MMUST Hosts Workshop to Empower Its Postgraduate Students with Advanced Skills in Systematic Literature Review and Mapping
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), through the School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, successfully conducted a comprehensive workshop on ‘Systematic Literature Review and Mapping’ for PhD and Master’s students. The workshop which took place from 15th to 16th May 2025, was aimed at equipping students with essential competencies in conducting rigorous and methodologically sound literature reviews, which is a critical component of postgraduate research.
The participants engaged in interactive sessions, practical exercises, and peer learning activities that emphasized the relevance of evidence-based research in informing policy and practice in disaster management and sustainable development. The key objective of the workshop was to strengthen the research skills of postgraduate students, equipping them with systematic approaches to literature review and enhancing their ability to conduct evidence-based research. This aligns with the department’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting scholars in accessing research grants and scholarships.
A section of the participants during the workshop.
“This workshop is designed to improve the scholarly approach to writing Thesis. We want to ensure our PhD and Master’s students are well-prepared to pursue competitive scholarships and contribute meaningfully to academic and professional research,” said Dr. Nicodemus Nyandiko, the Chair of the Department of Disaster Management and Sustainable Development.
Throughout the sessions, students explored various aspects of systematic research, including problem identification, development of research objectives, approval processes, and research simulation. They received feedback and guidance from a team of 12 lecturers from MMUST.
A section of the participants during the workshop.
“From the outcome, I realized that the research I had done earlier lacked a structured approach. After attending this workshop, I have learned how to conduct a proper systematic literature review and will now utilize the MMUST E-library to access relevant and recent materials,” said one of the participants, Mr. David Ereng.
The Department hosts similar postgraduate workshops every second Tuesday of the month, providing a platform for students to present and refine their concept notes, research proposals, and findings. These sessions are part of an ongoing initiative to promote structured academic research and support student success at the post graduate levels.
By Linet Owuor, Norah Mukewa and Ronny Obuolo
Photos by Ronny Obuolo
