Mekong Institute

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123 Khon Kaen University, Mittraphap Road, Muang, Khon Kaen 40002 Thailand Tel: +(66) 4320 2411/2, +(66) 4320 3656/7 Fax: (+66) 4334 3131 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mekonginstitute.org

APPLICATION FORM Please fill in all sections of the application form and send it to Mekong Institute before a program starts. Learning Program Title : Regional Research Development and Methodology From 25/05/09 Applying for : a)

To

12/06/09

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Fair

Education History City / Country

Institution Name

Years Attended From

To

Degree, Diploma, Certificate, training courses completed

Special fields of study

Have you attended any program of Mekong Institute before? If yes, please specify Year : Employment History Detailed description of your work duties and responsibilities

Present position : from :

[MM/YY]

to Present

Organization Type : Ministry : Department : Division :

Detailed description of your work duties and responsibilities

Previous position : From :

[MM/YY]

to

[MM/YY]

Organization Type : Ministry : Department : Division :

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Previous Research Involvement Related to Chosen Area of Research Please provide details of previous research involvement related to the chosen area of research, include title of researches conducted, year of implementation, and any relevant publications. (Attach additional sheets if necessary)

Expectations Please write a one-page description of your expectations indicating the knowledge and skills you really need. Describe what professional development is required for you to improve in your work.

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I certify that my statements in this application are true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. If accepted for a learning program /workshop and/or scholarship, I will: 1. carry out instructions and abide by conditions stipulated by the nominating government, scholarship sponsor and Mekong Institute.

2. 3. 4. 5.

follow the course learning schedule and abide by the rules of Mekong Institute submit any progress reports which may be requested return to my home country promptly upon completion of the learning program / workshop not hold Mekong Institute responsible or liable for any act or occurrence reasonably outside of their control

I also fully understand that to be granted a scholarship is an honour and privilege requiring the responsibility of dutifully representing my country and government. Signature of applicant Printed name : Date :

Note: Please don’t forget to attach the 3-5 pages literature review on the topic you selected. The topics can be viewed at MI website by accessing the announcement on the Regional Research Development and Methodology Training Course. (http://mekonginstitute.org/mekong/)

Learning Program on

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Regional Research Development And Methodology 25 May – 12 June 2009

Course Curriculum Development & Cooperation

Organized by Mekong Institute, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Sponsored by New Zealand’s International Aid and Development Agency (NZAID)

MEKONG INSTITUTE The Mekong Institute (MI) is an inter-governmental organization working in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) countries namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Yunnan Province of China to provide capacity building activities for government officials, members of private enterprises and civil society involved in the development of the sub-region. MI works closely with the governments of the six GMS countries in designing and delivering high quality and relevant human resource development programs. Learning Program / Workshop Application Form

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Photo: MI Steering Committee Meeting on 12 December 2008 in Vientiane, Laos

MI has been serving the human resource development (HRD) needs of the GMS since 1996. The New Zealand Government conceived Mekong Institute as a development assistance project for the countries of the GMS, intended to evolve into a regionally governed, autonomous institution. The institute was situated on the campus of Khon Kaen University in North-eastern Thailand. NZAID, the Thai Government, Khon Kaen University and other national and international partner agencies funded this project from 1996-2003. During this period, MI advisory committees, representatives from all GMS governments, NZAID and other stakeholders, collaborated to develop a common charter to transform MI into an intergovernmental organization governed by the GMS countries. In 2003 the six GMS governments signed a charter founding Mekong Institute as a non-profit, autonomous, international organization, working in close collaboration with other GMS institutions. On July 17, 2007, the Thai Cabinet approved MI Headquarters Agreement to recognize MI as an intergovernmental organization under the Thai Law. With this intergovernmental status, MI is now in a very favourable position to facilitate regional development, cooperation and integration through its human resource development programs, GMSfocused action researches, and policy dialogue facilitation. Guided by the Charter, MI is implementing the MI Strategic Plan 2005–2010 to transform the institute from a development assistance project into a financially self-sustaining GMS-governed institution that excels in capacity development for regional cooperation. In the last three years, with financial assistance from the Government of Thailand, the Government of New Zealand and other development partners, MI has achieved several milestones. These were evidenced by the significant improvement in MI Professional Development Series, the establishment of GMS-focused research network, the initiation of regional policy formulation dialogues and the cooperation with GMS–Business Forum on private sector initiatives.

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Mission & Goals • •

Transform MI as a “Centre of Excellence” in sustainable knowledge services provider Attain financial sustainability

Objective #1 Regional Cooperation To promote effective regional cooperation amongst governments and other organizations of the GMS Objective #2 Capacity Development To design and deliver high quality, relevant human resource development programs for senior and middle level officials from public, private and civil society sectors of the GMS in areas of sustainable development, poverty alleviation, regional integration and management. Objective #3 Research To implement a GMS-focused research program that contributes to the effectiveness of Mekong Institute learning programs and support policy formulations in the GMS. Strategic Direction for 2007-2010 • • • • •

Synergizing MI Core Programs and Services Develop MI core products and expertise Strategic alliance with key regional players Create multinational learning organization Promote “facilitation” as MI core competency (products, services, facilities, environment, etc.)

