tour 15 lecture notes

7/30/2019 TOUR 15 Lecture Notes

1/12

Research is often described as an active, diligent, and systematic process of inquiry aimed at discovering,interpreting and revising facts. This intellectualinvestigation produces a greater understanding of events,

behaviors, or theories, and makes practical applications through laws and theories. The term research isalso used to describe a collection of information about a particular subject, and is usually associated with

science and the scientific method.

The word research derives from Middle French (see French language); its literal meaning is 'to investigate

thoroughly'.

Basic research

Basic research (also called fundamentalorpure research) has as its primary objective the advancement ofknowledge and the theoretical understanding of the relations among variables (see statistics). It is

exploratoryand often driven by the researchers curiosity, interest, or hunch. It is conducted without anypractical end in mind, although it may have unexpected results pointing to practical applications. The

terms basic or fundamental indicate that, through theory generation, basic research provides thefoundation for further, sometimes applied research. As there is no guarantee of short-term practical gain,

researchers often find it difficult to obtain funding for basic research. Research is a subset of invention

Examples of questions asked in basic research:

Does string theory provide physics with a grand unification theory? Which aspects ofgenomes explain organismal complexity?

Is it possible to prove or disprove Goldbach's conjecture? (i.e. that every even integer greater than 2

can be written as the sum of two (not necessarily distinct) primes)

Applied research

Applied research is done to solve specific, practical questions; its primary aim is not to gain knowledge for

its own sake. It can be exploratory, but is usually descriptive. It is almost always done on the basis ofbasic research. Applied research can be carried out by academic or industrial institutions. Often, an

academic instituion such as a university will have a specific applied research program funded by anindustrial partner interested in that program. Common areas of applied research include electronics

informatics, computer science, process engineering, and drug design.

Examples of question asked in applied research:

How can Canada's wheatcrops be protected from grasshoppers?

What is the most efficient and effective vaccine against influenza?

How can communication among workers in large companies be improved?

How can the Great Lakes be protected against the effects ofgreenhouse gas?

How can a policy on time use increase transit services to low-income neighbourhoods?

There are many instances when the distinction between basic and applied research is not clear. It is not

unusual for researchers to present their project in such a light as to 'slot' it into either applied or basic

research, depending on the requirements of the funding sources. The question ofgenetic codes is a goodexample. Unraveling it for the sake ofknowledge alone would be basic research but what, for example,if knowledge of it also has the benefit of making it possible to alter the code so as to make a plant

commercially viable? Some say that the difference between basic and applied research lies in the timespan between research and reasonably foreseeable practical applications.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectualhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_(principle)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_methodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statisticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curiosityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_unification_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genomehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldbach's_conjecturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informaticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Process_engineeringhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_designhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crophttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenzahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communicationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Lakeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_use_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_fundinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_codehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectualhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_(principle)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_methodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_languagehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledgehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statisticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curiosityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_unification_theoryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genomehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldbach's_conjecturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academichttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industryhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronicshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Informaticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_sciencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Process_engineeringhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_designhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheathttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crophttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenzahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communicationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Lakeshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_use_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_fundinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_codehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge


2/12

Research methods

The scope of the research process is to produce some new knowledge. This, in principle, can take three

main forms:

Exploratory research: a new problem can be structured and identified

Constructive research: a (new) solution to a problem can be developed

Empirical research: empirical evidence on the feasibility of an existing solution to a problem can be

provided

Research methods used by scholars:

Action research

Case study

Classification

Experience and intuition

Experiments

Interviews

Map making

Mathematical models and simulations

Participant observation

Physical traces analysis

Semiotics

Statistical data analysis

Statistical surveys

Content or Textual Analysis

Research is often conducted using the hourglass model (Trochim, W.M.K, 2005). The hourglass modelstarts with a broad spectrum for research, focusing in on the required information through themethodology of the project (like the neck of the hourglass), then expands the research in the form of

discussion and results

Research process

Main article: scientific method

Generally, research is understood to follow a certain structural process. Though step order may vary

depending on the subject matter and researcher, the following steps are usually part of most formal

research, both basic and applied:

Formation of the topic

Hypothesis

Conceptual definitions

Operational definitions

Gathering ofdata

Analysis of data

Conclusion, revising of hypothesis

A common misunderstanding is that by this method a hypothesis can be proven. Instead, by these

methods no hypothesis can be proven, rather a hypothesis may only be disproven. A hypothesis can

survive several rounds of scientific testing and be widely thought of as true (or better, predictive), but thisis not the same as it having been proven. It would be better to say that the hypothesis has yet to be

disproven.

