CHAPTER 8


THE RESEARCH OBJECTIVES


The objectives of a research project summarise what is to be achieved by the study

General objectives

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  1. description

  1. explanation

  1. forecasting

  1. control

  1. modelling

Important criterias

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be presented concisely and briefly

be interrelated with the general objectives of your study

be realistic about what you can accomplish in the duration of the project and the other commitments you have

not too vague, ambitious or broad in scope

cover the different aspects of the problem

are clearly phrased in operational terms

are realistic considering local conditions

use action verbs that are specific enough to be evaluated

avoid the use of vague non-action verbs such as: to appreciate, to understand, or to study.

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  1. Specific — what precisely do you hope to achieve from undertaking the research

  1. Measurable — what measures will you use to determine whether you have achieved your objectives

  1. Achievable — are the targets you have set for yourself achievable given all the possible constraints

  1. Realistic — given all the other demands upon your time, will you have the time and energy to complete the research on time?

  1. Timely — will you have time to accomplish all your objectives in the time frame you have set?