Undergraduate Research Project - Part 2 of 5: Problem Statement and Objectives

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Step 3: Understanding the problem

Identifying and understanding the problem addressed through the research, is a key step that has to be completed at the beginning of any research. Following the 'background information search' which was done in the step 2 of the flow chart given in the previous article, the research question is developed as the step 3. This is known as the 'problem statement'. Without a proper understanding on the problem at hand, the expected outcomes can never be reached.
In some cases, the problem is not apparent; which means a direct problem cannot be identified. However, the need of the research is possible to be understood. As an example, the topic 'a review on the construction technologies of ancient Rome and Egypt', doesn't have a clear problem to be mentioned. Although, the requirement of conducting this study is to compare the two technologies and identify their similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, etc. Hence, there is a need of this particular research and the problem is 'not having adequate research findings on the two construction technologies'.

Step 4: Setting objectives 

Successful completion of this step allows the researchers to set an aim and objectives for the research. This is a mandatory step in a research which cannot be omitted. The 'aim' of a research is what is hoped to be achieved from the study. This elaborates the intention, the ultimate goal or the expected answer to the question defined in the problem statement. The actions else the tasks carried out to achieve the aim are the 'objectives'. These are very specific statements that have clear outcomes given in an orderly manner. A research can have multiple objectives but usually only one aim.
For the previous sample topic 'a review on the construction technologies of ancient Rome and Egypt', a suitable aim and objectives would be as follows,
Aim: To study and compare the construction technologies of ancient Rome and Egypt
Objectives:
- To study the construction technologies of ancient Rome and Egypt
- To identify the major differences and similarities of the two technologies
- To identify the advantages and disadvantages of the two technologies
- To recommend suitable techniques to be adopted from the ancient technologies for the modern day construction industry
A continuation of the same example discussed in the previous article is given below. The second and third sections of the first chapter: problem statement and aim & objectives of the 'Study of operational improvements of introducing electronic toll collection to expressways in Sri Lanka' are as follows,

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background 

Refer the previous article Part 1 of 5: Introduction

1.2 Problem statement 

The present manual toll collection system of Sri Lankan expressways is inefficient. It has been predicted that the capacity of those will be inadequate to serve the future traffic demand on most interchanges. High service times of manual toll gates directly affect the level of service of the expressways. Consequently, the delay experienced by users increases while the departure rate of the toll plaza decreases. Even at present, the formation of lengthy queues could be observed at the exit ramps of certain interchanges such as Kottawa and Kahathuduwa during seasonal holidays or on special occasions. This is a representation of the scenario that can be expected in the future with the rapidly growing usage of expressways. If the queues on the exit ramps propagate into the expressway, it will create major road safety issues.
The electronic toll collection facility was introduced to the Colombo-Katunayake expressway. This method is efficient and user-friendly compared to manual toll collection. The service time at the interchanges is far less. Queue formation is a rare occurrence at these toll booths. Therefore, the user delay is very low. At present, people are not much interested in subscribing to the electronic tolling system as they don’t experience frequent congestion at the interchanges.
This study aims to evaluate the operational improvements that can be gained by advancing into the electronic toll collection system. There are no any comprehensive studies done in Sri Lanka which has addressed this issue. Since this can gain significant benefits to the country’s economy, it is important to conduct studies and propose suitable measures to mitigate any potential negative impacts.

1.3 Aim and objectives

This is a computer based scenario analysis where a micro-simulation software application is used.
Aim
      To study the benefits of electronic toll collection method
Objectives
  1. Evaluate the adequacy of present manual toll collection system in Sri Lankan expressways
  2. Estimate the expected operational improvements of advancing into an electronic toll collection system
Observe how the issues related to manual toll collection system are explained in the first paragraph under the 'problem statement'. Then the second paragraph describes the benefits of the electronic tolling system. The third paragraph summarizes the problem and justifies the need of the research while stating the unavailability of comprehensive research findings. It is also important to understand how the aim is set for this research. According to the aim, two objectives have been set to achieve the intended outcomes.

Leave a comment if you have any questions!!
Please follow the third article: Part 3 of 5 - Literature Review, Knowledge Gap, Scope & Limitations 
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