Strategic Direction for Programs •

Core Learning Program Improvement – To respond directly to emerging and contentious issues in regional cooperation like: logistics, labor migration/trafficking, trans-boundary/ trans-national project management, private sector cooperation and trade agreement. – To develop different training packages (e.g. 4-week course, 2-week course, 3–5 day workshops) – To establish clear linkage between 3 components, i.e. Learning Programs, Policy Formulation, and Researches

MI Core Products/ Thematic Areas • • •

•

Rural Development and Project Management Leadership and Public Sector Reform Effective Regional Cooperation Trade and Investment Facilitation and SME Development

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Regional Research Development and Methodology I. Background and Rationale Based on the five identified research areas, Mekong Institute is organizing a “Regional Research Development and Methodology” training for young GMS researchers/ professionals as part of its capacity-building strategy for GMS researchers, which is expected to help researchers address the GMS problems in its priority areas of research. Upon completion of the three week training course, all participants will be able to improve and revise their research project (selected from the five identified research areas) in terms of problem identification, research objectives, research hypotheses, literature review, methodology and data, and a shared research plan for research collaboration among GMS researchers. This research learning course will also expose the researchers to data preparation and data warehousing, developing theoretical and statistical models applicable to the research topics, and examining descriptive and inferential statistics and parametric and nonparametric techniques used in estimating and interpreting the data using SPPS software. The original idea of this research training is to complement the proposed research activities to be undertaken by GMS researchers with the help of MI Research and Development Department and to develop and enhance the research capacity of different government agencies. As a complementary advantage, the training course promotes collaborative research (sub-regional researches) among GMS researchers, the results of which will serve as input to the learning programs of the MI four thematic areas including Regional Policy Dialogue.

II. Purpose of the Training The purpose of the “Regional Research Development and Research Methodology” training is to improve the participants’ capability on the key issues and concepts of the research process (conceptualization stage) and operationalization of applied research, such as problem identification, identifying research objectives, hypothesis formulation, literature review, conceptual/theoretical modelling, data collection, field survey, data analysis, data interpretation, and report writing. Upon completion of the three-week training course, all participants are expected to: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Understand the analytical methods used to convert data into information for decision-making; Describe the differences between quantitative and qualitative research; Describe and apply several statistical techniques used in research; and Write a research proposal in a professional manner.

III. Specific Objectives of the Training The specific objectives of the training course include the following: 1. to conduct/facilitate sub-regional research among the GMS countries; 2. to support MI thematic areas and regional policy formulation by using research outcomes; 3. to improve the participants’ research skills in different research topics; 4. to help participants understand what is applied research and policy implications; 5. to help participants to develop bibliographies by accessing available online databases and to conduct relevant and efficient literature searches; 6. to assist participants to write a good literature review, develop conceptual framework or theoretical models, and be familiar with data collection methods and other data management techniques; 7. to expose participants to statistical techniques in data analysis & interpretation using SPSS software; 8. to assist the participants in developing research report writing skills and techniques; and 9. to establish linkages/ networking among GMS researchers.

IV. Components of Research Training Participants will engage in an interactive learning experience that allows for sharing of knowledge on issues such as: 1) Conceptualizing applied research; 2) Operationalization of research; 3) Networking among researchers within GMS; and 4) Report writing and dissemination of research outcomes. This three-week training course will promote collaborative research among researchers in the GMS in subregional issues. The training course applies practical survey questionnaires, analysis of data, problem-solving, and policy-relevant research approaches. The five identified research topics fall within the scope of areas Learning Program / Workshop Application Form

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mentioned above.

V. Special Features of the Course • • • •

Integration of Theory and Practice Field Activities (Developing and pre-testing of survey questionnaire and primary data collection) Collaborative research approaches/development of regional research projects Analysis and Presentation on GMS emerging issues

VI. Course Participants This is an advanced level Research Methods Course for GMS researchers to develop sub-regional research in the GMS. It is tailored for researchers from public and private institutions, universities and research institutions of the GMS involved in sub-regional emerging issues. During the training, MI and external resource persons will assist the participants in merging/combining similar research ideas from different GMS countries to develop the GMS research. The sub-regional research will be implemented from July 2009 to February 2010. Upon completion of the research, the research team will present the outcomes of their research in the Roundtable Meeting scheduled on March 22-24, 2010 at the Mekong Institute. Participants of this course should possess a higher degree in social or natural sciences and reasonable experience in implementing research projects. It is highly recommended that participants come to the training course with some experiences in the chosen research topic and a clear research agenda. In addition, the participants are expected to: • be able to communicate professionally in both written and spoken English • be in good health, both physically and mentally, and able to attend the entire course • should have basic statistical knowledge (SPSS, Excel and other basic statistical skills for •

data analysis and interpretation) have the willingness and commitment to go through the entire MI Sub-regional Research Cycle as described above

