A proposed checklist for assessing Master’s and Doctoral research proposals

Abstract

The study confirmed that most chairs of departments (CODs) in the College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS) regard Master’s and doctoral (M and D) throughput rates as poor. A proposed checklist for assessing M and D research proposals is advanced. The aim of the research was to establish if a proposed checklist may contribute to improved throughput rates. Inconsistent assessment criteria are used to assess the research proposals of M and D students. Structured interviews with CODs revealed that most departments are using criteria based on previous experience to assess M and D research proposals. These criteria have not been documented. The proposed checklist is regarded by CODs as being potentially valuable for assessing M and D proposals, but they are less optimistic that it could lead to improved throughput rates. The proposed checklist may nevertheless assist prospective M and D students to plan their research in a way that will avoid critical problems. Academic departments should consider testing the proposed checklist for its potential contribution to improve M and D throughput.