Page 66 - AEI Postgraduate Handbook 2017-2018

2- TYPE OF RESEARCH

The Research Project paper is an academic research by an individual student under the
supervision of a supervisor.

2.1.1 Topic Selection

The selection of a topic undoubtedly is one of the most important step which required
careful thought. The overriding consideration should be students’ personal interests and
future career orientation. Within this general framework students are required to
determine/select a topic which:

a) Is worthy of further attention and contributes to the existing body of
knowledge,
b) Can be undertaken within the constraints of resource availability, and
c) Has to be in the same discipline as the chosen area of specialisation for
student intakes.

The early phase of the research should contain all or most of the following:

 Preparation of a short proposal of about three pages, double-spaced and type-
written, outlining the topic, research design, main literature, references and if
possible, limitations that might be encountered.

 Once the student is assigned a supervisor, the student will need to expand the initial
proposal into a more detailed written proposal. This should also include a work
schedule and target dates for the various stages of the research based on
consultations with the supervisor. This is to ensure that the objectives of the study
are realistic and achievable and work is complete within the timeframe set for the
research.

 A thorough initial search of the relevant literature.

 Early planning is crucial but keeping the plan flexible is equally important in order to
minimize the effect of any unforeseen events/circumstances affecting the progress of
research.

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