Day 23- Preparing for an Interview

Today lecture was also about interviews. In previous lecture module lecturer discussed about interview skills today he started the lecture by giving some probable questions that can be asked from an interviewee in an interview. Also lecturer highlighted that interviewee need to prepare for the probable questions, which means prepare with answers. 

Figure 1: Job Interview (Career research today, 2010)

When stating the questions, lecturer gave an explanation of how and what kind of answers interviewee need to give in the interview. Below has mentioned the questions and had given a brief explanation of type of  answers that interviewee should give.

• What is your favorite TV program?

- Avoid mentioning TV series, cartoons, action programs. It always good if the interviewee mention some documentary channels or programs as the favorite TV program. Ex:- Discovery

•  What are your strengths?

- Give at least three strengths and explain the strengths by providing justifications.

Ex:- If the interviewee mention leadership as a strengths need to justify with the example where he/she has shown the leadership and outcome of it.

• What are your weaknesses?

- Give a weakness that also can be taken as a strength and explain it. 

Ex:- Inability to say NO, perfection, Not giving quick responses

• Why you need this job?

- Need to mention at least three reasons and  should highlight enthusiasm and motivation.

Sample answer:- This is company is well recognize company and I believe I have more offers and reciprocal from the company I can gain experience and skills.

• Why are you a good candidate to this job?

-Find and state most suitable qualifications from the quick match sheet

• What do you think or know about our company?

-Mention about the past and current situation of the company, strengths of the company

After explaining above mentioned general questions, lecturer mentioned some tricky questions that an interviewee can get in an interview.

• How much of salary do you expect?

- Most suitable answer for this is give a range of the salary that a particular job get in the industry- From that they get an idea that the interviewee has have an idea of the job and industry.

• What is your ambition?

- Mention the highest post that can achieve in a particular job. Ex:- If the applied job is business analyst mention the ambition as to become a project manager.

• IF kind of questions

Ex:- What if a customer come with an complaint?

Need to explain the reaction in a positive way. These kind of questions given to check the applicant's behavior, decision making, reaction for a particular situation

• What type of dreams you see?

-Give a positive answer.

After discussed about tricky questions, lecturer further explained what interviewee need to do a effective interview. Lecturer mentioned that interviewee should practice the probable questions before attend to the interview. As an example practice for the interview in front of a mirror. In the interview when talking use some body language and at the end of the interview shake hand the interviewer(s).

After that lecturer explained how a candidate should behave when go to an interview. Lecturer mentioned when applicant go to a interview he/she needs to behave in an appropriate manner from the moment enter to the company until he/she leave the place. As an example polite with everyone including the minor staff of the company.

As the final topic for the day lecturer stated some golden rules which can be useful for an interview,

• Always listen to the question completely and address it
• Always provide evidence what is stated and make sure it referenced in the CV
• Don't rumble on
• Avoid slang words 
• Always be prepared
• After an interview need to relax
• Make sure the interviewee is contactable
• If a interviewee got a call for the confirmation of the job better to ask following questions from the company representative,

-When do I start the job?

- About the salary

-If it is a contract job- Go through the contract well

• If in case interviewee do not get the job better to contact the company and get to know the mistakes because it is good to learn from experiences and mistakes.

Learning Outcomes:-

From the lecture I understood how I need to prepare for the interview and what kind of questions that get in an interview. Also I understood first impression is something that always matters in an interview and the good answers and the way of the behavior leads to an effective interview. 

References:-

Career search today. (2010).Job Interview.[Online]. Available at: http://careersearchtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/job-interview.jpg 

[Accessed 30th August 2012]

  

Day 22-Interview Skills

Today lecture was about how to prepare for an interview. Today also module lecturer Mr. Eranjan shared some valuable and interesting information about interview skills.  Below has mentioned all the areas discussed by Mr Eranjan in today's lecture. 

Figure 1: Interview (Fysiografen, 2012)

As mentioned in Business Dictionary(2012) interview has described as "formal discussion between a hirer and an applicant or candidate, typically in person, in which information is exchanged, with the intention of establishing the applicant’s suitability for a position.

Why an employer needs to have an interview?

Any organization can recruit people by go through the CV (Curriculum vitae). But none of them do that. The reason behind this is from a CV cannot see the communication skills, practicality, appearance, energetic/ enthusiastic level that applicant has towards the organization.

There are different types of interviews. Such as,

• One to one interview- Which means only one interviewer and interviewee will be take part in this type of interviews.

