RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

MODULE-1: OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH

1.1 Introduction to research

We all possess the vital instinct of inquisitiveness for, when the unknown confronts us, we
wonder and our inquisitiveness makes us probe and attain full and fuller understanding of the
unknown.

Meaning of Research: can be define as a scientific and systematic search for relevant
information on a specific topic.

Other meaning
 research is an art of scientific investigation
 a careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch
of knowledge
 systematized effort to gain new knowledge
 a movement from the known to the unknown

1.2 Objectives for research: Research objectives can be grouped into following
categories:
1. Exploratory or formulative research: To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to
achieve new insights into it
2. Descriptive research: To accurately specify the characteristics of a particular
individual, situation or a group
3. Diagnostic research: To determine the frequency with which something occurs or
with which it is associated
4. Hypothesis-testing research: To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between
variables

1.3 Motivations for research:

The possible motives for doing research may be either one or more of the following:
1. Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits;
2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems, i.e., concern over
practical problems initiates research;
3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work;
4. Desire to be of service to society;
5. Desire to get respectability.

Many more factors such as directives of government, employment conditions, desire to

understand causal relationships, social thinking and awakening may motivate (or at times
compel) people to perform research operations.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 1
1.4 Significance of research:
1. Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and it promotes the
development of logical habits of thinking and organisation
2. Research provides the basis for government policies in our economic system.
3. Research has its special significance in solving various operational and planning
problems of business and industry
4. Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social relationships and
in seeking answers to various social problems.
5. To those students who are to write a master’s or Ph.D. thesis, research may mean
careerism or a way to attain a high position in the social structure;
6. To professionals in research methodology, research may mean a source of livelihood
7. To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and
insights
8. To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new styles and
creative work

1.5 Research Methods v/s Methodology:

Research Methods:
 Theoretical procedures, experimental studies, numerical schemes, statistical
approaches etc.
 Helps in collecting data, samples and find solutions to a problem

Research Methodology:
 Scientific way to solve a problem. It may be understood as a science of studying how
research is done scientifically.
 The procedures by which researchers go about their work of describing, explaining
and predicting phenomena are called research methodology

Research methods helps in finding solutions to a problem

Research Methodology concerned with the explanation of
 Why is a particular research study undertaken?
 How did one formulate a research problem?
 What types of data were collected?
 What particular method has been used?
 Why was a particular technique of analysis of data used?

1.6 Types of research

1. Descriptive vs. Analytical
Descriptive research (Ex post facto research): includes surveys and enquiries of different
kinds. Researcher has no control over the variables; he/she can only report what has
happened or what is happening

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 2
Analytical research: the researcher has to use facts or information already available, and
analyze these to make a critical evaluation

2. Applied vs. Fundamental:

Applied research aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an
industrial/business organization.
Fundamental research is mainly concerned with generalisations and with the formulation of
a theory. “Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake, eg: studies, concerning human
behavior, Mathematics

3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative:

Quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. eg: measuring the
performance of a process
Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomenon of relating to or involving
quality or kind. eg: investigating the reasons for human behavior

4. Conceptual vs. Empirical:

Conceptual research is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by
philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.
Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone; it is databased research,
coming up with conclusions which can be verified by observation or experiment.
In Empirical a research, the researcher must first provide himself with a working hypothesis
or guess of the probable results. He then works to get enough facts (data) to prove or disprove
his hypothesis. He then sets up experimental designs to bring forth the desired information.

5. Other Types of Research:

 One-time research: the research is confined to a single time-period
 Longitudinal research: the research is carried on over several time-periods
 Research can be field-setting research or laboratory research or simulation
research, depending upon the environment in which it is to be carried out.
 Clinical or diagnostic research: follow case-study methods or in-depth approaches
to reach the basic causal relations
 Exploratory research: development of hypotheses rather than their testing
 Formalized research: development of hypotheses and testing it.
 Historical research: utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc. to study
events or ideas or philosophy of persons of the past
 Conclusion-oriented: a researcher is free to pick up a problem, redesign the enquiry
as he proceeds and is prepared to conceptualize as he wishes
 Decision-oriented research: is always based on the needs of a decision maker and
the researcher is not free to change research according to his own inclination. eg:
Operations research

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 3
1.7 Quantitative Research Methods
Quantitative approach can be further sub-classified into inferential, experimental and
simulation approaches to research.
The inferential approach: is a survey where a sample of population is studied (questioned or
observed) from which to infer characteristics or relationships of population.
Experimental approach: in this case some variables are manipulated to observe their effect
on other variables.
Simulation approach: involves the construction of an artificial environment within which
relevant information and data can be generated. This permits an observation of the dynamic
behavior of a system (or its sub-system) under controlled conditions.

1.8 Research hypothesis:

The research hypothesis is a predictive statement that relates an independent variable to a
dependent variable, which has to be tested

Variables
A concept or attributes of Phenomena which can take on different quantitative values is
called a variable. Eg: rainfall, cube strength, brick strength

If one variable depends upon or is a consequence of the other variable, it is termed as a

dependent variable, and the variable that is antecedent to the dependent variable is termed
as an independent variable. Eg. Concrete compressive strength depends on cement content
and compaction energy. Cement content and compaction are independent variable

1.9 Research Process

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 4
1.10 Steps in research process
Various Steps in research Process

PHASE I DECIDING WHAT TO RESEARCH

1. Formulating the research problem
2. Extensive literature survey

PHASE II PLANNING A RESEARCH

3. Developing the hypothesis
4. Preparing the research design
5. Determining sample design

PHASE III CONDUCTING A RESEARCH STUDY

6. Collecting the data

7. Execution of the project
8. Analysis of data
9. Hypothesis testing
10. Generalisations and interpretation
11. Preparation of the report or presentation of the results

Steps involved in a research process are not mutually exclusive; or they separate and distinct.
They do not necessarily follow each other in any specific order and each step in the research
process anticipate the requirements of the subsequent steps.

1.11 Criteria of good Research

1. Good research is systematic: It means that research is structured with specified steps
to be taken in a specified sequence in accordance with the well-defined set of rules
2. Good research is logical: This implies that research is guided by the rules of logical
reasoning and the logical process of induction and deduction
3. Good research is empirical: It implies that research is related basically to one or
more aspects of a real situation and deals with concrete data
4. Good research is replicable: This characteristic allows research results to be verified
by replicating the study

1.12 Survey of literature

The literature review is a critical discussion and summary of literature that is of `general' and
`specialized' relevance to the particular area and topic of the research problem.

