1. MIS/ MGPP 6 Credit Research Report Information Session

2.  This is an INDEPENDENT research project undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member of POLSIS.  Types of projects:  Australia’s Security Council Bid  Development practices in Côte d’Ivoire  The effectiveness of the RtoP doctrine

3.  Why do it? 1. You want to develop a research portfolio 2. You want to challenge yourself to work in a self-directed manner 3. You want to hone your critical and analytical skills 4. You see yourself as a potential researcher

4.  10- 12,000 words (plus bibliography)  Due the last teaching day in the semester  Summer semester 2012: 25 January 2013 (TBC)  1st semester 2013: 31 May 2013. (TBC)  Extensions can be granted, but they may delay your ability to graduate on time.  Specific issues:  What research will you undertake? ▪ Do you need ethics approval  Is the scope manageable? Do you have enough time?  Are you doing other coursework?

5.  Your supervisor will be assigned to guide you.  They will help with advice, suggestions for completing on time, providing you with feedback on the written work.  But you are expected to lead the relationship  Stay in communication  Schedule meetings, etc.

6.  The course mark is based on three factors: 1. Project Outline ▪ between 6-8 pages, worth 20 %; deadline agreed with supervisor 2. Meetings with supervisor ▪ Minimum of 4, graded on attendance and preparation, worth 10 % 3. The Report ▪ Worth 70% ▪ It is graded by a different faculty member from your supervisor. ▪ The course coordinator then moderates the results.  For more information on these, see the course electronic course profile.

7.  Visit http://www.polsis.uq.edu.au/unit-research-reporthttp://www.polsis.uq.edu.au/unit-research-report  Six weeks before the start of semester  For summer semester: 19 October 2012; For Sem 1 2013: 15 January 2012  Submit an application form and 500 word proposed project outline to Debra McKenzie  The outline should include information on: ▪ Theoretical framework ▪ Statement of the problem ▪ Methodology ▪ Limitations of the research ▪ Significance of the topic ▪ The outline should include reference to at least 5 academic sources and have a reference list attached.  You will also need to include the names of two potential supervisors. ▪ While not required, contacting these supervisors prior to submission of the application can be extremely helpful.

8.  Visit http://www.polsis.uq.edu.au/unit-research-reporthttp://www.polsis.uq.edu.au/unit-research-report  Student eligibility for the program will be determined by: ▪ Grade point average (GPA)– successful applicants would be expected to have achieved a program GPA of 5 or better in their Masters program ▪ Progression through degree – successful applicants would be expected to be in the final semester of their studies (or have completed at least #16 units in the program) ▪ Availability of supervisor – research projects must be of direct interest to an academic staff member within the school, who in turn must have the workload capacity to supervise a student. ▪ Viability of project – the project outline will be reviewed to determine its viability and feasibility.  You will be contacted 2 weeks prior to the start of term regarding the outcome of the application.

9.  What to do when things go wrong  Application unsuccessful…?  Problems with supervision…?  Substantive issues with the research project…?  Illness, or other hindrances…?  Extensions…?  Study/research skills issues…?  Assessment…?