• Interview conduct by two interviewers - In this type of interview there are two interviewers and one interviewee. Both of them ask questions from interviewee and based on the answers given by interviewee decide the interviewee is suitable or not for the job. The decision will be taken by both interviewers. Because of that interviewee should make a good impression on both interviewers.

• Interview conduct by a panel- In this type of interview ,interviewee need to make sure all the members in the panel are satisfied with the answers given by him/her. To accomplish that interviewee need to maintain eye contact with each person in the interview panel, in-order to get a better impression. Also interviewee should make sure everyone will smile with him/her because smile is a sign of approval.

• Group interview- This type of interviews conducts in a way of select a set of applicants and call them for an informal interview which includes Q&A session. In this type of interview interviewee or applicant should be careful when asking questions as well as when answering to questions. Interviewee should make sure to ask only the good questions. Based on the questions asked and the way the interviewees answered to the questions the most suitable applicant will be get selected to the job.

• Chronological Interview- Interviewer will be asked questions from child hood to up to now. This technique use in-order to get a full image of the interviewee. This interview type is methodical and questions will be based on life events.

• Criteria based interviews-Interviewer come-up with list of requirements based on the advertisement and interviewee need to well prepared for the interview. Interviewee can use quick match templates which enables to make a customize CV.

• Technical and creative interviews- These types of interviews mostly conducted for the jobs related to coding and etc. In these interviews interview will ask interviewee to code and demonstrate it.

• Telephone interview- This type of interview done  through the phone. This type of interview use for short listed the applicants. From the less time interviewer will be able to get to know the communication skills of the applicant.

Prepare for the Telephone Interview

• Need to check for the availability
• Check for a suitable place without any disturbances
• Better dress up formal
• Sit in a proper place without like relaxing on a bed etc.
• Prepare the documents and keep it in a way that easy to use.
• Interviewee can make a good impression by the way he/she answer to the questions directed at him/her (interviewee)

There can be instances a person will get two interviews at the same time. If a person faces such problem there are two options that she/he can do. 

1. Applicant should inform one of the companies that called for the interview that you will not be able to make for the interview because you have another interview and you will not be able to make it. From that the company gets to know that you have demand.
2. Let the company know that you will not be able to make it because unavoidable circumstances and ask for another date and time if available from that you show your enthusiasm for the job.

Background preparation for an interview

• Check for the organization profile
• Talk to some people who are currently working to the company. From that can get to know procedures of the company and will helpful to prepare for the interview.
• Try to do a Google search in order to aware of the changes that organization has done, new owner etc.
• Try to read annual reports of the company and find out what kind of issues/problems company has etc.
• Analyze the job- How to fulfill the requirements, do a quick match.
• Need to come up with potential questions that will be asked in the interview and prepared with answers for the questions.

If an applicant can prepare and face to an interview as above mentioned applicant will be able get a good job for the qualifications he/she has.

Learning Outcomes:-

This lecture gave a vast knowledge about what exactly an interview and other related areas of interviews. Having qualifications or experiences is not enough in-order to get a good job. You should do the interview which makes a good impression about you on interviewer. In-order to make a good impression and satisfy the interviewer, interviewee need to have a clear idea about the interview, need to do background research about the company, and get ready for the interviews. Also need to talk in an appropriate manner that interviewer gets a good impression on you. This lecture helpful me to get a clear idea of interview and the way I need to prepare for it and I am looking forward to use these facts when I am preparing for an interview in the future.

References:-

Business Dictionary. (2012). Definition of Interview. [Online]. Available at: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/interview.html [Accessed 28th August 2012].

Fysiografen. (2012). Interview. [Online]. Available at: http://www.fysiografen.org/images/sample-job.jpg [Accessed 28th August 2012].

Day 21- Presentation Skills

Today lecture was about presentation skills. Module lecturer Mr. Eranjan discussed main components that will be useful for an effective presentation.I have done this post from the areas that discussed in the today's lecture. 

There are different types of presentations. Such as, lectures, academic conferences, various business presentations (sales presentations, product design presentations, pitch presentations, client presentations, policy presentations etc. ) and project presentations. 

Figure 1: Presentation Skills (Presentation team, 2012)

According to Blare (2012) "A Presentation is a fast and potentially effective method of getting things done through other people. In managing any project, presentations are used as a formal method for bringing people together to plan, monitor and review its progress."