A useful hypothesis allows prediction and within the accuracy of observation of the time, the prediction wilbe verified. As the accuracy of observation improves with time, the hypothesis may no longer provide anaccurate prediction. In this case a new hypothesis will arise to challenge the old, and to the extent that

the new hypothesis makes more accurate predictions than the old, will supplant it.

Publishing

Academic publishing describes a system that is necessary in order for academic scholars to peer review

the work and make it available for a wider audience. The 'system', which is probably disorganized enoughnot to merit the title, varies widely by field, and is also always changing, if often slowly. Most academic

work is published in journal article or book form. In publishing, STM publishing is an abbreviation foracademic publications in science, technology, and medicine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Processhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploratory_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructive_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empirical_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empirical_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Case_studyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classificationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experiencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuition_(knowledge)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interviewhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map_makinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_modelshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulationshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Participant_observationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Physical_traces_analysis&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semioticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Statistical_data_analysis&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistical_surveyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_analysishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_methodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Processhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conceptual_definitionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operational_definitionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Publishinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scholarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_reviewhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicinehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Processhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploratory_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructive_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empirical_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empirical_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Case_studyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classificationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experiencehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intuition_(knowledge)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experimenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interviewhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map_makinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_modelshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulationshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Participant_observationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Physical_traces_analysis&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semioticshttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Statistical_data_analysis&action=edithttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistical_surveyhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_analysishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_methodhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Processhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conceptual_definitionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operational_definitionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothesishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Publishinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scholarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer_reviewhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine


3/12

Most established academic fields have their own journals and other outlets for publication, though manyacademic journals are somewhat interdisciplinary, and publish work from several distinct fields or

subfields. The kinds of publications that are accepted as contributions of knowledge or research varygreatly between fields.

Academic publishing is undergoing major changes, emerging from the transition from the print to theelectronic format. Business models are different in the electronic environment. Since about the early

1990s, licensing of electronic resources, particularly journals, was very common. Presently, a major trend,particularly with respect to scholarly journals, is open access. There are two main forms of open access:

open access publishing, in which the articles or the whole journal is freely available from the time ofpublication, and self-archiving, where the author makes a copy of their own work freely available on theweb.

Research funding

Main article: Research funding

Most funding for scientific research comes from two major sources, corporations (through research and

development departments) and government (primarily through universities and in some cases throughmilitary contractors). Many senior researchers (such as group leaders) spend more than a trivial amount

of their time applying for grants for research funds. These grants are necessary not only for researchers to

carry out their research, but also as a source of merit. Some faculty positions require that the holder hasreceived grants from certain institutions, such as the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Government-sponsored grants (e.g. from the NIH, the National Health Service in Britain or any of the European

research councils) generally have a high status.

Feasibility Study Guide

Whats a feasibility study? To answer that question, you need to know what the word "feasibility" means.Have you ever considered making a major purchase, for example, a brand new car, a house, a computer,

even a new wardrobe? When you think about making a major purchase, what do you do? You ask yourselfseveral questions, for example:

What kind do I want?

What features do I want?

How will I know itll do what I want it to do for me?

What will it cost?

What are the maintenance requirements and how much will they cost?

What are the short-term and long-term implications for the rest of the household budget?

Can I buy now or do I have to wait awhile? If I have to wait, for how long?

If I cant buy what I want, what could I substitute, and am I willing to do that?

Youre asking yourself, IS IT FEASIBLE for me to make this purchase? Youre doing a mini-feasibilitystudy!

When businesses, agencies, communities, or other entities conduct feasibility studies, they usually do itbecause of some perceived need or desire. They want to make some sort of change, add some sort of

facility, equipment, process, system, personnel, or service that will increase their capacity in some way oranother. They have to study the issue theyve identified; come up with alternatives; weigh and balance

the possibilities, advantages, and disadvantages; reach reasonable conclusions based on all the evidence

(both for and against what they think they want); and make recommendations for taking action.The feasibility study is that process. The feasibility report is the documentation of that process.

