ENQ541 Research Methods for Engineers

Unit Outline: Session 1 2025, QUT Online, Online

Overview

Problem identification, research design and planning, literature search, and communications through reports and presentations are essential attributes of engineers in all the disciplines. Practice-based research methods applied to solve discipline-specific real-world problems are skills in demand from professional engineers in contemporary workplaces. It is also equally important to communicate methods and solutions clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate independence in research planning and selection and application of research methods.
2. Select, analyse and evaluate literature related to an engineering research question.
3. Demonstrate advanced communication skills through field specific analytic documentation and presentations.
4. Demonstrate effective group and collaborative skills in a professional, ethically responsive engineering team environment.

Content

Learning Approaches

You will be engaged in an active learning environment, undertaking regular online activities, guided through the learning process by expert teaching staff who provide regular feedback. On average, you will need to dedicate 12–15 hours each week for your learning that includes readings, discussions with peers and assignments.

This unit uses APA referencing style for referencing and citation. To avoid plagiarism and maintain your Academic honesty, you are required to provide a reference whenever you include information from other sources in your work. You can check your assignments ahead of submission by using Turnitin. Helpful information on referencing can be found in the QUT cite|write tool.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback in various forms throughout the teaching period which may include:

1. Rubrics provided to show the expected standard for each criteria in an assessment item.
2. Comments returned to you via canvas.
3. Consultation sessions may be available for group and individual feedback prior to assessment due dates and on completion of assessments.

Assessment

Overview

There are two major assessments in this unit. In the first assessment you will conduct a preliminary literature search on a chosen research topic. You will develop an initial literature review (in the form of an annotated bibliography) to support an argument of research significance. In the second assessment you will continue to explore the research issue and literature you analysed in assessment 1 by developing a specific research question and a research proposal to address that question.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Annotated Bibliography

You will conduct a preliminary literature search on a chosen research topic. You will develop an initial literature review (in the form of an annotated bibliography) to support an argument of research significance.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Report

You will submit a proposal for the project with evidence showing effective application of research methods and preliminary results.  

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

There is no prescribed text for this unit. 

Recommended text(s)

Herman Tang, "Engineering Research: Design, Methods, and Publication", John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2021. Print ISBN:9781119624486 |Online ISBN:9781119624547 |DOI:10.1002/9781119624547.

Paul D. Leedy and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod, "Practical Research: Planning and Design", 7th edition, published by Prentice Hall, Inc.

Other

You are also required to use the following:

• The unit website on QUT Online
• QUT Library Databases:
• QUT Cite| Write: You can access QUT cite/write online (Free download from QUT library)

Course Learning Outcomes

BQ87 Master of Engineering Management

1. Apply advanced engineering management knowledge, concepts and practices in managing engineering systems and assets
   Relates to: ULO2, Annotated Bibliography , Report
2. Critically analyse and evaluate complex engineering management problems to achieve research informed solutions
   Relates to: ULO2, Annotated Bibliography , Report
3. Apply systematic approaches to plan, design, execute and manage an engineering management project
   Relates to: ULO1
4. Communicate complex information effectively and succinctly, presenting high level reports, arguments and justifications in oral, written and visual forms to professional and non-specialist audiences.
   Relates to: ULO3
5. Organise and manage time, tasks and projects independently, and collaboratively demonstrating the values and principles that shape engineering management decision making and professional accountability.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Report