• A literature review surveys books, scholarly articles, and any other sources relevant to
a particular issue, area of research, or theory, and by doing so, provides a description,
summary, and critical evaluation of these works in relation to the research problem
being investigated

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 5
1.13 Importance of literature review in defining a problem
The literature review is important because:
 It describes how the proposed research is related to prior research
 It shows the originality and relevance of your research problem. Specifically, your
research is different from others
 It justifies your proposed methodology
 It demonstrates your preparedness to complete the research

1.14 Primary and secondary sources

 Primary sources are original sources from which the researcher directly collects data
that have not been previously collected. Primary data are first-hand information
collected through various methods such as interviewing, mailing, observation etc.

 Secondary sources containing data which have been collected and compiled for
another purpose. The secondary sources consist of readily available compendia and
already compiled statistical statements and reports whose data may be used by
researches for their studies. E.g., census reports, annual reports and financial reports.
Secondary sources consist of not only published records and reports, but also
unpublished records.

1.15 Web as a source - searching the web

The biggest advantage in using the World Wide Web as a source for research is that it lets us
look at specific topics from an interdisciplinary perspective.

In looking for information on the Web, searches are often more general in nature, which may
bring us information that otherwise may not have caught our attention.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 6
1.16 Identifying gap areas from literature review
The gap, also considered the missing piece or pieces in the research literature, is the area that
has not yet been explored or is under-explored.

Conducting an exhaustive literature review is your first step. As you search for journal
articles, you will need to read critically across the breadth of the literature to identify these
gaps. You goal should be to find a ‘space’ or opening for contributing new research. The first
step is gathering a broad range of research articles on your topic.

The above table is just for your reference

Based on: Knight, J., Phinn, S.R. and Dale, P. (1999) “Development of an Operational Approach for Mapping
Mosquito Breeding Sites from Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar,” NASA PACRIM Workshop, Maui High-
Performance Computing Centre, Kihei, August 26-27.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 7
1.17 Research problem-definition
What is a research problem?
• Research problem is one which requires a researcher to find out the best solution for
the given problem
• Refers to some difficulty which a researcher experiences in the context of either a
theoretical or practical situation and wants to obtain a solution for the same.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 8
1.18 Selection and formulation of a research problem
• There must be an individual or a group which has some difficulty or the problem.
• There must be some environment(s) to which the difficulty pertains
• There must be some objective(s) to be attained at. (If one wants nothing, one cannot
have a problem)
• There must be alternative means (or the courses of action) for obtaining the
objective(s). This means that there must be at least two means available to a
researcher (if he has no choice of means, he cannot have a problem)

Avoid-
• Subject which is overdone
• Controversial subject
• Too narrow or vague problems
• Unfamiliar subjects

1.19 Criteria of a good research problem

A good research satisfies the following criteria-
• The purpose of the research should be clearly defined
• The research procedure used should be described in sufficient detail to permit another
researcher to repeat the research for further advancement
• The procedural design of the research should be carefully planned to yield results that
are as objective as possible
• The researcher should report with complete frankness, flaws in procedural design and
estimate their effects upon the findings
• The analysis of data should be sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance and the
methods of analysis used should be appropriate
• Conclusions should be confined to those justified by the data of the research
• Good reputation in research and personal integrity.

1.20 Characteristics of good research design

• a clear statement of the research problem
• procedures and techniques to be used for gathering information
• the population to be studied
• and methods to be used in processing and analysing data

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 9
MODULE - 2: DATA COLLECTION, PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS

2.1 Sources of data, collection of data, Primary and secondary Data

The task of data collection begins after a research problem has been defined and research
design/ plan chalked out. While deciding about the method of data collection to be used for
the study, the researcher should keep in mind two types of data viz., primary and secondary.

 Primary sources are original sources from which the researcher directly collects data
that have not been previously collected. Primary data are first-hand information
collected through various methods such as interviewing, mailing, observation etc.

 Secondary sources containing data which have been collected and compiled for
another purpose. The secondary sources consist of readily available compendia and
already compiled statistical statements and reports whose data may be used by
researches for their studies. E.g., census reports, annual reports and financial reports.
Secondary sources consist of not only published records and reports, but also
unpublished records.

2.2 Collection of Data through various methods

We collect primary data during the course of doing experiments in an experimental research
but in case we do research of the descriptive type and perform surveys, whether sample
surveys or census surveys, then we can obtain primary data either through observation or
through direct communication with respondents in one form or another or through personal
interviews. This, in other words, means that there are several methods of collecting primary
data, particularly in surveys and descriptive researches.
Important ones are:

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 10
 (i) observation method
(ii) interview method
(iii) through questionnaires
(iv) through schedules
(v) other methods which include
a. warranty cards
b. distributor audits
c. pantry audits
d. consumer panels
e. using mechanical devices
f. through projective techniques
g. depth interviews and
h. content analysis

2.3 Measurement in Research

Properties like weight, height, etc., can be measured directly with some standard unit of
measurement, but it is not that easy to measure properties like motivation to succeed, ability
to stand stress and the like.
Measurement is a process of mapping aspects of a domain onto other aspects of a range
according to some rule of correspondence.
In measuring, we devise some form of scale in the range and then map the properties of
objects from the domain onto this scale.
Eg: Male to female attendance ratio: male, assign to “0” and if female assign to “1”. Marital
status: as 1, 2, 3 or 4, depending on whether single, married, widowed or divorced

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 11
Nominal data: are numerical in name only, because they do not share any of the properties of
the numbers, we deal in ordinary arithmetic
Example: In a survey to find a person’s marital status
Question: is “single, married, divorced, widowed”?
Answer: is “yes” or “no” or “0” or “1”, or 1,2,3,4
 Thus categorical/qualitative data can be made into numerical data/nominal data
 Nominal data are numerical in name only, because they do not share any of the
properties of the numbers, we deal in ordinary arithmetic i.e., we cannot say 4>2

Ordinal data: when we cannot do anything except set up inequalities, we refer to the data as
ordinal data
• If we write 5>2, Apatitie is harder than Gypsum
• 6<9 means Feldspar is softer than Corundum
• But we cannot write 10-9 =5-4

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 12
Interval data: when we can form differences, we refer to the data as interval data
• Suppose we are given the following temperature readings (in degrees Fahrenheit):
58°, 63°, 70°, 95°, 110°, 126° and 135°
• In this case, we can write 100° > 70° or 95° < 135° which means that 110° is warmer
than 70° and that 95° is cooler than 135°
• We can also write 95° – 70° = 135° – 110°

Ratio data: ratio data includes all the usual measurement (or determinations) of length,
height, money amounts, weight, volume, area, pressures etc

2.4 Measurement Scales

The most widely used classification of measurement scales are: (a) nominal scale; (b) ordinal
scale; (c) interval scale; and (d) ratio scale.

