Page 41 - UM 20172018

Postgraduate Handbook 2017/2018

6. RESEARCH GUIDANCE

Research Proposal

Candidate who is following the research programme is required to attend a
Research Methodology course of at least three credits. At the end of the course,
candidate is required to present a complete research proposal of their intended
research in a seminar. A good research proposal requires much thought and
work. It should clearly state the purpose of study and the research questions.
Candidate‘s research proposal should also state the method and methodology of
their research. The components within a proposal may vary across faculties but
as a norm, it should include a review of relevant literature, the significance of the
study, the research design and a schedule of work. Candidate is advised to
consult his/her supervisor(s) for details on how to prepare a research proposal.

Supervision

Tips for positive supervisor-supervisee interaction

(1) Be effective in communication. This means being honest about how you feel
regarding issues raised during your meetings.
(2) Be polite. Say what you have to say clearly and politely.
(3) Be sure to match supervisor(s) and supervisee expectations. Discuss with
your supervisor(s) and come to an understanding on what the expectations
are for both parties.
(4) Be punctual. Make sure you turn up on time and have regular meetings with
your supervisor(s).
(5) Be realistic. Discuss and come to an understanding on realistic deadlines for
submission of and return of chapters and feedback from your supervisor(s).
(6) Role and responsibilities of the candidate:

(a) Candidate should interact with the supervisor(s) at least two (2) times per
month in the first semester and once (1) a month in the next semester. It is
always advisable that candidate and supervisor(s), establish a face to face
talk for their first meeting, while the following meeting can be conducted
via various means of communication (e.g online discussion).
(b) Candidate shall record meetings and discussions on their research each
time they meet with the supervisor(s).
(c) Candidate should have a good working relationship with the
supervisor(s).
(d) Candidate must plan the project schedule and comply with the maximum
period of study.
(e) Candidate should discuss and agree with the supervisor(s) on consultation
schedule.
(f) Candidate must submit progress as specified without falsifying the
research outcome and is free of plagiarism.

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