Module 8: Research Methods and Professional Practice

A 12-Unit Module that Started on June 2023 and was Covered in 12 Weeks by Karen Outram

Summary

This module provided a practical foundation in research methods for conducting research in real-world settings.

It covered various tools and techniques, offers feedback through cases and project tasks, and addresses legal, social, ethical, and professional issues in computing projects.

Core textbooks explained research principles and their application in different organizations and continuous assessments included case studies and milestone assessments, promoting peer-to-peer and instructor interactions.

Creation of an e-portfolio was also crucial so as to demonstrate my abilities and reflections throughout this module.

Skills Acquired during this Module

Ability to to assess professional, legal, ethical, and cultural issues in computing.

Ability to apply academic investigation principles to a computing research topic, critically evaluate existing literature and research methods, and produce a well-considered research proposal.

Developed research competencies, including data collection and analysis, and encourages a reflective and independent learning approach.

Gained Knowledge on research ethics, scientific method, deductive and inductive reasoning, professionalism.

Ability to assess validity and reliability, planning, critical analysis, extract insights from raw data and translating into meaningful insights, hypothesis testing, navigate datasets, summarize information and statistical proficiency.

Awareness and understanding of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.Including method selection, creativity, critical thinking and proficiency in research methods.

Gained skills and knowledge on project management, risk mitigation and management, research writing, effective communication of findings. and creation of focused and criticala research proposals.

References Used

Below is a reference list of all the Sources (articles, books, reports, whitepapers, websites, etc) that I used through out this module (Using Harvard Referencing style).

ACM Code 2018 Task Force, 2018. ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. [Online] Available at: https://www.acm.org/code-of-ethics [Accessed 21 June 2023].

ACM, 2018. ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. [Online] Available at: https://www.acm.org/code-of-ethics/case-studies [Accessed 21 June 2023].

ACM, N.D. Case: Medical Implant Risk Analysis. [Online] Available at: https://ethics.acm.org/code-of-ethics/using-the-code/case-medical-implant-risk-analysis/ [Accessed 21 June 2023].

Oz, E., 1992. Ethical Standards for Information Systems Professionals: A Case for a Unified Code.. MIS Quarterly, 16(4), pp. 423-433.

Trustee Board, 2022. COde of Conduct for BCS Members. [Online] Available at: https://www.bcs.org/media/2211/bcs-code-of-conduct.pdf [Accessed 21 June 2023].

ACM, N.D.. Case: Malicious Inputs to Content Filters. [Online] Available at: https://ethics.acm.org/code-of-ethics/using-the-code/case-malicious-inputs-to-content-filters/ [Accessed 29 June 2023].

Consumer and Governmental Affairs, 2019. Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). [Online] Available at: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act [Accessed 29 June 2023].

McCarthy, M. M., 2004. Filtering the Internet: The Children's Internet Protection Act. [Online] Available at: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ684636.pdf [Accessed 29 June 2023].

Menuey, B. P., 2009. CIPA: A Brief History, Computers in the Schools. Interdisciplinary Journal of Practice, Theory, and Applied Research, 26(1), pp. 40-47.

Malladi, S. S. & Subramanian, H. C., 2020. Bug Bounty Programs for Cybersecurity: Practices, Issues, and Recommendations. IEEE Software, 37(1), pp. 31-39.

MSc-IT Study Material, 2010. BCS Codes of Conduct and Practice. [Online] Available at: https://www.cs.uct.ac.za/mit_notes/ethics/htmls
/ch04s04.html [Accessed 02 July 2023].

Wheeler, S., 2003. Comparing Three IS Codes of Ethics - ACM, ACS and BCS. South Australia, AIS Electronic Library.

Abowitz , D. A. & Toole, M. T., 2009. Mixed Method Research: Fundamental Issues of Design, Validity, and Reliability in Construc􀆟on Research. Journal of Construction of Engineering and Management, 136(1).