Nominal scale - the simplest; categories with names (e.g., for drinking vessels: mugs,
goblets, cups, juice glasses, etc.)
Ordinal scale - when the terms in question can be rank ordered (intervals between ranks may
not be ordered) (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd place at a track meet - no information about how far apart
the winners were)
Interval scale - when the terms in question can be rank ordered and equal intervals separate
them, but there is no zero point (e.g., temperatures in °C, when at 0 °C temperature doesn't
cease to exist but interval of 1°C is constant)
Ratio scale - goes one step further; it assumes the presence of a zero point (e.g., measurement
of sound in decibels, zero means no sound and intervals are strict)

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 13
2.5 Sources of error in measurement
Measurement should be precise and unambiguous in an ideal research study. The following
are the possible sources of error in measurement
 Respondent: The respondent may be reluctant to express strong negative feelings or
have very little knowledge or fatigue, boredom, anxiety, etc. may limit the ability of
the respondent to respond accurately and fully.
 Situation: Any condition which places a strain on interview can have serious effects
on the interviewer-respondent rapport. For instance, if someone else is present, or if
respondent feels that anonymity is not assured.
 Measurer: The interviewer behaviour, style and looks, rewording or reordering of
questions mechanical processing may distort the findings can introduce errors.
 Instrument: Error may arise because of the defective measuring instrument, use of
complex words, ambiguous meanings, poor printing

2.6 Modeling & Mathematical Models for research

A mathematical model is a description of a system using mathematical concepts and
language. The process of developing a mathematical model is termed mathematical
modeling. Mathematical models are used in the natural sciences (such as physics, biology,
earth science, chemistry) and engineering disciplines (such as computer science, electrical
engineering), as well as in non-physical systems such as the social sciences (such as
economics, psychology, sociology, political science). Mathematical models are also used in
music, linguistics and philosophy (for example, intensively in analytic philosophy).

A model may help to explain a system and to study the effects of different components, and
to make predictions about behavior.

Sampling: is a process of selecting samples from a group or population to become the

foundation for estimating and predicting the outcome of the population as well as to detect
the unknown piece of information.
• A sample is a sub group of population

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Precision and Accuracy in Measurement
Precision concerns repeatability. This is connected to how well the instrument is calibrated.
Accuracy concerns the closeness of the measurement to the “true” value -- the ability to
home in on a target.

Greater precision does not always mean greater accuracy, and accuracy does not guarantee
precision. Digital watches can be precise to the hundredth of a second, but not necessarily
accurate.

2.7 Concepts of Statistical Population, Sample, Sampling Frame, Sampling

Error, Sample Size

Statistical Population: The class, families living in the city or electorates from which you
select you select your sample are called the population or study population, and are usually
denoted by the letter N

Sampling Frame: Each student, family or elector that becomes the basis for selecting your
sample is called the sampling unit or sampling element. A list identifying each respondent
in the study population is called sampling frame. In case when all elements in a sampling
population cannot be individually identified, you cannot have a sampling frame for the study
population

Sample: The small group of students, families or electors from whom you collect the
required information to estimate the average age of the class, average income or the election
outcome is called the sample.

Sample Size: The number of students, families or electors from whom you obtain the
required information is called the sample size and is usually denoted by the letter n.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 15
Sampling Design: A sample design is a definite plan for obtaining a sample from the
sampling frame. It refers to the technique or the procedure the researcher would adopt in
selecting some sampling units from which inferences about the population is drawn. The way
you select students, families or electors is called the sampling design or sampling strategy

Sampling Error: Sample surveys do imply the study of a small portion of the population and
as such there would naturally be a certain amount of inaccuracy in the information collected.
This inaccuracy may be termed as sampling error or error variance.

The product of the critical value at a certain level of significance and the S.E. is often
described as ‘Sampling Error’ at that particular level of significance.

Characteristics of a Good Sampling Design

(a) Sample design must result in a truly representative sample.
(b) Sample design must be such which results in a small sampling error.
(c) Sample design must be viable in the context of funds available for the research study.
(d) Sample design must be such so that systematic bias can be controlled in a better way.
(e) Sample should be such that the results of the sample study can be applied, in general, for
the universe with a reasonable level of confidence.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 16
2.8 Probability and Non-Probability sampling- types and criteria for
selection
Or
Classification of sampling techniques

Probability Sampling: This sampling technique includes sample selection which is based on
random methods (Probability sampling means that every item in the population has an equal
chance of being included in sample). The techniques that are based on this category are
random sampling, stratified sampling, systematic sampling and cluster sampling.

Simple random sampling: The simple random sample means that every case of the
population has an equal probability of inclusion in sample.

Systematic sampling is where every nth case after a random start is selected. For
example, if surveying a sample of consumers, every fifth consumer may be selected
from your sample.

Stratified sampling is where the population is divided into strata (or subgroups) and a
random sample is taken from each subgroup. Subgroups might be based on company
size, gender or occupation (to name but a few). Stratified sampling is often used
where there is a great deal of variation within a population.

Cluster sampling is where the whole population is divided into clusters or groups.
Subsequently, a random sample is taken from these clusters. Cluster sampling is
advantageous for those researchers whose subjects are fragmented over large
geographical areas as it saves time and money

Multi-stage sampling is a process of moving from a broad to a narrow sample, using

a step-by-step process.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 17
Non-Probability Sampling: This sampling techniques is not based on random selection.
Some examples are quota sampling, purposive sampling and convenience sampling.
Quota sampling is a non-random sampling technique in which participants are chosen
on the basis of predetermined characteristics so that the total sample will have the
same distribution of characteristics as the wider population.

