Assignment title: Information
Unit of Study Guide
Unit Code: SBM1300
Unit Name: Research Project
Prepared by: Associate Professor Craig Ellis
Date: 24/02/2017
This publication is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be
reproduced by any process without the written permission of Asia Pacific International College.i
Table of Contents
1. Unit Overview .................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Unit Description .................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Unit Learning Outcomes (LOs) ............................................................................................ 2
1.3 Teaching Methods and Strategies....................................................................................... 2
1.4 Development of Course Objectives and Graduate Attributes ............................................ 2
1.5 Schedule of Teaching and Learning Activities ..................................................................... 3
1.6 Key dates ............................................................................................................................. 4
1.7 Student Feedback and Continuous Improvement .............................................................. 4
2. Learning Resources........................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Prescribed and Recommended Readings............................................................................ 5
2.1.1 Prescribed.................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.2 Recommended ............................................................................................................ 5
2.1.3 Access to Library Resources ........................................................................................ 6
2.2 Additional Resources Required ........................................................................................... 6
3. Assessment Information................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Assessment Overview ......................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Group assignments.............................................................................................................. 7
3.3 Submitting assessments...................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Late submission of assessments.......................................................................................... 8
3.5 Receiving marks for assessments........................................................................................ 8
3.6 Changes to assessments...................................................................................................... 8
3.7 Assessment moderation...................................................................................................... 8
3.8 Appeals against assignment marks ..................................................................................... 9
4. Policies............................................................................................................................10
4.1 Academic Integrity and Professional Standards................................................................ 10
4.2 Other Relevant Policies, Procedures and Forms ............................................................... 10
5. Student Support ..............................................................................................................11
5.1 Academic and Learning Support ....................................................................................... 11
5.2 Technical Support.............................................................................................................. 11ii
5.3 Student Services Support .................................................................................................. 11
APPENDIX A - Assessment Information ....................................................................................12
Assignment 1: Proposal................................................................................................................. 12
Assignment 2: Unit project - Part A .............................................................................................. 15
Assignment 3: Unit project - Part B............................................................................................... 19
Assignment 4: Unit project - Part C............................................................................................... 22
Assignment 5: Presentation.......................................................................................................... 25
APPENDIX B: Unit Moderation Status.......................................................................................27Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 1
1. Unit Overview
Instance Semester 1, 2017
Unit Title Research Project
Unit Code SBM1300
Credit Points 6
Pre-Requisites None
Co-Requisites None
Other Requirements None
COURSE(S) MBPM
Teaching Team – Melbourne
Unit Coordinator: Dr Tas Adam Phone: (03) 9603 5333
Email: [email protected]
Office: Level 6, 399 Lonsdale Street,
Melbourne 3000, Australia
Teaching Team - Sydney
Unit Coordinator: Associate Professor
Venkatesh Mahadevan
Phone: : (02) 9318 8111
Email:
[email protected]
Office: Level 1, 55 Regent Street,
Chippendale NSW 2008Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 2
1.1 Unit Description
This unit is the capstone unit for the MBPM course but can also be taken by MBA/MBM students
as an elective unit of study. This unit provides an overview of the fundamental approaches
employed in research, specifically focusing on the range of research techniques used in the
business and project management disciplines. It is normally completed in the last semester of
student’s course and focuses on formal academic research that will draw upon the studies
completed beforehand. In this unit, students select topic underpinning disciplines in business and
project management and develop a research plan, conduct the respective research, write a paper
in accordance with the guidelines provided, and present a seminar on their research work.
This unit is a core unit in the MBPM program.
1.2 Unit Learning Outcomes (LOs)
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Apply knowledge and elaborate the principles (methods and techniques) involved in
planning and executing a research project.
2. Conduct systemic literature review and employ critical appraisal techniques.
3. Theorise a conceptual framework for a research problem and assess the conceptual
model.