A presentation should be,

• Brief
• Precise
• Effective
• Interesting

How to make a good first impression?

 In a presentation first impression is something very important because from that can get the attraction of the audience. Also the speaker's responsibility to make a good first impression and maintain till the end of the presentation. Below has mentioned some of the tips which helps to make a good first impression at a presentation.

• Take a moment to gather your thoughts and ideas
• Do not read the first few paragraphs of your presentation from your paper. Because if u read from the paper at the beginning of the presentation audience will get bad impression of the speaker and also it shows the speaker is not prepared to the presentation.
• Maintain good eye contact with the members of your audience.
• Control your voice.
• Pause when you are speaking.- This helps speaker to think what he/she has to speak next and prepare for it.
• Do not speak fast. - Because audience will not be able to understand what speaker is talking.
• Act natural through out the presentation. Do not show you are nervous to the audience.
• Avoid items and topics that are not directly a part of your speech.
• Summarize your main points. (Recap)

How to open a presentation?

Following techniques can be used to open a presentation.

• Surprising facts
• Story
• Question
• A joke
• A quote

Preparation

Preparation leads to a successful presentation. 

1. Prepare the structure of the presentation. -Opening(Introduction and content), presentation body, conclusion (recap and objective) and follow up.
2. Be familiar with the presentation- DO NOT read from the script, prepare cue cards with key points if in case your forget some points while presenting the speech.
3. Oral Communication- Rehearse

Speaker

Speaker is the key role player in a presentation. A speaker should manage and and know himself/herself for an effective presentation.

• Know the audience
• Professional attire
• Confidence
• Keep eye contact
• Power of pause
• Body language and gesture- But too much of body language is not suitable for the presentation
• Avoid jokes
• Keep to time

Delivery

Below has mentioned some of the key points that will be useful for a successful delivery.

• Speak clearly
• Do not rush or talk deliberately slowly.- Be natural
• Do not keep something more than five minutes on the screen because audience will get bored.
•  Change your delivery depending on the importance of point.
• Use body language to emphasize points.
• Look at the audience but do not fix on an individual.
• Leave time for discussion.

Learning Outcomes:-

Today lecture was very effective and important which discussed about presentation skills. Presentation skills are useful for my projects and will be useful for in future when I am in industry. From today lecture I understood some of the mistakes that I have been doing in my past presentations. Presentation is not just a speech speaker should prepare for the presentation, need to gather enough information to present and should be able to manage the audience without letting them get bored. If a speaker successful in these areas it means  presenter/ speaker has been able to deliver a successful and effective presentation. 

References:-

Blair, G.M. (2012). Presentation Skills for Emergent Managers. [Online]. Available at: http://www.ee.ed.ac.uk/~gerard/Management/art1.html [Accessed 27th August 2012].

Presentation team. (2012). Presentation Skills. [Online]. Avilable at: http://www.presentationteam.com/images/presentation-skills-public-speaking.jpg 

 [Accessed 27th August 2012].

Day 20- Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Today lecture was about curriculum vitae (CV). Curriculum vitae is a reflection about yourself. As mentioned in Kent (2012) curriculum vitae is  "an outline of a person's educational and professional history, usually prepared for job applications" Kent (2012) explained more about CV as following,

Figure 1: Curriculum Vitae (e-how, 2012)

"A CV is the most flexible and convenient way to make applications. It conveys your personal details in the way that presents you in the best possible light. A CV is a marketing document in which you are marketing something: yourself! You need to "sell" your skills, abilities, qualifications and experience to employers. It can be used to make multiple applications to employers in a specific career area. For this reason, many large graduate recruiters will not accept CVs and instead use their own application form."

Above paragraph explains importance or the objective of the CV. When writing the CV need to be careful and also need to be honest with what you are writing. 

A CV does followings,

• CV can influence a person.
• It highlights a particular person has. Ex:- Cognitive skills, motor skills and effective skills

Lecturer started the lecture by explaining the importance and the objective of the CV. Lecturer explained that CV is a reflection of  yourself and it shows who you are and what you are going to serve the company.

Objective

A CV is a sales document that highlights your skills, experience and achievements in such a way that the reader is motivated to meet yourself.

Then he explained how CV helps to market ourselves.