Snowball sampling is a non-random sampling method that uses a few cases to help
encourage other cases to take part in the study, thereby increasing sample size. This
approach is most applicable in small populations that are difficult to access due to
their closed nature, e.g. secret societies and inaccessible professions

Convenience sampling is selecting participants because they are often readily and
easily available.

Purposive or judgmental sampling is a strategy in which particular settings persons

or events are selected deliberately in order to provide important information that
cannot be obtained from other choices. It is where the researcher includes cases or
participants in the sample because they believe that they warrant inclusion.

Probability:
Probability is the branch of mathematics concerning numerical descriptions of how likely
an event is to occur, or how likely it is that a proposition is true.
 The probability of an event is a number between 0 and 1, where, roughly speaking, 0
indicates impossibility of the event and 1 indicates certainty. The higher the
probability of an event, the more likely it is that the event will occur.
 A simple example is the tossing of a coin. There could be two outcomes ("heads" and
"tails") and both are equally probable; the probability of "heads" equals the
probability of "tails"; and since no other outcomes are possible, the probability of
either "heads" or "tails" is 1/2 (which could also be written as 0.5 or 50%).

Probability Distributions:
A probability distribution is a statistical function that describes all the possible values and
likelihoods that a random variable can take within a given range.

Example: The characteristic compressive strength is defined as the strength of the concrete
below which not more than 5% of the test results are expected to fall.
If you test 100 cubes of size 150 x 150 x 150 mm, if the compressive strength of 95 cubes is
greater than 30 MPa then we say characteristic compressive strength of concrete is M30.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 18
Confidence level and significance level:

The confidence level or reliability is the expected percentage of times that the actual value
will fall within the stated precision limits. Thus, if we take a confidence level of 95%, then
we mean that there are 95 chances in 100 (or .95 in 1) that the sample results represent the
true condition of the population within a specified precision range against 5 chances in 100
(or .05 in 1) that it does not. Confidence level indicates the likelihood that the answer will fall
within that range.

The significance level indicates the likelihood that the answer will fall outside that range. We
can always remember that if the confidence level is 95%, then the significance level will be
(100 – 95) i.e., 5%; if the confidence level is 99%, the significance level is (100 – 99) i.e.,
1%, and so on.

We should also remember that the area of normal curve within precision limits for the
specified confidence level constitute the acceptance region and the area of the curve outside
these limits in either direction constitutes the rejection regions.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 19
Eg. Characteristic Compressive strength

Eg. Characteristic Load

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 20
2.9 Hypothesis Testing:

• To test a hypothesis means to tell (on the basis of the data the researcher has
collected) whether or not the hypothesis seems to be valid.
• In hypothesis testing the main question is: whether to accept the null hypothesis or not
to accept the null hypothesis?

2.10 Type I and Type II errors: In the context of testing of hypotheses, there are
basically two types of errors we can make. We may reject H0 when H0 is true and we may
accept H0 when in fact H0 is not true. The former is known as Type I error and the latter as
Type II error. In other words, Type I error means rejection of hypothesis which should have
been accepted and Type II error means accepting the hypothesis which should have been
rejected.

• Rejection of a null hypothesis when it is true. This is known as a Type I error.

• Acceptance of a null hypothesis when it is false. This is known as a Type II error

2.11 t-test is based on t-distribution and is considered an appropriate test for judging the
significance of a sample mean or for judging the significance of difference between the
means of two samples in case of small sample(s)

2.12 z-test is based on the normal probability distribution and is used for judging the
significance of several statistical measures, particularly the mean.

2.13 Regression Analysis: Regression is the determination of a statistical relationship

between two or more variables. In simple regression, we have only two variables, one
variable (defined as independent) is the cause of the behaviour of another one (defined as
dependent variable). Regression can only interpret what exists physically i.e., there must be a
physical way in which independent variable X can affect dependent variable Y. The basic
relationship between X and Y is given by Y a bX

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 21
Example:

Source: K. Gourav, B. V. Venkatarama Reddy. Out-of-plane flexure behaviour of fly ash- lime-gypsum brick masonry walls. Engineering Structures (Elsevier).
2018;173:241- 250. doi:10.1016/J.ENGSTRUCT.2018.06.114.

2.14 Correlation: is the most widely used method of measuring the degree of relationship
between two variables.
This coefficient assumes the following:
(i) that there is linear relationship between the two variables;
(ii) that the two variables are casually related which means that one of the variables is
independent and the other one is dependent; and
(iii) a large number of independent causes are operating in both variables so as to produce a
normal distribution.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 22
2.15 Writing Research Report:
There are set rules which should be followed in the actual preparation of the research
report or paper and no deviation permitted.

1. Structure of Research Report

 Title page
 Declaration and Certificate
 Dedication
 Acknowledgment
 Contents / Table of Contents Front Matter
 List of Tables
 List of Figures
 List of Notations/Abbreviations
 Abstract
 Introduction [10 percent]
 Literature review [10 percent]
 Materials and Methods [10 percent] Main Matter
 Results and Discussion [50 percent]
 Conclusion and Recommendation [20 percent]
 References
 Appendices Back Matter

2. Format and style (Applied for main matter)

Size and physical design: The manuscript should be written on unruled paper 8 1∕2’’ × 11’’
in size. A margin of 1 1∕2’’ at the left hand, 1∕2’’ at the right hand, 1’’ at top and bottom of
the paper. All typing should be double-spaced on one side of the page.

3. Declaration and Certificate

Should include both the candidate’s and the supervisor’s declaration and duly signed.
Declaration: This thesis is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in
any other University …………………. ………………… Signature Date
Certificate: This thesis has been submitted for examination with my approval as
University Supervisor ……………… ………………. Signature Date

4. Dedication / Acknowledgement
Dedication: You can dedicate your research work (Master’s / PhD) to your parents / your
loved once.
Acknowledgement: You can acknowledge the people who have helped you in Master’s /
PhD, it might be your guide, colleagues who have helped you in your work, laboratory
staff who have assisted you, friends who have motivated you.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 23
5. Title Page

Figure: Typical Title page

6. Table of Contents

Figure: Typical Table of Contents

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 24
7. List of Tables

8. List of Figures

9. List of Notations/ Abbreviations

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 25
Note: You can prepare Table of Contents, List of Tables, List of Figures and List of
Notations by inserting table (Microsoft word) and hiding it.