• •

have an interest in research issues of sub-regional importance to GMS

be nominated and endorsed by the head of the institution he/she is affiliated with (please accomplish Annex to Application Form)

VII. Selection of Participants The participants will be selected on the basis of their research interests and previous research experiences in the following research topics identified by the Mekong Institute Research Advisory Committee (MIRAC) on its fourth meeting on 21 January 2009: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Contract Farming: An Analysis of Negative and Positive Impacts (Long-term Ecological, Economic and Social Aspects) Upland Minorities: Rural Livelihood Political Economy Analysis Accessibility to Health Care in Rural Communities in the Greater Mekong Sub-region Credit Accessibility of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Greater Mekong Sub-region Political Economy Analysis of Rural Livelihood, Migration, Rural and Trans-border Trade: A Comparative Analysis of CBTA and Non-CBTA

Class size is restricted to 25 participants and the course is designed for three weeks. All applicants to the training course are required to submit 3-5 pages of literature review based on one selected research topic above.

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COURSE CONTENTS The Regional Research Development and Methodology Training contains three modules, namely: Conceptualization of Research; Operationalization of Research, and Report Writing and Dissemination.

TOPIC ONE: CONCEPTUALIZATION OF RESEARCH 1.1 Scope Basis for proposal writing Preliminary information gathering, problem statement Definition and rationale of research Development of research hypotheses Literature review Scope and limitations of the research study 1.2 Specific Objectives At the end of the sessions, the participants are expected to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

describe the different types of research identify collaborative research topics re-state and narrow down research topics with other colleagues put together research problems in logical sequence develop research hypotheses identify related literature and studies assess the scope and limitations of research study

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1.3 Duration: 4 days (Sixteen Sessions) Mode of Delivery: Lecture – discussion; Structured Learning Experiences Methodologies and approaches: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Information sharing; information dissemination; oral presentation Group work to identify the research problem and developing research objectives Individual assignment for literature review Climate setting through structured learning experiences (SLE) on team building, communication, information, and cultural sensitivity.

1.4 Session Guide Basics for Proposal Writing • •

This section provides the background information about applied research. This section answers the definition and types of researches, context of problem, use of research and conceptualize the research problems.

Preliminary Information Gathering, Problem Statement/Definition and Rationale of Research • • • •

This section clarifies to the participants that the Research Process has distinct phases, and some of the steps follow an iterative rather than a linear process. The research project rational provides important and relevant information about how the research problem developed and what its current status is. This section also presents a clear and pressing problem that needs a solution. The research proposal should show how the research will address some aspect of that solution.

Research Objectives Setting • • • •

The research objectives section is the basis for judging the remainder of the proposal and the final report. Verify the consistency of the proposal by checking to see that each objective is discussed in the research design, data analysis, and results sections. Generally both general and specific objectives are formulated in the research. A general objective addresses the whole research topic while specific objectives are broken down in very specific forms which are measurable.

Research Hypotheses Setting • • •

Definition and types of hypotheses Research hypothesis and functions of hypotheses How to formulate hypotheses

Literature review • • • • •

Literature review should provide the context for research by examining what work has already been done in the current research area. The researcher should look for the major concepts, conclusions, theories, etc that underlie the work, and look for similarities and differences with closely related work. Finding alternative approach, confirm previous interpretations, explanations, methods Shows the path of prior research and how a current research is linked Comparison with previously completed research (similarities and differences)

Scope and Limitations of Research Study • • • • •

Area to be covered in the research (national or sub-regional prospects) Is there any aspect of the problem that the study will not discuss? Is the study restricted to any geographical area or to only certain aspects of the situation? Is there any factor or circumstances that prevent the researcher from achieving all research objectives? Limitations of time, budgets, personnel

Resource materials 1. 2. 3. 4.

Power point slides Handouts: Basics on Proposal Writing; and concept paper preparation Country Profiles (internet materials) SLE template (Five Whys), Other Person’s View (OPV)

References 1. 2.