The report shows the reader (usually someone who has asked for the study to be done) what the issue is,

how it was researched, what the findings of the research are, what alternatives (possible solutions) areavailable and which one or ones are feasible (possible) and why, and what the overall recommendations

are as a result of the study process.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990shttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_fundinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_and_developmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_and_developmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Institutes_of_Healthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Health_Servicehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990shttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_fundinghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_researchhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_and_developmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_and_developmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Institutes_of_Healthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Health_Service


4/12

The report must be organized and presented visually in such a way as to support the point of the studyand make clear what has been done. It needs to look professional and be crisp, clean, and clear.

Why Prepare Feasibility Studies?

Developing any new business venture is difficult. Taking a project from the initial idea through the

operational stage is a complex and time-consuming effort. Most ideas, whether from a cooperative or aninvestor owned business, do not develop into business operations. If these ideas make it to the

operational stage, most fail within the first 6 months. Before the potential members invest in a proposed

business project, they must determine if it can be economically viable and then decide if investmentadvantages outweigh the risks involved.Many cooperative business projects are quite expensive to conduct. The projects involve operations that

differ from those of the members individual business. Often, cooperative businesses operations involverisks with which the members are unfamiliar. The study allows groups to preview potential project

outcomes and to decide if they should continue. Although the costs of conducting a study may seem high,

they are relatively minor when compared with the total project cost. The small initial expenditure on afeasibility study can help to protect larger capital investments later.

Feasibility studies are useful and valid for many kinds of projects. Evaluation of a new business venture,

both from new groups and established businesses, is the most common, but not the only usage. Studiescan help groups decide to expand existing services, build or remodel facilities, change methods of

operation, add new products, or even merge with another business. A feasibility study assists decisionmakers whenever they need to consider alternative development opportunities.

Feasibility studies permit planners to outline their ideas on paper before implementing them. This canreveal errors in project design before their implementation negatively affects the project. Applying the

lessons gained from a feasibility study can significantly lower the project costs.The study presents the risks and returns associated with the project so the prospective members can

evaluate them. There is no "magic number" or correct rate of return a project needs to obtain before agroup decides to proceed. The acceptable level of return and appropriate risk rate will vary for individual

members depending on their personal situation. Cooperatives serve the needs and enhance the economicreturns of their members, and not outside investors, so the appropriate economic rate of return for a

cooperative project may be lower than those required by projects of investor-owned firms. Potentiamembers should evaluate the returns of a cooperative project to see how it would affect the returns of all

of their business operations.The proposed project usually requires both risk capital from members and debt capital from banks and

other financiers to become operational. Lenders typically require an objective evaluation of a project priorto investing. A feasibility study conducted by someone without a vested interest in the project outcome

can provide this assessment.

What Is a Feasibility Study?

This analytical tool used during the project planning process shows how a business would operate under a

set of assumptions the technology used (the facilities, equipment, production process, etc.) and thefinancial aspects (capital needs, volume, cost of goods, wages etc.). The study is the first time in a project

development process that the pieces are assembled to see if they perform together to create a technicallyand economically feasible concept. The study also shows the sensitivity of the business to changes in

these basic assumptions.

Feasibility studies contain standard technical and financial components. The exact appearance of each

study varies. This depends on the industry studied, the critical factors for that project, the methodschosen to conduct the study, and the budget. Emphasis can be placed on various sections of an individualfeasibility study depending upon the needs of the group for whom the study was prepared. Most studies

have multiple potential uses, so they must be designed to serve everyones needs. The feasibility studyevaluates the projects potential for success. The perceived objectivity of the evaluation is an important

factor in the credibility placed on the study by potential investors and financiers. Also, the creation of thestudy requires a strong background both in the financial and technical aspects of the project. For these

reasons, outside consultants conduct most studies.Feasibility studies for a cooperative are similar to those for other businesses, with one exception

Cooperative members use it to be successful in enhancing their personal businesses, so a study conductedfor a cooperative must address how the project will impact members as individuals in addition to how it

will affect the cooperative as a whole.


5/12

Feasibility Study Background Questions

Is the project needed?What is the product or service? What is the essence of the project? (There can be more than one. Each

should be clearly defined.)What is the group's comparative advantage? What is the market demanding and what do producers do

well?

How will the project benefit the members? Have the potential members determined the need or are otherspromoting it? What is the potential membership base and volume of product for the project? (This isnormally supported with a member survey.)

What is the support by producers, community, and potential lenders?What is the number and size of producers who are willing to participate?

What volume of product will be included in the project?

What future expansion of both membership and volume is possible?What is the competitive outlook?

What will prices be for both inputs and outputs?

What is the anticipated volume of sales?What is the size of the market?