Axinn, W. G. & Pearce, L. D., 2006. Mixed Method Data Collection Strategies. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Bhat, A., N.D.. Qualitative Research Methods: Types & Examples. [Online] Available at: htps://www.ques􀆟onpro.com/blog/qualita􀆟ve-research-methods/ [Accessed 1 September 2023].

Bryne, J. & Humble, A., 2007. An Introduction to Mixed Method Research. [Online] Available at: chrome-extension:
//efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/htps://www
.researchgate.net/profile/Aine-Humble/publica􀆟on
/237658796_An_Introduc􀆟on_to_Mixed
_Method_Research/links/5d41847f299bf1995
b59b888/An-Introduc􀆟on-to-Mixed-Method-Research.pdf [Accessed 1 September 2023].

Fleetwood, D., N.D.. Quantitative Research: What It Is, Tips & Examples. [Online] Available at: htps://www.ques􀆟onpro.com/blog/quan􀆟ta􀆟ve-research/ [Accessed 1 September 2023].

Preissle, J. et al., 2016. Pu􀆫ng Ethics on the Mixed Methods Map. In: S. . N. Hesse-Biber & B. Johnson, eds. The Oxford Handbook of Multimethod and Mixed Methods Research Inquiry. s.l.:Oxford Library of Psychology, p. 144-164.

Aïmeur, E., Amri , S. & Brassard , G., 2023. Fake news, disinformation and misinformation in social media: a review. Social Network Analysis and Mining, 13(30).

Bott, F., 2014. Professional Issues in Information Technology. 2nd ed. Swindon: BCS Learning and Development Ltd.

CEPR, 2021. Ethics and Disclosure Policy. [Online] Available at: https://cepr.org/research/research-policies/ethics-and-disclosure-policy [Accessed 2023 August 10].

Confessore, N., 2018. Cambridge Analytica and Facebook: The Scandal and the Fallout So Far. [Online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/us/politics
/cambridge-analytica-scandal-fallout.html [Accessed 2023 September 1].

Fisher, N. I. & Kordupleski, R. E., 2018. Good and bad market research: A critical review of Net Promoter Score. Applied Stochastic Models in Business and Industry, 35(1), pp. 138-151.

Isaak, J. & Hanna, M. J., 2018. User Data Privacy: Facebook, Cambridge Analytica, and Privacy Protection. Computer, 51(8).

Ishii , K. & Komukai , T., 2016. A Comparative Legal Study on Data Breaches in Japan, the U.S., and the U.K.. Cham, Springer.

Islam, M. R., Liu, S., Wang , X. & Xu, G., 2020. Deep learning for misinformation detection on online social networks: a survey and new perspectives. Social Network Analysis and Mining, 29 September.10(82).

legislation.gov.uk, 2018. Data Protection Act 2018. [Online] Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/
contents/enacted [Accessed September 1 2023].

Turillli, M. & Floridi, L., 2009. The ethics of information transparency. [Online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
226497023_The_ethics_of_information_transparency [Accessed 10 August 2023].

Craft, J. L., 2012. A Review of the Empirical Ethical Decision-Making Literature: 2004-2011. Journal of Business Ethics, Volume 117, pp. 221-259.

Grummon, A. H. et al., 2020. Ethical Considerations for Food and Beverage Warnings. [Online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
PMC7321920/ [Accessed 10 August 2023].

Sanjari, M. et al., 2014. Ethical challenges of researchers in qualitative studies: the necessity to develop a specific guideline. Journal of medical ethics and history of medicine, 7(14).

User research community, 2018. Managing user research data and participant privacy. [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/user-research/managing-user-research-data-participant-privacy [Accessed 10 August 2023].

Baldassarre , F., Ricciardi, F. & Campo, R., 2017. THE ADVENT OF INDUSTRY 4.0 IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: LITERATURE REVIEW AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES. DIEM : Dubrovnik International Economic Meeting, 3(1), pp. 632-643.

