Costa, K. INTRODUCING THE C.O.S.T.A POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH COACHING MODEL - A COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH TO SUPERVISION. Qualitative Research: practices and challenges, 2020, 171–185. https://doi.org/10.36367/ntqr.1.2020.171-185.
Costa, K. INTRODUCING THE C.O.S.T.A POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH COACHING MODEL - A COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH TO SUPERVISION. Qualitative Research: practices and challenges, 2020, 171–185. https://doi.org/10.36367/ntqr.1.2020.171-185.
Costa, K. INTRODUCING THE C.O.S.T.A POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH COACHING MODEL - A COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH TO SUPERVISION. Qualitative Research: practices and challenges, 2020, 171–185. https://doi.org/10.36367/ntqr.1.2020.171-185.
Costa, K. INTRODUCING THE C.O.S.T.A POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH COACHING MODEL - A COMPLEMENTARY APPROACH TO SUPERVISION. Qualitative Research: practices and challenges, 2020, 171–185. https://doi.org/10.36367/ntqr.1.2020.171-185.
Abstract
Postgraduate research is a massive stumbling block to students who had never had an opportunity of exposure to research methods. A study conducted by the researcher (Costa, 2018) revealed challenges in postgraduate supervision—one of these challenges was lack of exposure to research language by students. Qualitative research and its complexities due to a variety of approaches including rigour determination pose a plethora of challenges to novice researchers. This document presents C.O.S.T.A model as a tool suitable for use by academics and students, with a panoramic view of steps to be taken first to understand foundational concepts and the language of research and secondly to make informed choices on the research methods and design strategy options available for the prospective researcher. Conclusions drawn on the reliability of the model are based on empirical evidence of application of the model observed over a period of 12 months, with some students testifying to have passed their research projects satisfactorily at their respective leading universities in South Africa. Secondary research also provides voluminous sources of success of similar research supervision programmes both in South Africa and abroad.
Keywords
research concepts; tacu; literature review model; postgraduate; challenges; C.O.S.T.A model; institutions of higher learning; university; education
Subject
Social Sciences, Education
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received:
2 August 2020
Commenter:
Cibi John Francis
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
This is an eye opening experience for the academic journey. C.O.S.T.A model is an asset of knowledge for those who are pursuing with academic journey. With my experience and understanding of this model, it's an easy tool for those who are doing doctorate and masters studies. Great vision from Dr. King Costa.
Thanks for this impressive work.
Received:
10 August 2020
Commenter:
Dr selina Siganga
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
MThis model simplifies the journey of students who had no exposure or experience with research methods. With my knowledge,and experience, this an easy tool to help those who are doing Masters and Doctoral Degree. Great work Dr King Costa.. Dr Selina Siganga
Comment 2
Received:
3 August 2020
Commenter:
Dr Nisi Thusi
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
COSTA model hold you by hand though the journey of Research. Its gives students who has never had opportunity of exposure to research methods to have an understanding of what research is and how to do research in a step by step manner. These elements has added to the normal supervision programme at postgraduate level. This tool promotes collaboration and collegiality using a multi-disciplinary approach to making a research journey of students an exciting one.
C.O.S.T.A model is a great tool suitable for use by academics and students it helps with a panoramic view of steps to be taken first to understand foundational concepts and the language of research.The researcher has produced a complete Guide to Qualitative Research. This model help deal with problems and challenges in research.
Received:
3 August 2020
Commenter:
Benevolent Brown-Tumagole
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
An academic Research is extremely
challenging especially for students who have not been exposed to research methods.
A C.O.S.T.A model is a tool that is designed to help either undergraduate, postgraduates or academics to better understand the language and the fundamentals of research as well to make informed choices on the research methods and design strategy options.
I would like to thank Dr. King Costa for developing such a helpful research tool and making our academic research journey easier and exciting. Dr. Brown-Tumagole, Pretoria.