10. Abstract should include:

 Background (Context, Objective) = 1–2 Sentences
 Methods (Methodology) = 2–3 Sentences
 Results = <10 Sentences
 Conclusion = 1-2 sentence

11. Introduction & Literature review

Introduction and literature review can be merged. Introduction should be about 5 pages
(maximum). Introduction should say the following:
 Background
o Currently- Accepted General Statements
o Available Supporting Data
 Gap

Literature review should include the following:

 Theoretical review/Conceptual Framework

o Review the empirical and theoretical literature relevant to the problem being
investigated
o Indicate what has been done by other researchers including the
methodologies used and identify gaps
o The hypothesized variables should be subheadings of the literature review to
form a framework that would help in analysis
o Conceptual framework should demonstrate an understanding of what variable
influences what
o Use standard method of citation. Consistency is important in citation.
 Critique of the existing literature relevant to the study.
 Summary of literature (in points). Last point in summary of literature should say
about research gaps
 Objectives and scope of the thesis
 Organization of the thesis

12. Materials and Methods

For materials
 Specify the apparatuses, including the manufacturers’ names and addresses
 Identify all chemicals and supplies used
 Describe the salient characteristics of all experimental subjects and tell exactly how
the subjects were found or chosen, including the eligibility requirements, the criteria
for exclusion, and the nature of the source population from which they were drawn.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 26
 For methods

 Explain the overall design of your research program

 Fully describe all the operations and procedures in sufficient detail to allow other
workers to repeat them and to reproduce your results
 Cite references for all previously documented methods, including any statistical
methods
 Give complete recipes for any new or modified techniques
 Explain the procedures used to analyze your data

13. Results and Discussion

A detailed presentation of the findings of the study, with supporting data in the form of
tables and charts together with a validation of results
 Style of presentation – presentation of raw data followed by discussion
 Table titles should be at the top of the tables, Tables copied from elsewhere
should have source below them
 Figure titles should be at the bottom of the figures

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 27
14. Conclusion and Recommendation should include:

 Introduction-A brief on the chapter

 Summary- This is an extended abstract
 Conclusions- Must be derived from the summary
 Recommendations- Should come from the conclusions

15. Appendices should include:

 Questionnaires
 Sample information
 Mathematical derivations and the like ones
 Bulk of data in table form

2.16 Layout of a Research Paper

The standard format of a research paper has six sections:
 Title and Abstract, which summarize the paper
 Introduction, which describes where the paper’s research question fits into current
science
 Materials and Methods, which translates the research question into a detailed method of
operations
 Results, which is an orderly compilation of the data observed after following the
research recipe
 Discussion, which consolidates the data and connects it to the data of other researchers
 Conclusion, which gives the one or two scientific points to which the entire paper leads

2.17 Research proposal

(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_proposal)

A research proposal is a document proposing a research project, generally in the sciences or

academia, and generally constitutes a request for sponsorship of that research. Proposals are
evaluated on the cost and potential impact of the proposed research, and on the soundness of
the proposed plan for carrying it out. Research proposals generally address several key
points:

 What research question(s) will be addressed, and how they will be addressed
 How much time and expense will be required for the research
 What prior research has been done on the topic
 How the results of the research will be evaluated
 How the research will benefit the sponsoring organization and other parties

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 28
2.18 Citation of references

What is referencing?
When writing a piece of academic work, you must acknowledge any sources you have used.
You do this by including a ‘citation’ within your text (usually a number or an author’s name)
next to the material you have used. This brief citation leads your reader to a full reference to
the work, which you include in your list of references at the end of your text.

Which system and style should you use?

For essays, Project reports and dissertations / thesis, ask your Department which system and
style they want you to use.
If you are writing a paper for an academic journal, then you need to use the house style that
the publisher recommends: they will supply you with full instructions.

Citation can be done in Name/Date System:

A. Name System

Reference

B. Date System

Griffith et al. [26] tested unreinforced wall panels under out-of-plane static and dynamic loading and proposed
an empirical force displacement relationship for displacement-based method of analysis. The static push tests
were conducted and the nonlinear force-displacement behaviour was compared with the linear elastic theory and
the rigid body theory. The linear elastic theory results agreed well with the experimental values rather than the

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 29
rigid body theory results. Lu et al. [27] developed a comprehensive finite element model for unreinforced
masonry considering the material and the geometric nonlinearity, with the capability of capturing post-cracking
and the post buckling behaviour.

Reference

1. For books and pamphlets, the order may be as under:

1) Name of author, last name first
2) Title, in italics / double quotes
3) Publisher, Place and date of publication
 Hendry, A.W., “Structural masonry”, 2nd edition, Macmillan, London, 1998.
 Kothari, C.R., Quantitative Techniques, Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., New
Delhi, 1978.

2. For code books:

 IS 2250 – 1981 (Reaffirmed 2000), “Code of practice for preparation and use of
masonry mortars”, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, India.
 IS 3495 – 1992 (Reaffirmed 2002), “Methods of tests of burnt building bricks – Part
I: Determination of compressive strength”, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi,
India.
 ASTM C67 – 1994, "Standard test methods of sampling and testing brick and
structural clay tile", American Society for Testing and Materials.

3. For book chapters (When book has been written by many authors)
 Gourav, K. and Ullas, S. N., “Characteristics of Flowable Stabilised Earth Concrete”.
In: Reddy B., Mani M., Walker P. (eds) Earthen Dwellings and Structures. Springer
Transactions in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Springer, Singapore, 2019.

4. For thesis (PhD or Master’s)

 Gourav, K., “Studies on compacted stabilized fly ash mixtures and fly ash bricks for
masonry”. M. Sc. (Engg) thesis, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of
Science, Bangalore, India, 2009.
5. For journals, magazines and newspapers the order may be as under:
1) Name of the author
2) Title of article.
3) Name of journal
4) The volume and number

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 30
 5) The date of the issue
6) The page numbers
 Venkatarama Reddy, B. V. and Gourav, K., “Strength of lime-fly ash compacts using
different curing techniques and gypsum like additive”, Materials and Structures
(RILEM), Vol. 44, No. 10, December 2011, pp. 1793 – 1808.
 Yang, J., Liu, W., Zhang, L. and Xiao, B., “Preparation of load-bearing building
materials from autoclaved phosphogypsum”, Construction and Building
Materials, Vol. 23, No. 2, 2009, pp. 687 – 693.