Who are the major competitors? What are their market shares, facilities, and business structures?Will the group use strategic alliances to accomplish its goals?

What are the organizational needs for the project?What are the capital needs and possible sources of this capital? How much money is needed?

What are the budgeting and financial needs? What are possible sources for financing?What are the legal requirements? What documents or agreements are needed? What permits and

inspections will the project require?What facilities are needed? Will the group purchase, build, or lease the facilities?

What are management requirements? What skills will the cooperative require of a management team?What will this management cost? Can producers pay enough to attract good personnel?

Feasibility Study Report

This report defines the project under development. It presents a series of assumptions on the design of

the technical, financial, and operational aspects of the project and supports them with figures and tablesIt also includes the financial statements to project income and expenses.

The appearance of the report will change depending on the project, the group, and the consultant whoprepares the study. The document should describe project efforts to date and why it should be continued.

The report should answer the following questions about the project:

where is it now?

where does the group want to go?

why do they want this?

how will they accomplish this?

what resources are needed?

who will assist them?

when will this be completed?

how much will this cost? and

what are the risks?

There is no required length for a study report, but it should follow a simple format while still including the

information required helping the group reach a decision. The primary points should be presented withsupporting documentation in the appendices. Differing industries or projects have differing needs. The

design of each study should serve the needs of the group or other clients.Although the study appearance may vary, all reports require particular elements if they are to be

considered a complete feasibility study. They should present a "holistic" view of the entire project. Whilespecific project details may be undecided, a projects potential for success or failure must be included. Al

studies must start with certain assumptions. The closer they are to reality, the more valuable the study. Ifassumptions are overly optimistic or simplistic, members and investors may not value the results. A

feasibility study should distinguish clearly between the hard facts and the assumptions. The sources forthe facts and the rationale for key assumptions should be noted in a study appendix.

A feasibility study should present the environment where the project will occur and describe its scope. Thedescription should include the need for the project and how the group can accomplish the goals. The scope


6/12

should include the key elements of all aspects of the project. Potential reaction by competitors should beincluded in the study.

Key elements will change depending on the nature of each project. As a rule of thumb, if reasonablechanges in a factor could make the project change from successful to unsuccessful, it is a key element.

Examples could be the technology of production, volume of inputs, the market for goods sold, marketingchannel, personnel cost, prices paid, and capital costs.

A feasibility study should vary the possible results with changes in key elements of the project. Thiscontrolled variation, called scenario analysis, permits planners to view which project elements are the

most susceptible to positive and negative changes. This analysis also shows the impact on results of

changes in the assumptions. The study should always include the rationale for scenario selection. Both"worst-case" possibilities and optimistic scenarios should be compared. Comparative results fromscenarios are often presented in tables.

A feasibility study report should indicate if the project design is technically possible. It should also showthat the desired technologies could work in coordination. In projects with unproven technologies, this can

be the most important aspect of a study. In projects with proven technologies, the study can serve to

correct design flaws before costly mistakes are implemented.Possible economic outcomes should be a prominent part of a feasibility study. Variation in these elements

should be included in the scenario analysis. Operating costs and net revenues are factors that show if the

project is economically viable. The study should contain pro-forma balance sheets, operating statements,benefit-cost ratios, projected cash flows, and internal rates of return for the project. These are normally

based on a 3-year projection.The study should include possible project risks for potential members and other investors; project

technology; potential legal and governmental setbacks; management and labor resources; and time-critical factors. Most importantly, the feasibility study should enable members to make constructive,

informed decisions on whether to proceed with, revise, or abandon the project.

Feasibility Study Limitations

Although the feasibility study is a useful tool for project deliberation, it has limitations. There are severalpurposes for which a study cannot or should not be applied.

A study should be conducted to evaluate specific projects. Simulations or projection models, althoughuseful, do not replace a specific feasibility study of a project. The study should not only consist of generic

market information but also should be tailored for the specific project.A feasibility study is not an academic or research paper. A completed study should permit a group to

make better decisions about the strategic issues of its specific project. The study is not a business planthat is developed later in the project development process and functions as a blueprint for the groups

business operations. The plan presents the group's intended responses to the critical issues raised in thestudy. The results form the basis for developing a business plan.

A study is not intended to identify new ideas or concepts for a project. These ideas should be clearlyidentified before a study is initiated. The group needs to accomplish a number of steps before a feasibility

study is instituted. The closer the assumptions lie to the "real world," the more value a study will hold for

the group.A study should not be conducted as a forum merely to support a desire that the project will be successful.