Received:
8 August 2020
Commenter:
Gordon Letebele
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
Thanks Dr Costa for having developed the C.O.S.T.A. model. It's a user- friendly tool which can assist students in their research discourse. As a Masters student, it enhanced the engineering of my dissertation.
Comment 4
Received:
3 August 2020
Commenter:
Jerry Moletsane
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
COSTA model has assisted me to understand research language and to successfully complete two distinct dissertations (MBA and MPhil Marketing). It is a good model to assist the prospective and current researchers to enhance their research coaching abilities.
Received:
6 August 2020
Commenter:
Dr Faith Tovhakale Raduvha
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
COSTA Model Postgratuate Research Model
Some of the problems facjng postgraduates students are:
1 Abstract
The proposal does not have an Abstract which is clear, succinct and covers the problem definition, objectives, methodology
2 Research Problem Research questions, aims and objectives are not clearly stated, fully justified and adequately delimited
3 Theoretical Framework and Literature Review ; no logical presentation of and acquaintance with the core theories, and recent studies. These recent studies must be relevant to the research problem
4 Research design and methodology Procedures that will be followed in conducting the research are not appropriate, rigorous and ethical procedures to carry out the study are not described in sufficient detail to allow for the research to be replicated.
5. The student needs to use academic writing throughout the study, in text referencing and references at the end of the study.
The above mentioned challenges
The COSTA Postgraduate Research Model is a well researched tool suitable to assist postgraduate students facing above mentioned problems and to enable students to excell in their research proposals, thesis or dissertations. Thanks Dr King Costa for your excellent Research contribution.
Received:
21 August 2020
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
The COSTA model was well researched to resolve problems of novices like and seasoned researchers. This act as guide to help you through your research journey. Research concepts are well articulated and grounded for individual researchers who are still finding their feet in the research world to understand. Reading through the document it kept me glued to it wanting to know more and more. It instilled an AAHA effect after mastery of concepts that I used not to understand. Thanks to the COSTA model for making my academic journey better. I gained knowledge and confidence ..
Comment 7
Received:
6 August 2020
Commenter:
Braydar kgoputso
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
This model provided postgraduates and undergraduates students with a simple basic understandable route map to deal with research of any kind. We as postgraduates for a longer time we lacked structure from our universities and supervision. But with the use of this model an answer was created, once a person understand and internalize the use of model it becomes his or her supervision tool on it's own. Its very comprehensive and have created excitement too in research. I personally liked the first C in the model ...which talked to concepts and research language_ I found this extremely useful because for me it carries the whole research (provide basics), if as a researcher have an understanding of particular concepts used in the study that will strengthen his or her writing including the content of the study to be produced. Our universities indeed have not reached a satisfactory level of supervision and yet they the quality outputs are required. Thank you Dr Costa for such an innovation in research and adding value in our research activities.
Regards Braydar
Received:
7 August 2020
Commenter:
Oscar Nomvete
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
The COSTA model is a groundbreaking innovation. It turns novice researchers into experts, with its step by step easy to follow structure. I was finding research completely unattainable, ready to give up on my postgraduate studies, until i came across this fantastic framework. I’m proud to say it didn’t only become a solution to my research project, it also changed my entire attitude towards research. Its an indispensable tool for scholars, scientists and social researchers who want to produce quality research papers and dissertations.
Received:
14 August 2020
Commenter:
Rajesh Mahabeer
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
I am a PhD student at the University of Witwatersrand. I am coached by Dr King Costa who took me through the rigor of developing my proposal, which I defended at the Panel.
I found the C.O.S.T.A. Model to be well researched and very effective in guiding me through my research. It is highly recommended for researchers alike (rookies, advanced students and academics). The model uncluttered my understanding of the concepts and empowered me to craft a clear defendable proposal supported by the expert academic coaching of Dr King Costa.
I highly recommend the use of the model by all researchers.
