Preparatory Course for Formal Thesis Writing

This seminar class facilitates intensive focus on thesis writing, working on your interests regarding Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and other related areas. In the first place the class introduces success and failure factors of PPP already endorsed in in-transition countries, which, with the advice of the instructor and class discussions among both new and experienced students in this area, will enrich your sense for organizing reports and papers. I’m sure this will lead each student to at least establishing their original research focus by the end of the semester to help complete the first step towards the Master’s thesis. Any area related to a developing economy will be welcomed here and covered in this class as the instructor is now working on teaching and researching in the areas of international economics and development economics in parallel with this class.

This seminar helps students through the preparatory phase of writing their thesis. The instructor expects all to complete the following, which will help students naturally move to the next analytical step for the Master’s thesis.
(1) Understand the success and failure factors of PPP in in-transition countries to build fundamental knowledge for the Master’s thesis.
(2) Link it with each student’s research interest.
(3) Focus the research interest to organize the research plan.

This schedule is organized for the academic learners in their first semester. For more senior students, the instructor will modify this to provide an appropriate schedule for the completion of their Master’s thesis. My syllabus for the spring semester might be a good reference for you.

No.01 Mutual introductions with each student talking about their research interest.
No.02 Methodology of PPP research: Objectives, scopes, data and methods
No.03 Success and failure factors of PPP (1) – Theoretical introduction
No.04 Success and failure factors of PPP (2) – Examples in in-transition countries-1
No.05 Success and failure factors of PPP (3) – Examples in in-transition countries-2
No.06 Success and failure factors of PPP (4) – Examples in in-transition countries-3
No.07 Success and failure factors of PPP (5) – Quantitative analysis
No.08 Short presentation by students
No.09 Literature review (1)
No.10 Literature review (2)
No.11 Literature review (3)
No.12 Literature review (4)
No.13 Literature review (5)
No.14 Short presentation by students
No.15 Finalize each student’s research plan to clarify the next step towards Master’s thesis

As a Master’s thesis instructor, I start by understanding students’ research interests to help establish their research focus, which is often difficult.

(1)This seminar will be a student-centered learning seminar. Students will not only be active learners but also active participants. Methods for conducting a literature review/Master thesis analysis will be presented by the instructor, so please be prepared for the next seminar every week to proceed with your research and inform us of your progress.
(2)For weekly preparation, the instructor will assign reading articles and/or writing reviews on it. For senior students, proceed with the writing of your literature review/draft of Master’s thesis after each seminar.
(3)Weekly class preparation includes: reading of all texts, completion of activities, completion of weekly assignments, and regular progress on your research.

【Grading Criteria】
Class participation and in-class contribution: 20%
Reports and assigned tasks: 40%
An oral defense of your research: 40%
【Method of Evaluation】
Subject to the criteria of evaluation of Toyo University

【PPP students only】
Any necessary disciplinary actions will follow the guidelines of the school.

Instead of a textbook, the instructor will guide you to the appropriate references, e.g., journals, books, data, etc., depending on your progress. The reference list will be given by the instructor and be shared among the class to facilitate discussion for mutual understanding and deepening each theme. You are also required to compile your own reference list for your research.

See above (Textbooks).

My current research and government activity regarding PPPs are almost all linked to real estate issues including farmland, public facilities, and infrastructure, and those topics form the foundation of every industry and corporate activity in our society. I am very sure you students will be able to find your specialty with us. All areas will be expanded into an international framework to help motivate those students from abroad.