Research Methodology: A Step-By-Step for Beginners 2005, Ranjit Kumar 2005 SAGE Publications How to Develop Children as Researchers: A Step by Step Guide to Teaching the Research Process, Mary Kellet 2005 PCP

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3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches, by Keith F Punch 2005 SAGE Publications Babie, Earl, (2001). The practice of social research, 7th ed.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company. Bickman, L., and Rog, DJ (1998). Handbook of applied social research methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishers. Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y. S. (eds.) (1994). Handbook of qualitative research. Thousands Oaks: Sage Publications. Dochartaigh, Niall O. (2002). The internet research handbook. Thousand Islands, CA: Sage Publications. Greenwood, David James and Morten Levin, (1999). Introduction to action research. Thousand Islands, CA: Sage Publications. Rubin, A. and E. Babbie (2001). Research methods for social work. (4th edition). Belmont, CA, Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

Related Website Links for this session Beginners Guide to Research Proposal: http://www.ucalgary.ca/md/CAH/research/res_prop.htm Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal: http://www.learnerassociates.net/proposal/ Research Proposal Writing: http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/tse-portal/proposal/dan-ryan-proposal/propweb.htm Writing Research Proposal and Reports: http://spsp.clarion.edu/mm/RDE3/c14/c14.html Research Methods: The Big Picture: http://www.tele.sunyit.edu/rmnote2.htm

TOPIC TWO: OPERATIONALIZATION OF RESEARCH 2.1 Scope Research design and process Quantitative and qualitative research Survey design and case study design Questionnaire design Data collection and field management Research process and sampling design Data analysis and interpretations 2.2 Specific Objectives At the end of the sessions, the participants will be able to:

1. describe a research design 2. illustrate the cycle of a research process 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

understand and differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research differentiate the different types of research designs describe the different methods, procedures of each type of research design demonstrate an understanding of the different methods of data collection develop a field management scheme in doing research differentiate the different types of probability and non-probability designs compare quantitative data from qualitative data analysis

2.3 Duration: 6 Days (24 Sessions) 2.4 Session Guide Mode of Delivery: Lecture – discussion; Structured Learning Experiences

Research Design and Process • • • •

Research designs are plans that specify how data should be collected and analyzed. Research designs are closely linked to an investigator’s objectives. Research design is formulated to gain familiarity with a phenomenon or process; to describe concepts and ideas; to determine associations/relations between and among variables to be measured and to test the hypothesis formulated. Target population, Choice of sampling methods, Estimation/Computation of sample size, Choice of data collection procedures, Choice of possible ways of data analyzing methods, and Preparation of eventual use of statistical tests

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Research Design

Source: Robert Y. Cavana, B.L. Delahaye and U. Sekaran. Applied Business Research: Qualitative and Quantitative

Methods. Australia, John Wiley and Sons, 2001.

Quantitative and Qualitative Research • How qualitative methods differ from quantitative methods. • The controversy surrounding qualitative research. • The types of decisions that use qualitative methods. • The variety of qualitative research methods. Survey Design • • • • •

Definition of Survey Design Application and components of Survey Design Advantages and disadvantages of Survey Design Characteristics of a good Sample: Sampling Techniques:

Case Study Design Learning Program / Workshop Application Form

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• • •

Definition of Case Study Design Application and components of Case Study Design Advantages and disadvantages of Case Study Design

Primary data collection and Secondary data collection procedures Field Survey • • • •

Study area selection Household and target population selection Selection of enumerators or research assistants Training to enumerators and Start of the survey

Research Process and Sampling Design • • • •

Addresses concepts such as population, element, sampling frame, and sample. To explain how the probability sampling designs are representative of the population To make participants realise that probability sampling designs are not always feasible, and sometimes nonprobability sampling designs are the only viable. To elucidate that either too large or too small a sample size could be detrimental for drawing meaningful and valid conclusions.

Data Analysis • • •

to describe possible ways of analysis of data of the research and familiarize the types of data analyzing techniques in the research; to identify the types of variables for data analyses and use of statistical tests; and to test the reliability and validity of research.

Types of data analysis techniques o o

Quantitative data analysis Qualitative data analysis

COMPUTER LAB WORK FOR DATA ANALYSIS (1 Day: 4 Sessions) Computer applications for analysis of data (Excel and SPSS): definition, use, coding and recoding and interpretation and presentation (computer facilities are available for participants in class) to facilitate properly. FIELD WORK (1 Day: 4 Sessions) Questionnaire Development This section commences with a discussion of why and knowing how to construct and use questionnaires is important to researchers. Some guidelines for questionnaire design are presented. These include the principles of wording, principles of measurement, and general appearance of the questionnaire. The principles of wording cover guidelines related to the content and purpose of questions; language and wording used; type and form of questions; biases in questions; sequencing of questions; and classification data or personal information. The general appearance of the questionnaire emphasizes the importance of the introduction to respondents, the instructions and organizing questions, and the general layout and structure of the questionnaire. The importance of pre-testing questionnaires is emphasized, and different forms of collecting data with questionnaires are outlined. These include personally administered questionnaires, mail questionnaires and electronic questionnaires. A short section on cross-cultural research emphasizes the special issues in preparing questionnaires and collecting data from respondents from different cultures or in different countries. PRE-TESTING OF QUESTIONNAIRE A field trip to nearby areas of the research will be organized after finalizing the survey questionnaire in Khon Kaen Province of Thailand. The field work will be organized on Saturday of the second week of the training. The exercise involves all participants in the pre-testing of the selected questionnaire during group work. Four groups will be formed from a maximum number of participants and limiting 10 questionnaires to each group. Altogether 40 questionnaires will be administered during the pre-testing. All completed questionnaires will be shared by each group and analyzed statistically (during the weekend to give more time for participants) and the following day the group leader in each group will present the findings and interpretations of the pre-testing. All resource persons available will make comments in the presented outcomes to improve participants’ data analysis part.