Rather, it should be an objective evaluation of the project's chance for success. Studies with both positiveand negative conclusions can assist a groups decisions.

Financiers may require a feasibility study before providing loans, but this should not be the studys only

purpose. It should enhance a banker's ability to evaluate a project. The primary goal should be to aid the

group's decisions, not to secure financing. A study will not determine if it is advisable to initiate a project.The potential members have to decide if the economic returns justify the risks involved in their continuingthe project. The study results should assist them. A study analyzes basic project assumptions, shows how

results vary when assumptions change, and provides guidance as to critical elements of a projectConducting a study should provide the group with project-specific information and assist it in making

decisions. This should lower the risks in continuing a project.

How To Review the Study

Outside financiers will often perceive the reliability of the entire study based on its least accurate piece. Anotherwise well-conducted feasibility study could be viewed as inaccurate or useless because of a simple

mistake. To prevent this, the feasibility study should be carefully examined for overall clarity and logica


7/12

consistencyis the language appropriate; is the document well organized; and can someone who is notfamiliar with the project understand the study? Reviewers should confirm and explain the study

assumptions.The feasibility report documents project efforts. It serves as the written representation of the study. It

outlines relevant conclusions from the study. Potential members, financiers, and others will use thisdocument to help determine their support for the project. The reports appearance as well as its content

can influence peoples perception of it. The layout should be professional, well organized, and include atable of contents, page numbers, and references.

A feasibility study is a preliminary study undertaken before the real work of a project starts to ascertain

the likelihood of the project's success. It is an analysis of all possible solutions to a problem and arecommendation on the best solution to use. It involves evaluating how the solution will fit into the

corporation. It, for example, can decide whether an order processing be carried out by a new system more

efficiently than the previous one.

A feasibility study could be used to test a new working system, which could be used because:

The current system may no longer suit its purpose,

Technological Advancement may have rendered the current system redundant,

The business is expanding, allowing it to cope with extra work load,

Customers are complaining about the speed and quality of work the business provides,

Competitors are winning greater market shares due to an effective integration of a computerised

system.

Although few businesses would not benefit from a computerized system at all, the process of carrying outthis feasibility study makes the purchaser/client think carefully about how it is going to be used

Feasibility viewpoints

A system's feasibility is typically considered from economic, technical, schedule and organisationa

viewpoints.

Economic Feasibilty This involves questions such as whether the firm can afford to build the system,

whether its benefits should substantially exceed its costs, and whether the project has higher priority thanother projects that might use the same resources.

Technical Feasibility This involves questions such as whether the technology needed for the systemexists, how difficult it will be to build, and whether the firm has enough experience using that technology.

Schedule Feasibility This involves questions such as how much time is available to build the new

system, when it can be built (i.e. during holidays), interference with normal business operation, etc.

Organisational Feasibility This involves questions such as whether the system has enough support tobe implemented successfully, whether it brings an excessive amount of change, and whether the

organisation is changing too rapidly to absorb it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analysishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projecthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analysishttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporation


8/12


9/12


10/12

I. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The OBJECTIVES of a research project summarise what is to be achieved by the study.

Objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem. For example, if the problemidentified is low utilisation of child welfare clinics, the general objective of the study could be to identify

the reasons for this low utilisation, in order to find solutions.

The general objective of a study states what researchers expect to achieve by the study in general

terms.

It is possible (and advisable) to break down a general objective into smaller, logically connected parts.

These are normally referred to as specific objectives.

Specific objectives should systematically address the various aspects of the problem as defined under

Statement of the Problem (Module 4) and the key factors that are assumed to influence or cause theproblem. They should specify what you will do in your study, where and for what purpose.

A study into the cost and quality of home-based care for HIV/AIDS patients and their communities in

Zimbabwe, developed at an HSR workshop, for example, had as its general objective:

To explore to what extent community home-based care (CHBC) projects in Zimbabwe provide adequate,affordable and sustainable care of good quality to people with HIV/AIDS, and to identify ways in which

these services can be improved.

It was split up in the following specific objectives:

1. To identify the full range of economic, psychosocial, health/nursing care and other needs ofpatients and their families affected by AIDS.

2. To determine the extent to which formal and informal support systems address these needsfrom the viewpoint of service providers as well as patients.

3. To determine the economic costs of CHBC to the patient and family as well as to the formalCHBC programmes themselves.

4. To relate the calculated costs to the quality of care provided to the patient by the family andto the family/patient by the CHBC programme.

