BSc (Hons) CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT (HK)

6CN010 Dissertation -
Aims & Objectives

D.E. Searle
 Aims & Objectives - definition
Aim
A statement of what the research will
attempt to achieve (formulated from the
research question)
Objectives
Coherent, focused, step by step
operational statements to achieve the aim

D.Searle
 Aims & Objectives - definition

Why have a Research Aim?

A reference point against which overall research

outcome can be assessed

As important as having an aim/goal for any project

your embark on.

I believe that this nation should commit itself to

achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of
landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely
to earth (John Kennedy)

D.Searle
 Aims & Objectives - definition
Why have Research Objectives?

Reference points against which specific

research outcomes can be assessed e.g.
milestones

D.Searle
 Aims & Objectives - definition

Research Aim

D.Searle
 Aims & Objectives should be
Brief and concise
Realistic (be achievable within the
constraints you have e.g. time, data
availability etc)
Identify how you will undertake the
dissertation (e.g. establishing current
knowledge, methodology, sample strategy
etc.)

D.Searle
 Aims & Objectives should not be

Too broad or ambitious in their scope

A repeat of each other
Too vague
Go into too much detail

D.Searle
 Aim example 1

Obtain a full UK driving licence.

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 Objectives example 1

1. Obtain a provisional driving licence

2. Undertake a series of driving lessons.
3. Apply for and pass the theory test
4. Book a driving test and pass.

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 Aim example 2

To investigate the maintenance path for

local authority school buildings in UK through
establishing maintenance needs and work
execution mechanisms.

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 Objectives example 2

1. To investigate any linkages between construction

types and maintenance requirements
2. To examine any relationship between age of
building and other maintenance needs.
3. To determine the factors which impact on
maintenance work execution of UK local authority
school buildings

D.Searle
 Aim and Objectives - specifics
A one sentence aim, highlighting your ultimate goal

Objectives:

Between three and five single sentence objectives.

Represent the breakdown of your aim (i.e. sub
aims)
Focus is on finding out specific issues while
achieving your aim
Will determine scope of study, literature to be
consulted and main data collection technique (i.e.
methodology) hence very important!!
Best considered as tasks to be achieved.
Often more tangible than the main aim.

D.Searle
 Objectives
For the dissertation purposes you will need at least
one or more of the objective for the following areas:

Theory - Establishing background knowledge and

research in the topic area.

Test - Data collection, Sampling and analyses.

Conclude Exploring the results of the findings in the

context of the theory.

D.Searle
Articulating Research Aim and Objectives
RESEARCH AIM An investigation into the nature of [PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE RESEARCH TOPIC /
(One sentence statement CONTEXT]
about what you wish to (e.g. the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution procedures applied to commercial new build projects in
achieve (ULTIMATE GOAL) the West Midlands)
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
(One sentence: specific, measurable,
targets)
THEORY
What To conduct a critical review of
literature relating to
[AREA/CONTEXT] in order to
[IDENTIFY KEY ISSUES / FACTORS
/ VARIABLES; DEVELOP A
THEORETICAL MODEL; PRODUCE
A SOFTWARE SPECIFICATION;
ENABLE AN EXPERIMENT TO BE
CONDUCTED].
How
[METHOD(S) USED TO
ACHIEVE OBJECTIVE]
TEST CONCLUDE
To collect data by [STATE METHODS(S): To discuss and compare theoretical
QUESTIONNAIRE; INTERVIEWS; CASE constructs [OUTCOMES OF THEORY]
STUDY; EXPERIMENT] from [STATE with the empirical research findings
SOURCE(S): SURVEY POPULATION / [OUTCOMES OF TEST] and draw
SAMPLE; NATURE OF EXPERIMENT] conclusions.
To critically analyse and summarise the
data collected in order to [EVALUATE /
MEASURE KEY ISSUES / FACTORS /
VARIABLES; CONSTRUCT A
PRACTICAL MODEL; DEVELOP A
PILOT SOFTWARE PACKAGE;
PRESENT EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS]
[METHOD(S) USED TO ACHIEVE [METHOD(S) USED TO ACHIEVE
OBJECTIVES] OBJECTIVE]
 Example of Aim and objectives
Research Aim

An investigation of the current state of preparedness of the

flood damage management sector in the UK with regard to
the next major flood event: What lessons have been learnt?

Research Objectives
To review the existing guidance on flood damage
management and project management.
To review the effectiveness of the damage management
industry towards responding to major flood events
(Carlisle, Boscastle).
To survey from damage management companies their
existing methods of project managing flood claims.
To analyse this data and identify shortcomings or best
practice in flood claims management.
To draw conclusions as to the state of preparedness of the
UK damage management sector and make
recommendations as appropriate.

D.Searle
Task

Students to write research

aim and objectives using
the A & O template.

D.Searle
 Thank You

ANY
QUESTIONS?

D.Searle