MIS/ MGPP
6 Credit Research Report
Information Session
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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
Why do it?
1. You want to develop a research portfolio
2. You want to challenge yourself to work in a
self-directed manner
3. You want to hone your critical and analytical
skills
4. You see yourself as a potential researcher
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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.
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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?
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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.
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But you are expected to lead the relationship
 Stay in communication
 Schedule meetings, etc.
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The course mark is based on three factors:
Project Outline
1.
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Meetings with supervisor
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Minimum of 4, graded on attendance and preparation, worth 10 %
The Report
3.
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between 6-8 pages, worth 20 %; deadline agreed with supervisor
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.
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Visit http://www.polsis.uq.edu.au/unit-research-report
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Six weeks before the start of semester
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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…?