Marketing or Advertising Yourself

• Your CV must sell you to a prospective employer, and compete against other applicants 

• Your curriculum vitae must be presented professionally, clearly, and in a way that indicates you are an ideal candidate for the job - The right skills, experience, behavior, attitude, that the employer is seeking
• The way you present your CV effectively demonstrates your ability to communicate, and particularly to explain a professional business proposition

• The challenge in CV writing is to be more appealing and attractive than the rest

• Write down a description of the person they are looking for. You use this as a blue-print for your CV. The better the match the more likely you are to be called for an interview

After that Mr. Eranjan asked us to list down some attributes of professionalism. Some of the attributes as followed,

1. Curtious
2. Consistence
3. Credible
4. Precise
5. Planner
6. Good listener
7. Collaboration
8. Punctual
9. Broad minded
10. Innovative

After that he discuss the contents of the CV

CV Contents

• Personal Data- Need to keep it short, and should include name, address, age, gender and marital status
• Career Objective-Position, Career aspiration
• Education- Should include in chronological order
• Work Experiences
• Professional Affiliations
• Leadership, Honors, Achievements
• References

10 Rules for to a Great CV

Rule 1 -Do not play resume rulet

Figure 2:Possible Resources to get information 

Rule 2 -Skip the Summary

• Summary = puffery 
• Include an Objective - Fill a need /solve the problem
• Your job objective = the hirers job objective

Career Objective:-

Including a career objective helps you target a specific employment opportunity and increases the effectiveness of your resume

A career objective can include: 

-Your career goal 

-Your strengths 

-Where you want to work 

-Contributions you will make 

Rules 3-Sell not Tell

Eliminate all self serving descriptions

Focus on Facts 

Rule 4-Mind your Language

Don’t use jargon- abbreviations etc.

Don't use "I"

Rule 5- Nothing Personal

Keep your personal details short

  - Name and address in small fonts

 - Age, gender, martial status irrelevant

 - Avoid listing all your hobbies/ extra curricular activities

 - Use hobbies only to supplement the job

Rule 6- Drop the Irrelevant Affiliation 

Affiliations and memberships can be controversial and create an unintended/ unwanted consequence

Don't use following:-

Member of Jewish society (Religious)

Member of the Royal Golf club (elitist)

Member of “Right to abortion” society (trouble 

Maker)

Avoid Famous/Public/Political References – include

References that are relevant to the job ONLY

Rule 7-Keep it Real

-Skip the history lesson (focus on a 5 year period)

-Don’t be dishonest instead be creative

Rule 8-Include a Photo

• Eliminate doubts
• Better chances at the interview
• Serious, well dressed, not a crowded background – professional passport size photo is best 

Rule 9- Write a Cover Letter

• Short and sweet
• Personal name of the Manager
• Re-emphasize your contact details
• Sections

-1st paragraph – Why you are writing

-2nd paragraph – Why the particular vacancy interests you

-3rd Paragraph – What skills, contributions would you bring in. Why pick you over the others

-4th paragraph – Closing. End on positive and futuristic note

Rule 10-Do not Forget the Basis

• Use good paper (conqueror – cream)
• Word Process
• Spell checked
• Easy to read not verbose
• 1 – 2 page (max)

Check List for a better CV,

• Keep it short - identify accomplishments and present an impression of substance and capability
• Portray what you can do by revealing what you have done 
• Highlight results 
• Keep it simple and straightforward 
• Be accurate
• Use quality resume paper 
• Pay attention to the balance of white space and type 

When deliver the CV it is better to deliver personally by skipping HR department. 

Learning Outcomes:-

I found today lecture as important lecture which will useful to my future aspects. Curriculum vitae is a reflection of a particular person. CV is not just a draft about a particuler person's history neither just a list of  personal data. In-order to write a effective CV need to have the knowledge of what to include, the flow of information need to include, etc. The most important fact in CV is it should focus on the vacancy or the job that apply. The same CV is not applicable for different jobs. From today lecture I understood  facts that I mentioned earlier. Also I understood how to write a effective CV for a particular job and how a interviewee look at a CV. I am looking forward to use the techniques I learnt from this module in-order to write a effective and good curriculum vitae when I am applying to a job.

References:-

e-how. (2012). Curriculum Vitae. [Online]. Available at: http://img.ehowcdn.com/article-new/ehow/images/a06/cv/rk/difference-between-cv-cover-letter-800x800.jpg 

[Accessed 23rd August 2012]

Kent. (2012). How to write a successful CV. [Online]. Available at: http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv.htm [Accessed 23rd August 2012]

Day 19- Negotiation

Today lecture was conducted by a invited lecturer Mr. Shamer and we had lectures in Access Towers. The topic discussed today was Negotiation. 

