[SOLVED] Research Methodology in Project Management

This assignment requires a researcher to conduct a study on project management methodology, focusing on the importance of research methodology in project management. The researcher needs to demonstrate their understanding of various research approaches, including analytical and decision-making skills, as well as statistical skills for data analysis. Additionally, they must emphasize the significance of integrity skills in providing recommendations and suggestions based on their research findings.

RESEARCH AND PROJECT
MANAGEMENT

Table of Contents
1. Discussion of challenges encountered in the construction of each section of the....1
proposal...................................................................................................................... 1
2. Discussion of interaction and use of support tutors/peers/supervisors....................1
3. Discussion of skills required and used for successful construction of the proposal. 2
4) Discussion of lessons learned from the process and strategies to adopt to move...3
forward........................................................................................................................3
5. Production of a professional development plan.......................................................4
REFERENCES.................................................................................................................6
APPENDICES..................................................................................................................7
APPENDIX 1................................................................................................................7

1. Discussion of challenges encountered in the construction of each section of the
proposal.
From the research made on Cloudreach Ltd. I encountered various challenges in
the construction of the proposal. From the beginning, I generate the overall information
of the organisation which assist me to make project research. The background data
analysis of an information technology company is difficult to conduct. The source of
information was limited and restricted which became a major issue in data collection.
The challenge to anticipate the scope of the organisation was troublesome. I've done
critical evaluation of the past and present position of the company and on the basis of
that determined the future scope of the organisation. To identify the unethical practices
that are associated with cyber security was the aim of my research.
The task was difficult as I have to identify the extent to which the professionals
were involved in unethical practices. It was not easy as there was no or limited
cooperation from the employees of the organisation. There were many challenges such
as acquiring the information from limited sources, lack of trust and cooperation from the
IT professionals, collection of data, sampling, etc (Turner, 2016). in order to identify the
significance of the ethical and cyber security in the organisation. Another challenge was
to give the suggestion to the firms, that they can may make efforts educate employees
about the cyber-crime to prevent them from getting involved in illegal practices. It was
difficult for me to make the management understand the benefits of cyber security. I
have also faced an issue in selection of genuine literature articles and reviews from
different sources. The major challenge I faced was the determination of research
methodology and selection of tools and techniques for conducting research and
producing the problems. At first, I had to analyse the research approaches and their
impact on the research. Then I had to select appropriate research approach from
various approaches. I faced issues in inductive and abductive approach, so I have
selected the deductive research approach for conducting the methodology. The
hypothesis covered the cyber-crime position which occurred in previous year and
upcoming year was estimated by this hypothesis. There were various challenges which i
faced in order to find an effective research philosophy. I was required to describe
pragmatism, positivism, realism and interpretivism philosophy of research. It was quite
challenging in choosing the appropriate one and put it in the research project of the
cyber security. The various challenges associated with data collection, data analysis
and research design were tackled by me. These challenges include confidentiality and
security of the information, lack of resources for gathering the data and stress based on
selection of appropriate research design.
2. Discussion of interaction and use of support tutors/peers/supervisors
Tutors, peers, supervisors and many IT professionals helped me in making my
research more effective and efficient. The interaction with them aided me in completion
of my research on cyber security of the organisation successfully. They assist me in
providing the title and aim of my research. I got confused at beginning about the
selection of title and purpose of the research. The interaction with tutor assisted in
providing efficient title to the proposal (Martinsuo, 2013). Tutor provided me all the
resources and materials related to the following research. He also assisted in finding the
appropriate literature reviews. Cyber security in an organisation is the critical and
sophisticated issue and I required proper guidance and interaction from peers and
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superiors as well. Interaction with peers and subordinates helped in providing the
essential information regarding the research analysis.
They guided me towards selection of the appropriate research design and
philosophy. Communication with them benefited me in every way to make my proposal
more effective and efficient. I had been able to make a genuine research because of the
vital and confidential information provided to me by many IT professionals working in
the organisation. Interaction with them helped me to gather data, select the sample and
providing results on the basis of it. I have asked them how to proceed my research,
what I have to do, which tools would be appropriate, etc. They support me in managing
my research work and provided me all the information required for accomplishing my
aim. The peers, superiors and tutor guides me whenever I faced any trouble or issue
regarding my project work. The literature review suggested by my tutor alleviated me to
identify the purpose of the research.
The Cloudreach professionals supported me by providing the essential data and
information which helped in the analysis and research project. They told me about
negligence of organisation's rules and disclosing confidentiality of entity through sharing
data to other professionals and companies. Therefore, various issues regarding
business operations and other activities disturbs environment of entity and its goodwill
in market. The interaction with superiors, supported me regarding the process of
research methodology. They help in providing all useful information for research
approaches, philosophy and design. Which approach is suitable for the hypotheses,
which philosophy would optimum and what kind of design in which the framework of
research will be made. Their guidance gave me direction for overcoming these
challenging tasks. . I have also made recommendation and suggestion and
communicated to the officials which help them to make more efficient decisions
regarding cyber security.
3. Discussion of skills required and used for successful construction of the proposal
There are various skills which can be used in order to accomplish my research
proposal on the cyber security of Cloudreach Ltd (Walker, A., 2015). Below is the list of
skills which helped me to complete my research:
 Analytical Skills- Analytical skills aids to manage and analyse the data which is
collected and assist to reach to an expected outcome (Joslin and Müller, 2015). I
