1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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