5. To determine how improved CHBC and informal support networks can contribute to the

needs of persons with AIDS and other chronically and terminally ill patients.6. To use the findings to make recommendations on the improvement of CHBC to home care

providers, donors and other concerned organisations, including government.

The first specific objective usually focuses on quantifying or specifying the problem.

This is necessary in many studies, especially when a problem has been defined (but not quantified) for

which subsequently the major causes have to be identified. Often use can be made of available statisticsor of the health information system. In the study on the high defaulter rate of TB patients, this rate should

first be established, using the records, and only then would the contributing factors to defaulting beanalysed.

In the example given, the needs of AIDS patients and their relatives for care and support have beendefined in the first objective. The objectives which follow concentrate on adequacy, cost and quality of

care provided whereas the last two objectives specify possible improvements with respect to CHBC, and towhom the results and recommendations of the study will be fed back.

Note:

It may be helpful to use the diagram as a point of departure and check whether the problem and all

major, directly contributing factors (analytic study) or major components (descriptive or evaluation


11/12

study) have been covered by the objectives. An objective indicating how the results will be usedshould be included in every operational study, either as part of the general objective or as a specific

objective.

Why should research objectives be developed?

The formulation of objectives will help you to:

Focus the study (narrowing it down to essentials);

Avoid the collection of data which are not strictly necessary for understanding and solving the

problem you have identified; and

Organise the study in clearly defined parts or phases.

Properly formulated, specific objectives will facilitate the development of your research methodology and

will help to orient the collection, analysis, interpretation and utilisation of data.

How should you state your objectives?

Take care that the objectives of your study:

Cover the different aspects of the problem and its contributing factors in a coherent way and in alogical sequence;

Are clearly phrased in operational terms, specifying exactly what you are going to do, where,

and for what purpose;

Are realistic considering local conditions; and

Use action verbs that are specific enough to be evaluated.

Examples of action verbs are: to determine, to compare, to verify, to calculate, to describe, and to

establish.

Avoid the use of vague non-action verbs such as: to appreciate, to understand, or to study.

Keep in mind that when the project is evaluated, the results will be compared to the objectives. If the

objectives have not been spelled out clearly, the project cannot be evaluated.

Using the previous example on cost and quality of CHBC, we may develop more specific researchquestions for the different objectives, such as:

Do rural and urban CHBC projects differ with respect to the adequacy, quality, affordability and

sustainability of HBC provided?

How satisfied are AIDS patients, relatives and service providers with the care provided? Are there

differences in perceptions between those groups?

Is the stigma attached to being HIV+ the same strong for women as for men? Or are there gender

differences in stigma?

What impact does the care provided to AIDS patients have on the economy of the homestead? Is

there competition with other basic needs (e.g. schooling of children, purchases of food)?

II. HYPOTHESES

Based on your experience with the study problem, it might be possible to develop explanations for the

problem, which can then be tested. If so, you can formulate hypotheses in addition to the study

objectives.

A HYPOTHESIS is a prediction of a relationship between one or more factors and the problem under studythat can be tested.


12/12

In our example concerning the cost and quality of HBC in Zimbabwe it would have been possible toformulate and test the following hypotheses:

1. The role of first-line relatives in the provision of care to AIDS patients is more substantial in ruralthan in urban areas.

2. The silence and stigma surrounding AIDS makes the formation of self-help groups of AIDS patientsand their relatives next to impossible, which in turn maintains the high level of stigma on

HIV/AIDS.

Note:

Policy makers and field staff usually feel the need for research because they do NOT have enough insightinto the causes of a certain problem. Therefore, most HSR proposals present the specific objectives in the

form ofopen statements (as given in the examples earlier) instead of focusing the study on a limitednumber of hypotheses.

III. TITLE OF THE STUDY

Now you can finalise the title of your study. The title should be in line with your general objective. Make

sure that it is specific enough to tell the reader what your study is about and where it will be calculated.

NOT: A study on community home-based care

BUT: A study on cost and quality of community home-based care for HIV/AIDS patients and theircommunities in Zimbabwe

You might also consider fancier titles:

Do We Care? A study on cost and quality of CHBC for HIV/AIDS patients in Zimbabwe*

Another example could be:

WORKSHOPS: Blessings or Burdens? A study of the workshops held in 1999 in Province Y - Their utility

and consequences for daily working activities of health staff

tour 15 lecture notes

Documents