Research Study Flowchart
The research component of the postgraduate programme at Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is structured into two consecutive courses: Research Study 1 (RS1) and Research Study 2 (RS2). This two-stage process is designed to guide students systematically from the proposal phase to the completion of a full research report, ensuring academic quality and supervisory accountability.
Research Study 1 (RS1)
RS1 aims to equip students with the foundational understanding and preparation necessary to undertake independent research. Students are expected to develop their research proposal, which includes the formulation of research questions, literature review, and design of instruments.
Assessment Weightage:
Supervisor: 100%
Evaluation Components: Chapter 1 (Introduction), Chapter 2 (Literature Review), Chapter 3 (Methodology), and Research Instrument.
Progression:
Students who pass RS1 proceed to Research Study 2 (RS2). Those who fail are required to repeat RS1 following corrective measures as advised by the faculty.
Research Study 2 (RS2)
RS2 serves as the implementation and reporting phase of the research project. Students are expected to conduct the study, analyze data, and prepare a comprehensive research report aligned with UTM’s thesis standards.
The research study process concludes successfully when the student:
Has completed both RS1 and RS2 with passing grades,
Has submitted a full research report following UTM’s thesis formatting guidelines, and
Has received final approval from both the supervisor and evaluator.
Assessment Weightage:
Evaluator: 30%
Supervisor: 70%
Evaluation Components: A complete research report following the UTM Thesis Guidelines and templates available via the UTM One Stop Centre.
Upon successful completion, the student proceeds to the final thesis submission or viva phase as prescribed by the faculty.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
The Importance of Being Well-Informed of RS Important Dates
Timely awareness and adherence to key deadlines are critical to the smooth progression of the Research Study (RS) courses. Each role—Student, Supervisor, and Evaluator—has specific responsibilities tied to designated weeks and submission dates. Coordinated compliance ensures fair assessment, quality supervision, and the integrity of the postgraduate research process.
Effective communication and adherence to the RS Important Dates calendar foster a culture of academic discipline, shared accountability, and smooth coordination among all parties. Each stakeholder—student, supervisor, and evaluator—must take active responsibility in tracking and fulfilling their respective roles.
Being well-informed, organized, and timely is not only a procedural necessity but also a hallmark of professional research conduct at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
1. Student’s Role: Proactive Engagement and Timely Submission
Students bear the primary responsibility for monitoring and meeting all RS deadlines. Being well-informed of the important dates allows students to:
Plan and manage workload effectively, especially when balancing research with other coursework or commitments.
Prepare reports and presentations early, such as the RS1 Progress Report Presentation (Week 9–11) and RS1/RS2 Report Submission (Week 15).
Respond promptly to evaluator comments, particularly for the RS2 correction submission (Week 17), avoiding delays that may affect graduation timelines.
Exercise their rights responsibly, such as submitting a Mark Revision Appeal within the stipulated deadline (Week 19).
Failing to observe these dates may result in missed submissions, re-enrolment requirements, or delayed course progression.
2. Supervisor’s Role: Continuous Guidance and Timely Evaluation
Supervisors play a pivotal role in monitoring student progress and ensuring all supervisory tasks are completed within the academic schedule. Awareness of important RS dates enables supervisors to:
Provide structured supervision by scheduling regular check-ins before progress presentations and report submissions.
Conduct timely verification and assessment, such as Report Verification (Week 16) and Keying in Marks for RS1 and RS2 (Week 18).
Maintain assessment integrity by reviewing and approving corrections before final submission.
Ensure fairness and consistency in evaluation according to UTM’s academic and research standards.
A well-informed supervisor not only supports student success but also upholds the faculty’s quality assurance process.
3. Evaluator’s Role: Objective Review and Timely Feedback
Evaluators ensure an external, unbiased assessment of student research. Staying informed of deadlines is essential for evaluators to:
Complete evaluations within the prescribed period, especially RS2 Evaluation and Key-In of Marks (Week 16).
Provide constructive comments promptly, allowing students adequate time for correction and resubmission.
Align evaluation practices with institutional timelines, ensuring grades are processed smoothly for semester-end reporting.
Delays in evaluation can disrupt the academic flow, affecting both student outcomes and administrative processing.
