Research is a continuous process, and researchers aim at achieving accurate results without any form of irregularity or bias. Several research activities are conducted annually in different fields. Humans are always curious to learn new things, hence, making research an excellent adventure. Throughout the research process, several factors must be considered to enhance efficacy. The entire research process is always branded the name project. For instance, when an individual plans on conducting different kinds of research, he or she must classify the research works as project 1, project 2, and so on. Being that research works are named projects, it is, therefore necessary for every researcher to understand the fundamental factors that may lead to project success. In any form of research, the method of data collection and research objectives must be considered to enhance project success.
Project objectives serve as the primary pillars of a research project. Before research is conducted, the researchers or project managers must establish the objectives of the project. Through project objectives, project managers or researchers may find the basis of constructing a project research formula (Blaskovics, 2016). Over the years, several research projects have failed due to failure on outlining the project objectives. For instance, research is to be conducted on roads, and the researchers do not have research topics to facilitate the process. Such research projects are most likely to fail considering that researchers must understand some of the areas to explore to come out with accurate results. Narrowing a research topic is one of the factors that facilitate project success. The narrowing of research topic falls under project objectives. In the objectives, a researcher or project manager must highlight the research topic and also project on the possible outcome of research. The research projection gives the researchers an outline or targets to help throughout the research or project process. Although there are different kinds of projects, the objectives tend to be similar. For instance, a research project that involves reading will outline the topics and sub-topics to read. Apart from the topics and sub-topics, the learners will be expected to respond to certain questions after the research. The answers are meant to test whether the researcher or learner understood the project objectives. In experimental research, the the key areas of interests are outlined to ensure project success.
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Methods of data collection are also important to a research project. After outlining the research objectives, learners or researchers must determine the data collection methods to be used in the project. According to various articles and publications, methods of data collection must be outlined before a research project is initiated. Data collection is the aspect of research used to generate the needed results (Hoeger, 2013). There are different kinds of data collection methods that researchers or learners may use to obtain accurate results. Some of the methods involve the calculation of figures while others are based on pure approximation. The data collection methods that involve calculation of figures are mostly used in quantitative research. The methods that require data approximation methods such as sampling, questionnaire, and interview are common in qualitative research. Although questionnaire is used in qualitative research, its use is considered universal since quantitative research also uses the questionnaire as a data collection method.
The most common data collection method in a research project is the questionnaire. The questionnaire is mostly used in sampling direct opinions through print materials. The information gathered from the materials are then organized and analyzed to determine research results. Although questionnaire applies where the approximation is required, it may also be used to produce accurate results. Apart from the questionnaire, interviews may be used to produce accurate results as well as approximated results. Being that the data collection methods cannot involve the opinion of all people in the geographical research area, the research collection methods focus on the independent and dependent variables to generate close to accurate results (Iram et al., 2016). The variables refer to the research aspects that can be manipulated by the researcher or investigator. Dependent variables in a research project refer to the experimental aspects that rely on the independent variables. Indicators are also used in research to ensure that accurate data is achieved. A researcher or an investigator may choose to use a single indicator or multiple indicators to generate result outcomes.
To enhance success in research projects, the researcher or learner must ensure that the research factors are put in place before research is launched. The objectives of the research must be clear to aid the research process. Most of the successful research projects around the globe ensure that the research objectives are set before the investigation process. According to various articles and publications, research that aims at producing accurate results must also use data collection methods that produce actual results (Nelson, 2014). Throughout the data collection process, the researcher may decide to use observation as a method of data collection or use other options such as the questionnaire and interviews. Accurate results are always produced through actual observation of facts. The data collection and analysis process should always be based on independent variables to avoid bias or inconsistencies in the project outcome. The dependent variables are subject to change, hence, can be corrupted by the researcher or investigator. Multiple indicators should also not be used in research aimed at producing accurate results.
The indicators in research may result in the generation of inaccurate results. Researchers should always use single indicators to avoid confusing observation in the result generation process. According to Nelson (2014), the use of multiple indicators and dependent variables in research projects are some of the factors that have led to experienced research failures. Apart from the research data collection and result generation methods, lack of proper planning is another factor that may lead to failure of a research project. All the research materials must be gathered, research objectives outlined, and the data collection methods listed to enhance project success.
Project success is an issue that many researchers and learners find difficult to achieve. The level of preparedness determines the success of a project and the ability to follow a research outline. The methods of data collection and project objectives play an integral role in project success. The most successful research organizations around the globe ensure that research outline is followed to the latter to ensure there is no room for inaccurate results. To be a successful researcher, an individual must learn the concepts of qualitative and quantitative research and all the processes involved in conducting such researches. The same concepts applied in research projects are equally important in the learning process. It is, therefore important to conclude that project success depends on the research objectives and the data collection methods.
References
Blaskovics, B. (2016). The impact of project manager on project success -- the case of ICT sector. Society and Economy, 38 (2), 261-281. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1556/204.2016.38.2.7
Hoeger, J. A. (2013). Assessing the role of pre-project planning sessions in developing a successful project strategy (Order No. 3594680). Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com
Iram, N., Khan, B., & Sherani, A. W. (2016). Critical Factors Influencing the Project Success: An Analysis of Projects in Manufacturing And Construction In Pakistan . Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review (Oman Chapter ), 6 (2), 20-24. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com
Nelson, T. (2014). Creating Continuity in Multi-Year Research Projects At the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels. Paper presented at the 1-7. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com
