Please attach

photo
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: research@mekonginstitute.org
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 To 12/06/09

Applying for : a) Partial scholarship amount required: b) Full scholarship

Other support, please specify :

Full Name (as shown in passport) : Gender: M / F

Passport Number : Date of Birth :

[DDMM/YY]

Religion : Nationality:

Closest International Airport :

Food Restriction (if any) :

Work Mailing Address:

City : Province/State : Country :
Zip Code : Office Telephone: Mobile :
Fax : E-mail :

Home Mailing Address :

City : Province/State : Country :
Zip Code : Office Telephone: Mobile :
Fax : E-mail :

Name and Address of person to be notified in case of emergency:

City : Province/State : Country :
Zip Code : Office Telephone: Mobile :
Fax : E-mail :

Languages Read Write Speak

Mother Tongue : Excellent Good Fair Excellent Good Fair Excellent Good Fair

English

Other
[PLEASE SPECIFY]

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 1 of 27

Education History
Years
Degree, Diploma,
City / Attended Special fields of
Institution Name Certificate, training
Country study
From To courses completed

Have you attended any program of Mekong Institute before? If yes, please specify

Year :

Employment History
Detailed description of your work duties and
Present position :
responsibilities
from : to Present
[MM/YY]

Organization Type :

Ministry :

Department :

Division :

Detailed description of your work duties and

Previous position :
responsibilities
From : to
[MM/YY] [MM/YY]

Organization Type :

Ministry :

Department :

Division :

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 2 of 27

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.

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 3 of 27

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. follow the course learning schedule and abide by the rules of Mekong Institute
3. submit any progress reports which may be requested
4. return to my home country promptly upon completion of the learning program / workshop
5. 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

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 4 of 27

 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 Page 5 of 27

 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, GMS-
focused 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.

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 6 of 27

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

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 7 of 27

 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 Understand the analytical methods used to convert data into information for decision-making;
ƒ Describe the differences between quantitative and qualitative research;
ƒ Describe and apply several statistical techniques used in research; and
ƒ 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 sub-
regional 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 Page 8 of 27
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 Contract Farming: An Analysis of Negative and Positive Impacts (Long-term Ecological, Economic and
Social Aspects)
ƒ Upland Minorities: Rural Livelihood Political Economy Analysis
ƒ Accessibility to Health Care in Rural Communities in the Greater Mekong Sub-region
ƒ Credit Accessibility of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Greater Mekong Sub-region
ƒ 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.

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 9 of 27

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. describe the different types of research

2. identify collaborative research topics
3. re-state and narrow down research topics with other colleagues
4. put together research problems in logical sequence
5. develop research hypotheses
6. identify related literature and studies
7. assess the scope and limitations of research study

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 10 of 27

1.3 Duration: 4 days (Sixteen Sessions)

Mode of Delivery: Lecture – discussion; Structured Learning Experiences

Methodologies and approaches:

1. Information sharing; information dissemination; oral presentation

2. Group work to identify the research problem and developing research objectives
3. Individual assignment for literature review
4. 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. Power point slides
2. Handouts: Basics on Proposal Writing; and concept paper preparation
3. Country Profiles (internet materials)
4. SLE template (Five Whys), Other Person’s View (OPV)

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

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 11 of 27

 3. Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches, by Keith F Punch 2005 SAGE
Publications
4. Babie, Earl, (2001). The practice of social research, 7th ed.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
5. Bickman, L., and Rog, DJ (1998). Handbook of applied social research methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Publishers.
6. Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y. S. (eds.) (1994). Handbook of qualitative research. Thousands Oaks: Sage
Publications.
7. Dochartaigh, Niall O. (2002). The internet research handbook. Thousand Islands, CA: Sage Publications.
8. Greenwood, David James and Morten Levin, (1999). Introduction to action research. Thousand Islands, CA:
Sage Publications.
9. 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. understand and differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research
4. differentiate the different types of research designs
5. describe the different methods, procedures of each type of research design
6. demonstrate an understanding of the different methods of data collection
7. develop a field management scheme in doing research
8. differentiate the different types of probability and non-probability designs
9. 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

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 12 of 27

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 13 of 27
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 Page 14 of 27
 • 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 non-
probability 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 Quantitative data analysis
o 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 Page 15 of 27