Methodologies and approaches Learning Program / Workshop Application Form

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• • •

Awareness raising; information dissemination; presentation; lecturing Group work Individual Assignment

Resource materials: Handout; Research Design and Process; Cycle of Research Process; Research Design Cycle; Models in Questionnaire Writing; Fieldwork Pre-testing Questionnaire References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Measurement Error and Research Design: A Practical Approach to the Intangibles of Research Design, by Madhu Viswanathan 2005 SAGE Publications Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook, edited by David J Silverman 1999 SAGE Publications Babie, Earl, (2001). The practice of social research, 7th ed.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company. Bickman, L., and Rog, DJ (1998). Handbook of applied social research methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishers. Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y. S. (eds.) (1994). Handbook of qualitative research. Thousands Oaks: Sage Publications. Neuman, W. Lawrence, (2000). Social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches. 4th ed., Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Rubin, A. and E. Babbie (2001). Research methods for social work. (4th edition). Belmont, CA, Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

Related Website Links Qualitative Research Methods: http://gsociology.icaap.org/methods/qual.htm Research Methods: The Big Picture: http://www.tele.sunyit.edu/rmnote2.htm

TOPIC THREE: REPORT WRITING AND DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH OUTPUTS Scope Expected Outcomes and Policy Expectation of Research Output Budgeting and Setting Time table Research Report Writing and Dissemination Strategy Specific Guidelines, Format for proposal and Collaboration/Cooperation Specific Objectives At the end of the sessions, the participants will be able to: 1. recognize the importance of the research outcome 2. value the implication of research in the policy recommendation for the concerned authorities (national or sub-regional level) 3. assess the budgetary requirement/make a budget in the research proposal 4. present the budget in the form the sponsor requests 5. construct timetable/work plan for the whole research 6. put together the results of the study 7. discuss the interpretation of the results of the study 8. write a publishable article from research 9. consider journal contacts (MI Journal) and other publication opportunities

Session Guide Mode of Delivery: Lecture–discussion; Duration: 3 days (12 Sessions) including group presentation of their improved research paper during the training program Expected outcomes and policy implications of the research • The usefulness of research to all the stakeholders should be specified clearly. Learning Program / Workshop Application Form

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•

Planning should be done to recommend the policy relevance outcomes to the concerned authorities.

Assumptions 1. In considering his/her research method, model, formulation or approach, does the researcher take certain fundamental conditions or states requirements for granted? 2. Are there certain fundamental conditions or states the researcher takes to be true? Budgeting the research Budgetary requirement includes the total budget required for the research along with donor contribution, recipient contribution and others. (Cost sharing, purpose/justification, collaboration) • To teach participants how to develop a budget in the research proposal • To provide some guidance on how to breakdown the total budget in different research components • The budget section of an external research contractor’s proposal states the total fee payable for the assignment. • It is very important to retain all information and receipts that you used to generate the budget. Time Table/Work Plan • Work plan should cover the detail activities and time required to conduct the research study.

• • •

Work plan should include the major phases of the project, their timetables, and the milestones that signify completion of a stage. Each phase should have an estimated time schedule and people assigned. Chart your schedule in chart form

Collaborative Research team • This section includes the researcher(s) different kind of experiences and previous literature in the

•

research work. Research team includes team members and other collaborative partners for the research to be completed.

References/ Bibliography Research Report Writing and Dissemination Strategy Specific Guidelines, Formats for Proposal and Collaboration/Cooperation Methodologies and approaches: • Awareness raising; information dissemination; presentation; lecturing • Group work • Individual Assignment References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Adler, Emily Stier and Roger Clark, (2001); How it’s done, an invitation to social research, Toronto: Wadsworth Publishing Company. Borenstein, M., Rothstein, H., & Cohen, J. (2001). Power and Precision. Englewood, NJ: Biostat, Inc Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y. S. (eds.) (1994). Handbook of qualitative research. Thousands Oaks: Sage Publications. Fowler F. (2002). Survey research methods. T housand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Greenwood, Davydd James and Morten Levin, (1999). Introduction to action research. Thousand Islands, CA: Sage Publications. Neuman, W. Lawrence, (2000). Social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches. 4th ed., Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Riessman, C. K. (1994). Qualitative studies in social work research. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. Sherman, E. and Reid, W. J. (1994). Qualitative research in social work. New York: Columbia University Press.