also conducted literature reviews and field research, which involves focus of
running groups and fact-check proposal. It is these skills which helped me to
visualise, conceptualise, articulate and solving of complex problems. For an
effective research methodology analytical skills are very essential. To determine,
collection and analysis of data is the key process in any research. The skill is
used for the analysis of data and sample collected from various sources.\
 Administrative Skills- The administrative skill used in the research helps me in
managing and maintaining the records of the research (Pemsel and Wiewiora,
2013). This skill assist me in bookkeeping, proper management of tools and
techniques, preparing mass mailings and making sure to meet the deadlines. I
have used this skill in the literature review done by some seniors research
scholars to record their research and make use of them.
 Computer Skills- The research is based on the cyber security of the
organisation, computer skills is very important for completion of the proposals.
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These skills helps me in quick calculation and analyses of the data and
information. It also helps in generalisation of communication of organisational
task. The statistics and tables are also prepared accurately with the help of
computer skills. I have used the computer skills for calculation of statistical data
and generation of outcomes. I also used it for research on internet and various
webpages with the help of my computer. The software installed in my personal
computer helps me to provide the information which is required to fulfil the
research proposal.
 Time Management Skills- Management of time is very essential in conducting
research analysis (Maylor and Söderlund, 2015). Organisation provided limited
time to interact with professionals. In that time I have to acquire as much
information as possible. More ever I have been provided with deadline so I have
to manage the time and work according to it. Time management skill is very
essential in order to produce the quality research and proposals.
 Decision Making skills- Decision making skills are very important in my
research of cyber security. There are various areas in which I have to make
some quick and efficient decisions such as in collection of data and choosing
appropriate research approach, philosophy and design. The skill is very
important in conducting the research proposal.
4. Discussion of lessons learned from the process and strategies to adopt to move
forward
From the research on cyber security of Cloudreach Ltd, I've faced many
challenges and difficulties. Those challenges helps me to learn the new lesson on
research methodology. I have learned the following things and made several strategies
which help me to move in forward directions. The first lesson I have learned is to have
efficient knowledge about the topic which I have to research. For this I have made a
strategy in which I will search for some previous research on the same topic. It supports
me in beginning of the research analysis. The second lesson which I have learned is to
have abundant source of information, it will increase the quality and quantity of the
research work. The strategy for this is to aim for that area where there are various
sources of information available. In case of cyber security the limited source of
information troubles me a lot.
The third lesson which I have learned in the process of research methodology. It
was very difficult and critical area. Proper selection of research approach, research
philosophy and research design is essential to make a proper research article. The
strategy is simple, analyse all the approaches and philosophy and select the best
suitable to create a research design. The fourth lesson I have learned is the process of
data collection and analysis. Data collection is very essential for conducting any
research. On the basis of the data and information one may conclude to the outcome of
the project. The strategy for collection and gathering of data and information is to use
different sources such as primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include
questionnaire, interviews and observations. Secondary sources includes internet,
articles, books, journals, etc. The fifth lesson which I have learned is how to improve
efficiency and quality to evaluate the recommendation and suggestion. In the following
research of cyber security I have recommended various possible solutions to the
organisation. But something I was lacking and that is the accuracy. The need to improve
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my accuracy is essential to provide exact solution to the problem faced by the
organisation. The strategy for improving my accuracy is to increase my efforts in trial
and error concept. The more I try to reduce the errors, the more my accuracy skill will
develop. This will not only help me in generating an effective research but also provide
the organisation an exact and possible solution for the particular problem they are
facing. The last lesson which I have learned from the research is to have the good
interaction with peers, subordinates, tutors and superiors.
5. Production of a professional development plan
Table 1: Professional Development Plan
Goals Skills Required Time Duration Opportunities
Collection of Data at
primary level
Analytical skills 3-4 weeks This can provide me
an opportunity to
interact with the
professionals of
Cloudreach and
gather the acquired
data to convert it into
useful information.
Finding of Literature
reviews
Administrative Skills 1 week This can help to
support my research
on the basis of
research done by
my senior
researchers.
Use of Statistical
Data
Computer and
Statistical skills
2-3 weeks It will provide an
opportunity to have
an aggregate
information in
numericals and
graphical format
about the research
conducted.
Selection of
Research approach
Analytical and
Decision making
skills
1 week It will give an chance
to analyse various
approach of
research
methodology and I
can work forward by
selecting the
suitable one for my
hypotheses.
Sampling of
collected data
Accuracy skills 4-5 days It will give me an
opportunity to
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estimate my
research outcome
and further assist in
determining the
future of the
organisation.
Recommending
solutions for issues
and problems
Integrity skill 3-4 days I need to be honest
and genuine while
recommending the
results and possible
solutions.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Joslin, R. and Müller, R., 2015. Relationships between a project management
methodology and project success in different project governance
contexts. International Journal of Project Management. 33(6). pp.1377-1392.
Martinsuo, M., 2013. Project portfolio management in practice and in
context. International Journal of Project Management. 31(6). pp.794-803.
Maylor, H. and Söderlund, J., 2015. Project management research: Addressing
integrative challenges. Designs, Methods and Practices for Research of Project
Management. pp.11.
Pemsel, S. and Wiewiora, A., 2013. Project management office a knowledge broker in
project-based organisations. International Journal of Project Management. 31(1).
pp.31-42.
Turner, R., 2016. Gower handbook of project management. Routledge.
Walker, A., 2015. Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons.
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1
Important skills for construction of research and proposals
 Accuracy skill- The state of being exact or correct. An important skill which is
required by researcher to conduct a project.
 Integrity skills- These skills denotes the quality of being honest and genuine. The
skill used by researcher in order to provide recommendation and suggestion from
the research he made.
 Statistical Skills- It helps the researcher provide an statistical analysis of the
collected data.
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