ASSESSMENT 1 & 2: Research Project
The research project consists of three phases:
• Research proposal;
• Data collection and analysis; and
• The final research report.
The assessment for the research project is broken down into two parts. Assessment 1 is a brief research proposal and Assessment 2 is the full research report including findings of the data collection and analysis. The assessment is to be undertaken in teams of three (or four) students.
Assessment 1: Brief Proposal
Identify a research project relevant to your field of study. Your project could include the topic covered in your BMO6630 Business Research Methods assessment. You should brainstorm ideas with your research team and discuss these with your workshop leader. Provide a title for your proposed study in your research proposal.
In a research report, the early sections of the report contain background information on the organisation, the industry and relevant information relevant to the research (question/objectives) at hand. A literature review is also undertaken to understand the key constructs (i.e., theory) that should be examined which is relevant to the topic and guides the direction of your research.
In writing a literature review, start by finding general articles and then move to articles, which provide more specific and detailed information on the constructs under investigation. For example, using the example above you may start by finding articles on ‘information search’ and ‘health’ the then more specifically about Diabetes. The literature review provides the context for your research and will take into account the broader issues relating to your topic.
Assessment Requirements:
Assessment 1 requires the research team to prepare a report that includes:
• Introduction that provides background information on the topic
• The research question/research objectives
• A literature review, incorporating the relevant literature on the topic and identifying key constructs, with several (approx. 3) appropriate research questions, hypotheses or propositions.
This assessment should be presented as a report (i.e., cover page, table of contents, headings, sub-headings and bibliography). All team members (full name and student i.d. no.)must be clearly identified on the cover page of the assessment submission. Otherwise, marks will not be recorded for the team. Provide a title for your project on the cover page.
A minimum of 5 academic journal references is expected, journal articles are preferable over textbooks and trade magazines. We are not expecting a detailed literature review at this stage but would like you to demonstrate the direction of your research so that your workshop leader can help you refine your topic. A literature review should be your own work. If you make reference to concepts, other authors have written or researched, you must acknowledge their work in text (i.e., make reference to their work), using the Harvard referencing system (author, year of publication). The assessment criteria are on the following page.
Brief Proposal 10% Word Length: 1500 words Due: Week 5
For example, if your research objective was to (a) investigate what level of knowledge exists in the general community about diabetes; (b) to examine the information needs of individuals; and (c) to understand how and where people currently get information about Diabetes, then your literature review for your research would include:
• How people acquire information about health and wellbeing (e.g., construct – information search)
• What is the role of education and information in healthy living (e.g., construct – health education or something morespecific)
3
ASSESSMENT 1: PROPOSAL – ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Excellent standard of work
Very good standard of work
Good standard of work
Satisfactory standard of work
Substantial work is required
FINAL GRADE
HD
80-100%
D
70-79%
C
60-69%
P
50-59%
N
0-49%
Weighting
5
Executive Summary
Brief description of the research question and theories used in the research.
5
Table of Contents
Main headings and page numbers are included
20
Background
Background information on the research topic is provided.
Reasons for undertaking the research – the appropriateness or importance of the topic to management/society etc and the potential implications of the research.
10
Research Objectives
Clear research question and/or research objectives are presented that are consistent with literature.
40
Literature Review
Literature review is a synthesis of the literature which has a coherent argument. Constructs have been clearly identified, explained and are linked with the research topic.
Appropriate research questions/ hypotheses have been developed which are backed up by the literature review.
5
Sources of Information
Literature review contains referenced material;
A consistent referencing style (Harvard system) has been adopted throughout the report;
The literature review contains mostly journal articles and a minimal number of other publications (newspapers, magazines, textbooks);
A reasonable number of references have been used (approx. 5 – 10);
A list of references has been included and is presented using conventional method (refer to a style manual).
15
Presentation
Presentation of the report is of a professional standard.
Attention to detail – cover page, citations, spelling, grammar, headings and page numbers. Clarity of expression.
The writing is clear and fluid.
The report has been submitted to Turnitin
.
Note: Your proposal must be in MS Word format and submitted into VU Collaborate (accompanied by a properly completed Assessment Declaration form) by the deadline. No multiple submissions from different group members within a group – each group must nominate a team leader who will be responsible for the submission of the group assessment.
4
Assessment 2: Research Project
50%
Research Report
50%
Word Length: 4000 words
Due: Week 12
You are required to prepare a research report. The research report should include:
Title page;
Executive summary;
Table of contents;
Introduction (background to the research);
The research question and/or objectives;
The literature review including propositions and hypotheses;
Research design
o type of research undertaken,
o measurement and scaling techniques (if appropriate),
o sample design (make sure you take into account the population of interest),
o data collection methods, and
o plan of data analysis;
Results or findings (using the most appropriate statistics or themes);
Conclusions and Recommendations (with a focus on business strategies);
Appendices (e.g. include the questionnaire or interview guide or other relevant instrument and any detailedanalysis).
It is expected that you will have addressed any feedback your workshop leader provided in Assessment 1. Refer to details presented in the lecture for the structure and additional detail on report writing. The assessment criteria are presented on thefollowing page.
