Topic:   How to Conduct Original Research in

Graduate Studies

Speaker:  Prof. Keith W. Hipel

Position: 加拿大皇家科学院院长

美国工程院外籍院士

加拿大工程院院士

加拿大滑铁卢大学教授

Research: Conflict Resolution, Multiple Criteria

Decision Analysis, Time Series Analysis

Decision-Making Methodologies

Time:    9:30-11:30, April 2nd, 2016

Venue:   Information Building 228

Inviter:  Professor Min Huang

Abstract：

Based on four decades in mentoring Canadian and international graduate students, Prof. Hipel uses the valuable experience, knowledge and insights that he has garnered to explain how to execute meaningful and original research. Of utmost importance is to follow your heart’s desire in carrying your research as a personal challenges to help others and society.  In your domain of interest, find a problem for which a satisfactory solution does not yet exist. In an engineering thesis, often a methodology is created to tackle a tough practical problem such as designing a sustainable energy production system in which greenhouse gases are substantially reduced. Think like a detective when you carry out a literature review to ascertain where gaps exist in the literature and what types of attempts have been made in the past, if any, to bridge these gaps. Mainly keep track of what is of interest to you in a general sense and how it may be used in your research. Be sure to take every opportunity to attend lectures by experts at your university and international conference so you can obtain the latest information that is relevant with respect to your research. Use simple examples to develop, test and refine your research ideas and as the methodology you are developing matures, apply it to real world problems and make it as general as possible to it can be utilized in many application domains. Use a system of systems engineering framework to put your research into perspective and employ real data to demonstrate that your new methodology is a significant improvement over its competitors. To ensure progress in your research and construct academic networks, regularly obtain feedback by consulting with experts and presenting your findings at international conferences. Expand a conference paper via further research into a full-length journal paper for submission to a leading international journal for review and constructive criticism.