The lecturer started the lecture by explaining what is a negotiation and where it take place. He stated that negotiations happen when we try to solve a problem.  After that he mentioned the area we are going to cover today. 

Figure 1: Negotiation (Stage2Planning, 2012)

• Methodical ways of negotiations
• Improvements in negotiations

What is a negotiation?

Negotiation is a process by which two parties with on interest in the same issue seek to reach an agreement  that is acceptable to both side. Also argument is a choice.

Negotiations take place between two parties but it also can take place within yourself. As an example if you go to shopping and when you run out with cash you do negotiation with your own-self with what to buy. 

After that he gave an activity to do. 

Activity:-

He gave a court case and asked for our opinion based on the three answers given by him. The answers as follow,

-Would he hanged death penalty

- Should be jailed

- Should not be punished

Based on the answer he put students into groups, which a group consists of 6 or 7members. In my group there were 7 members. They are Deve, Jeewaka, Afnan, Hshan Ranasighe, Hashan Wijesundara, Ali and myslef.

Negotiation Styles -Ways or methods of negotiating

Thomas Killman has introduced five styles of negotiations. They are avoidance, competition, accommodation, compromise and collaboration.

Figure 2: Styles of Negotiation (finntrack, 2012)

Avoidance

Ignore or avoid the issue rather than confront them directly. Employ strategies such as denying there is an issue, using jokes as a way to deflect, conflict or trying to change the topic. 

Competition

A person try to resolve issues by controlling or persuading others in order to achieve his/her task. This is a win end strategy.

Accommodation

Essentially communicates to another "You are right, I agree; let's forget about it". This is a lose win strategy.

Compromise

Occurs half way between competition and accommodation. Generally perceived a "give and take" strategy. Compromises attend to the concerns of others as well as to their own needs.

Collaboration

Both parties agrees to positive settlement to the issue and attend fully to the other's concerns while not sacrificing or suppressing their own. The issue not resolved until each side is reasonably satisfied and can support solution. This is a win-win strategy.

Negotiation Skills

Figure 3: Negotiation Skills (Kent, 2012)

Search for Interest

Before applying the negotiation style first should look at the interest.

Try to Understand

Listen to others carefully and encourage them to explain their side first then they will be willing to listen to you. Also listen carefully to the arguments of the other party and assess the logic of their reasoning.

Control Emotions

Keep calm and use assertive rather than aggressive behavior. Use tact and diplomacy to diffuse tensions.

Avoid the presumption of Evil

Always be optimistic.

Other than above mentioned skills can use following skills as well.

• List all the issues which are important to both sides and identify the key issues. Identify any personal agendas. Question generalizations and challenge assumptions. (Kent, 2012)
• Move away from blames.
• Breakdown bigger issues to smaller ones.
• Maintain integrity- Having the character quality of being honest, reliable and fair.
• BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Settlement)- The best consequences (outcomes) of not negotiating
• WATNA (Worst Alternatives to a Negotiated Agreement)- The worse consequences of not negotiating.

Learning Outcomes:-

From today lecture I understood about various types of negotiation styles and different skills that can be used to in-order to have a successful negotiation. Also from the activities did today I understood how the different types of negotiation strategies apply for a one particular scenario.

References:-

finntrack. (2012). Different types of negotiation. [Online]. Available at: http://www.finntrack.co.uk/images/negotiation-strategies.jpg [Accessed 21st August 2012]

Kent. (2012). Skills of Negotiation. [Online]. Available at: http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/pics/Persuading.JPG [Accessed 21st August 2012]

Stage2Planning. (2012). Negotiation. [Online]. Available at: http://www.stage2planning.com/Portals/13035/images/Fotolia_13984998_XS.jpg

 [Accessed 21st August 2012]

Day 18-Personal Branding

Today lecture was about personal branding. Before step into the topic of personal branding lecturer started to explain what is brand. 

Brand

Figure 1: Different Brands (marketing blog, 2012)

A symbol, mark or name which can identify uniquely from others. Also brand known as the sign of civilization. 

Some of the well known brands are Coca-Cola, Nokia ,Kraft etc. There are different types of benefits that gain from branding.