Note: All team members (full name and student i.d. no.) must be clearly identified on the cover page of the assessment submission. Otherwise, marks will not be recorded for the team. Provide a title for your project on the cover page. Your research report must be in MS Word format and submitted into VU Collaborate (accompanied by a properly completed Assessment Declaration form) by the deadline. No multiple submissions from different group members within a group – each group must nominate a team leader who will be responsible for the submission of the group assessment.
5
ASSESSMENT 2: RESEARCH REPORT – ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Excellent standard of work
Very good standard of work
Good standard of work
Satisfactory standard of work
Substantial work is required
FINAL GRADE
HD
80-100%
D
70-79%
C
60-69%
P
50-59%
N
0-49%
Weighting
5
Executive Summary
Clear and concise summary. Includes details of problem definition, research design, major results, conclusions and recommendations.
5
Introduction
Background on the research topic.
Reasons for undertaking the research (i.e., gap in previous research), the appropriateness or importance of the topic to the organisation/business, and the implications of the research.
2.5
Research Objectives
Clear research question and research objectives.
7.5
Literature Review
Literature review is a synthesis of the literature which has a coherent argument. Constructs have been clearly identified, explained and are linked with the research topic. An analytical model has been developed (optional);
Appropriate research questions/ hypotheses have been developed which are backed up by the literature review.
5
Sources of Information
Literature review contains referenced material;
Appropriate referencing style (Harvard system) has been adopted throughout the report;
The literature review contains mostly journal articles and a minimal number of other publications (newspapers, magazines, textbooks);
A reasonable number of sources have been used (approx. 5 – 10); A list of references has been included.
10
Research Design
Clear information on the research design has been presented; information used; scales used; questionnaire development; and description of the data collection method have been clearly presented.
Arguments should be put forward for the chosen technique(s).
10
Sampling
Include the definition of the target population, sampling techniques used, and sample size. Arguments for the chosen sampling technique and the representativeness of the sample.
30
Results or Findings
Results are linked to hypotheses/ research objectives. Results are clearly presented.
Findings are interpreted thoroughly.
2.5
Analysis
Analysis is grounded on data/information.
2.5
Limitations and Caveats
Weaknesses have been identified but are not overly negative. Defend the choices/techniques used in the study.
10
Discussion/Conclusion
A quality discussion on the link between the constructs is presented. Discussion addresses the research objectives.
Conclusions should be supported by results (do not introduce any new concepts). Suggestions for future research could be made.
5
Recommendations
Clear and feasible recommendations are made.
Strategies for business (or other relevant entity/stakeholders) are recommended resulting from this research.
5
Report form
Report format has been adopted (e.g., inclusion of the title page, table of contents, list of graphs/tables/appendices (if applicable), reference list and appendices (copy of questionnaire/interview guide and detailed analysis)).
General presentation, spelling, and grammar are of an excellent business report standard. The report has been submitted to Turnitin.
6
ASSESSMENT 3: ZoomPRESENTATION 20%
Your team is required to:
- Present your project to a panel comprising representatives drawn from Industry and/or the College of Business academic staff. Your seminar facilitator will be present.
- Participate in a question and answer session with your panel.
Your team’s presentation will be a maximum of 15 minutes. The Question and Answer discussion will be a minimum of 5 minutes.
The Panel presentation begins with a summary presentation of your project to the academic or industry panel. This presentation runs for 15 minutes. You can use PowerPoint and/or handouts. Whatever you choose to use, and however you choose to get the message across in this presentation it is essential to consider the following points: - Determine the needs of your audience (what is their level of knowledge about the topic and why should they listen to your presentation).
- What are you trying to achieve in the presentation?
- What role each team member takes in the presentation (presentation objectives)?
- Plan what you need to do to achieve a convincing, inspiring, and excellent professional presentation.
- If you use slides design them carefully. Make sure they are not too ‘busy’ and don’t contain too much text. Statistical tables should be easy to read.
- Be conscious of the quality of any printed documents you give the panel.
- Dress appropriately for a professional presentation.
The second part of the Industry Panel Presentation is a question and answer session with the industry panel where you will have the opportunity to discuss your project IN DETAIL. In preparing for this session you need to be aware that: - All team members will be required to understand all aspects of the project.
- You will be able to provide additional supporting materials to the Panel to support both your presentation and your team responses to questions
- Your capacity to respond to questions, to respond to criticism, and to substantiate your claims with evidence will be evaluated and forms an integral part of the assessment.
Please Note:
1) All team members must participate in the Panel Presentation in some capacity. For example, if a team member has not participated in the presentation they must take on a major role in the question and answersession.
2) An electronic copy of your group presentation slides must be submitted into the assignment dropbox at VU Collaborate by the deadline.
3) No multiple submissions from different group members within a group – each group must nominate a team leader who will be responsible for the submission of the group assessment.