4. Develop concepts to formulate and to verify a research question(s) or a hypothesis.
5. Develop the appropriate methodology and measurement instruments for data collection.
6. Validate the selection and application of methods for data collection and analysis.
7. Interpret findings and write a research report employing scholarly standards for format
1.3 Teaching Methods and Strategies
This unit is taught over 13 weeks. Unit content is delivered to students via lectures and tutorials,
and totals 4 student contact hours per week.
Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including ‘activity-based learning’ under
academic supervision, with frequent interaction with fellow students and the faculty, who will also
provide frequent feedbacks to individuals and the class as a whole.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expected to do at least 4 hours of personal
study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit.
The total individual workload of this unit will be around 150 hours (including teamwork, individual
self-study and reading).
1.4 Development of Course Objectives and Graduate Attributes
This unit consolidates the learning required to deliver the following Course Objectives:
Successful completion of this unit also contributes specifically to development of the following
APIC Graduate [Transformative] Attributes:
CommunicationUnit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 3
Collaboration
Problem Solving
Leadership
Analysis
Ethical Attitude
Self-Direction
Research
Creativity and Innovation
Learning
Cultural Empathy
1.5 Schedule of Teaching and Learning Activities
Week Topic Scheduled Teaching and Learning Activities
1 Introduction to the unit.
Comparison of SBM1300, SBM1301
and SBM1302
Click or tap here to enter text.
2 Designing a Research Project
around a Research Question.
Structure of a research proposal
Click or tap here to enter text.
3 Using & Reviewing the Literature to
develop a Conceptual Framework &
Hypotheses
Click or tap here to enter text.
4 Sampling & Collecting Data –
Qualitative & Quantitative
approaches
Click or tap here to enter text.
5 Focus on Observation, Interview &
Survey Methods
Click or tap here to enter text.
6 Analysis of Quantitative &
Qualitative Data
Click or tap here to enter text.
7 Conclusions, discussion and
Interpretation: Answering the “So
What?” Question
Click or tap here to enter text.
8 Preparing Your Research Report Click or tap here to enter text.
9 Essentials of Business Research Click or tap here to enter text.
10 Review of Previous Lectures. Check
Lists for Conducting a Research
Project.
Case study: Sample Research
Report
Click or tap here to enter text.
11 Designing and Delivering Oral
Research.
Presentations – Part 1
Click or tap here to enter text.
12 Designing and Delivering Oral
Research.
Presentations – Part 2
Click or tap here to enter text.
13 Oral Research Presentations Click or tap here to enter text.Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 4
1.6 Key dates
Event Information Date(s)
Orientation Important information, activities and
classes introducing students to their
studies
Thursday, 23 February 2017 to
Friday, 24 February 2017
Semester starts Commencement of teaching Monday, 6 March 2017
Census After this date, students may not:
Enrol into units of study
Withdraw without penalty from
units of study
Friday, 10 March 2017
Semester ends Teaching ends Friday, 2 June 2017
Examination period Final examinations, vivas and
presentations
Monday, 5 June 2017 to Friday,
16 June 2017
1.7 Student Feedback and Continuous Improvement
APIC is committed to the principle of continuous improvement, and seeks feedback from students
to assist APIC in providing the best possible teaching and learning experience.
As a result of feedback received from students via APIC’s Student Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ),
implemented at the end of each teaching period, the following changes have been made to this
unit:
Click or tap here to enter text.Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 5
2. Learning Resources
2.1 Prescribed and Recommended Readings
2.1.1 Prescribed
None
2.1.2 Recommended
Textbook(s)
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2011). Business Research Methods, (3rd ed,). Oxford: Oxford University
Press.
Cooper, D.R. and Schindler, P.S. (2008). Business Research Methods, (10th ed.). Boston,
Massachusetts: McGraw Hill.
Creswell, J.W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches
(3rd ed.). Los Angeles, California: Sage Publications.
Denzin, N. K. and Lincoln, Y. S. (eds.) (2008). The Landscape of Qualitative Research, (3rd ed),
California: Sage.
Easterby-Smith, M. P. V., Thorpe, R. and Jackson, P. (2012). Management Research: Theory and
Research, (4th ed.). London: Sage. (This book is highly recommended).
