What do we expect from you? By the end of the training: a preliminary research proposal problem identification; formulation of research objectives and hypotheses; and conceptual/theoretical framework development

The topics should correspond to MI thematic areas Trade Facilitation in the GMS Visible and hidden transaction costs in transboundary trade Origins and destinations of transboundary agricultural trade Engagement of rural border communities in transboundary trade Labor Migration Spending patterns of migrants’ remittances in the sending community Rural Development 1. Role of non-farm activities in rural development 2. Environmental impact of chemical use in agriculture production along Mekong River System

Module 1: Conceptualization of Research At the end of the sessions, the participants are expected to: describe the different types of research identify collaborative research topics re-state and narrow down research topics with other colleagues modify research problems according to the needs of the region put together research problems in logical sequence formulate research hypotheses identify related literature and studies assess the scope and limitations of research study

Approach to module1 This is not a lecture class This is not a theoretical education This is an interactive training course This is a knowledge/experiences exchange/exercise This is a guiding activity for proposal development You can raise questions/comments/ share experiences on the topics any time

Plan for today Morning Afternoon Getting to know each other in research area What main areas of research you have experiences most? What area of research you are interested in in this training? Getting to know the whole picture of research and proposal development Afternoon Familiarizing more with research in details Areas, topics, issues/problems How to develop issues/problems Grouping and working

Today’s topics What is research? The research method/process What is research proposal? Developing a research proposal