 • 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. Measurement Error and Research Design: A Practical Approach to the Intangibles of Research Design, by
Madhu Viswanathan 2005 SAGE Publications
2. Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook, edited by David J Silverman 1999 SAGE Publications
3. Babie, Earl, (2001). The practice of social research, 7th ed.. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
4. Bickman, L., and Rog, DJ (1998). Handbook of applied social research methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Publishers.
5. Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y. S. (eds.) (1994). Handbook of qualitative research. Thousands Oaks: Sage
Publications.
6. Neuman, W. Lawrence, (2000). Social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches. 4th ed.,
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
7. 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 Page 16 of 27
 • 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. Adler, Emily Stier and Roger Clark, (2001); How it’s done, an invitation to social research, Toronto:
Wadsworth Publishing Company.
2. Borenstein, M., Rothstein, H., & Cohen, J. (2001). Power and Precision. Englewood, NJ: Biostat, Inc
3. Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y. S. (eds.) (1994). Handbook of qualitative research. Thousands Oaks: Sage
Publications.
4. Fowler F. (2002). Survey research methods. T housand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
5. Greenwood, Davydd James and Morten Levin, (1999). Introduction to action research. Thousand Islands, CA:
Sage Publications.
6. Neuman, W. Lawrence, (2000). Social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches. 4th ed.,
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
7. Riessman, C. K. (1994). Qualitative studies in social work research. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
8. 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 Page 17 of 27
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 mini-
suites). 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:

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 18 of 27

 (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.

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 19 of 27

 Timeframe, Activities and Milestone

MODULE ONE:
CONCEPTUALIZATION OF
RESEARCH Participants understand the workshop objectives, sequence of
1. Opening ceremony training sessions and the overview of MI Programming Cycle
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

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
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

MODULE TWO: 2. illustrate the cycle of a research process
OPERATIONALIZATION OF 3. understand and differentiate between qualitative and
RESEARCH quantitative research
4. differentiate the different types of research designs
Research design and process 5. describe the different techniques, methods,
Survey design procedures of each type of research design
Case study design 6. demonstrate an understanding of the different methods
Questionnaire design and procedures of data collection
Data collection 7. develop a field management scheme in conducting
Field management field survey
Research process and sampling 8. differentiate the different types of probability and non-
design probability designs
Data analysis 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

MODULE THREE: REPORT At the end of the sessions, the participants will be able to
WRITING AN DISSEMINATION OF
RESEARCH OUTPUTS

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 20 of 27

 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: maria@mekonginstitute.org, research@mekonginstitute.org, Tel: 66-4-320-2411-2 Ext. 401

Ms. Yuko Shirai, Research Officer, Mekong Institute

Email: yuko@mekonginstitute.org, Tel: 66-4-320-2411-2 Ext. 411

Mr. Samart Pola, Research and Information Officer, Mekong Institute

Email: library@mekonginstitute.org, 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

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 21 of 27

 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 Breakfast
8:30- 10:00 Session 1
10:00-10:30 Coffee Break
10:30- 12:00 Session 2
12:00- 13:30 Lunch Break
13:30- 15:00 Session 3
15:00-15:30 Coffee Break
15:30-17:00 Session 4
17:00-17:15 Summary of the day, announcements and closing of the sessions
Evening 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.

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 22 of 27

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

Mekong Institute
Khon Kaen, Thailand

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 23 of 27

 Program Research and Development
Course Title Regional Research Development and Research
Methodology (Phase I of MI Sub-regional Research Cycle)
Duration 3 weeks: 25 May – 12 June 2009
Location 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 Understand the analytical methods used to convert data into information for decision-making;
ƒ Describe the differences between quantitative and qualitative research;
ƒ Describe and apply several statistical techniques used in research; and
ƒ 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

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 24 of 27

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

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 25 of 27

 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
yuko@mekonginstitute.org

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 Sign ……………………...Date …………..
May 25 – June 12, 2009
Khon Kaen, Thailand 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 _________________________________________________________________

Learning Program / Workshop Application Form Page 26 of 27

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

Research and Development Department

Mekong Institute Photo
123 Khon Kaen University (Please do not glue.
Mittraphap Road, Muang District Attach with Staple)
Khon Kaen 40002 Thailand
research@mekonginstitute.org
www.mekonginstitute.org

Applications received after this date will not be considered.

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