Course overview
This course equips master’s students with advanced research knowledge and skills required for undertaking independent research and/or for progression to PhD-level study. Students will design and conduct a research proposal (Part A). The course introduces the full research process, including research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, critical literature review, identification of research gaps, and the formulation of rigorous research questions. Students will also develop skills in ethical research practice and scholarly academic writing.
Aligned with the program’s intent, the course fosters advanced analytical thinking, creativity, and initiative within a project management context, enabling students to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions to complex professional and industry-based problems.
- Research Topic and Literature
- Justifying Your Research Methods
- Research Proposal
Course learning outcomes
- Critically evaluate academic and practitioner literature to identify research gaps, build a strong theoretical foundation, and justify a research problem.
- Formulate a research aim and research questions aligned with the chosen topic.
- Design an appropriate research methodology, including research approach, data sources, sampling strategy, and data collection methods, with consideration of feasibility.
- Apply ethical principles and research integrity requirements by identifying risks, managing confidentiality, and preparing documentation consistent with institutional standards.
- Develop and present a complete research proposal that integrates the problem statement, literature review, conceptual framing, methods, timeline, and expected academic and practical contributions.