Research Background

Recently, several cities in the world have resulted in the adoption of BRT systems in their transport networks. China has not been left behind in this initiation. The past few years have seen a rapid growth in the adoption of BRT in the country. BRT was introduced in 1999 in the city of Kunming. It later came to spread to Beijing and Guangzhou in 2004 and 2010 respectively (Fjellstrom, 2010). In recent times, others cities are following suit in its adoption. Benefits accruing to the adoption of the system are the key drivers to its adoption. They range from economic, social and environmental benefits that have a great impact on the prospective development of china.

Research Question

Do Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems have a future in China?

Research Aim

The aim of the research is analyzing how BRT systems will fair in China in the coming years. To achieve this, an analysis of the factors that affect the system will be reviewed. This includes both the positive and the negative factors. Benefits accruing to the usage of the system are also relevant indicators of how far BRT will reach. Analyzing the stakeholders involved is also critical since they are involved in the implementation process. A comparison with other existing transport networks will also shed a light in reviewing its future since it needs to be more advantageous for its wide-scale acceptance.

Research Objectives

1. Conducting a thorough literature review on other studies that have been carried out by different researchers.
2. Establishing an appropriate methodology to the study. This includes the methods of collecting and analyzing data, philosophical paradigm and outlining the expected results.
3. Completing the research on time and having a valid summary.
4. The research shall also outline other important issues like the legal requirements and ethical issues among others.

Review of Literature

Several information sources will be used for the research process. Among them there is websites, books, journal articles etc. They are publications from individuals that have conducted a similar research in the past and came up with various findings. Publications from various municipal governments will also be relevant since they will provide facts and figures relating to the topic of study.

A wide range of literature that can be linked to the research is available. The literature includes various factors that affect BRT systems both in China and other parts of the world. The role of various stakeholders and the bottle necks involved in its implementation have been analyzed before too. Various benefits that accrue to cities and countries that use BRT have also been identified in various literatures. Through the literature it is also prevalent that BRT systems have several advantages that come along with their usage.

Research Methods

The research will embrace a philosophical paradigm with an objective of obtaining the desired results. Under this paradigm, it will focus on positivist research. This will encompass empirical testing by use of both inductive and deductive hypotheses. Methods to be used for collecting data are interviews, surveys and observation.   These methods will make it possible to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Questionnaires will be used for the survey purpose. They will be served to various stakeholders including the passengers and individuals involved with BRT construction and maintenance. Interviews will be directed towards the top officials involved in the implementation of the systems. They will include both structured and unstructured questions. It will provide an efficient ground of observing other non-verbal ques.  Observation on its part will enhance collection of qualitative data, which is also important for the research.

Research Ethics

Ethical issues relevant to this research include collection of faulty data. This entails data that is not representative of the population sample. It will be avoided by using the appropriate methodology that involves appropriate data collection methods and appropriate sample population. Another ethical issue that might arise from the research is deception. It usually occurs when a researcher misrepresents facts so that they can be in accordance to her hypothesis. This will be prevented by revisiting the hypothesis instead of manipulating results (Kothari, 2009).

Timetable

 References

Axinn,W. G., & Pearce, L. D., 2006. Mixed method data collection strategies. Cambridge:           Cambridge University Press.

Kothari, C. R., 2009. Research methodology methods & techniques (2nd rev. ed.). New Delhi:      New Age International (P) Ltd..

Fjellstrom, K., 2010. Bus rapid transit in China. Built Environment, 36(3), 363-374.

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