Bélanger, F. & Slyke, C. V., 2011. Information Systems for Business: An Experiential Approach. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Bélanger, F., Slyke, C. V. & Crossler, R. E., 2021. Information Systems for Business: An Experiential Approach. 4.0 ed. Vermont: Prospect Press.

Capterra, N.D.. Best Supply Chain Management Software for Small Businesses. [Online] Available at: https://www.capterra.com/supply-chain-management-software/s/small-businesses/ [Accessed 29 July 2023].

Deschoolmeester, D., Landeghem, H. v. & Devos, J., 2013. Information Systems for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises: State of Art of IS Research in SMEs. New York: Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

Grundspenkis, J. et al., 2012. Information Systems Development: Advances in Methodologies, Components, and Mangaement. New York, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Hunter, M. G., 2015. Strategic Utilization of Information Systems in Small Business. Pennsylvania: IGI Global.

IndiaFreeNotes, 2023. Influence of Information Systems in Transforming Businesses. [Online] Available at: https://indiafreenotes.com/influence-of-information-systems-in-transforming-businesses/#:~:text=Information%20systems
%20have%20transformed%20businesses,increasing
%20access%20to%20new%20markets. [Accessed 30 July 2023].

Järveläinen, J., 2013. IT incidents and business impacts: Validating a framework for continuity management in information systems. International Journal of Information Management, 33(3), pp. 583-590.

Legner, C. et al., 2017. Digitalization: Opportunity and Challenge for the Business and Information Systems Engineering Community. Business & Information Systems Engineering, Volume 59, pp. 301-308.

Moreton, R., 1995. Transforming the organization: the contribution of the information systems function. The Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 4(2), pp. 149-163.

Oates, B. J., Griffiths, M. & McLean, R., 2012. Researching Information Systems and Computing. 2nd ed. London: SAGE.

O'Brien, J. A. & Marakas, G. M., 2006. Management Information Systems. 7th ed. New York: Tata Mc-Graw Hills.

OECD, 2016. Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs 2016: An OECD Scoreboard. Paris: OECD Publishing.

OECD, 2022. Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs 2022: An OECD Scoreboard. [Online] Available at: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/332ae8cf-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/332ae8cf-en [Accessed 30 July 2023].

Passerini, K., Tarabishy, A. E. & Patten, K., 2012. Information Technology for Small Business. London: Springer Science+Business Media.

Radu, V. & Tabirca, A. I., 2018. Global Interferences of Knowledge Society: Accounting Information Systems in the Knowledge Society. Targoviste, Romania, Lumen Proceedings.

Rainer, R. K. & Prince, B., 2022. Introduction to Information Systems: Supporting and Transforming Business. 9th ed. New Jersey: John WIley & Sons, Inc.

Ulrich, W. M. & Newcomb, P., 2010. Information Systems Transformation: Architecture-Driven Modernization Case Studies. Massachusetts, USA: Morgan Kaufmann.

Verdouw, C. N. et al., 2014. A reference architecture for IoT-based logistic information systems in agri-food supply chains. Enterprise Information Systems, 12(7), pp. 755-779.

Shamoo, A. E. & Resnik, D. B., 2009. Responsible conduct of research. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Press.

RCR Administators, N.D.. Who may access research data?. [Online] Available at: https://ori.hhs.gov/education/products/rcradmin
/topics/data/tutorial_7.shtml [Accessed 11 August 2023].

Nosek, B. A. & Bar-Anan, Y., 2012. Psychological Inquiry. Scientific utopia: I. Opening scientific communication. , 23(3), pp. 217-243.

National Academy of Sciences (US), National Academy of Engineering (US) and Institute of Medicine (US), 2009. Ensuring the Integrity, Accessibility, and Stewardship of Research Data in the Digital Age.. 3 ed. Washington DC: National Academies Press (US);.

