Major Research Paper

The MRP is your project/non-thesis requirement for the MIAGE program. This project is required by the Graduate School to receive your degree. The MRP is designed to be the culminating written project of your master's career.  Most students will complete this task as part of their Capstone course (IAGE 6900). Ideally, the project should address an international business, management, or legal topic explored from a socio-cultural or political economy context. Depending on the framework of your research question, one or two areas of knowledge will likely, and appropriately, receive more emphasis than the others--but do not exclude the others entirely.

Since MIAGE is a non-thesis program, there are two alternatives to writing a standard research paper:  a Policy Analysis Report or a Project/Business Plan. Neither of these alternatives is easier than a traditional research paper. These are simply different forms of scholarship that allow students to pursue the culminating project (MRP) that best represents their academic achievements and helps prepare them for their future careers.

You will be able to decide on your project type early on in your Capstone class.  Once committed, you will be required to complete the project in this style. This is required because we seek additional support for your project from outside faculty and we will want to match your interests to their expertise.

A paper proposal will be due early in the Capstone course.

Well thought-through proposals include:

• A project overview or statement of purpose and scope that is no more than 1-2 paragraphs in length. You can think of this as a “sales pitch” or vision for your paper. Your overview should answer the following questions at minimum:
• What is the issue of concern to the project?
• Why is this topic relevant?
• How will your frame your paper?
• What is the scope of inclusion for the paper, what will be excluded, and why?
• At least three research questions or hypotheses.
• The research questions/hypotheses should focus on the key questions you will attempt to answer with your project.
• Avoid questions that can be answered with a “yes” or “no” to avoid trivial questions. These should be thought provoking ideas that help to shape the paper and its frame.
• A short description of your proposed methodology.
• This does not need to be elaborate, but should address how you plan to answer your research questions in a systematic and research-based way.  For example, will you conduct interviews, run a survey, or tap into a large dataset?
• An outline that is detailed enough to follow the flow and logic of your paper.
• For example, in the “literature review” section (or “theory section”), be somewhat specific on the logic, fields of literature, and ideas to be explored. Consider sub-headings that align with your research questions.
• A list of key references that you have found most helpful in getting started. Unless you have a long list of references already, this proposal should not exceed 1-2 pages double-spaced, with 12 pt font and 1-inch margins.

Once your final project has been approved by your Capstone advisor, a final draft should be sent to the Program Manager. The Program Manager will save a copy of your project for your file and update your degree status so you are eligible for graduation with the Graduate School.