Development Methodology Section in Computer Architecture Engineering Laboratory Work

Discuss about the Study Of Computer system Architecture.

Background knowledge

In computer architecture engineering laboratory work, development methodology section is very important because it outlines the goal of making any computer systems upgrade (Marler & Arora 2004, p. 372-374). It has been noted that, computer systems developers and researchers do not focus on giving out any development methodology when implementing computer systems upgrades. In any system development, methodology is very important section because it outlines the process involved in entire computer systems design. The selected method in the study is used to quantify the procedure used in completing specific tasks. To make practical work more authentic, it is important to focus on the methodology used to achieve the task. In the research work, there are several methodologies that computer engineers’ can implement when designing some components’ such as processor. In most of the practical tasks, quantitative method of study is used because it involves analysis of the results obtained from the study (Bernard & Bernard 2012, p. 85). However, some research may focus on qualitative study due to the nature of the study topic chosen. In order to achieve desired results, the chosen study may involve some aspects such as surveys from target respondents. Further, according to Zimmerman, Murillo-Sanchez & Thomas (2011, p. 14-15), case studies that are directed towards analysis of the scenario can be used to evaluate the computer users perception on either current processing speed with aim of making it faster. It is important to note the value of methodology section in computer architectural engineering considering the value it has in modern life.

In most cases, the choice of methodology to be used in the study is not determined by the researcher but it is a necessity from research topic (Shull, Singer & Sjoberg 2007, p. 569). Although some of the research topics are open to any methodology, the choice of the study methodology is to be made by the researcher after analysis of the research topic. In order to choose the best methodology to use, the researcher has to evaluate if there are existing and correlating variables depending on the target part of computer systems under study (Leydens, Moskal & Pavelich 2004, p. 67). If there exist any correlation between some variables, the study would fall under quantitative research methodology. This helps any researcher to evaluate and analyze whether study topic is either qualitative or quantitative. In both qualitative and quantitative study, the sample and the sample size has to be chosen wisely. Further, According to Elo & Kyngas (2008, p. 112-113), there are few cases where researcher may decide to use both qualitative and quantitative study method due to the nature of the topic under study. In computer architectural engineering, there should be at least one methodology when writing reports. Therefore, research methodology is very important and cannot be neglected in the engineering field. 

Choosing the Best Methodology to Use

The project focuses on the research methods used in completing any engineering laboratory process in computer architectural work. To demonstrate the importance of methodology section in the report writing, the following should be addressed;

• The importance of report methodology section in both practical and thesis development in computer architecture engineering.
• Choice of the best methodology to use in the report in order to prove the standards of achieving desired results.
• The impact of failing to include or having short methodology section in engineering research study.

This project would be very important because it will highlight some aspects that must be considered in the engineering research study. Similarly, it will make it clear to the scholars on the factors to consider when coming up with research methods to be used during the study. Lastly, this study would emphasis on the importance of having detailed research method in order to articulate on the processes involved when designing computer systems.

This is the study section that focuses on the procedure used to achieve the expected results when implementing computer systems. In this case, the study aims to evaluate the importance of research methodology when working on computer systems. To achieve this goal, the study would focus on literature content to identify existing computer systems research gaps. Literature content would be used as secondary sources of collecting useful data. Through literature, it would be possible to analyze concepts from other studies in order to make sound decision (Prince & Felder 2006, p. 129). First, methodology is used to give a defined procedure on the process used by the computer system engineers to come up with the research findings. According to Karabulut et al., (2018, p. 402), without methodology section, it would be impossible for engineers to outline the study findings. It is important to note the dependency of other sections such as results and findings as well as variables illustration. Similarly, this study would try to evaluate the effects of excluding methodology in the study (Case & Light 2011, p. 187). Lack of methodology in the study might make research findings implementation on next processing power impossible. It is at this section where the proposed system processing requirements, limitations and benefits can be clearly outlined. In this regard, it becomes difficult to actualize the project under study if system engineers do not outline how they achieved their task when designing computer system parts. The collected data would be analyzed and presented in relation to the following aspects; efficiency of upgrading any computer system components, readers’ perception on reading the report if methodology is not presented and the number of scholars who feel computer system engineering research should outline development procedures (Borrego, Douglas & Amelink 2009, p. 59). Therefore, literature review would be used to give evidence presented by other scholars on the possible ways of upgrading computer systems.

