MASTER’S RESEARCH GUIDELINES Introduction The core function of a University; Research; publications, innovations/inventions Teaching/Capacity building Extension

THE GRADUATE COURSES PhD study -- distinct creation of new knowledge in the given discipline. A PhD study is a distinct contribution to a body of knowledge through an original investigation or a process of testing of theoretical ideas that will result in knowledge worthy in part of publication in an internationally recognised journal

THE GRADUATE COURSES (Cont.) The Master’s Degree Research Attempts to analyse situations in terms of the ‘bigger picture’. Seeks for answers and or explanations using existing theories or concepts that are relevant to a particular discipline. Makes comparisons of either theories or concepts and arrives at generalisations which can be used to extend theory.

THE GRADUATE COURSES (Cont.) The Master’s Degree Research Either; Tests existing theories or models for proof of validity or, Uses existing theories or models to develop applications, innovations and methodologies depending on the discipline. Uses existing theory to scientifically explain phenomenon or empirical knowledge and address the underlying reasons as to why. The most successful MSc/MA dissertations are those that are specific and narrowly focused.

The Master’s Dissertation Puts into practice the theories and concepts learned during the taught part of the MSc/MA programme ; Provides an opportunity to study theories of particular topics in depth to propose extensions; Applies different but relevant theories which could even be from different disciplines to develop and suggest alternatives;

CHOOSING AND DEVELOPING A RESEARCH AREA Discuss your ideas with your course instructors. Dean of faculty Head of Department Faculty staff Will help you to know the research agenda Available skills for effective supervision

Review Literature Review the relevant literature about research that has been done on the topic/research area. This will help the candidate to review the theoretical foundation upon which the proposed research topic will be based. The research issues (gaps) should be displayed very clearly. This should be about 15 papers (current) from peer reviwed internationally recognised journals.

Proposal Title The title should reflect the research topic. It should clearly indicate the type of study to be conducted and also accurately reflect the scope and content of the study. Should reflect current invents or an emerging problem as reported in popular journals or academic reports? The title should be a reflection of recommendations for research from past dissertations or, is it a suggestion for (further) research by authorities and or practitioners in the discipline? The title should address generally accepted theories or concepts without supporting research? The title however, is expected to be concise, simple and catchy and should not be more than 20 words.

Formulating a Problem Statement/Question The heart of a thesis or a dissertation is the problem statement. This is the place where most committee members go first to understand and assess the merits of a proposal or a thesis/dissertation report. After reading the problem statement, the reader will know why you are doing this study and be convinced of its importance. The reader will not be left with an unanswered: “so what?” Question at the studies conclusion.

Selecting a Real Problem You must know thoroughly the body of research and the techniques related to the chosen methodology. You must know: What you are doing + Why you are doing it!

What is a problem statement? An interrogative sentence or statement that asks about the relationships that are existing between two or more variables (Kerlinger, 1973). A Research Problem is not the same as a business problem, i.e. it is not a “problem” in the normal sense of the word; it is research jargon that happens to be a bit confusing. You can think of your Research Problem as the unknown part of your business problem.

Metaphors: A Problem Statement is like… The DNA of the research A snapshot of the research The foundation of the research The Heart of the research A “taste” of the research A blueprint for the study

The Statement of the Problem: Should answer the question: “What is the gap that needs to be filled?” and/or “What is the problem that needs to be solved?”

How a problem statement/question should be stated Clearly and early in a paragraph. Variables addressed should be limited in stating the problem or question. The researcher should consider framing the problem as a question.

Presentations at Faculty The master’s student is required to make the following presentations at the faculty level. Why the research topic Literature reviewed and summary of theoretical framework Research proposal Presentation of data collection; Field work, Experimentation results This will ensure that the research is original