Writing and general presentation skills Competent structure, presentation of discussion, reasonable demonstration of ethics. Some work needed on Harvard referencing. Spend some time proof reading your work. Writing and general presentation skills Good structure, presentation of discussion, demonstration of ethics and good Harvard referencing. Well written with a clear logical sequence. Writing and general presentation skills Excellent structure, presentation of discussion, demonstration of ethics and very good Harvard referencing. Well written with a clear logical sequence Writing and general presentation skills Excellent structure, presentation of discussion, demonstration of ethics and excellent Harvard referencing. Well written, concise, articulate with a clear logical sequence 7.5-9 9.5-10 10.5-12 12.5-15

Selecting a research method A competent methodology is demonstrated that does not really fit with the research philosophy. The sample and data collection technique is relevant and reasonably feasible Selecting a research method A good methodology is demonstrated that fits with the research philosophy. The sample and data collection technique is relevant and quite feasible Selecting a research method A very good workable methodology is demonstrated that fits with the research philosophy. The sample and data collection technique is relevant, practical and feasible Selecting a research method A clear, practical methodology is demonstrated that fits with the research philosophy. The sample and data collection technique is relevant, realistic and definitely feasible 15.5-18 18.5-20 21-24 24.5-30

Literature Review (30%) Literature survey skills Work not completed. Literature survey skills Inadequate literature review not demonstrating understanding or critical thought. Literature survey skills Poor literature review not demonstrating understanding or critical thought. Literature survey skills Weak literature review not demonstrating much understanding and lacks critical thought. Literature survey skills Competent literature review demonstrating some understanding but lacks critical thought. Literature survey skills Very good literature review demonstrating thorough understanding and critical thought. Literature survey skills Excellent literature review demonstrating thorough understanding and critical thought. Literature survey skills Outstanding and comprehensive literature review demonstrating thorough understanding, insight and critical thought.

Explanation of the research problem and justification of the research question/s (25%) Problem definition skills Unclear introduction of the research problem/questions. Problem definition skills Poor effort at introducing the research problem and research questions. Problem definition skills Weak effort at introducing the research problem and research questions. Problem definition skills Competent effort at introducing the research problem and research questions. Problem definition skills Quite well written explanation of the research problem and research questions. Problem definition skills Well written and clear explanation of the research problem and research questions. Problem definition skills Very well written, articulate and clear explanation of the research problem and research questions. Problem definition skills Exemplary and well written explanation of the research problem and research questions.

Your work will be assessed by a subject expert who will use the marking grid provided in this assessment brief. When you access your marked work it is important that you reflect on the feedback so that you can use it to improve future assignments. Referencing You MUST use the Harvard System. The Harvard system is very easy to use once you become familiar with it.

• You will receive formative feedback in Week 7. This will take the form of an online Moodle test. The test will give you an opportunity to self-assess your research and analytical skills by answering questions that are based on various business case scenarios. The online test will generate instant feedback on each question that you answered as soon as you complete the test. There will also be other opportunities of formative feedback for students such as guidance and advice about their drafts of the research proposal. This incremental formative feedback will be implemented in the form of (i) face-to-face meetings with students during office hours or (ii) scheduled seminars/tutorials or (iii) via email.

You will be able to identify and outline an appropriate methodology you will use to conduct an investigation, the results of which, through synthesis and evaluation, address a problem related to your degree discipline and/or its practice; plan which range of sources of information you will draw upon to support the investigation and which procedures and techniques will be appropriate to the analysis of a complex business situation. You will be able to plan how you will demonstrate criticality (independent thinking) in the evaluation and synthesis of information relating to the discipline and/or its practice. You will be able to present your plans/proposal in a professional or academic style.