Dr. Phil Orchard MIS Research Report Coordinator p.orchard@uq.edu.au 10 Oct 2012

1. MIS/ MGPP 6 Credit Research Report Information Session Dr. Phil OrchardMIS Research Report Coordinatorp.orchard@uq.edu.au10 Oct 2012

2. The Report • This is an INDEPENDENT research project undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member of POLSIS. • Types of projects: • Australia’s Security Council Bid • Development practices in Côte d’Ivoire • The effectiveness of the RtoP doctrine

3. The Report • Why do it? • You want to develop a research portfolio • You want to challenge yourself to work in a self-directed manner • You want to hone your critical and analytical skills • You see yourself as a potential researcher

4. The Report • 10- 12,000 words (plus bibliography) • Due the last teaching day in the semester • Summer semester 2012: 25 January 2013 (TBC) • 1st semester 2013: 31 May 2013. (TBC) • Extensions can be granted, but they may delay your ability to graduate on time. • Specific issues: • What research will you undertake? • Do you need ethics approval • Is the scope manageable? Do you have enough time? • Are you doing other coursework?

5. Supervision • Your supervisor will be assigned to guide you. • They will help with advice, suggestions for completing on time, providing you with feedback on the written work. • But you are expected to lead the relationship • Stay in communication • Schedule meetings, etc.

6. Assessment • The course mark is based on three factors: • Project Outline • between 6-8 pages, worth 20 %; deadline agreed with supervisor • Meetings with supervisor • Minimum of 4, graded on attendance and preparation, worth 10 % • The Report • Worth 70% • It is graded by a different faculty member from your supervisor. • The course coordinator then moderates the results. • For more information on these, see the course electronic course profile.

7. The Application Process • Visit http://www.polsis.uq.edu.au/unit-research-report • Six weeks before the start of semester • For summer semester: 19 October 2012; For Sem 1 2013: 15 January 2012 • Submit an application form and 500 word proposed project outline to Debra McKenzie • The outline should include information on: • Theoretical framework • Statement of the problem • Methodology • Limitations of the research • Significance of the topic • The outline should include reference to at least 5 academic sources and have a reference list attached. • You will also need to include the names of two potential supervisors. • While not required, contacting these supervisors prior to submission of the application can be extremely helpful.

8. The Application Process • Visit http://www.polsis.uq.edu.au/unit-research-report • Student eligibility for the program will be determined by: • Grade point average (GPA)– successful applicants would be expected to have achieved a program GPA of 5 or better in their Masters program • Progression through degree – successful applicants would be expected to be in the final semester of their studies (or have completed at least #16 units in the program) • Availability of supervisor – research projects must be of direct interest to an academic staff member within the school, who in turn must have the workload capacity to supervise a student. • Viability of project – the project outline will be reviewed to determine its viability and feasibility. • You will be contacted 2 weeks prior to the start of term regarding the outcome of the application.

9. Problems • What to do when things go wrong • Application unsuccessful…? • Problems with supervision…? • Substantive issues with the research project…? • Illness, or other hindrances…? • Extensions…? • Study/research skills issues…? • Assessment…?