6. For conference presentation:

 Gourav, K., Balaji, N. C., Venkatarama Reddy, B. V. and Mani, M., "Studies into
structural and thermal properties of building envelope materials". CISBAT 2017 -
International Conference at EPFL, September 6 - 8, 2017, Lausanne,
SWITZERLAND.

7. For reports from website:

 Ministry of Power, Government of India, 2014
http://powermin.nic.in/JSP_SERVLETS/internal.jsp, accessed on 16 December,
2014.
8. For software:
 ATENA, “3D Nonlinear analysis software”. Cervenka Consulting
(http://www.cervenka.cz.) Predvoje 22, 162 00 Praha 6, Czech Republic, 2006.

2.19 Reference Management Software like Zotero/Mendeley

Reference Management Software helps to simplify reference management workflow such

that main focus of writing a research report can be focused.

Mendeley is a free web and desktop management application with the following highlights:
 Store, organize and search all your references from just one library.
 Seamlessly insert references and bibliographies into your Microsoft® Word
documents using Mendeley Cite.
 Read, highlight and annotate PDFs, and keep all your thoughts across multiple
documents in one place.
 Collaborate with others by sharing references and ideas.

2.20 Software for paper formatting like LaTeX/MS Office

MS Word is the most widely used tool in the writing community. It comes with great
features and keeps evolving with each version. Some of the popular features include:
Grammar and spell checker, Thesaurus, text formatting and aligning, bullets and numbering,

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 31
inserting watermarks, page numbers headers and footers, readymade templates and mail
merge. You can install plenty of third-party plugins and apps to enhance your experience. A
good choice of plugins can save you a lot of time and effort with your writing.

2.21 Effective technical presentation in seminars/workshops/symposiums

 Choose a large, readable font [at least 18 point in Ariel]; avoid using fancy text
fonts or cursive text.
 Use bold text, underlining, or different-colored text to highlight elements of your
speech that you want to emphasize. Don't overdo it, though. Only highlight the most
important elements of your presentation.

2.22 Ethical conduct in research

(Source: What is Ethics in Research & Why is it Important? U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)

Research ethics provides guidelines for the responsible conduct of research. The following is
a general summary of some ethical principles:

1. Honesty: Honestly report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status.
Do not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data.
2. Objectivity: Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data
interpretation, peer review, personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony, and other
aspects of research.
3. Integrity: Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency
of thought and action.
4. Carefulness: Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your
own work and the work of your peers. Keep good records of research activities.
5. Openness: Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
6. Respect for Intellectual Property: Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of
intellectual property. Do not use unpublished data, methods, or results without
permission. Give credit where credit is due. Never plagiarize.
7. Confidentiality: Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants submitted
for publication, personnel records, trade or military secrets, and patient records.
8. Responsible Publication: Publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to
advance just your own career. Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication.
9. Responsible Mentoring: Help to educate, mentor, and advise students. Promote their
welfare and allow them to make their own decisions.
10. Respect for Colleagues: Respect your colleagues and treat them fairly.
11. Social Responsibility: Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social
harms through research, public education, and advocacy.
12. Non-Discrimination: Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis
of sex, race, ethnicity, or other factors that are not related to their scientific competence
and integrity.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 32
 13. Competence: Maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise
through lifelong education and learning; take steps to promote competence in science as a
whole.
14. Legality: Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies.
15. Animal Care: Show proper respect and care for animals when using them in research.
Do not conduct unnecessary or poorly designed animal experiments.
16. Human Subjects Protection: When conducting research on human subjects, minimize
harms and risks and maximize benefits; respect human dignity, privacy, and autonomy.

2.23 Ethical issues related to publishing

(Source: https://www.elsevier.com/authors/policies-and-guidelines)

 Authorship of the paper: Authorship should be limited to those who have made a
significant contribution to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the
reported study.
 Originality and plagiarism: The authors should ensure that they have written
entirely original works, and if the authors have used the work and/or words of others,
that this has been appropriately cited or quoted.
 Data access and retention: Authors may be asked to provide the raw data in
connection with a paper for editorial review, and should be prepared to provide public
access to such data.
 Multiple, redundant or concurrent publication: An author should not in general
publish manuscripts describing essentially the same research in more than one journal
or primary publication.
 Acknowledgement of sources: Proper acknowledgment of the work of others must
always be given.
 Disclosure and conflicts of interest: All submissions must include disclosure of all
relationships that could be viewed as presenting a potential conflict of interest.
 Fundamental errors in published works: When an author discovers a significant
error or inaccuracy in his/her own published work, it is the author's obligation to
promptly notify the journal editor or publisher and cooperate with the editor to retract
or correct the paper.
 Reporting standards: Authors of reports of original research should present an
accurate account of the work performed as well as an objective discussion of its
significance.
 Hazards and human or animal subjects: Statements of compliance are required if
the work involves chemicals, procedures or equipment that have any unusual hazards
inherent in their use, or if it involves the use of animal or human subjects.
 Use of patient images or case details: Studies on patients or volunteers require
ethics committee approval and informed consent, which should be documented in the
paper.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 33
2.24 Plagiarism is :
1. The submission of material authored by another person but represented as the
student's own work, whether that material is paraphrased or copied in verbatim or
near-verbatim form.
2. The submission of material subjected to editorial revision by another person that
results in substantive changes in content or major alteration of writing style.
3. Improper acknowledgment of sources in essays or papers.

2.25 Software for detection of Plagiarism

List of Software available:

1. Dupli Checker
2. Copyleaks
3. PaperRater
4. Plagiarisma
5. Plagiarism Checker
6. Plagium
7. PlagScan
8. PlagTracker

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 34
MODULE - 3: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

3.1 Introduction
Tangible Property: Products that can be touched or felt in physical form. Example: phones,
cars, Homes, Land., etc.,

Intangible Property: Products which cannot be touched but remain a fundamental part of
our minds. It includes ideas traversing in diverse fields. Examples: Music, Lyrics, Inventions,
Poem, etc.,

Intellectual Property (IP) is a vast field comprising of technology-led inventions, work of

artisans, novel Industrial Designs, unique brands of commercial items, and Traditional
Knowledge being practiced continuously over centuries for the production of goods (carpets,
textiles, food products, etc.).

World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO an agency of the United Nations having
headquarters in Geneva was created in 1970 “To Encourage creative activity, To Promote the
protection of intellectual property throughout the world”. India joined WIPO in 1975.