According to Yudkin   (2002) some of the benefits from branding are,

Memorability,loyalty, familiarity, Extensions,  Greater company equity, Lower marketing expenses and many more

Personal Branding

Personal branding is a brand which tells who you are to the world. 

According to Difrisco (2011) Personal Branding,

• Helps to define who you are and what you are about (or why a patient should choose you)
• Is a way of associating great value with a product (the product being you)
• Is not about getting a prospect or employer to choose you over your competition.
• It is about getting them to see you as the only solution to their problem

Figure 2: Personal Branding (Spinsucks, 2012)

In-order to achieve personal branding need to understand the prospects. Also person need to have a self awareness about him/her which means person need to identify strengths and weaknesses he/she has.

Interview is a place where a person does personal branding, be robust, public speaking and team player is a good identification of a good personal brand.

There are various way which a person can market him/her self;

• Personality- Realistic, investigative, enterprising, artistic etc.
• Networking/ Social Groups- professional groups like ISACA, BCS, CSSL
• Presentation of oneself- Ex:- Personal websites
• Attire
• CV

After discuss above topic lecturer wrapped up the class and he asked to create own individual brand. 

Learning Outcomes:-

From this lecture I gained knowledge about branding and it's benefits, personal branding and how to use personal branding. I found this lecture is important as because I myself need this personal branding in order to come to a better position in professional wise. 

References:-

Difrisco, M.G. (2011). Personal Branding. [Online]. Available at: http://www.how-to-branding.com/Personal-Branding.html [Accessed 20th August 2012]

Marketing.Blog. (2012). Different Brand types. [Online]. Available at: http://marketing.blogs.ie.edu/files/2010/02/brand-portfolio.jpg [Accessed 20th August 2012]

Spinsucks. (2012). Personal Branding. [Online]. Available at: http://spinsucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Personal-Brand.jpg [Accessed 20th August 2012]

Yudkin, M. (2002). Benefits of Branding. [Online]. Available at: http://www.namedatlast.com/branding3.htm [Accessed 20th August 2012]

Day 17- Critical Evaluation

Today I could not attend to the lecture because of that I referred to one of my friends note to update my blog. Today lecturer has discussed about a very important topic "Critical Evaluation". Below I have included some of the definitions of critical evaluation defined by various people.

According to Hulme (2004) critical evaluation is "Critical evaluation is a process of assessing the relative merit of a piece of work, which may have been presented as a journal article, in a text book, on the internet, in a radio or television article, or in just about any other format (for academic purposes, this will usually be written, but could include seminar presentations)". The crucial word is the “evaluate” – to measure the value of something

DTLS (2012)  has described critical evaluation as "weigh arguments for and against something, assessing all evidence. Decide which opinions, theories, models or items are preferable".

Figure 1: The process of Critical Evaluation (Partnershipforoldersadults, 2012)

Module lecturer Mr Eranjan has described critical evaluation as a formal argument which highlights both, the positives and negatives and there is sufficient amount of evidence to support the argument. Upon completion of the argument, the writer should mention his justification i.e. which side does he/she support and why. So, to summarize a critical evaluation consists of the following:

1. Argument
2. Evidence
3. Justification

After the discussion lecturer had shown a video where different students from different universities share their knowledge,ideas about critical evaluation. After that lecturer has wrapped up the class.

Learning Outcomes:-

From this lecture I understood what is really a critical evaluation, because I had a different idea about critical evaluation and I have done some mistakes when I was writing critical evaluations in my previous projects. Now I have a clear understanding of critical evaluation and I can write it in a better way in my future assignments including my FYP.

References:-

DTLS. (2012). Critical Evaluation. [Online]. Available at: http://www.dtls.cqu.edu.au/clc/2_1_1.html [Accessed 16th August 2012]

Hulme, J.A. (2004).  Critical Evaluation: A Student Guide.  Psychology Review, 10, 6-8. 

Partnerships for older adults (2012). The Process of Critcal Evaluation. [Online]. Available at: http://www.partnershipsforolderadults.org/content/95825ee1-0167-45a1-8617-48ce2b47c4ac/images/evaluation-L1-flow.gif [Accessed 16th August 2012]

Day 16- Research

Today lecturer started the lecture by asking "What to research?". Lecturer asked this question from few students in class but, no-one able to answer for the question. Then he told researches are done based on the project proposal – identified 

problem statements or opportunities

- Follow through from the idea generation workshop

After that lecture explained what types of things need to do for a better research. A research should includes, 

• systematic investigation and study, which means Need to plan and prepare for the research.
• To establish facts, data/information must get from right sources (Survey, interviews, questionnaires etc.)
• To reach conclusion, must have a purpose (Commonly use recreational activities)

Types of Research

Figure 1: Research Design

Above picture illustrates about the research design. I have done a explanation of types of research in my Research design post. Because of that I am not going to discuss more about types of researches in this post. But in primary research there are techniques that can use to gather information which I have not discussed in my earlier post so in this post I have done an explanation of those techniques here. They are focus groups and brain storming.

