BUS9719M Professional Inquiry Project Proposal Biogas Project Management Assignment | UOL

Working Title

Biogas Project Management Using Green Technology: The Impact on Malaysia

Background to the Study

Malaysia, like most countries, is facing growing environmental challenges such as increasing waste generation, over-reliance on fossil fuels, and greenhouse gas emissions. The palm oil industry alone generates a large amount of palm oil mill effluent (POME), which, if not properly treated, contributes to serious environmental degradation. The same goes for domestic sewage. The use of biogas technology provides an opportunity to convert this waste into a renewable energy source, in line with Malaysia’s commitment to green technology under the National Green Technology Policy 2009 and the 12th Malaysia Plan. Managing biogas projects effectively can result in reduced carbon emissions, energy diversification, and economic growth for the country.

Academic Context and Support

The literature highlights the importance of sustainable energy management, emphasizing the integration of renewable sources into the national energy system (xxx,2xxx). Biogas, derived from the management of sewage sludge and organic waste, has been extensively studied for its environmental and socio-economic benefits (xxx, 2xxx). In the Malaysian context, a study by XXX (2XXX) demonstrated the success of biogas pilot projects at palm oil mills and sewage treatment plants and the potential for scaling up nationwide. However, challenges in project management, technology deployment and policy support remain underexplored, highlighting the gaps that this study aims to address.

Research Aims and Objectives

Conduct a study on how biogas project management using green technology impacts environmental sustainability, energy development and economic impact on Malaysia

Objectives:

• To deepen the study on current technology in biogas project management in Malaysia.
• To assess the environmental and economic impacts resulting from biogas technology activities.
• To identify the main challenges in implementing and managing biogas using green technology.
• To recommend strategies to improve the implementation and sustainability of biogas project management.

Research Design and Methods

Can choose a mixed methods approach or a single approach :

• Qualitative: Semi-structured interviews with project managers, government officials and stakeholders in the sewage management, palm oil and sugar processing industries.
• Quantitative: Data analysis.

Examples: reports on wastewater discharge to the environment, energy production records, and electricity consumption records at sewage treatment plants.

Case Study Method: Biogas projects currently being carried out with stakeholders (e.g. Petronas, Ministry of Energy) will be analyzed in detail to gain a deeper understanding of technical performance and management effectiveness.

Research Ethics

This research will adhere to standard academic ethics guidelines:

• Informed consent will be obtained from all interview participants.
• Confidentiality of data will be maintained.
• Ethical clearance will be obtained from the university’s Research Ethics Committee before fieldwork commences.
• Secondary data will be cited and used appropriately to avoid plagiarism.

Timescale and Resources

• Timescale: TBA
• Resources Needed:

Access to the university library and online database (Contoh : ScienceDirect, Online Journal )

Recording equipment for interviews

Microsoft Excel for data analysis

Travel funding (if visiting project sites)

Plans to Reflect and Demonstrate ‘Good Researcher’ Practice

To be an ethical researcher, I will:

Keep a research journal to record my progress and any challenges I face.
Meet regularly with my supervisor to get feedback and guidance.
Discuss my research with colleagues and stakeholders to gain more insights.
Join workshops at the university or other academic organisations to learn more about research methods and data handling.
This will help ensure that my research is clear, reliable, and always improving.

Reference List

• SEDA Malaysia (2022) Biogas projects and feed-in tariff statistics. Available at: https://www.seda.gov.my [Accessed on 26 May 2025]
• MIDA Malaysia (2022) IWK, EMB to pioneer production of ethanol and biogas from wastewater. 

Research Questions

• How does the use of green technology in biogas project management impact environmental sustainability and energy development in Malaysia?
• What are the economic and social benefits of biogas projects for residents and industry stakeholders in Malaysia?
• What are the main challenges faced by biogas project implementers in Malaysia, particularly in terms of technology, financing and policy compliance?
• How do Malaysian government policies and incentives influence the implementation and sustainability of biogas projects?
• How do stakeholders (e.g., government, private sector, local communities) view the impact and potential of biogas projects using green technology?
• What role does biogas play in contributing to Malaysia’s national goals for renewable energy and carbon reduction under international agreements?