Methods Used in Completing Any Engineering Laboratory Process in Computer Architectural Work

Besides literature review, questionnaires would be used to get required response from the various experts and system users. Since these questionnaires would be made for computer engineering experts only, research questions should be much focused (Bjornson & Dingsoyr 2008, p. 1056). When designing the questionnaire, it would be important to allow respondents to give out opinion after each question. This section would help to determine if questionnaire captures all relevant information. Due to their specific nature of design, questionnaires would help to capture information such as; the feeling of any reader when report or thesis does not have methodology section, if methodology section should be made mandatory in the engineering field and the views on the importance of the section in computer systems engineering. Once the results of the questionnaire are obtained, an analysis should be done to evaluate the results by reading all the comments from respondents (Kelly, Lesh & Baek 2014, p. 92). Through use of quantitative techniques of data representation such as graphs and charts, decision would be made based to research outcome. Lastly, survey would be of great help due to its wide range of coverage. Survey can be created through online forums, controlled social media groups and short messages on phones. With surveys, it would be possible to get more information on the importance of methodological development in computer engineering field. This would be very helpful when collecting information from a large number respondents. In this regard, Karabulut et al., (2018, p. 402) argues that, survey would give diverse opinion on the purpose, scope and use of methodology section in computer engineering field.  

Further, researcher may decide to use face to face method of collecting data to ascertain on the use of methodology in engineering fields. This would be most appropriate as it will involve physical body conduct with the target respondents. To use face to face method of collecting data, the researcher should have specific sample size as well as informed respondents about the selected topic of the study (Sekaran & Bougie 2016, p. 89). The researcher need to be sure that, the selected sample would be possible to give appropriate response in the subject context. Though it is time consuming, responses from face to face interviews will be very reliable in decision making. Moreover, it is important to test some scenarios when conducting research. In this case, practical approach can be done by working on computer systems upgrade in order to test if it meets required performance threshold. Finally, case study as a method of collecting and analyzing data can be used because it can give an insight on the problem (Borrego & Cutler 2010, p. 359). Since case studies serve as examples of similar event in the past, it would be helpful when evaluating the need of conducting practical sessions.

Dissemination of Results

The results of the study are only useful when passed to the target group. Once the results of the study are obtained, several means should be made available to disseminate required information. First, since this study targets scholars and researchers, online forums would be of great help because it will help to reach out to many audience. In the current technological world, research work is primarily dependent on online searches (Borrego 2007, p. 97-98). This makes technology the main factor when deciding whether online forums are the best choices of passing information. Students and researchers would be able to get this useful information when searching for other academic tasks. Since it is not possible to post unreacted content in any forum, it would be important to search groups that are academic or research oriented. Next, researcher can decide to pass this information on publications such as journals and books. Through use of publications, it is possible to reach out to many scholars as well as researchers. All relevant groups would be able to get this important information when researching on thesis or report writing in any field. Similarly, upon publication of the materials, the researcher can take extra miles to present the methodology on educational conferences (Atman, Kilgore & McKenna 2008, p. 316). Through presentation, it will be possible to reach out to many scholars and educational curriculum developers. Curriculum developers must go through the journal before they can approve it for educational purpose in any institution.

Moreover, the researcher might opt to work as education advisor with the aim of passing acquired skills. It has been noted that, research work is quite challenging and many scholars and researchers are looking for advice on how to develop quality research papers and journals. Most of the research papers should define implementation methodology before they can be published for use as academic resource. To pass this information to the people, researcher would reach out to many scholars developing their journals for publication and advise them before giving these journal for review. Finally, passing this information as a tutor would be very easy because it will involve direct communication with the target audience. The researcher can opt to be a physical tutor by attending classes to lecturer as well as having online classes (Sekaran & Bougie 2016, p. 87). It is quite possible to have online classes with selected group of students from different parts of the world. Online classes are applicable where students register for online courses. Both student and tutors communicate over the desired channel and arrange for a live session through video conferencing. On the same note, information can be passed through specific platform or by electronic means such as emails.

