Press Release
3 June 2026
Third-year students enrolled in BUS701 Research Methodology at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) showcased their research projects during the Final Year Research Oral Presentations held yesterday at the Kukum Lecture Theatre. The event marked an important milestone in the academic journey of Bachelor of Business Entrepreneurship students as they presented and defended their research findings before assessment panel members, academic staff, peers, and invited guests.
Speaking at the event, Dean Faculty of Business & Tourism Studies (FBTS) Associate Professor Elliot Mugamu congratulated students on reaching an important academic milestone and acknowledged the hard work, discipline, and resilience required to undertake research. He emphasised that research extends beyond academic requirements and serves as a foundation for innovation, informed decision-making, and national development.
Associate Professor Mugamu encouraged students to present confidently, embrace constructive feedback, and view research as an ongoing journey of inquiry and learning. He also acknowledged the contributions of course coordinator Dr Jerry Begg Siota and panel members for their commitment to developing future researchers and professionals.
Course coordinator Dr Jerry Begg Siota reflected on the importance of research training in developing students’ academic and professional capabilities.
“Following our intensive sessions with UTS as part of SINU Cohort 2, I redesigned BUS701 using a tok-stori approach with more interactive sessions focused on mentoring students to become research-oriented learners. This approach aims to ensure students leave SINU equipped with the ability to conduct research and confidently present findings for informed decision-making.
Research is not only for academic purposes but is also an essential professional skill. Through my work with government ministries, I have observed research capacity gaps, which highlights the importance of equipping students with practical research skills.
This assessment simulates real-world processes of conducting research, collecting and analysing data, and presenting findings and recommendations,” Dr Siota said.
Dr Siota acknowledged the panel members who contributed to the assessment process, including Professor Kapila Mallah, Dr Derek Mane, Ms Christina Bokolo, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, and Mr Richard Nokia, Director of E-commerce within the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Labour and Immigration.
He further noted that the presentations will become a regular semester program within the Faculty of Business and Tourism Studies and welcomed opportunities for future collaboration to identify and nurture research talent.
Student reflections highlighted the valuable learning experiences gained throughout the course. Third-year Bachelor of Business Entrepreneurship student Tiza Berry described BUS701 Research Methodology as both challenging and rewarding.
“My experience in doing Business Research (BUS701) was challenging but insightful. The course allowed me to experience practical ways of conducting research and understand different methods and procedures,” Tiza said.
“One important lesson I learned is that consistency brings excellence, while ethical considerations help avoid challenges during research,” he added.
Fellow student Lente Dalavera also reflected positively on the course experience.
“I had an enjoyable learning experience in the BUS701 Research Methodology course. Our lecturer, Dr Jerry Siota, made learning engaging and interesting through his unique teaching style and sense of humour,” Dalavera said.
“The course activities were informative, practical, and highly beneficial, especially for students considering further studies. BUS701 strengthened my research skills and broadened my understanding of academic inquiry.”
The BUS701 assessment consists of both a written research report and oral presentation, each contributing equally to students’ final assessment. The presentations demonstrated students’ ability to apply research methodologies, communicate findings effectively, and contribute solutions relevant to business and entrepreneurship development in Solomon Islands.
The event highlighted SINU’s ongoing commitment to strengthening research capacity and preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to national development through evidence-based practice and innovation.
ENDS//