Received:
15 August 2020
Commenter:
Diamond Motimele
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
The COSTA model for postgraduate research provides a simplified and practical approach to conducting research. The research language and concepts are not always easily grasped, particularly by students who have not been exposed to research prior to their post graduate studies or students who have very tight business and work schedules. This innovative method provides a platform that accelerates understanding and generates overall interest in research. In my view, the success both locally and abroad can be attributed to the model’s simplicity, practicality and applicability.
I was able to complete my Master of Business Leadership (MBL) research with a distinction, thanks to COSTA model, and Dr King. With this model, the interest in pursuing further studies is permanently entrenched. The step by step approach make learning easily transferable to assist other postgraduate students as well.
I highly recommend the use of COSTA model to postgraduate research students.
Received:
16 August 2020
Commenter:
Caswell Ntseno
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
This is what research ought to be- Discovery ! That’s what COSTA model allows you as a researcher to do! Armed with the methods and strategies to take “...archer” out of rese-archer and aim at the goal of your enquiry !
Received:
16 August 2020
Commenter:
Matsiri Sebati
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
I recommend the COSTA Research Model as a tool for postgraduate
researchers, novice researchers, and even established researchers. This
model helps demystify difficult concepts about research as an activity
and as a discipline. I have completed my MBA recently, supervised by Dr
Costa who used the model. Before using this model I had already given
up, BUT when my university appointed him as my supervisor, he became my
coach and took me through Concepts, Objective, Situational assessment
through Literature Review, Tact through Research Methodology and as such I was able to Assess the value of my output, an MBA using a Qualitative
Systematic Review (or Qualitative Evidence Synthesis) methodology. Thank you for developing such a great tool.
Received:
13 January 2022
Commenter:
Gail Denise Parker
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
The C.O.S.T.A. Model has proven itself as not only a useful tool to guide postgraduate students in their studies but to others, when applied, it may be a lifesaver in a lonely, arduous journey in their academic inquiry. It demystifies the language and concepts of research, declutters the research journey and empowers the student to write a cogent report of the journey undertaken.
Received:
8 February 2022
Commenter:
Rajesh Mahabeer
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
The
The C.O.S.T.A. model is a well researched and powerful tool designed to help students and researchers unclutter their minds when they are working on their research proposal and report. It is a “blueprint” that is clear and keeps the researcher on their research journey without limiting their exploration whilst at the same time functioning as a “compass”.
The model is powerful and ensures a technically correct research report.
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment:
As part of the models applied in my Ph.D. study, I found the C.O.S.T.A. Model quite effective and easy to use. The C & T parts of the model were the most appealing for me since all theories that exist are made of concepts. This essentially
means that getting the concepts correct from the onset in research is critical and needs not be taken lightly as this shows the researchers' level of understanding for research even before getting to the subject matter. Secondly, the author presents Tact as the fourth leg of the model which speaks to the trustworthiness, accuracy, validity, reliability, etc. of a research study. It is common knowledge in order for research to be considered as trustworthy and credible, there must be a correct presentation of methods used and a sound justification for the selection of those methods (inquiry of methods).
Without sounding redundant, I think the C.O.S.T.A Model which this paper presents is one of the much needed models that could benefit not only academics in institutions of higher learning, but also institutions in both public and private sectors that undertake projects from time to time.
Commenter: Cibi John Francis
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Thanks for this impressive work.
Dr. Francis
Mpumalanga.
Commenter: Dr selina Siganga
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Commenter: Dr Nisi Thusi
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
C.O.S.T.A model is a great tool suitable for use by academics and students it helps with a panoramic view of steps to be taken first to understand foundational concepts and the language of research.The researcher has produced a complete Guide to Qualitative Research. This model help deal with problems and challenges in research.
Commenter: Benevolent Brown-Tumagole
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
challenging especially for students who have not been exposed to research methods.
A C.O.S.T.A model is a tool that is designed to help either undergraduate, postgraduates or academics to better understand the language and the fundamentals of research as well to make informed choices on the research methods and design strategy options.
