Development of a New Research Methodology Tool ‘Pearsons Visual Relationship Framework’

Academics and researchers are often faced with reading significant numbers of publications to identify and extract the relevant information that is required for their research, which can be time consuming and difficult to keep track of. The aim of this study was to find an alternative solution to current research methodologies used for publication review information storage and retrieval. The objectives were to develop a system utilising a relationship management format, that is visual and easy to create, providing access to documents, notes, abstracts and other relevant information at the click of a button. Following extensive research into methods of achieving this, it became apparent that there was a gap in the knowledge on how to achieve it efficiently. The visual relationship tool was developed and evaluated in practical use in academia and manufacturing, with extremely positive results as to its suitability in both fields. The conclusions were that the tool is not limited to academic research but can also be used in manufacturing, industry and small business management as well.