Nov 04, 2025
MPMA Research Seminar Series: Supporting Master's Thesis Preparation
OBJECTIVE.
Rikkyo University's Master of Public Management and Administration (MPMA) course recently hosted a three-part seminar series designed for the first-year students as they begin preparing for their master’s theses. Co-organized with the Rikkyo University Library, the sessions provided practical guidance on essential academic research skills.
The seminar series focused on three key areas:
1 Conducting Literature Reviews:
Highlighted the importance of systematic and strategic literature reviews for thesis writing.
2. Navigating Online Academic Databases:
Introduced students to electronic journal databases, including EBSCOhost, and demonstrated effective search techniques.
3. Managing References with Digital Tools:
Presented citation management software such as RefWorks to help students organize and streamline their sources.
These sessions were designed to equip students with the tools and strategies necessary for conducting rigorous, high-quality research.
We plan to continue offering similar initiatives to strengthen students’ academic research skills.
