Module 1: Foundational Research Skills and Topic Selection

• Identifying a genuine research gap versus a trivial study
• Feasibility assessment of a research topic (time, resources, accessibility)
• Developing a concise Concept Note or initial scope document
• Understanding the role and expectations of the academic supervisor
• Introduction to academic databases and advanced search strategies

Practical session: Creating a research interest map and a draft Concept Note for a potential thesis topic.

Module 2: The Literature Review Strategy and Theoretical Framework

• Systematic vs. narrative literature review approaches and their structure
• Using reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero) effectively
• Synthesizing findings: identifying themes, debates, and methodological limitations
• Critical appraisal of scholarly sources and establishing source hierarchy
• Developing the theoretical, conceptual, and analytical frameworks

Practical session: Using a reference manager to build a critical annotation list of 10 core articles related to the chosen topic.

Module 3: Developing the Research Problem, Questions, and Objectives

• Defining the Problem Statement and articulating its academic and practical significance
• Formulating SMART specific research objectives
• Differentiating clearly between research questions, objectives, and testable hypotheses
• Writing the introductory chapter: Background, Problem Statement, and Justification
• Aligning all objectives with the literature review and subsequent methodology

Practical session: Drafting the core problem statement, three primary objectives, and corresponding research questions for their proposal.

Module 4: Research Design and Methodology Selection

• Choosing between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs
• Selecting appropriate Sampling Techniques (probability and non-probability)
• Determining sample size, statistical power, and saturation considerations
• Ensuring Validity, Reliability, and Trustworthiness in the chosen design
• Operationalization of complex variables and constructs for measurement

Practical session: Justifying the specific research design, sampling method, and target sample size for their proposal.

Module 5: Data Collection Instruments and Pilot Testing

• Principles of designing effective questionnaires, interview protocols, or observation guides
• Understanding scales of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio)
• Structuring the essential Data Management Plan (DMP)
• The process, purpose, and logistics of conducting instrument Pilot Testing
• Refining instruments and protocols based on pilot test feedback

Practical session: Developing a draft section of a data collection instrument (e.g., 5-item scale or 5 interview questions) ready for pilot.

Module 6: Ethical Clearance and Proposal Writing Mechanics

• Writing the ethical considerations section: Informed Consent, confidentiality, and risk mitigation
• Navigating Institutional Review Board (IRB) or ethics committee application requirements
• Formatting and structure: adherence to institutional guidelines and submission mandates
• Creating a realistic Gantt Chart and budget for the research timeline
• Reviewing and polishing the entire proposal document for submission quality

Practical session: Simulating the completion of an IRB application form based on their fully developed proposal.

Module 7: Data Analysis Planning and Software Preparation

• Identifying appropriate statistical analysis techniques (e.g., regression, factor analysis)
• Planning for Thematic Analysis and coding strategies for qualitative data
• Introduction to basic features of statistical (e.g., SPSS, R) or qualitative (e.g., NVivo) software
• Creating Dummy Tables and Figures (mock results) for the analysis plan
• Strategies for handling unexpected data, missing values, and data non-normality

Practical session: Creating an Analysis Plan Flowchart detailing data cleaning, necessary statistical tests, and expected output.

Module 8: Thesis Structure, Drafting, and Chapter Development

• The transition from an approved proposal to full Thesis Writing
• Techniques for writing clear, concise, and defensible Methodology and Results chapters
• Developing the Discussion Chapter: synthesizing results with prior literature and theory
• Writing the Conclusion, Recommendations, and study Limitations effectively
• Strategies for maintaining writing momentum and managing large documents

Practical session: Drafting the opening paragraph and core argument for the Discussion Chapter based on hypothetical results.

Module 9: Academic Writing, Citation, and Plagiarism Management

• Mastering Academic Tone, voice, and scholarly language
• Adhering meticulously to specific Citation Styles (e.g., APA, Harvard)
• Effective strategies for Paraphrasing and summarizing complex sources without plagiarism
• Understanding and avoiding common pitfalls of self-plagiarism and text recycling
• Structuring sentences for clarity, precision, and logical flow

Practical session: Reviewing a peer's paragraph for clarity, flow, and proper in-text citation errors using a designated style.

Module 10: Thesis Defense Preparation and Submission

• Preparing the compelling Abstract and executive summary
• Anticipating Defense Questions and developing strategic, concise answers
• Designing professional and high-impact presentation slides
• Understanding the Revision Process post-defense (minor vs. major corrections)
• The final submission, archiving, and post-graduation publication plans

Practical session: Conducting a Mock Defense presentation and Q&A simulation on their completed project outline.

Requirements:

• Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.
• Applicants must live up to Armstrong Global Institute admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Armstrong Global Training & Development Center Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588 or Email training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588