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Discussion Question 8:Post-Assessment and Challenges

Name

Institution

Course

Instructor Name

Date
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In the course of my research the two areas I find vital to improve on are communication

and project management. The two areas are key as they form basis for my research to be

understood and be done in the required timelines, thus the need to refine them. Firstly, to

improve my communication skills, I plan to use public speaking platforms, engage in active

listening, asking questions and acting on feedback. Also, I’ll train to write clearly and precisely

to ensure every concept is easily understood. Secondly, for my project management skills, I plan

to set feasible targets and timelines, attend project management sessions, and liaise with people

with the know-how on managing research projects.

This course has played a role in shaping my research topic in various ways. First, I have

been exposed to diverse research methodologies. Learning this course has given me a wide

spectrum of various methodologies and designs in research. Some of these methodologies like

mixed-methods research, action research qualitative and quantitative research methods (Patten,

2017) have given me the understanding of merits of each method in relation to my project.

Secondly, I have gained some practical experience through doing small projects and examining

existing data. This has provided a deeper understanding of the research process and development

of data collection and analysis skills which are vital components in my research project.

No. My research topic has not changed. However, I have gained a deep insight into what

my research requires. I am now able to determine which methodology is going to help work on

my project and how I will analyze my data and present my work.

Yes, I am on track. This is because learning this equips with valuable research skills like

critical thinking, analytical skills, problem-solving, communication skills, time management and

self-dependency. This skills are vital in learning of other courses within the program and also

during undertaking my career.

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I believe the most challenging part of a research journey is identifying and refining a

research topic. This is because coming up with clear and precise topic demands a lot of

knowledge on the topic, extensive analysis of the available literature and seriously examining the

gaps and limitations of the topic (Goddard & Melville, 2004). These pose a challenge when

specifying a research question that is feasible and in tandem with research objectives.
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References

Goddard, W., & Melville, S. (2004). Research Methodology: An Introduction. In Google Books.

Juta and Company Ltd. https://books.google.co.ke/books?

hl=en&lr=&id=bJQJpsU2a10C&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=research+methodology&ots=Xuv

6PgDT9q&sig=lXwp0relD7prv5mKhSG5nKD46fQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=resear

ch%20methodology&f=false

Patten, M. L. (2017). Understanding Research Methods: An Overview of the Essentials. In

Google Books. Taylor & Francis. https://books.google.co.ke/books?

hl=en&lr=&id=YAoqDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=diverse+research+methodolo

gies&ots=1gHrPXPlEq&sig=92tI_8tSfGkfjDdA5wTGvCeGtoY&redir_esc=y#v=onepag

e&q=diverse%20research%20methodologies&f=false