Conclusion

Research methodology in the development of computer systems is of great importance. It makes it possible to highlight on the process used by computer system designers to achieve proposed design goals. It is important to focus on the desired project presentation when collecting data on possible computer system improvements. Evaluation of different literature shows that many computer architecture engineering developers and scholars do not consider methodology section to be important. There are some important aspects that should be considered when developing computer systems. First, computer systems’ development procedure has to make use of at least one methodology, either qualitative or quantitative study. Next, the paper has to outline the subject methodology in a precise manner in order to make it simple and clear to implement. The chosen methodology should clearly explain applicable methods of collecting desired information. Methods chosen in any specific study should be guided by the necessity of research topic. Before researcher can choose any method, it is important to evaluate the respondents, sample of the study and the sample size. Once information has been collected and analyzed, the outcome of the study has to be passed to the target groups. Information dissemination channels should be selected wisely by considering the nature and number of target groups.     

Atman, C.J., Kilgore, D. and McKenna, A., 2008. Characterizing design learning: A mixed?methods study of engineering designers’ use of language. Journal of Engineering Education, 97(3), pp.309-326.

Bernard, H.R. and Bernard, H.R., 2012. Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Sage.pp.56-112.

Bjornson, F.O. and Dingsoyr, T., 2008. Knowledge management in software engineering: A systematic review of studied concepts, findings and research methods used. Information and Software Technology, 50(11), pp.1055-1068.

Borrego, M. and Cutler, S., 2010. Constructive alignment of interdisciplinary graduate curriculum in engineering and science: An analysis of successful IGERT proposals. Journal of Engineering Education, 99(4), pp.355-369.

Borrego, M., 2007. Conceptual difficulties experienced by trained engineers learning educational research methods. Journal of Engineering Education, 96(2), pp.91-102.

Borrego, M., Douglas, E.P. and Amelink, C.T., 2009. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods in engineering education. Journal of Engineering education, 98(1), pp.53-66.

Case, J.M. and Light, G., 2011. Emerging research methodologies in engineering education research. Journal of Engineering Education, 100(1), pp.186-210.

Case, J.M. and Light, G., 2011. Emerging research methodologies in engineering education research. Journal of Engineering Education, 100(1), pp.186-210.

Daly, S.R., Adams, R.S. and Bodner, G.M., 2012. What does it mean to design? A qualitative investigation of design professionals’ experiences. Journal of Engineering Education, 101(2), pp.187-219.

Elo, S. and Kyngas, H., 2008. The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of advanced nursing, 62(1), pp.107-115.

Karabulut?Ilgu, A., Jaramillo Cherrez, N. and Jahren, C.T., 2018. A systematic review of research on the flipped learning method in engineering education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 49(3), pp.398-411.

Kelly, A.E., Lesh, R.A. and Baek, J.Y. eds., 2014. Handbook of design research methods in education: Innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning and teaching. Routledge.pp.89-115.

Leydens, J.A., Moskal, B.M. and Pavelich, M.J., 2004. Qualitative methods used in the assessment of engineering education. Journal of Engineering Education, 93(1), pp.65-72.

Marler, R.T. and Arora, J.S., 2004. Survey of multi-objective optimization methods for engineering. Structural and multidisciplinary optimization, 26(6), pp.369-395.

Prince, M.J. and Felder, R.M., 2006. Inductive teaching and learning methods: Definitions, comparisons, and research bases. Journal of engineering education, 95(2), pp.123-138.

Sekaran, U. and Bougie, R., 2016. Research methods for business: A skill building approach. John Wiley & Sons.pp. 89.

Shull, F., Singer, J. and Sjoberg, D.I. eds., 2007. Guide to advanced empirical software engineering. Springer Science & Business Media.pp. 566-612.

Zimmerman, R.D., Murillo-Sánchez, C.E. and Thomas, R.J., 2011. MATPOWER: Steady-state operations, planning, and analysis tools for power systems research and education. IEEE Transactions on power systems, 26(1), pp.12-19.