Whether writing a Book on an Engineering subject is considered research work
Is Writing an Engineering Book Considered Research Work?
Many academicians and scholars wonder whether writing a book on an engineering subject is considered research work. The answer is yes, it is an academic contribution, but its classification as research depends on the nature of the book and university policies.
1. What Is an Engineering Book?
An engineering book is a structured publication that explains concepts, methods, technologies, or applications related to an engineering discipline. It is usually published with an ISBN and may be used for teaching, reference, or professional guidance.
Engineering books can be classified as:
- Textbooks (for students)
- Reference books (for professionals)
- Research monographs
- Edited volumes
2. When an Engineering Book Is Considered Research Work
An engineering book is considered research work when it:
- Presents original theories, models, or methods
- Includes experimental or simulation-based results
- Introduces new frameworks or technical solutions
- Systematically analyzes existing research and adds new insights
Such books are often called research monographs and are treated as scholarly research output.
3. When an Engineering Book Is NOT Considered Research Work
An engineering book is generally not treated as research work when it:
- Only explains existing syllabus topics
- Compiles known theories without new contribution
- Is written purely as a teaching textbook
- Contains no novel technical content
These books are considered academic or educational contributions, but not original research.
4. University Evaluation Perspective
Universities usually recognize engineering books as:
- Academic publications
- Scholarly contributions
- Supporting evidence of research activity
However, universities typically:
- Give higher weight to journal publications
- Moderate weight to conference papers
- Lower weight to books and book chapters
For PhD degree requirements, most universities specify publications in peer-reviewed journals rather than books alone.
5. Importance for Researchers and Faculty
For faculty members, engineering books contribute to:
- Academic reputation
- Teaching and curriculum development
- Professional recognition
For research scholars, books are useful for:
- Explaining extended research work
- Presenting comprehensive technical details
- Supporting journal publications
Conclusion
Writing a book on an engineering subject is considered a valuable academic contribution. It is treated as research work only when it contains original technical contributions, new methods, or innovative solutions. Purely instructional textbooks are generally not classified as research output. For formal academic evaluation and degree requirements, journal publications remain the most important indicator of research quality.