I would like to thank Dr. King Costa for developing such a helpful research tool and making our academic research journey easier and exciting. Dr. Brown-Tumagole, Pretoria.
Commenter: Gordon Letebele
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Commenter: Jerry Moletsane
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Commenter: Malefetsane Justice Lebaea
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
The Costa model is a very good model particularly for researchers due to the fact that it simplify the research for students.
==
Commenter: Dr Faith Tovhakale Raduvha
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Some of the problems facjng postgraduates students are:
1 Abstract
The proposal does not have an Abstract which is clear, succinct and covers the problem definition, objectives, methodology
2 Research Problem Research questions, aims and objectives are not clearly stated, fully justified and adequately delimited
3 Theoretical Framework and Literature Review ; no logical presentation of and acquaintance with the core theories, and recent studies. These recent studies must be relevant to the research problem
4 Research design and methodology Procedures that will be followed in conducting the research are not appropriate, rigorous and ethical procedures to carry out the study are not described in sufficient detail to allow for the research to be replicated.
5. The student needs to use academic writing throughout the study, in text referencing and references at the end of the study.
The above mentioned challenges
The COSTA Postgraduate Research Model is a well researched tool suitable to assist postgraduate students facing above mentioned problems and to enable students to excell in their research proposals, thesis or dissertations. Thanks Dr King Costa for your excellent Research contribution.
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Commenter: Braydar kgoputso
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Regards Braydar
Commenter: Oscar Nomvete
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Commenter: Rajesh Mahabeer
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
I found the C.O.S.T.A. Model to be well researched and very effective in guiding me through my research. It is highly recommended for researchers alike (rookies, advanced students and academics). The model uncluttered my understanding of the concepts and empowered me to craft a clear defendable proposal supported by the expert academic coaching of Dr King Costa.
I highly recommend the use of the model by all researchers.
Commenter: Diamond Motimele
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
I was able to complete my Master of Business Leadership (MBL) research with a distinction, thanks to COSTA model, and Dr King. With this model, the interest in pursuing further studies is permanently entrenched. The step by step approach make learning easily transferable to assist other postgraduate students as well.
I highly recommend the use of COSTA model to postgraduate research students.
Commenter: Caswell Ntseno
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
I Highly Recommend!
Commenter: Matsiri Sebati
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
researchers, novice researchers, and even established researchers. This
model helps demystify difficult concepts about research as an activity
and as a discipline. I have completed my MBA recently, supervised by Dr
Costa who used the model. Before using this model I had already given
up, BUT when my university appointed him as my supervisor, he became my
coach and took me through Concepts, Objective, Situational assessment
through Literature Review, Tact through Research Methodology and as such I was able to Assess the value of my output, an MBA using a Qualitative
Systematic Review (or Qualitative Evidence Synthesis) methodology. Thank you for developing such a great tool.
Commenter: Gail Denise Parker
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Commenter: Rajesh Mahabeer
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
The C.O.S.T.A. model is a well researched and powerful tool designed to help students and researchers unclutter their minds when they are working on their research proposal and report. It is a “blueprint” that is clear and keeps the researcher on their research journey without limiting their exploration whilst at the same time functioning as a “compass”.
The model is powerful and ensures a technically correct research report.
Commenter:
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
means that getting the concepts correct from the onset in research is critical and needs not be taken lightly as this shows the researchers' level of understanding for research even before getting to the subject matter. Secondly, the author presents Tact as the fourth leg of the model which speaks to the trustworthiness, accuracy, validity, reliability, etc. of a research study. It is common knowledge in order for research to be considered as trustworthy and credible, there must be a correct presentation of methods used and a sound justification for the selection of those methods (inquiry of methods).
Without sounding redundant, I think the C.O.S.T.A Model which this paper presents is one of the much needed models that could benefit not only academics in institutions of higher learning, but also institutions in both public and private sectors that undertake projects from time to time.