Focus Groups

In focus groups set of people gather and conduct a group interview in order to gather different ideas and opinions. The discussion will be guided by the mediator. The mediator make sure each and everyone stick into into the topic that talk and also make sure that not go beyond the scope.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a technique which place points of a particular topic in an order which in a way to understand easily.  Metaphorical analysis, lotus blossom and mind maps are some of the methods use in brainstorming.  

Finally lecturer explained what makes a research a successful research. A research should be,

• Integrative
• Independent
• Interesting
• Intellectually Challenging
• Innovative

Learning Outcomes:-

Today lecture also similar to the previous lecture. Because in previous lecture, discussed about research design. These topics are interconnected and today lecture also very useful for final year project.

Day 15- Research Design Activity

Today lecture was a continuation of thursday lecture. Module lecturer, Mr. Eranjan did a revision about research design activity. After that he gave an activity to do. Activity was to write a report.

Activity :-

Intelligent Clinic Management System- Based on the topic, plan and produce a research design in groups. Kindly use the processes to design research.

Lecturer asked to write a report on above topic. The activity is a group activity. Our group members went to library to do the activity. After finishing the activity all the groups came to class and lecturer asked different questions from each group. Lecturer corrected some of the answers and told we need to improve in research design.

At the end of the lecture, lecturer gave an activity which need to submit, next monday. The activity our group got was "What type of recreational activities APIIT students would prefer to engaged in?" and we need to do questionnaires for this topic.

Learning Outcomes:-

From the activity did in the class i gained more knolwegde about, research designing. Today lecture was important and useful

Day 14- Research Design

Today lecture was about research Design. Lecturer started the lecture explaining what is research problem. Research problem is revolved around the project. 

Figure 1: Research Design

What is Research?

Oxford Dictionary (2012) has defined research as "the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusion".

A research consists of three parts,

• Primary Research
• Secondary Research
• Academic Research

Primary Research

This includes what you do or the research you do. In primary research can include,

- Interviews that conducted

-Observations

-Brain Storming

-Questionnaire

-Experiments

and other activities that did during the investigation, document, and other evidence

Secondary Research

Which found out from other peoples' research.(From non-scholarly Sources )

-Magazines

-Other published sources

-Written by journalists, professional writers etc.

Academic Research

Which found out from others people's research (From Scholarly Sources)

-Books

-Journal Articles

-White Papers

-Specialized and cited

-Available in colleges/universities' libraries

-written by scholar in subject area, credential given, reviewed by peers

Processes Involved in Research Design

1. Aims and objectives of the research

                                - Out comes (Tangible outcomes-document / Intangible outcomes)

2. Solutions and deliverable

3. Literature Review- Required domain research
                               - Gather information about what others have done
                               - If there any mistakes how to overcome from that
4. Selected Data Collection Methods (Primary Research)
5. Selecting sampling methods
6. Selected data analysis methods
7. Rationale for selected technical aspects
8. Selected Design Approach
9. Timelines

Sampling

systematically selecting representative elements of the population

objectives of sampling are:

containing costs

speeding up 

Improving effectiveness

reducing data bias

When sampling need to focus on following factors:

1. Sample size- How many items in a particular sample.
2. Sampling method

There are two types of sampling methods,

• Probabilistic Sampling

          Believes that everyone in the population has equal chance to get selected. 

            -Systematic Sampling

            -Simple Random Sampling

            -Cluster Sampling

            -Stratified Sampling

Systematic Sampling

According to Catillo (2009) systematic sampling is "the researcher first randomly picks the first item or subject from the population. Then, the researcher will select each n'th subject from the list.

Simple Random Sampling
Get the entire list of sampling and choose using random number table. Below has explained how is the random number table works.

Randomly select a number from the table. If the selected number is not in the sample as an example if you choose 98 as the number and the sample consists of 50 there is no 98th item. Then you can add 9 and 8 and get 17 and choose 17th item from the sample.

