- Bibliographic references
- On-line reference sources
- Internet pointers
- Additional resources
This search strategy will help you identify credible resource materials.
Two methods exist for you to have remote access to useful research databases that feature full-text articles. These databases generally are protected.
One method is to use the barcode number on the back of your MSOE Identification Card as a password when prompted. A current and valid Identification Card is required. Students without a card may obtain one from the Registrar's Office
The second method is through PPP access to the MSOE computer system, which requires a computer and modem. This enables you to use the MSOE PPP connection for your web browser and gives you remote access to protected databases of full-text articles. Contact the Computer Services Department (277-7288) for information on setting up a PPP connection.
Research Sources
Primary research is a unique investigation carried out by a researcher. The investigation must conform to a valid research design. Examples of primary research include case studies, experiments, and statistically valid surveys. Certain types of primary research must have prior approval from the Institutional Review Board. Note: Primary research is not a requirement of the thesis.
Secondary research consists of documents and sources that contain data, information, and results generated from primary research. Secondary research generally exists in the form of reports, studies, and company documents, in addition to books and journal articles. Secondary research publishes or in some way makes available the results obtained in primary research investigations.
Tertiary research consists of documents and sources that summarize or report on information contained in secondary research. Tertiary research typically is found in many kinds of documents, including books, articles, and newspapers. In most cases, a thesis should not rely heavily on tertiary sources.
In conducting acceptable research for the MSEM thesis, a student must consider first, the type of research that the thesis will encompass (primary, secondary, tertiary), and second, the quality of the research included.
In considering the type of research included in the thesis, the student should consider a number of factors. For example, the pursuit of a primary research investigation on the part of a student in an MSEM thesis is neither necessary nor mandatory. However, if a student does choose to engage in primary research, a considerable amount of planning and time will be necessary to complete the thesis. Less research time and planning is necessary if only secondary and tertiary research is consulted.
The quality of the research included in the thesis should next be considered. These materials would include academic journals and books written by subject experts. A professional discipline thesis--such as the MSEM thesis--additionally features a number of fundamental purposes. These include increasing knowledge about the practice of a profession; refining the critical ability of students; and reinforcing the attitude of using objective and systematic approaches to problem solving. It follows from this that acceptable research materials for the thesis should be objective and should reflect the systematic use of all relevant resources available to students, including books, articles, databases, reports, etc. The staff of the MSOE Library can help guide students to appropriate resources. The very best resources available to MSOE students for the study of a subject area should be employed.
The quality and appropriateness of all research materials employed in the thesis should be evaluated by the student to insure that these standards are met. To summarize, acceptable research for the thesis may include primary research , but at the very least, must include the use of secondary and tertiary resources. Secondary resources should predominate, but tertiary resources are acceptable, particularly if a student critically evaluates them for their objectivity, reliability, and accuracy, in addition to their contribution to the understanding of the practice of management, and their relevance to the purposes of the thesis.
In other words, if asked about the use of a resource in a thesis, the student would be able to defend the resource on one or all of the following grounds: the resource is objective, accurate, or reliable; the resource contributes to an understanding of the practice of management, or is associated with a publication that enjoys the general reputation of contributing to the practice and understanding of management; or the resource in some way is significantly relevant to the purposes of the thesis.
The final aspect of acceptable research for the thesis is integrity. When a student relies on research material in a thesis, the student should accurately reflect what the material states. In addition, an MSEM student must use the Documentation and Style Guide (Located on the MSOE Intranet) to document and recognize all research materials employed in the thesis. Questions about the use of the Documentation and Style Guide should be directed to the MSOE Library.
Note: At the time that you have completed a first draft, you should submit a copy of it to Gary Shimek for a documentation review. This must be done before you submit a final thesis for your oral presentation. The purpose is to ensure that you are following the conventions in the Documentation and Style Guide.