Your Journey Through Academic Research.
The Research Support arm of Kumba is designed for students who want to strengthen the quality, originality, and clarity of their academic work. We walk with you from topic development to data analysis, thesis writing, and viva preparation—while keeping academic integrity at the centre.
Key Support Areas
- Topic development and problem refinement.
- Proposal and concept paper writing support.
- Data collection planning and research tools.
- Quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
- Thesis, dissertation, and report writing support.
What We Do & How The Process Works
Kumba Research Support helps undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students structure and complete their research projects with confidence—from the first idea to final defence.
What We Help Students With
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Topic development
- Identifying a clear and focused research problem.
- Formulating general and specific objectives.
- Aligning topics with academic expectations and feasibility.
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Proposal writing support
- Crafting background and problem statements.
- Guidance on literature review structure and content.
- Methodology design (research design, population, sample, tools).
- Developing conceptual and theoretical frameworks.
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Data collection support
- Designing research tools (questionnaires, interview guides).
- Choosing appropriate sampling strategies.
- Planning data collection logistics and timelines.
- Understanding ethical considerations and consent processes.
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Data analysis
- Quantitative analysis using SPSS, Stata, or Excel.
- Qualitative analysis (thematic, NVivo, content analysis).
- Interpreting results in line with objectives and literature.
- Presenting tables, figures, and graphs clearly.
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Thesis & dissertation support
- Chapter-by-chapter writing guidance and feedback.
- Editing and proofreading for clarity, flow, and coherence.
- Structuring arguments to meet institutional standards.
- Formatting and citation support (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
- Reducing plagiarism and improving originality.
- Viva preparation and Q&A practice.
Our role is to guide, not to ghost-write. You remain the author of your work and must be able to explain and defend every section confidently.
How The Process Works
- Submit your research challenge or draft (topic, proposal, data, or chapters).
- We assess your needs and agree on support steps, timelines, and scope.
- You receive guided assistance step by step with clear tasks and feedback.
- We work with you until your research outputs meet academic standards and you are ready to submit or defend.
Support can be once-off (e.g., a single data analysis session) or continuous across a semester or academic year, depending on your needs.
Featured Research Support Areas
Our support cuts across multiple disciplines and methods. Here are some of the core focus areas students often request.
Topic & Problem Refinement
Clarifying broad ideas into focused, researchable topics with realistic scope and clear objectives for your level of study.
Proposal & Concept Papers
Structuring proposals and concept notes that clearly communicate your problem, methods, and expected contribution.
Quantitative Data Analysis
Support with SPSS, Stata, or Excel—coding, running tests, and interpreting outputs in ways examiners can follow.
Qualitative Analysis
Thematic analysis, coding, and narrative structuring using manual approaches or tools like NVivo, depending on your context.
Thesis & Dissertation Coaching
Ongoing guidance as you move from chapter to chapter, ensuring coherence, logical flow, and adherence to your handbook.
Academic Integrity & Viva Prep
Guidance on managing similarity, citing correctly, and preparing for a confident viva or defence session.