND
Engagement AND Startups”.
-
Advanced Search Options:
Utilize
advanced search options to filter results by publication date, type, and
subject area.
Example:
Filter to show only peer-reviewed journals or articles published in the last
five years.
-
Citation Tracking:
Look
at the reference lists of key papers to find additional relevant studies.
Use
tools like Google Scholar’s “Cited by” feature to see who has cited these key
papers.
5. Evaluating Sources
-
Relevance:
Ensure
that the sources directly address your research question or topic.
Example:
Articles that specifically discuss succession planning strategies in startups.
- Credibility:
Check
the credibility of the authors and the publication.
Prefer
peer-reviewed journals, reputable publishers, and well-known experts in the
field.
- Date of Publication:
Prefer
recent publications to ensure the information is up-to-date.
However,
do not disregard seminal works that are foundational to your topic.
6. Example Topics: Detailed Exploration and Assignment PDF shared to review research papers
- HR and Succession Planning in Startups: Link for PDF1:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dlRtwr5nLLQMqGt5ywOaQzehG3WhNymp/view?usp=drive_link
Investigate
the strategies startups use to plan for leadership and critical role
succession.
Research
Questions: What are the best practices for succession planning in startups? How
do startups manage the transition of key roles?
- GIG Employees Engagement in Startups: Link for PDF2:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HIAexqHGn2igFbUvJZJLpCeJQYePtMnv/view?usp=drive_link
Explore
how startups engage with gig workers and the impact on productivity and
loyalty.
Research
Questions: What strategies do startups use to engage gig workers? What are the
challenges and benefits of employing gig workers in startups?
8. Conclusion
-
Reiterate Importance:
Emphasize
the importance of choosing the right topic as it lays the groundwork for the
entire research project.
Follow this link to submit your Feedback for Session 2:
https://forms.gle/MQGmMHmnw19SBPNC7
Summary:
In
this session, we emphasized the critical steps in starting a research project,
focusing on selecting a research topic, conducting basic and advanced
literature searches, and ensuring the topic aligns with the researcher’s
interests and objectives. By exploring two example areas—HR and Succession
Planning in Startups, and GIG Employees Engagement in Startups—we provided a
practical framework for students to choose and refine their research topics
effectively.