Resnik , D. B. & Elliott , K. C., 2019. Value-entanglement and the integrity of scientific research. Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part A, Volume 75, pp. 1-11.

the Committee on Professional Ethics of the American Statistical Association, 2022. Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice. [Online] Available at: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj
/https://www.amstat.org/docs/default-source/amstat-documents/ethicalguidelines.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=bdeeafdd_6/ [Accessed 15 August 2023].

The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), the Open Access Scholarly Publishing Association (OASPA), and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) , 2022. Principles of Transparency and Best Practice for Scholarly Publishing. [Online] Available at: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj
/https://publicationethics.org/sites/default/files
/principles-transparency-best-practice-scholarly-publishing.pdf [Accessed 15 August 2023].

Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J. & Ferrell, L., 2021. Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases. 13 ed. Massachusetts: Cengage Learning.

Bouter, L. M. et al., 2016. Ranking major and minor research misbehaviors: results from a survey among participants of four World Conferences on Research Integrity. s.l., Research integrity and peer review,.

Europe Commission, 2013. Ethics for Researchers. Luxembourg: Europe Union.

Sitkareva, E. V., Artemyeva, Y. A. & Mendosa-Molina, S., 2019. Third-Party Funding: Practical, Ethical and Procedural Issues. Dubai, INTCESS.

Food Standards Agency, 1999. Food Standards Act 1999. [Online] Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1999/28
/contents [Accessed 16 August 2023].

AlBar, A. M. & Hoque, R., 2019. Factors affecting the adoption of information and communication technology in small and medium enterprises: a perspective from rural Saudi Arabia. Information Technology for Development, 25(4), pp. 715-738.

Bhaskaran, V., N.D.. Survey Research: Definition, Examples and Methods. [Online] Available at: https://www.questionpro.com/blog/survey-research/ [Accessed 21 August 2023].

Bhatia, M., 2018. Your Guide to Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis Methods. [Online] Available at: https://humansofdata.atlan.com/2018/09/qualitative-quantitative-data-analysis-methods/ [Accessed 21 August 2023].

Bott, F., 2014. Professional Issues in Information Technology. 2nd ed. Swindon: BCS Learning and Development Ltd.

Bruque, S. & Moyano, J., 2007. Organisationaldeterminants of information technology adoption and implementation in SMEs: The case of family and cooperative firms. Technovation, 27(5), pp. 241-253.

Carbonara, N., 2005. Information and communication technology and geographical clusters: opportunities and spread. Technovation, 25(3), pp. 213-222.

Carson, D. & Gilmore, A., 2000. SME marketing management competencies. International Business Review, 9(3), pp. 363-382.

Caulfield, J., 2019. How to Do Thematic Analysis | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples. [Online] Available at: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/thematic-analysis/ [Accessed 21 August 2023].

Elinext, 2020. Digitalization of SMEs in France and Germany. [Online] Available at: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefind
mkaj/https://www.elinext.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SMEs_in_
France_and_Germany.pdf [Accessed 20 August 2023].

Faquet, R. & Malardé, V., 2020. Digitalisation in France's business sector. [Online] Available at: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/Articles/df17a219-238e-4b52-90f3-e294fbda02f0/files/8ec8a48e-a30e-4479-865e-bce6ce2263dd [Accessed 19 August 2023].

Galvão, M. . B., Corrêa de Carvalho, R., Bezerra de Oliveira, L. A. & Dumke de Medeiros, D., 2018. Customer loyalty approach based on CRM for SMEs. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 33(5).

Izushi, H., 2005. Creation of Relational Assets Through the 'Library of Equipment' Model: An Industrial Modernization Approach of Japan's Local Technology Centres,. Entrepreneurship and Regional Development , 17(3), pp. 183-204.

Lee, I. & Lee, K., 2015. The Internet of Things (IoT): Applications, investments, and challenges for enterprises. Business Horizons, 58(4), pp. 431-440.

Runeson , P. & Höst , M., 2009. Guidelines for conducting and reporting case study research in software engineering. Empirical Software Engineering, Volume 14, pp. 131-164.

