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Planning of Research and Data Analysis

Course developer

Course abstract

Planning of research and choice of method is discussed underlying the significance of literature review. Choice of method for data processing in relationship with sgnificance of characreristic value to be recognized regarding its location along distribution (medium or outlier). Use of theoretical distributions of extreme values (Gumbel, Frechet, Weibull). Tests of confidence level of results presented. Scope of use. Reflection of research process and results in doctoral thesis, drawing of conclusions.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: for setting the target and tasks of research, for choice of the appropriate research method starting doctoral research work. Knowledge on analysis of empirical data using theoretical models for variation analysis; on examination of results Skills: to discuss about principles of choice the methods and their application and implementation regarding specific research problem; to use software for data analysis. Competences: ability for comprehensive thinking; to accept concept of the research, to choice an adequate research methods, to interpret the results, draw conclusions, make decisions and assess its significance.

Course Content(Calendar)

1 The concept of research. Classifications of research. Theories and paradigms. Quantitative and qualitative approaches in civil engineering.
2 Selection of a topic, impulse for research, importance of the topic, forecast of contribution for development of branch
3. Review of avalable information, identification of "empty areas", aim and tasks of research
4. Initial research. Assembling the theoretical framework. Modelling of the research object
5. Approaches to empirical work: Experimental design, case study research, experience, observations, simulation
6. Hypotheses, essentials of a valid hypothesis, objective testing of hypotheses.
7. Workshop: concept of research topic, aim and tasks, discussion on modelling. Choice of method and planning of experiment.
8. Problem of data variability in engineering research. Sampling, sample size. Data Analysis: Statistical methods, non-parametric tests, parametric tests
9. Use of distributions of extreme values (Gumbel, Frechet, Weibull) for analysis and definition of fraktile characteristics
10. Legal and ethical aspects in research, intellectual property and data protection
11. Requirements for valid results, reliability, Potential sources of error.
12 Writing of thesis of promotion work: content and volume, systematic explanation, "good choice for substantial", conclusions, references.
13 Writing of scientific articles. Publikāciju datu bāzes
14 Communication and presentations
15 Workshop: Research plans and the first results

Requirements for awarding credit points

Credit test will be enrolled after successful discussion during workshops.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Home work: Presentation: “ My research plans and the first results”. It is good option for doctoral student to take tutorials and discussion with instructor.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The positive assessment will be given if doctoral student was taking an active participation in workshops presenting an ability to define his/her research topic, aim and tasks, and model of research object, and to do good choice for research methods and analysis of results.

Compulsory reading

1. Kottegoda, Nathabandu T.: Applied statistics for civil and environmental engineers/ Nathabandu T. Kottegoda, Renzo Rosso. Oxford; Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, c2008. 718 pp.
2. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana / Kristīnes Mārtinsones un Anitas Piperes zinātniskajā redakcijā; autori: Uldis Berķis, Maija Dambrova, Inese Gobiņa, Kristīne Mārtinsone; Ivans Jānis Mihailovs [un vēl 7 autori]. Rīga: Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte, 2018.- 301 lpp.
3. Richard F. Fellows, Anita M. M. Liu. Research Methods for Construction. Wiley, 2015.- 316 p.

Further reading

1. Statistics for Earth and Environmental Scientists/ John H. Schuenemeyer, Lawrence J. Drew. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2011, 407 lpp. LLU:Uzziņu un inform. Centrs
2. Platforms of innovation: dynamics of new industrial knowledge flows /edited by Philip Cooke ... [et al.]. Cheltenham, UK; Northampton, MA : Edward Elgar Pub., c2010. , 402 pp.
3. Pētniecība: teorija un prakse / Kristīnes Mārtinsones, Anitas Piperes, Daigas Kamerādes zinātniskajā redakcijā. Rīga: RaKa, ©2016.

Periodicals and other sources

Datu bāzes: Science Direct; SCOPUS

Notes

Theoretical course for the Doctoral study programme “Civil Engineering”