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PAD890Management Sciences6 Unitsintermediate

Project [Msc Dissertation]

This course provides a comprehensive guide to completing a Master of Science (M.Sc.) project in Public Administration at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). It covers the essential elements of a research project, from preliminary pages to the main body, including the introduction, literature review, methodology, data presentation, and final conclusions. The course also emphasizes the importance of adhering to the American Psychological Association (APA) style for references and appendices.

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60h
Study Time
13
Weeks
5h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
ProjectPublic AdministrationResearchMethodologyLiterature Review

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Research Project Format

2

Preliminary Pages

3

Introduction

4

Literature Review

5

Methodology

6

Data Presentation and Analysis

7

Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations

8

Referencing and Appendices

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Public Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Project Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-profit OrganizationsConsulting FirmsResearch Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Preliminary Pages of the Report

5h

Cover/Title Page

2 study hours
  • Review the cover/title page format.
  • Understand the required elements: title, author's name, matric number, submission details.
  • Prepare a draft cover page for your project.

Abstract

3 study hours
  • Study the guidelines for writing an abstract.
  • Focus on including the problem, purpose, methods, findings, and recommendations.
  • Practice writing a concise abstract of approximately 360 words.
Week
2

Main Body of the Paper

4h

Chapter One: Introduction (Sections 1.1 - 1.7)

4 study hours
  • Understand the key components of the introduction: background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, hypotheses, scope, and significance.
  • Identify the knowledge gaps related to your research topic.
  • Formulate clear research questions and testable hypotheses.
Week
3

Main Body of the Paper

5h

Chapter Two: Literature Review (Sections 2.1 - 2.5)

5 study hours
  • Review the structure of the literature review chapter: introduction, theoretical framework, conceptual reviews, empirical review, and summary.
  • Learn how to analyze and synthesize existing literature.
  • Identify relevant theories and concepts related to your research topic.
Week
4

Main Body of the Paper

4h

Chapter Three: Methodology (Sections 3.1 - 3.7)

4 study hours
  • Understand the components of the methodology chapter: research design, population, sample, data collection, and data analysis.
  • Learn how to select an appropriate research design for your study.
  • Determine the appropriate sample size and sampling method.
Week
5

Main Body of the Paper

5h

Chapter Four: Data Presentation and Analyses (Sections 4.1 - 4.6)

5 study hours
  • Study the guidelines for data presentation and analysis.
  • Learn how to present data using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis.
  • Practice interpreting the results of your data analysis.
Week
6

Main Body of the Paper

4h

Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations (Sections 5.1 - 5.6)

4 study hours
  • Review the structure of the final chapter: summary, conclusion, recommendations, suggestions for further research, and policy implications.
  • Learn how to write a concise summary of your research findings.
  • Develop recommendations based on your conclusions.
Week
7

Main Body of the Paper

3h

End of Report: References and Appendices

3 study hours
  • Understand the importance of proper referencing using the APA style.
  • Learn how to format references and appendices.
  • Compile a list of all references used in your project.
Week
8

Main Body of the Paper

4h

Chapter One: Introduction (Review)

4 study hours
  • Review the entire Chapter One: Introduction
  • Ensure all sections are well-articulated and aligned with the research objectives.
  • Refine the problem statement and research questions for clarity.
Week
9

Main Body of the Paper

4h

Chapter Two: Literature Review (Review)

4 study hours
  • Review the entire Chapter Two: Literature Review
  • Ensure all sections are well-articulated and aligned with the research objectives.
  • Refine the problem statement and research questions for clarity.
Week
10

Main Body of the Paper

4h

Chapter Three: Methodology (Review)

4 study hours
  • Review the entire Chapter Three: Methodology
  • Ensure all sections are well-articulated and aligned with the research objectives.
  • Refine the problem statement and research questions for clarity.
Week
11

Main Body of the Paper

4h

Chapter Four: Data Presentation and Analyses (Review)

4 study hours
  • Review the entire Chapter Four: Data Presentation and Analyses
  • Ensure all sections are well-articulated and aligned with the research objectives.
  • Refine the problem statement and research questions for clarity.
Week
12

Main Body of the Paper

4h

Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations (Review)

4 study hours
  • Review the entire Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations
  • Ensure all sections are well-articulated and aligned with the research objectives.
  • Refine the problem statement and research questions for clarity.
Week
13

Main Body of the Paper

5h

Final Project Review and Submission Preparation

5 study hours
  • Final review of the entire project report.
  • Ensure all sections are complete and well-formatted.
  • Proofread for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all chapters thoroughly, focusing on key concepts and methodologies.

2

Practice writing concise summaries of each chapter.

3

Familiarize yourself with the APA referencing style.

4

Prepare potential research questions and hypotheses.

5

Review examples of data presentation and analysis techniques.

6

Practice writing clear and concise conclusions and recommendations.

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