Seethamraju , R., 2015. Adoption of Software as a Service (SaaS) Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Information Systems Frontiers, Volume 17, pp. 475-492.

Seufert, S. & Meier, C., 2016. From eLearning to Digital Transformation: A Framework and Implications for L&D. International Journal of Advanced Corporate Learning, 9(2), pp. 27-33.

Sim , J. & Waterfield , J., 2019. Focus group methodology: some ethical challenges. Quality & Quantity, Volume 53, pp. 3003-3022.

Stair, R. M. & Reynolds, G. W., 2015. Fundamentals of Information Systems. 8th ed. Massachusetts: Cengage Learning.

Westerman, G., Bonnet, D. & McAfee, A., 2014. Leading Digital: Turning Technology into Business Transformation. Boston, Massachusetts: Harvard Business Review Press.

Paradis, E. et al., 2016. Design: Selection of Data Collection Methods. Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 8(2), pp. 263-264.

Farrimond, H., 2013. Doing Ethical Research. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Berenson, M. L., Levine, D. M. & Szabat, K. A., 2015. Basic Business Statistics. 13th ed. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education.

Tasks and Assignments Done throughout this Module

Below is a breakdown of the activities done weekly during the 12-Unit Module.

Week 1: Unit 1 - Scientific Investigation and Ethics

This unit introduced essential skills and learning outcomes centred around research ethics, the scientific method, deductive and inductive reasoning, and professionalism within the field of computer science.

Throughout the unit, I engaged with various artifacts (Collaborative Learning Discussion 1 Initial post and Reasoning quiz) and activities (seminar with tutor, reading recommended sources as suggested in this unit (the reference list is on the left pane)), to develop a comprehensive understanding of these concepts and their application.

The Collaborative Learning Discussion 1 was held, whereby we discussed "ACM Code of Ethics Case Study: Medical Implant Risk Analysis".
Below is My Initial Post on the Collaborative Learning Discussion 1 that I shared with my peers and also a Reasoning Quiz that I did.

Collaborative Discussion 1: Inital Post

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Reasoning Quiz

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By engaging in these activities and artifacts, I drew connections between deductive and inductive reasoning and their applications in real-world problem-solving, and ethical research. Thus, aligning with the both the unit and module's objectives of fostering critical thinking skills, research ethics and professionalism therefore permeating my approach to research, prompting a meticulous scrutiny of research design to ensure alignment with ethical benchmark.

Furthermore, the ethical compass instilled by the unit has impelled me to recalibrate my action plan, investing in refining my research methods process with a heightened ethical consciousness.

Week 2: Unit 2 - Research Questions, the Literature Review and the Research Proposal

This unit fostered a nuanced understanding of research formulation and refinement, a skillset pivotal in sculpting the foundation of a scholarly pursuit.

By navigating the intricate nuances of a literature review, I assimilated the art of synthesizing scholarly knowledge, identifying gaps, and fostering critical analysis.

Furthermore, the unit engenders adeptness in articulating research proposals, weaving together disparate elements into a cohesive narrative.

The Collaborative Learning Discussion 1 was still on going, whereby i read the posts of my peers and responded to some of them, while my peers responded to my post.Below is the evidence on that.

My Peer Reviews

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My Peers reviewing my Initial post 1

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The artifacts, peer review and peer feedback within the Unit 1 Discussion forum, provided a crucible for refining one's grasp of research ethics, professionalism and the scientific method. These interactive discourses stimulated critical examination and infuse a collaborative dimension into the learning process.

Moreover, the Lecturecast, peer responses, literature review guide questions and research proposal outlines converged in sculpting the learning outcomes delineated by the module by channelling the development of research skills, rational ideation, and the prowess to evaluate and present scholarly knowledge cohesively.

Week 3: Unit 3 - Research Methods

This unit germinated an astute comprehension of research methods, empowering me to discern the intricacies of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.

The summary post within the Unit 1 Discussion forum (shown below) encapsulates the iterative learning process, encapsulating initial insights and their evolution in response to peer and tutor feedback on ethics and professionalism.

