Topic & Title

Research Topics

A subject that is discussed, written about, or studied

It is are of interest

Crafting a well-defined topic is one of the most important parts of doing research.

A research must have a

GOOD TOPIC

But, how can you decide what to pick?

Subject vs Topic

The best way to think about the difference between a topic and a subject is to think about the classes you took in high school. You took a class called “Biology,” but within those classes you studied more specific topics, like the reproduction, genetics, nervous system, etc. Academic research is similar. Your “subject” is your specialization within your major.

Some tips of selecting topics

✔ Should be in line with your areas of interest/expertise.

✔ Should be something that you are interested in. What areas interest you the most?

✔ Make sure that you know well about the topic.

✔ Should be beneficial for society.

✔ Ask yourself; is topic manageable & feasible?

○ Ensure that it is neither too large nor too small.

○ Ensure that it is feasible within the time-frame.

✔ Ensure that scholarly material is available.

✔ Ensure that the topic is focused on a solvable problem

Steps of Selecting Topics

1. Select a subject of interest.

2. Narrow it down to an effective topic once you have learnt a little more.

Narrowing Down The Topic

Who: Which groups have an interest in this topic? (e.g., parents, organizations, the government, etc.). Who specifically will you focus on?

What: What are the most important issues related to the topic? What are the different factors involved?

Where: Where is the topic relevant? Will you focus on Malaysia? Pahang? UMP? Some sort of comparison?

When: When did the situation or event start? Is it ongoing? How recent should your sources in order to be useful?

Why: What interests you about it? Why do you want to study or write about it?

Research Title

It summarizes the main idea(s) of study, which is more literary

Example

Topic: Lean Manufacturing & Performance

Title: Performance Implications of Lean Manufacturing: A Glimpse from Manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia.

Guideline of Selecting Title

✔ Accurately describes the main element of study.

✔ Few words, but adequately describe the content &/or purpose of research.

✔ Clear, precise, informative & relevant.

✔ Not contain technical terms, or jargon. The use of acronyms should be limited.

✔ Captures attention of readers.

✔ Should not be too long (normally not more than 15 words) but should provide as much information about the study as possible.

Choose which of the followings are research topics?

Lean manufacturing and performance management.
The effects of lean manufacturing on organizational performance: A glimpse from manufacturing SMEs in Malaysia.
Critical success factors for total quality management among Indonesian manufacturing companies.
Manufacturing flexibility and competitive advantage.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse