Update on Research Progress: Two Reports Completed

-

Over the past few weeks, I have been steadily advancing my PhD research on China’s Higher Education Exchange Programs and their influence on Sino–PNG relations. I am pleased to share with you, my survey participants and wider audience, that I have completed two significant research reports. These documents represent important milestones in both the data analysis phase and in refining the methodology that underpins this study.

The first report focuses on the quantitative data analysis. Drawing on the survey responses I received from participants across PNG and those currently studying in China, I examined trends using descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies, and cross-tabulations. These figures reveal not only how students and alumni perceive Chinese scholarships and language programs but also how these experiences are shaping their views on bilateral relations. The data points to consistent support for the academic quality of these programs while also highlighting areas where participants felt improvements could be made.

Quantitative analysis report (13 Aug 2025) on China’s Higher Education Exchange Programs and their influence on PNG, comparing five participant groups.

Beyond surface-level statistics, the quantitative analysis also mapped responses against demographic variables. This made it possible to identify differences between alumni and current students, between male and female respondents, and across different program types such as scholarships, language courses, and public sector training. The findings give me a clearer picture of how diverse groups within PNG society engage with China’s education offerings.

The second report explores the use of LinkedIn as a digital fieldwork method. This platform has been central in enabling me to connect with PNG students and alumni who are scattered across China and other parts of the world. Through LinkedIn, I was able to build a large contact base, share my survey link directly, and engage in conversations with potential participants. This method reduced the barriers of distance, time, and cost, and allowed me to reach individuals who might otherwise have been difficult to locate.

One of the advantages of the LinkedIn method is that it provided a professional and transparent environment for research outreach. Many participants were able to verify my academic background and institutional affiliation before deciding to engage with the study. This trust-building process was essential in encouraging voluntary participation and ensuring the credibility of the research process.

At the same time, the report reflects on the challenges of relying on digital platforms. Not all potential participants are active on LinkedIn, and internet access in PNG remains inconsistent. Nevertheless, by supplementing LinkedIn with other recruitment methods such as WeChat groups and direct outreach, I have been able to achieve a strong participation rate.

Together, these two reports—the quantitative data analysis and the LinkedIn method report—provide both empirical findings and methodological reflection. They strengthen the foundation of my research and demonstrate that the project is progressing steadily toward its broader aim: understanding how China’s Higher Education Exchange Programs influence PNG’s foreign policy environment and bilateral relationship with China.

I want to thank all participants who have contributed so far. Your willingness to share your experiences and perspectives is what makes this research possible. As I move forward into the qualitative phase, I will continue to keep you updated and ensure that your voices are represented in the analysis of one of the most important relationships shaping PNG’s future.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Commercial liberalism and the six norms

-
Image
Liberal internationalism is defined by Griffiths, O'Callaghan and Roach (2008, p.190) as a project to transform international relations so that they conform to models of peace, freedom, and prosperity allegedly enjoyed within constitutional liberal democracies. The same scholars go further by dividing liberalism into three distinct groups. They say these are the three ways to implement the project. The way they present liberal internationalism as a project makes their work interesting. Three distinct groups Firstly, commercial liberalism is about free trade between states. States bilaterally or multilaterally via a platform like APEC pursue the goal of trade liberalization. Griffiths, O'Callagahan and Roach (ibid.) argued that economic interdependence would decrease the likelihood of going to war. Republican liberalism is about democratic peace. The scholars argued that the spread of democracy among states so that governments will be accountable to their citizens makes it di...
Read more

FPA: Organizational Process Model

-
This model centers on the fact that different bureaucracies have different standard operating procedures. These procedures are made in order to allow day to day operations to be carried out. Thus, a foreign policy decision is made based on these standard operating procedures. It is hard for a bureaucracy to make a decision or let alone function out of character or contrary to their standard operating procedure. The reading Chapter 4: Foreign policy shares a straight forward explanation of the OPM: "An alternative to the rational model of decision making is the organizational process model. In this model, foreign policy decision makers generally skip the labor-intensive process of identifying goals and alternative actions, relying instead for most decisions on standardized responses or standard operating procedures. For example, the U.S. State Department everyday receives more than a thousand reports or inquiries from its embassies around the world and sends out more than a ...
Read more

Allison's rational actor model

-
There are 3 common models of foreign policy decision making according to Graham Allison: rational actor model organizational process mode government politics model.  We will discuss the 3 models and compare them with the 3 levels of analysis. However, I challenge you to use your own initiative to learn about the other models of decision making. This will help you as future decision makers or analysts to understand how decisions are made and the processes. When one wakes up from bed he or she decides whether or not to brush their teeth, comb their hair and have a shower. These decisions are paramount, they affect and influence how the individual interacts in a social setting. This highlights the fact that as human beings we make decisions every day. Decision making is defined as the thought process of selecting a logical choice from the available options. In the case of the ‘Kibung peles boy’ analogy; the male student had a choice of approaching the girl to ask he...
Read more