Analysing Research Methodologies: A case study of Masters of Education in Educational Management Dissertations at the Zimbabwe Open University

The study sought to analyse research methodologies used in dissertations for the Masters of Education in Educational Management at the Zimbabwe Open University in Zimbabwe. It used the qualitative methodology. The study made use of the case study design, in which the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), Department of Educational studies became the case to be studied. Fifty dissertations were collected from ten regions of ZOU. The study purposively selected dissertations that indicated that they had used the qualitative methodology. It was observed that some dissertations lacked clarity on paradigm, research designs and data collection methods that related to qualitative research. It was further observed that some dissertations did not indicate the paradigms at all. There was evidence indicating that approaches to research methodology differed as per region and supervisor. This suggested lack of coordination on how the department approached research supervision. The study recommends capacity building for students and supervisors. It further recommends the setting up of research committees at faculty level.