Related Website Links Research Methods: The Big Picture: http://www.tele.sunyit.edu/rmnote2.htm Guide for Writing a Funding Proposal: http://www.learnerassociates.net/proposal/ Research Proposal Writing: http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/tse-portal/proposal/dan-ryan-proposal/propweb.htm Writing Research Proposal and Reports: http://spsp.clarion.edu/mm/RDE3/c14/c14.html

Reference Materials for Research Proposal Writing 1. http://www.wisc.edu/McNair/Components%20of%20a%20Research%20Proposal.pdf. 2. http://www.meaning.ca/articles/print/writing_research_proposal_may02.htm 3. http://www.ucalgary.ca/md/CAH/research/res_frm1.htm 4. http://www.research.umich.edu/proposals/pwg/pwgcomplete.html Learning Program / Workshop Application Form

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5. http://www.education.uts.edu.au/research/degrees/guide.html 6. http://www.eastchance.com/howto/res_prop.asp 7. http://www.paho.org/common/Display.asp?Lang=E&RecID=4118

Core Messages from the Course • • • • • • •

Identification of research problem and link to the policy Analysis and presentation on GMS emerging issues Collaborative research approaches Develop sub-regional research with researchers from GMS countries Research design and process Research report writing and dissemination strategy Specific guidelines, format for proposal and collaboration/cooperation

No. of Participants: 25 Participants should • have a relevant university degree, or equivalent educational background and few years of work experience in the research field in public, private sector, NGOs or research institutes • be able to communicate professionally in written (concept papers and/or proposals) and spoken English • should have basic statistical knowledge (SPSS, Excel and other basic statistical skills for data analysis and interpretation) • have professional capacity to actively participate at an international level • be in good health, both physically and mentally • able to attend the entire course and have interests to have long association with other participants and the Mekong Institute for research implementation Training Venue The course will take place in the premises of MI, which is also the course organizer. With its regular course activities and experienced staff, the Mekong Institute, situated on the campus of Khon Kaen University, provides the ideal learning atmosphere for participants willing to increase their skills and knowledge. The MI library provides important literature on various development issues, journal and proposal samples, including emerging issues in the GMS and beyond and access to KKU’s electronic database. The main conference room has the capacity to host up to 50 participants. This room is equipped with projector, visualizer, video and computers for presentations. Smaller rooms for meetings and group discussions are also available. MI offers air-conditioned serviced accommodation (28 standard twin rooms, 6 double rooms and 2 minisuites). All rooms are equipped with a personal computer with unlimited Internet access. Khon Kaen and KKU provide the participants a location that promotes learning and provides a maximum of safety for participants hailing from various parts of the world. Staff, students, and inhabitants are friendly and willing to help foreigners. Negative phenomena of large metropolis are virtually absent. Expected Results The three-week training course will provide young researchers, development practitioners, government officials, and other young professionals involved in research, with a comprehensive tool-kit of methods and techniques to improve research performance in national and sub-regional contexts. Participants (researchers) will submit a 3-5 page literature review based on one of the five research topics individually before the training. During the training course, participants will improve their research paper with the help of the Resource Persons throughout the training course. It is expected that, at the end of the training, the participants will be able to present their improved research paper in group and submit for MI research grant. Training Evaluation The training program and researchers’ evaluation will be done in the following ways:

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(1) The course curricula and contents are regularly evaluated and updated by Research and Development Department, Mekong Institute with the help of Mekong Institute Research Advisory Committee (MIRAC). (2) First evaluation of the participants will be done based on researchers’ literature review paper before they join the training (based on one of the five identified research topics). (3) The courses are evaluated by applying quantitative and qualitative surveying techniques in order to scan the opinions and satisfaction of the participants. (4) Every week all group members (under MI thematic areas) are required to present their improved research paper in full sessions and resource persons will evaluate them. (5) The final evaluation will be conducted on the last day of the training. The curricula are constantly improved by intensive interaction with the course’s resource persons and MIRAC members.

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Timeframe, Activities and Milestone MODULE ONE: CONCEPTUALIZATION OF RESEARCH 1. Opening ceremony 2. Course expectations 3. Introduce workshop overall objective, curriculum and list of competencies in Research methodology, MI cutting issues and core competencies 4. Link participants’ expectations with the workshop objectives and process. 5. Group photos 6. Workshop norm deliberations 7. Setting the context of Research Methodology by providing the overview of the training sequence, methodologies and

Participants understand the workshop objectives, sequence of training sessions and the overview of MI Programming Cycle

Scope Definition, types, and rationale of research Basis for proposal writing Preliminary information gathering, research problem statement Developing research hypotheses Literature review Scope and limitations of research study

MODULE TWO: OPERATIONALIZATION OF RESEARCH Research design and process Survey design Case study design Questionnaire design Data collection Field management Research process and sampling design Data analysis

MODULE THREE: REPORT WRITING AN DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH OUTPUTS

