TRAINING ON RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Class Description

TRAINING ON RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FROM 9TH TO 13TH SEPTEMBER 2024 AT BOT ACADEMY, MWANZA

A. INTRODUCTION
Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problem. It may be understood as a science of studying how research is done scientifically. In it, we study the various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying his research problem along with the logic behind them.
Many people associated with academic institutions, governmental and non-governmental agencies, business and finance, etc. are engaged in various research activities. Research is also an integral part of academics and many professions, including banks, law, accounting, and finance.
Much of the research is aimed at understanding real-world issues, assessing options, and providing solutions to problems. Research also serves as an important tool to inform action, gather evidence for theories, and contribute to developing knowledge in many fields of study.
There are many reasons why research is necessary and valuable in our daily lives. First, it is not only a tool for acquiring knowledge and facilitating learning but also a means to understand issues and increase public awareness. Research also helps many businesses and other entities to succeed in their endeavors through finding, gauging, and seizing opportunities. Third, research provides an avenue for disproving lies and supporting truths. Research also promotes confidence in reading, writing, analyzing, and sharing valuable information.

B. OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSE
The purpose of this training is to provide participants with a foundation of research methodology and the key steps in the research process. To this end, participants will be provided with a framework within which they can begin to understand, critically assess, and carry out research.
Thus, this training has several objectives:
(a) To introduce participants to the methods used to conduct applied economic research
(b) To introduce participants to the skills needed to critically assess the research of others
(c) To provide participants with an opportunity to carry out and learn from a research project of their own
In conformity with the objective of this training as described above, it is hoped that after this training participants will be able to:
✓ Gain proficiency in establishing research topic, conducting high-quality research, analyzing data effectively, and adhering to ethical standards in their research practices,
✓ Demonstrate the ability to choose methods appropriate to their research aims and objectives,
✓ Enhance practical knowledge and skills that will elevate their research capabilities,
✓ Excel in their research endeavors and make significant contributions to their organizations,
✓ Develop skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis and presentation, and
✓ Understand the limitations of various methods.

C. CONTENTS OF THE COURSE
a) Introduction to Research Methodology
• Meaning of research
• Research methodology vs. research methods
• Reasons why research is important

• Research steps and research as a cyclical process
• Concept of knowledge
• Research as a knowledge acquisition tool
• Other forms of knowledge acquisition
• Most common research challenges
• Research topic and concept notes best practices.
• Developing a research proposal (Research problem, research objectives, literature review, methodology)
• Connection between research objectives and methodology
• Fatal and non-fatal errors in research

b) Literature Review and Writing as a Research Tool
• Primary literature vs. secondary literature
• Literature review and research gaps
• What is a literature review?
• Why do literature reviews?
• How to do a literature review
• Critical reading of published research
• What you should get out of a literature review
• Identifying gaps in the existing literature
• Reporting the literature review
• Literature review best practices

c)Research Data
• Concept of data
• Primary data vs secondary data
• What data to collect
• Where to collect data
• How to collect data
• Sampling and other data collection methods
• Time Series data, cross-section data, and panel data (balanced and unbalanced)
• Advantages of cross-section, time series, and panel data
• Other data classifications: microdata vs. macro data; qualitative data vs. quantitative data
• Nominal data, ordinal data, interval data, and ratio data
• Big data (volume, velocity, and variety)
• Descriptive statistics of data
• Distributional plots of data
• Data collection best practices

d) Data Analysis Techniques
• Optimization
• Covariances and Correlations
• Correlation does not imply causation
• How to specify a regression model
• How to estimate a regression model
• How to check for the significance of an estimated regression coefficient
• How to interpret regression goodness-of-fit using the R-squared value
• How to interpret the estimated regression coefficients associated with different types of regression models

e) Communicating Research Results
• Writing a full paper (abstract, keywords, article classification codes, body, references, etc.)
• Paper presentation etiquettes

D. SCHEDULED DATES AND VENUE
The Five (5) days: From 9th to 13th September 2024 at the Bank of Tanzania Academy, Mwanza. First Day Registration starts at 08.30 A.M.

E. PROGRAMME FACILITATORS
This course will be facilitated by Prof. Tomson Ogwang from the Brock University of Canada in collaboration with the Bank of Tanzania Academy.

F. TARGET GROUP
This course is designed specifically for officers and personnel from academic institutions, governmental and non-governmental agencies, business and finance who deal with research activities.

G. FEES
The fee for each participant is TZS 1.0 million or USD 1,000 for non-residents, covering tuition, course materials, catering, and mid-session refreshments. Participants will be responsible for their travel costs and upkeep. Please make the payment of your fees using the following channel:
Local Participant account details
Bank Transfer through TISS
Transferee Bank: Bank of Tanzania
Account Number: 9944713006
Account Name: Course Fees
Swift Code: TANZTZTXXXX
Foreign Participants account details
Bank Name: Citibank Bank
Bank Swift Code: CITIUS33
Account Holder: Bank of Tanzania
Account Number: 36113007

H. MODE OF APPLICATION
Send a letter, e-mail, or make a phone call to the Academy through any of the mentioned contacts below. The course will accommodate 25 participants and the principle of first come first served will apply. Applications should reach us at least two (2) working days before the commencement of the course.
All applications should be addressed to:
The Principal,
Bank of Tanzania Academy,
P.O. Box 131, Capri-Point,
MWANZA
+255 (0) 28 2 500 982/709/983 +255 (0) 28 2 503 380
Email: academy@bot.go.tz