Reference no: EM132375818
Assessment 1: Draft Research Proposal (1500-2000 words)
Students are required to construct an initial draft of their final research proposal that is to be submitted for Assessment6. The draft should reflect the precise research question the student is working on; and should indicate the type of research to be undertaken, the specific area of literature being consulted, and consolidated ideas about research design and methods. Making the draft does not force the student to conform to it as a binding plan for the final proposal. However, work in previous units should allow for the construction of a detailed and plausible draft.
Level 9 (Masters) Assessment Criteria
• Concise and articulate formulation of research question(s), hypotheses and directions
• Understanding of the nature of the research to be undertaken
• Breadth and depth of the literature consulted
• Analysis of plausible methodological approaches including a well-reasoned argument for the adoption of chosen research methodology(ies)
Assessment 2: Literature Review (2500-3000 words)
Students will submit a literature review for their chosen project. The review will present the student’s findings from at least twenty studies chosen from a particular discipline focus. The review will be expected to:
(a) focus on key themes and integrating ideas rather than on specific authors;
(b) identify relevant theories, concepts, specific findings and research foci, moving from broader concepts to a specific findings and foci;
(c) interrogate and critique research findings in light of research limitations, including limitations in research design and methodology;
(d) compare and contrast research findings, highlighting controversies and discrepancies where these occur;
(e) note the relevance and evaluate the adequacy of the literature reviewed with respect to an initial or emerging research problem; and
(f) be clearly and logically ordered.
Level 9 (Masters) Assessment Criteria
• The historical and theoretical background of the research topic is identified with explicit reference to seminal literature
• The literature reviewed is comprehensive in coverage, including depth and breadth in relevant subtopics
• The review contains a critical analysis and evaluation of the relevance of the literature to the research topic
• The review contains critical analysis and evaluation of the theoretical and empirical coherence of the identified literature
Assessment 3: Research Methods (2000-2500 words)
Students are required to present a detailed account of the method(s) selected for carrying out their research as proposed in Assessment 1. A justification of the choice of data collection method(s) should be made. Details of the precautions to be taken to meet ethical requirements should also be provided. Where appropriate, the response should outline the use of cross-functional, multi-disciplinary research approaches that reflect the complex character of business problems. The response will be expected to include sufficiently detailed contextual notes, spreadsheets and other complementary material that allows for the evaluation and potential replication of the research.
Level 9 (Masters) Assessment Criteria
• Clarity and extent of details regarding data collection methods
• Adequacy of justification for the choice of method(s)
• Evidence of critical evaluation of methods and their application
• Precautions taken to meet ethical requirements
Assessment 4: Methods of Analysis of Data (2000 words)
Students will submit the design for analysing their data, with justification for the chosen method(s), including sufficient detail to show that the method(s) are well understood and appropriate for the data to be collected. Technical requirements should be identified, and evidence should be given that the proposed methods can be carried out within the resources available.
Level 9 (Masters) Assessment Criteria
• Data analysis design is clear, coherent and justified
• Evidence that knowledge of data collection methods is extensive and integrated
• Clear identification of the technical requirements applicable to the data analysis methodology(ies)
• Evidence that the methods can be implemented within the constraints of available resources
Assessment 5: Design and Validation of Instruments (2000 words)
Students will give an account of the instruments to be used in data collection, with a justification of their suitability, and an explanation of how they are to be validated. The description of instrument design and validation should be adequate to ensure confidence in the results of the research, and potential replication of the research in other settings. The theoretical basis/bases of the instrument should also be discussed.
Level 9 (Masters) Assessment Criteria
• Identification, description and history of development of instruments to be used in data collection
• Explanation of, and justification for, the suitability of the data collection instrument(s)
• Explanation of how the instrument(s) will be validated, including reference to specific statistical and/or other analyses
Assessment 6: Final Research Proposal (3000 words)
Student will submit the final research proposal for the chosen project. The Proposal will:
(a) include a detailed rationale; focus questions and/or hypotheses; a clear research plan; and identified benefits of the research.
(b) specify relevant research assumptions and limitations.
(c) structure information coherently, efficiently and attractively.
(d) emphasise areas of research innovation, originality and significance.
(e) make effective use of images, diagrams, graphs and tables.
Level 9 (Masters) Assessment Criteria
• Demonstrated understanding of the nature and complexity of the research to be undertaken
• Concise and articulate formulation of research rationale, question(s), plan and benefits
• Comprehensive explanation of the research method and approach
• Evaluation of research specifications, limitations and underlying assumptions
• Cogent and balanced analysis of the outcomes, benefits and implications of the research (both theoretical and practical)