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form

At the end of the sessions, the participants will be able to: 1. describe the different types of research 2. identify research topics 3. restate and narrow down research topics 4. modify research problems 5. put together research problems in logical sequences 6. develop research hypotheses 7. identify related literature and studies 8. assess the scope and limitations of research study

1. describe a research design 2. illustrate the cycle of a research process 3. understand and differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research 4. differentiate the different types of research designs 5. describe the different techniques, methods, procedures of each type of research design 6. demonstrate an understanding of the different methods and procedures of data collection 7. develop a field management scheme in conducting field survey 8. differentiate the different types of probability and nonprobability designs 9. develop a research design 10. compare quantitative data from qualitative data analysis 11. consider the type of research design, data collection 12. sampling technique and data analysis using SPPS software

At the end of the sessions, the participants will be able to

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Expected outcomes and policy recommendation of research output Budgeting Research report writing and dissemination research strategy Specific guidelines, format for proposal and collaboration/cooperation

1. recognize the importance of the research outcome 2. value the implication of research in the policy recommendation for the concerned authorities 3. assess the budgetary requirement 4. construct a budget in the research proposal 5. present the budget in the form the sponsor requests 6. construct timetable/work plan for the whole research 7. put together the results of the study 8. discuss the interpretation of the results of the study 9. write a publishable article from research 10. consider journal contacts and other publication opportunities

Contact Details Ms. Maria Theresa S. Medialdia, Research Manager, Mekong Institute Email: [email protected], [email protected], Tel: 66-4-320-2411-2 Ext. 401 Ms. Yuko Shirai, Research Officer, Mekong Institute Email: [email protected], Tel: 66-4-320-2411-2 Ext. 411 Mr. Samart Pola, Research and Information Officer, Mekong Institute Email: [email protected], Tel: 66-4-320-2411-2 Ext. 402

Research and Development Department MEKONG INSTITUTE Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand Fax: 66-4-334-3131, Web: www.mekonginstitute.org

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Tentative Program Schedule of Learning Program on

Regional Research Development and Methodology 25 May - 12 June 2009 Mekong Institute, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Organized by Research and Development Department

MEKONG INSTITUTE

Development & Cooperation

Supported by

Program and Timetable The following is the daily time table for the training. 7:30-8:20 8:30- 10:00 10:00-10:30 10:30- 12:00 12:00- 13:30 13:30- 15:00 15:00-15:30 15:30-17:00 17:00-17:15 Evening

Breakfast Session 1 Coffee Break Session 2 Lunch Break Session 3 Coffee Break Session 4 Summary of the day, announcements and closing of the sessions Self Study, library, internet search and group work

Evening time will be available for participants to revise their proposal, prepare group assignments, read handouts, review lecture notes, search data via the Internet and from the Institute library.

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Regional Research Development And Research Methodology 25 May – 12 June 2009

Mekong Institute Khon Kaen, Thailand

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Program Course Title Duration Location

Research and Development Regional Research Development and Research Methodology (Phase I of MI Sub-regional Research Cycle) 3 weeks: 25 May – 12 June 2009 MI Residential Training Center, Khon Kaen University

General Course Orientation GMS-focused research and regional/sub-regional studies are critical to the sustainable development and cooperation among the GMS countries. Under the supervision and guidance of MI Research Advisory Committee, MI carries out field research and case studies emerging and contentious issues under the four MI thematic areas. To ensure that the research and case studies are carried out professionally, MI conducts Regional Research Development and Research Methodology training for young GMS researchers/professionals as part of its capacity-building strategy for the GMS researchers. It aims to help researchers address the GMS problems in areas of priority. Additionally, it supports the MI four thematic areas/core products and regional policy dialogues organized by MI. Upon completion of the three-week training course, all participants are expected to develop a research proposal that incorporates the knowledge and skills acquired in the following areas: problem identification; research objectives; research hypotheses; conceptual/theoretical framework; and a concrete research plan for the sub-regional research. This learning course will help the researchers to improve their skills in writing research proposals and come up with one that can be submitted to the next call for proposals by MI and other funding agencies. The idea of this research training is to complement the proposed research activities to be undertaken by GMS researchers with the help of MI Research and Development Department and to develop and enhance the research capacity of different government agencies and public/private research institutions in the GMS. As a complementary advantage, the training course promotes collaborative research (sub-regional researches) among GMS researchers, the results of which will serve as input to the learning programs within the four thematic areas of MI including Regional Policy Dialogue. The purpose of Regional Research Development and Research Methodology training is to improve the participants’ capability on the key issues and concepts of the research process (conceptualization stage) and operationalization of applied research, such as problem identification, identifying research objectives, hypothesis formulation, literature review, conceptual/theoretical modeling, data collection, field survey, data analysis, data interpretation, and report writing. Upon completion of the three-week training course, all participants are expected to: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Understand the analytical methods used to convert data into information for decision-making; Describe the differences between quantitative and qualitative research; Describe and apply several statistical techniques used in research; and Write a research proposal in a professional manner.