3.2 Types of Intellectual Property Rights

The different types of intellectual property rights in India are:
1. The Copyrights Act, 1957 (“Copyright Act”)
2. The Trade Marks Act, 1999 (“Trade marks Act”)
3. The Patents Act, 1970 (“Patents Act”)
4. The Design Act, 2000 (“Design Act”)
5. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 (“GI
Act”)
6. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Act, 2001 (“Plant Varieties Act”)
7. The Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout- Design Act, 2000 (“SICLD Act”)

3.2.1 Copyrights and Related Rights ©: Copyright is a right granted to the owner for
creating an original literary or dramatic or musical or artistic work. Cinematographic films
including sound track and video films and recordings on discs, tapes etc are also covered by
copyrights. Computer programs and software are covered under literary works and are
protected in India under copyrights. Copyrights and Related Rights are one of the categories
of IP and governed by the Copyright Act, 1957 of India.

Fundamental of copy right.

To qualify for Copyright protection, a work must exist in some physical (or tangible) form.
The duration of the existence of the physical form may vary from a very short period to many

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 35
years. Virtually any form of expression which can be viewed or listened to is eligible to
qualify as Copyright.
The Copyright work has to be expressed by the creator in his frame of thought. In other
words, the work has to be original i.e. the author created it from independent thinking void of
duplication. This type of work is termed as an Original Work of Authorship (OWA).
The validity of Copyright is for 60 years. This period starts either from the year after the
death of the author (in case of literature, dramatic, musical and artistic works) or from the
date of publication of the work (in case of cinematograph films, sound recordings,
photographs, posthumous publications, works of government and works of international
organization

Amitabh Bachchan to lose Copyrights over his father’s works in 2063 - Father of
renowned actor Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, (late) Shree Harivansh Rai Bachchan was a noted
poet and Hindi writer. His most famous work was Madhushaala (1935). He was the recipient
of the Sahitya Akademi award and the Padma Bhushan. He also did Hindi translations of
Shakespeare‘s Macbeth and Othello. He passed away on 18th January 2003, at the age of 95.
As per the Copyright Act, 1957, the rights over his work will be completed in the year 2063
(rights remain with the author for his lifetime plus 60 years).

3.2.2 Trademarks and Service Marks:

Purpose and function of trademarks - A Trademark (or Trade Mark) is a unique symbol
that is capable of identifying as well as differentiating products or services of one
organization from those of others. The word ‘Mark’ stands for a sign, design, phrase, slogan,
symbol, name, numeral, devise or a combination of these. Essentially, the Trademark is
anything that identifies a brand to a common consumer.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 36
Types of trademark

Represents that the Trademark is unregistered. This mark can be used for
promoting the goods of the company.
Represents that the Trademark is unregistered. This mark can be used for
promoting brand services.
Represents a registered Trademark/Service. The applicant of the
registered Trademark is its legal owner.

Acquisition of trade mark rights

Who Can Apply for a Trademark

Any person who is a proprietor of the Trademark is eligible to apply for registration of
Trademark. The mark can be filed collectively by two or more applicants and for that
purpose, support documents need to be submitted. An organization or association can file for
the collective mark and the same can be used by its members. The most appropriate example
for this mark is the ‘Reliance’ symbol, which indicates all products falling under the
organization.

Eligibility Criteria
Distinctiveness - The goods and services for which the protection is sought should possess
enough uniqueness to identify it as a Trademark.

Descriptiveness - The Trademark should not be describing the description of the concerned
goods or services. Descriptive marks are unlikely to be protected under Trademark law.
However, descriptive words may be registered if they acquire ―secondary meaningǁ, such
as the brand name ‘Apple’ is used by a USA based multinational company that
manufactures electronic gadgets.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 37
 Similarity to the prior marks - The mark should be unique and should not be having
similarity to the existing marks.

Registration of a Trademark is Not Compulsory

Although, registration of a Trademark is not compulsory, registration provides certain advantages to
the proprietor of the Trademark, such as:

Legal Protection – prevents the exploitation of the Registering Trademark by other

companies/organizations/individuals, without proper authorization by the legal owner/s of
the Trademark.
Exclusive Right - grants the Trademark owner full rights to use it in any lawful manner to
promote his business.
Brand Recognition - products/ services are identified by their logo, which helps create
brand value over time.
Asset Creation - registered Trademark is an intangible property of the organization.

Validity of Trademark
In India, a registered Trademark is valid for 10 years. The period can be extended every 10
years, perpetually.

3.2.3 Patents : Patent is an exclusive right granted by a country to the owner of an innovation
to make, use, manufacture and market the invention, provided the innovation satisfies certain
criteria - like having novelty, inventive step and industrial application
There are three types of patents:
a. Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and
useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matter, or any
new and useful improvement thereof;

b. Design patents may be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, and
ornamental design for an article of manufacture; and Plant patents may be granted
to anyone who invents or discovers new variety of plant.

c. Trade Secrets: A trade secret consists of any valuable business information. The
business secrets are not to be known by the competitor. There is no limit to the type
of information that can be protected as trade secrets; For Example: Recipes,
Marketing plans, financial projections, and methods of conducting business can all
constitute trade secrets

Validity of Patent Protection - The patent protection is granted to an applicant for a limited
period, generally 20 years, starting from the date of filing of the application. Once a patent is
granted for an invention in India, the next vital step is to ensure that it is renewed annually by
paying Patent Renewal Fee as per Section 53, Rule 80 of the Indian Patents Act, till the
expiry of the patent grant period. Non-payment of Patent Renewal Fee might result in the
cancellation of the patent.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 38
3.2.4 Design: Industrial Design means the features of shape, configuration, pattern, ornament
or composition of lines or colours applied to any article by any industrial or manual process
or means and which are judged solely by the perception of the eye.

Eligibility Criteria
The Design for which the protection is being sought must be novel or original i.e., should not
be disclosed to the public by prior publication or by prior use or in any other way. The
Design should be significantly distinguishable from the already registered Designs existing in
the public domain.

The registered Designs are protected for 10 years in India and can be extended by 5 years
after making a renewal application.

Coca-Cola Bottle - The contoured-shaped glass bottle of the Coca- Cola Company is
marvelled as a master showpiece in the field of industrial design. It was designed in 1915 and
is still a cynosure for all eyes.

