From September 8th to 12th, the Contact Week of Module 6 of the European Joint Master’s in Strategic Border Management (EJMSBM) took place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Hosted by the Netherlands Defence Academy, this module focused on building students’ capabilities in conducting quantitative research within their own organisations.
Titled “Researching Management Practices in Border Security,” the module serves as an essential introduction to research methodology, specifically through a quantitative lens. Students engaged in sessions designed to equip them with fundamental skills in data collection and analysis, including the design and deployment of questionnaires and the interpretation of results. Key research principles such as validity, reliability, and generalisability were emphasized to ensure a solid foundation for future academic and professional research.
Beyond methodology, the week also encouraged peer learning, with students drawing on knowledge gained from previous modules and interacting with experts from a border surveillance organisation. This practical application of theory enabled participants to address real-world management challenges in border security using research-based approaches.
This module marks the first stage in a broader research journey, which will later be expanded with qualitative methods in Module 10, Researching Integrated Practices in Border Management.
In parallel with the academic activities, the week also included strategic meetings with the Quality Assurance Committee, Programme Board, Board of Examiners, and the Governing Board. These sessions were focused on ongoing efforts to enhance the overall quality and delivery of the EJMSBM programme.
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