Cluster Sampling
Group of sampling units close to each other. 
Ex:- Crowding together in the same area or neighborhood.
-Select the entire population
-Divide into clusters

Stratified Sampling
Group of samples divide into strata.

• Non-Probabilistic Sampling

          According to Trochim (2006) "non-probabilistic sampling does not involve random selection"
                 - Convenient Sampling
                 - Snow-ball Sampling

 Convenience Sampling

As mentioned in convenience sampling (2011) "Convenience sampling refers to the non probability process by which a scientist gathers statistical data from the population. This form of selection is done based on the ease if gaining the statistical data." 

Snow-ball Sampling

According to Trochim (2006) "In snowball sampling, you being identifying someone who meets the criteria for inclusion in your study. You then ask them to recommend others who they may know who also meet the criteria".

Research Tools

• Interviews
• Questionnaires
• Observations

Five main types of Research Methods

Figure 2: Research Methods (sharpy.dircon, 2012)

• Survey
• Case-Study
• Action Research
• Experiments
• Ethnography

Survey

Take a current snap shot or do longitudinal research.

For surveys can use tools like questionnaires and questionnaires in the best tool, also can use documentary reviews, interviews

In the list of questions can include close ended questions and some open ended questions.

Innumerater is the one who ask questions.

There are two types of questionnaires such as mail-order questionnaires and traditional questionnaires

Interviews

-Come-up with set of questions

-Additional prob questions(ex:- how it happen?, Why did you say like that? etc.)

-Mostly use open-ended questions-From open ended questions can collect more qualitative and rich responds

-Accuracy is high

-Verbal and non-verbal communication includes.

Observations

-Do not engage with audience

-Monitor the audience

-Disadvantage of this is behavioral changes

Hawthorne Effect

Study that identifies how various changes in the environment affect employee productivity.

Documentary Review

-Examining hard data used in the system.

-facts would be recorded on a document description form:

• list of all items on document
• size of data items and format
• person responsible for entering data
• source and destination of each copy
• purpose of document
• name of document
• additional notes

Case-Studies

Write case-studies including findings

Interesting read.

Action Research

Action research is a process in which participants examine their own educational practice systematically and carefully,using the techniques of research. It is based on the following assumptions:

Teachers and principals work best on problems

they have identified for themselves

• Teachers and principals become more effective when encouraged to examine and assess their own work and then consider ways of working differently

• Teachers and principals help each other by working collaboratively

• Working with colleagues helps teachers and principals in their professional development

                                                                                                                    (Ferrance, 2000)

Experiment Research

Do the research by doing experiments

Ethnography Research

Anthropologists, ethnographers, and other social scientists may engage in something called ethnography. Ethnography, simply stated, is the study of people in their own environment through the use of methods such as participant observation and face-to-face interviewing. (NPS, 2011)

Learning Outcomes:-

Today lecture was about research design. I learnt about different topics related research design like How to do a research , what kind of tools can do a research and different types of researches etc. I found this lectures as interesting and I did some extra readings relate to topics that has discussed under research design.   Also this is a very useful and important topic because we have to do a research to final year project.

References:-

Castillo, J.J. (2009). Systematic Sampling. [Online]. Available at: http://www.experiment-resources.com/systematic-sampling.html [Accessed 9th August 2012]

Convenience Sampling. (2011). Convenience Sampling. [Online]. Available at: http://www.conveniencesampling.net/ [Accessed 9th August 2012]

E, Ferrance. (2000).Action Research. [Online]. Available at : http://www.lab.brown.edu/pubs/themes_ed/act_research.pdf [Accessed 9th August 2012]

NPS. (2011). Ethnography Research. [Online]. Available at: http://www.nps.gov/ethnography/aah/aaheritage/ERCb.htm [Accessed 9th August 2011]

Oxford Dictionaries. (2012). Definition of Research. [Online]. Available at: http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/american_english/research [Accessed 9th August 2012]

Sharpy.dircon. (2012). Research Methods. [Online]. Available at: http://www.sharpy.dircon.co.uk/index_files/image5064.gif [Accessed 9th August 2012]

Trochim, W.M.K. (2006). Non Probabilistic Sampling. [Online]. Available at: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/sampnon.php [Accessed 9th August 2012]

Trochim, W.M.K. (2006). Snowball Sampling. [Online]. Available at: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/sampnon.php [Accessed 9th August 2012]