3.2.5 Geographical indications : Geographical Indications (GI) means an indication which

identifies certain agricultural or natural or manufactured goods as originating or
manufactured in the territory of a country, or a region or locality in that territory, where a
given quality, reputation or other characteristics of such goods is essentially attributable to its
geographical origin.

Ownership of GI - The ownership/holders of GI (registered) can be of the producers, as a

group/association/ cooperative society or association or in certain cases, government.

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 39
Rights Granted to the Holders
1. Right to grant the license to others - The holder has the right to gift, sell,
transfer/grant a license, mortgage or enter into any other arrangement for
consideration regarding their product.
2. Right to sue - The holder of GI has the right to use and take legal action against a
person who uses the product without his consent.
3. Right to exploit - The holder of GI can authorize users with exclusive right to use
goods for which the GI is registered.
4. Right to get reliefs - Registered proprietors and authorized users have the right to
obtain relief concerning the violation of such GI products.

Registered GI in India
GI products registered in India belong to the domains of handicrafts, agricultural, food stuffs,
alcoholic beverages, etc. The first GI tag was granted in 2004 to Darjeeling Tea and the latest
being Kashmir Saffron and Manipur Black rice (Chakhao) in May 2020.

In India, GI tags are issued by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department for
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The head of
GI registry is at Geographical Indications Registry Intellectual Property Office Building,
Industrial Estate, G.S.T Road, Guindy, Chennai - 600032.

Difference Between GI, Trademark and Traditional Knowledge

Generally, people get confused with GI, Trademark and Traditional Knowledge. GI identifies
a product/good as originating from a specific place. Trademark products/goods/service
originate from a particular industry/institute/organization/society, etc. A Trademark is
identified by an arbitrary sign, whereas GI has the name of the geographical area. Finally, a

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 40
Trademark can be assigned or licensed to anyone, anywhere in the world, whereas GI is
linked with a specific geographical territory.

Products identified as GI are often the result of traditional processes and knowledge carried
forward by a community in a particular region from generation to generation. Similarly, some
products identified by a GI may embody characteristic elements of the traditional artistic
heritage developed in a given region, known as traditional knowledge (also termed as
traditional cultural expressions). This is particularly true for tangible products, such as
handicrafts, made using natural resources and having qualities derived from their
geographical origin.

List of GI Tag in India 2022 PDF| Recent GI Tags In India 2022

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 41
3.2.6 Plant variety protection : Plant Variety Protection and Farmer's Rights (PVPFR) is a
system for protection of plant varieties, the rights of farmers and plant breeders and to
encourage the development of new varieties of plants. Criteria for protection a new plant
variety are distinctness, uniformity, stability, novelty and appropriate denomination (generic
designation).
Conditions for Registration of New Plant Variety
 Novelty - Plant variety (propagated and harvested material) has not been exploited
earlier than one year in India and earlier than four years outside India.
 Distinctiveness - Plant variety is distinct in its essential characteristics from other
plant varieties.
 Uniformity - All plants of the plant variety show the same characteristics (subjected
to variation in generations due to propagation).
 Stability - Through many generations, the essential characteristics of the plant should
not change in terms of quality and content.

Plant Varieties which cannot be Registered in India

 Plant variety whose commercial exploitation is detrimental for the environment or
public order or public morality or health or human/animal/plant life.
 Plant variety that involves the use of technology which is detrimental to
human/animal/plant life.
 Plant variety that belongs to the genera or species which is not listed in the
notification issued by the Government of India.

Duration of Plant Variety Protection in India

The protection period varies depending on plant variety such as Trees and Vines - 18 years,
Extant Varieties - 15 years; other crops - 15 years.
3.2.7 Layout design of integrated circuits: Layout Design of Integrated Circuit includes a
layout of transistors and other circuitry elements and includes lead wires connecting such
elements and expressed in any manner in a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC), designed to
perform an electronic circuitry function.

Duration of Registration
The layout design should be filed for registration before publishing it. Once it has been
registered under the Act, initial protection will be for 10 years counted from the date of filing
an application. If the design is already being used, the date of protection will be counted from
the date of first commercial exploitation anywhere in India or in any country, whichever is
earlier.

3.3 Importance of intellectual property rights

 Protecting Intellectual Property Rights

 Technology has led to increase awareness about the IP

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 42
  Some individuals and companies offer only knowledge. Thus, computer consultant,
advertising agencies, Internet companies, and software implementers sell only
brainpower.
 Domain names and moving images are also be protected
 More than fifty percent of U.S. exports now depend on some form of intellectual
property protection.
 The rapidity with which information can be communicated through the Internet has
led to increasing challenges in the field of intellectual property.
 The most valuable assets a company owns are its Intellectual property assets
 Companies must act aggressively to protect these valuable assets from infringement
(breaching, violation of law) or misuse by others
 The field of intellectual property law aims to protect the value of such investments

3.4 Agencies responsible for Intellectual property registration

World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO an agency of the United Nations having
headquarters in Geneva was created in 1970 “To Encourage creative activity, To Promote the
protection of intellectual property throughout the world”. India joined WIPO in 1975.

Cyber Law – Information Technology Act.

The Information Technology Act, 2000 (also known as ITA-2000, or the IT Act) is an Act of
the Indian Parliament (No 21 of 2000) notified on 17 October 2000. It is the primary law in
India dealing with cybercrime and electronic commerce. The laws apply to the whole of

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 43
India. If a crime involves a computer or network located in India, persons of other
nationalities can also be indicted under the law.

The Act provides a legal framework for electronic governance by giving recognition to
electronic records and digital signatures. It also defines cyber-crimes and prescribes penalties
for them. The Act directed the formation of a Controller of Certifying Authorities to regulate
the issuance of digital signatures. It also established a Cyber Appellate Tribunal to resolve
disputes rising from this new law.

TEXT BOOKS:
1. Chawla, Deepak & Sondhi, Neena (2011). Research methodology: Concepts and Cases,
Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd. Delhi.
2. Kothari, C.R., (2014), Research Methodology New Age International second revised
edition

REFERENCE BOOKS:
1. Garg, B.L., Karadia, R., Agarwal, F. and Agarwal, U.K., (2002). An Introduction to
Research Methodology, RBSA Publishers.
2. Sinha S.C. and Dhiman AK, (2002). Research Methodology,Ess, Ess Publications
3. Fink A, (2009). Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From the Internet to
Paper, Sage Publications

Dr. K. Gourav, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, NIE Mysuru ‐08 44