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Moreover, the "E-Portfolio Activity: Research Proposal Review" shown below, the reading materials (referenced on the left) and the seminar with the tutor, enabled the developmental trajectory of understanding research methods, and proficiency in method selection that is suitable for specific research areas.

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This stimulated creativity, critical thinking, methodological prowess, and a tapestry of knowledge with societal impact.

Week 4: Unit 4 - Case Studies, Focus Groups and Observations

This unit entailed a comprehensive understanding of qualitative data collection methods, engendering adeptness in wielding case studies, focus groups, and observations.

The seminar with the tutor fostered dynamic discourse and feedback, that enabled dissection of ethical dilemmas and the contextual aspect within real-world instances of case studies.

The submission of the Literature Review outline on the topic "Use of Information Systems (IS) to transform Small Businesses in France" functioned as a canvas for iterative growth, amplified by formative feedback from the lecturer that both served as a precursor to the ultimate goal of crafting a coherent literature review that focused more on critical analysis. Below are the evidence of these artifacts.

The Literature Review Outline artifact

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Tutor's Feedback on the Literature Review Outline

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Moreover, the exploration of data collection methods nurtured creativity, underlying in discerning which method resonates with the research question - akin to computational problem-solving, where creativity shapes methodological choices.

Week 5: Unit 5 - Interviews and Survey Methods

This unit orchestrated the acquisition of discernment, imparting an intrinsic understanding of interviews and surveys. I emerged with the dexterity to discern the aptness of each method and, more importantly, recognize their harmonious integration. Learning outcomes crystalize in an adept ability to harness interviews and surveys cohesively, fostering a holistic approach to data collection.

The "Reflective Activity 2: Inappropriate Use of Surveys Case Study" artifact shown below, served as the vanguards of intellectual exploration, whereby I was able to scrutinize the misappropriation of surveys, promoting a deeper understanding of methodological nuances and ethical dimensions.

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The Lecturecast, reading from sources referenced on left, and the reflective activity 2 enabled adeptness in methodological integration, ethical discernment, and a resolute understanding of the symbiotic relationship between data collection methods.

Week 6: Unit 6 - Questionnaire Design

This unit focused on comprehension of questionnaire dynamics, embedding the discernment to differentiate between surveys and questionnaires. Within this distinction lies the ability to wield questions as tools for comprehensive data gathering.

The outcome materializes in an adeptness to craft questionnaires that seamlessly align with the investigation's objectives, fostering a sophisticated skill set.

Moreover, the "E-Portfolio Update" shown below, which is the same as "E-Portfolio Activity: Research Proposal Review" in unit 3, enabled the developmental trajectory of understanding research methods, and proficiency in method selection that is suitable for specific research areas as I work on my research assessments.

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Week 7: Unit 7 - Validity and Generalisability in Research

With the help of a Lecturecast, reading from sources referenced on the left and the Collaborative Learning Discussion 2 on Discussing Case Study: Accuracy of information: Initial Post (shown below): - this unit enabled a profound a deep comprehension of the impacts carried by these aspects, that are: the skill to identify biases, gauge the scope of relevance, and maintain coherence in data collection.

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Understanding how quantitative data transitions into inferential statistics demonstrates a high level of statistical proficiency. The result is a mastery in shielding research from potential pitfalls, nurturing a vital strength for dependable results.

The developed expertise in assessing validity and reliability serves as the fundamental basis for meticulous analysis.

Moreover, submission of the Literature Review artifact and receiving feedback from the lecturer enabled me to plan, critically analyse, research and create a literature review based on one of the topics in unit 1. Below its there evidence.

Literature Review artifact

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Tutor's Feedback on the Literature Review

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Week 8: Unit 8 - Inferential Statistics

This unit covered inferential statistics thus gaining the ability to extract meaningful insights from raw data.