15 minutes
Week 11
Duration: Scheduled:
7
4) ASSESSMENT 3 Presentation Marking Criteria
Facilitator:
Campus:
Day:
Time:
Present
1 ID
Name
2 ID
Name
3 ID
Name
4 ID
Name
5–Excellent 4-Very Good 3-Acceptable 2-Not at required level 1- Not Exhibited/Poor
CONTENT / 25
5
4
3
2
1
Comments
Specific nature of project is clear and succinctly explained
Demonstrates a clear understanding of the relevant industry/ background to the research
Findings are clear and succinctly explained
Research conclusions and recommendations are consistent with both project objectives and research and analysis findings
Demonstrate understanding of the research process
PRESENTATION & DISCUSSION /35
Overall the presentation has a strong visual impact. i.e., presentation materials (including slides), team presentation and
other visual aids.
The presentation has a logical flow and includes only relevant information and data as related to the objectives of the presentation.
The presentation has been tailored appropriately to the audience.
Engages and involves audience through the use of anecdotes, interesting facts, audience participation, relevant discussion etc.
The purpose of the presentation is made clear and project
objectives are introduced to provide appropriate background and context.
Teamwork is evident throughout the presentation /Q&A and each
team member contributes equally to the presentation / Q&A
All team members respond to questions clearly, articulately and with an appropriate level of knowledge and relevancy.
Total
Comments:
TEAM TOTAL (TT)
/
60
TEAM MARK:
Mark – /20 (TT / 3 = Team Mark)
8
ASSESSMENT 4:REFLECTIVE JOURNAL 20%
Word Length: Weekly journal entries (1,200 words appendices) & Reflective Journal (500 words) Due: Week 12
Objective of the Assessment
The objective of the reflective journal is record your ideas, personal thoughts and experience with the research process and how you interacted with other group members to enable you gain insights on the learning process and experiences with collaborative learning. You are expected to think more deeply, to challenge your old way of thinking with new knowledge and to reflect on how the unit of study may have changed you as a learner or individual.
This assessment consists of two parts:
• Weekly journal entries
• Reflective Journal
Instructions:
Weekly Journal entries
• Each week you should write up your experiences in working on the project and group effectiveness.
• Was it difficult implementing the research?
• What dilemmas did you face in terms of deciding on research topic/techniques?
• What incidents went well or badly?
• How did the group go about tackling the project?
• Were there any problems within the group (meeting times, different opinions)?
• How did you feel? How did you handle various situations?
• Each journal entry should explore what you have learnt about research and any issues/problems that arise and how you plan to deal with them. It can also be used as a ‘to do list’.
• Your type-written journal should have an entry for each week. Clear headings should identify the week. Each entry should be no more than 100 words. You can use expanded dot point for this section.
Reflective Journal
• At the end of the semester provide an overview of 500 words which draws on your journal to highlight your experience with undertaking research and working in a team. The overview should elaborate on your personal learning and reflections for future project work (how would you do things next time?).
MARKING RUBRICS
Excellent
Proficient
Average
Poor
Incomplete
Reflections
Ability to integrate learning into real-world experiences and analyse issues with a critical attitude
Ability to proficiently demonstrate reflection and deep thinking of acquired knowledge and concepts, and integrate them into different issues from wide range of perspectives (e.g. different contexts, cultures, disciplines etc.); creative solutions and critical thinking skills demonstrated in the writing; and the complexities
involved in working with peers. (12 marks)
Showing satisfactory ability to relate acquired knowledge to previous experiences; demonstrating attempt to analyse the issues from a number of different perspectives; and the complexities involved in working with peers.
(9 marks)
Includes description of events, and a little further consideration behind the events using a relatively descriptive style of language; no evidence of using multiple perspectives in analysing the issues; little reference is made about peers.
(6 marks)
Only includes mere descriptions of theoretical knowledge; no reflection is demonstrated beyond the descriptions; no reference is made about peers.
(3 marks)
No reflections or unable to integrate learning.
(0 marks)
Presentation
Articulation and organization of ideas and perspectives
Writing is well-focused; arguments or perspectives are precisely defined and explained; coherent flow in developing an insightful idea demonstrated
(4 marks)
Arguments or perspectives are clearly stated; organized flow in writing but not deep enough to be very insightful
(3 marks)
Arguments or perspectives are vaguely mentioned; the writing lacked an organised flow and the ideas were hard to follow
(2 marks)
Do not show any original thinking or perspectives; chaotic in organization and presentation of ideas
(1 mark)
Disorganised thoughts.
(0 marks)
Completeness Incorporation of the journal entries into a whole, demonstration of the learning process
Concrete connections between journal entries into a whole; demonstrating clear steps in the developmental learning process (4 marks)
Journal entries can be generally connected; still able to observe how the student develops during the learning process
(3 marks)
Weak connections between journal entries; development gained from the learning process is hardly observed
(2 marks)
No connections between journal entries; the entries are mere descriptions of events rather than showing a sequence of learning steps
(1 mark)
Did not complete journal entries. (0 marks)
Adapted from Chan C.(2009) Assessment: Reflective Journal, Assessment Resources@HKU, University of Hong Kong [http://ar.cetl.hku.hk]: Available: Accessed: 28 March 2015
Note: Your reflective journal must be in MS Word format and submitted into VU Collaborate (accompanied by a properly completed Assessment Declaration form) by the deadline.
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