General Objectives 10. To strengthen the researchers’ interests in the research field in GMS countries; 11. To help participants understand that applied research, though limited in generalizability, still has to be “scientific”; 12. To help participants develop skills in accessing bibliographies, readily available on online databases, and to conduct relevant and efficient literature searches; 13. To assist participants in writing good literature reviews, developing conceptual or theoretical models and be familiar with data collection methods and other data management techniques; 14. to expose participants to statistical techniques in data analysis & interpretation using SPSS software; 15. to assist the participants in developing research report writing skills and techniques; and

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16. to establish linkages/networking among GMS researchers, seek donors for research grants, and exchange of research information.

Course Participants This is an advanced level Research Methods Course for GMS researchers to develop sub-regional research in the GMS. It is tailored for researchers from public and private institutions, universities and research institutions of the GMS involved in sub-regional emerging issues. During the training, MI and external resource persons will assist the participants in merging/combining similar research ideas from different GMS countries to develop the GMS research. Upon completion of the training course, the approved sub-regional research will be implemented from July 2009 to February 2010 in the participants’ respective countries. The research results will be presented by the research team in the Roundtable Meeting scheduled on March 22-24, 2010 at the Mekong Institute. Participants of this course should possess a higher degree in social or natural sciences and reasonable experience in implementing research projects. It is highly recommended that participants come to the training course with some experiences in the chosen research topic and a clear research agenda. In addition, the participants are expected to: • be able to communicate professionally in both written and spoken English • be in good health, both physically and mentally, and able to attend the entire course • should have basic statistical knowledge (SPSS, Excel and other basic statistical skills for •

data analysis and interpretation) have the willingness and commitment to go through the entire MI Sub-regional Research Cycle as described above

• •

have an interest in research issues of sub-regional importance

be nominated and endorsed by the head of the institution he/she is affiliated with (please accomplish Annex to Application Form)

Selection of Participants Class size is restricted to 25 participants and the course is designed for three weeks. The participants will be selected on the basis of their research interests and previous research experiences in the following research topics identified by the Mekong Institute Research Advisory Committee (MIRAC) on its fourth meeting on 21 January 2009: ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

Contract Farming: An Analysis of Negative and Positive Impacts (Long-term Ecological, Economic and Social Aspects) Upland Minorities: Rural Livelihood Political Economy Analysis Accessibility to Health Care in Rural Communities in the Greater Mekong Sub-region Credit Accessibility of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Greater Mekong Sub-region Political Economy Analysis of Rural Livelihood, Migration, Rural and Trans-border Trade: A Comparative Analysis of CBTA and Non-CBTA

All applicants to the training course are required to submit 3-5 pages of literature review on ONE selected research topic above.

Special Features of the Course • • •

•

Integration of Theory and Practice Field Activities (Developing and pre-testing of survey questionnaire and primary data collection) Collaborative research approaches/development of regional research projects Analysis and Presentation on GMS emerging issues

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Course Contents Participants will engage in an interactive learning experience that allows for sharing of knowledge on issues.

The Regional Research Development and Research Methodology contains three modules, namely: Module 1: Conceptualization of Research Module 2: Operationalization of Research Module 3: Report Writing and Dissemination of Research Outputs Deadline of Application: 22 April 2009 * Please submit application documents directly to Ms. Yuko Shirai via email at [email protected] Checklist of Application Documents: 1. Accomplished MI Application Form 2. Accomplished Annex to Application Form 3. 3-5 pages of literature review on the selected research topic Research and Development Department Mekong Institute 123 Khon Kaen University, Mittraphap Road, Muang District Khon Kaen 40002 Thailand www.mekonginstitute.org

For Official Use of Mekong Institute Received application by:

Training Course on Regional Research Development and Methodology May 25 – June 12, 2009 Khon Kaen, Thailand

Sign ……………………...Date ………….. Comments, see attached note.

Annex to Application Form (Typewritten or block letters) The ___________________________________________ Country _________________________ (name of nominating organization/institution) nominates ______________________________________________________________________ (name of applicant) to the Regional Research Development and Methodology Training Course at Mekong Institute, Khon Kaen, Thailand on May 25 to June 12, 2009. Reason for nomination ________________________________________________________ (obligatory)

_________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Signature of nominating organization/institution/company ____________________________________ Date ____________________ Name __________________________________________________ Telephone/e-mail _________________________________________________________________

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The Application should be submitted to Mekong Institute on 22 April 2009, the latest, at the address below:

Research and Development Department Mekong Institute 123 Khon Kaen University Mittraphap Road, Muang District Khon Kaen 40002 Thailand [email protected] www.mekonginstitute.org

Photo (Please do not glue. Attach with Staple)

Applications received after this date will not be considered.

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