The Unit 8 worksheets, seminar participation, Lecturecast, collaborative learning discussion 2: peer reviews, Inferential Statistical worksheets and research proposal outline and its feedback from the tutor emerged as tangible evidence of learning outcomes achieved.

Research Proposal Presentation Outline

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Tutor's Feedback on my Research Proposal Outline submission

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The Peer interactions in the discussion forum reflected collaborative engagement in understanding complex statistical concepts, and manifested the assimilation of concepts, reflecting the ability to navigate datasets, summarize information, and perform hypothesis tests - skills that are vital in academia and professional realms.

My Peers reviewing my Initial post 2

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My Peer reviews

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Moreover, engaging with inferential statistics (worksheets shown below), equipped me to decipher the language of numbers and the transformation of data into insights.

Unit 8 inferential statistics worksheets

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Week 9: Unit 9 - Analysing Qualitative Data

This unit focused on the skill of translating unstructured qualitative data into meaningful insights.

The artifacts in this unit, ranging from summary of the discussion forum 2, Inferential Statistical worksheets, to seminar participation, helped me to engage with qualitative data analysis methods and the comprehend their advantages and drawbacks, thus mastering over qualitative data's nuances.

Summary Post of the Discussion forum 2

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Unit 9 Inferential Worksheets

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Moreover, the artifacts enabled me to explore the art of visually representing data using charts and graphs and deciphering unstructured narratives to presenting insights coherently thus attaining the ability to communicate insights effectively.

Week 10: Unit 10 - Research Writing

This unit cultivated the crucial skill of research writing, a cornerstone for conveying technical knowledge.

Using the artifacts: Tutor's feedback of my inferential worksheets (from unit 8 and 9) submissions, Research proposal presentation and its tutor feedback, and the Lecturecast,- I emerged with the ability to stitch together the fabric of knowledge acquired from literature reviews, research methodologies, and data analysis, and effectively communicate research findings, - an asset that transcends academia and aligns with professional growth. Below are my artifacts.

Tutor's Feedback on my inferential worksheets submission

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Research Proposal Presentation

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Research Proposal Presentation transcript

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Tutor's Feedback on my Research Proposal Presentation submission

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Moreover, I got to create and submit my Research proposal presentation and got feedback from the lecturer on how to improve on my presentation skills and create a more focused and critical research proposal in the future.

Week 11: Unit 11 - Professional Development - Your e-Portfolio

This unit emphasized the significance of developing a professional identity through the creation of e-portfolios, which serve as a concrete representation of my academic path and a blueprint for ongoing advancement.

The e-portfolio corresponds with the learning objectives by providing a reflective platform to evaluate my educational journey, abilities, and insights. It links accomplishments from various modules to broader objectives and outlines a route for professional growth.

The artifacts: Professional Skills Matrix, Action Plan and SWOT Analysis, (shown below)- documented the narrative of progress, connecting initial goals with eventual achievements.

Professional Skills Matrix

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Action Plan

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SWOT Analysis

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The e-portfolio isn't merely a submission; it embodies skills and ingenuity in crafting a coherent narrative, symbolizing readiness to embrace professional challenges armed with the culmination of transformative learning.

Week 12: Unit 12 - Project Management and Managing Risk

Unit 12 cultivated the art of project management and risk mitigation, allowing me to evolve into a proficient project leader.

Through reading the unit's recommended materials and completing the self-test quiz on project management, I acquired the skill to navigate uncertainties and steer projects to successful fruition.

Self-test Quiz results

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Additionally, aligning with the learning objectives, I demonstrated my proficiency in grasping project life cycles, project methodologies, and effective risk management strategies.

This process facilitated the recognition of my strengths and areas for improvement, enabling me to leverage global applicability and navigate through diverse project scenarios. Moreover, I got to capture all the skills and experience acquired through out this module on my reflective piece assessment and e-portfolio.

Reflective Piece

Here is a view of my "Reflective Piece" submission.

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E-Portfolio: Beatrice MUTEGI-ROYER