Introduction to MPhil/MSc/MBA/PhD/DBA Research 1

The Basics - this course gives you a basic understanding of:

 

 

Module 1: Introduction to research

• What is Research?

• What is Master or PhD?

• Different types of doctorate and master (MPhil/MSc/MBA/PhD/DBA)

• What are the requirements of a PhD or Master?

• Different ways of studying

• Research Terminology

• Programs and subscriptions for data collection and research

 

 

Module 2: Selection research advisor and university

Finding the right supervisor

•  Who are they?

•  How to contact a supervisor

•  Do you get on well with him or her?

•  How much time will he or she have for you?

•  Is he or she experienced at supervising?

• What stage of career is he or she at?

• Second supervisors

 

Finding the right university

• Location

• Transportation

• Research cultures

• Select a university

• The application form

• Interview with advisor and admission office

• Student visas

 

Funding

•  What fees will you have to pay?

•   How to apply

 

Accommodation

•  What do you need?

•  Budgets

•  University accommodation

•  Private accommodation

 

Introduction to MPhil/MSc/MBA/PhD/DBA Research 2

The research proposal - this course gives you understanding of:

 

Module 1: Selection of Research Topic

• brainstorm for ideas

• choose a topic that will enable you to read and understand the literature

• ensure that the topic is manageable, and that material is available

• define your topic as a focused research question

• formulate a thesis statement

• Research topic feasibility

 

Module 2: Concept of Research

• What research is and how it is carried out.

• The concept of research

• Empirical theory

• Experimental and observational research

• Basic research techniques

• Qualitative and quantitative research

 

Module 3: Research proposal

• Research problem

• Research questions

• Research aim

• Research Objectives

• Research Methods

• Research outcome

• Link Research problem with Research Objectives

• Research keywords

• Developing a research timetable

• Writing detailed research proposal

 

 

 

Introduction to MPhil/MSc/MBA/PhD/DBA Research 3

The Literature Review and Research Methods - this course gives you understanding of:

 

 

Module 1: The Literature Review

• Focus on your research objectives

• Referencing Description vs critical evaluation

• Learning theory and your dissertation

• Structuring your Literature Review

 

Module 2: The dissertation Introduction

• The general structure of the Introduction

• Background

• Research focus (revisited)

• Overall research aim and individual research objectives

• Value of your research

• A further suggestion

 

Module 3: Research Methods

• Research strategy

• Quantitative vs qualitative research

• Sampling techniques

• Positivism and phenomenology

• Justifying your research strategy

• reliability (and validity)

• Data collection Preparation

• Framework for data analysis

• Limitations and potential problems

 

 

Introduction to MPhil/MSc/MBA/PhD/DBA Research 4

Research Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Results and Conclusions - this course gives you understanding of:

 

 

 

Module 1: Data collection and analysis

• Statistical techniques for data collection, analysis and drawing conclusions

• Data collection and analysis techniques

• Distributions, inference, significance, variance

• Regression, correlation, regression analysis

• Time series, stationary series, trends, forecasting errors

• Pilot studies and theory refinement

• Literature re-evaluation and theory refinement

• Generating preliminary research results

• Formulating results validation studies

• Validation feedback and re-evaluation of research results.

 

Module 2: Writing up your findings

• The general approach

• The process of description, analysis and synthesis

 

Module 3: Concluding your dissertation

• What’s in a Conclusion?

• Research objectives: summary of findings and conclusions

• Recommendations

• Contribution to knowledge

• Self-reflection Summary of key points

 

Module 4:  Practical issues

• Presenting your work and preparing for a viva

• Presenting your work: common mistakes

• Preparing for a viva

• The marking scheme

• Good grammar

• A word of warning: plagiarism

• What counts as plagiarism?

• What if you are accused of plagiarism?