Hair, J. F., Black, W. C., Babin, B. J. and Anderson, R. E. (2010). Multivariate data analysis (7th ed.).
New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Thomas, A.B. (2004). Research Skills for Management Studies, London: Routledge.
Veal, A.J. (2005). Business Research Methods: A Managerial Approach (2nd ed.). Pearson AddisonWesley . (This book is highly recommended).
Yin, R. (2003). Case Study Research, (3rd ed.). Beverly Hills California: Sage.
Zikmund, W.G., Babin, B. J., Carr, J.C., and Griffin, M. (2013), Business Research Methods. (9th ed.).
Mason, Ohio: South-Western Cengage Learning.
Cone, J. & Foster, S. (2006). Dissertations and theses from start to finish (2nd ed.). Washington:
American Psychological Association. (This book is highly recommended).
Goodwin, C.J. (2009). Research in psychology: Methods and design (6th ed.). New York: John
Wiley.
Harris, P. (2008). Designing and reporting experiments in psychology (3rd ed.). Maidenhead: Open
University Press.
Tharenou, P., Donohue, R. & Cooper, B. (2007). Management research methods. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press. (This book is highly recommended).
De Vaus, D.A. (2002). Surveys in social research (5th ed.). Sydney: Allen & Unwin. (This book is
highly recommended).
DeVellis, R.F. (2012). Scale development: Theory and applications (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks,
California: Sage. (This book is highly recommended).Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 6
Gravetter, F.J. & Wallnau, L.B. (2012). Statistics for the behavioral sciences. (9th edn). Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth. (This book is highly recommended).
Norman, G.R. & Streiner, D.L. (2008). Biostatistics: The bare essentials. (3rd ed.). Hamilton: B.C.
Decker Inc.
Motulsky, H. (2010). Intuitive biostatistics: A nonmathematical guide to statistical thinking. (2nd
ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
Pagano, R.R. (2013). Understanding statistics in the behavioral sciences. (10th ed.). Belmont,
California: Wadsworth.
Hair, J.F., Black, W.C., Babin, B.J., Anderson, R.E. & Tatham, R.L. (2009). Multivariate data analysis
(7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NewJersey: Pearson Education.
Stevens, J. (2009). Applied multivariate statistics for the social sciences (5th ed.). Mahwah, NJ:
Lawrence Erlbaum.
Journal Articles
None
2.1.3 Access to Library Resources
Library opening hours are as follows:
Melbourne Sydney
Monday – Friday: 9:00am to 9:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Public holidays: Closed
Monday – Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Public holidays: Closed
E-library (EBSCO) resources are accessible 24/7 via the OLS.
2.2 Additional Resources Required
N/AUnit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 7
3. Assessment Information
3.1 Assessment Overview
The assessment in this Unit has 5 components as listed below:
Task No. Assessment Tasks and Description Weighting
1
Due Week 2
Proposal Research Brief 10%
2
Due Week 5
Unit project -
Part A
Research Proposal/Literature
review/Formulation of Research
Methodology
20%
3
Due Week 8
Unit project -
Part B
Research Design/Data Collection/Data
Processing/Data Manipulation/Data
presentation/Data Analysis/Findings
20%
4
Due Week
11
Unit project -
Part C
Major Findings/Discussions on Major
Findings/Major Contribution
20%
5
Due Week
13
Presentation Dissertation/Research Report/
Presentation
30%
Full details of all assessment tasks for this unit of study (including detailed marking criteria) can
be found in Appendix A of this document.
3.2 Group assignments
APIC uses group assignments to provide a platform of authentic assessment that highlights best
practice and enhances the development of collaborative skills.
The assessment focus is around the process of working in groups for purposes including:
Collaboration and cooperation;
Analysis of the task for the purpose of assigning responsibility for its components;
Incorporating elements of leadership, teamwork, delegation and coordination;
Preparation and presentation of group reports, which may be supplemented by individual
component reports;
Understanding and evaluating the challenges that arise in collaborative work, and
formulating techniques to manage them.
All students are expected to undertake group assessment with due regard to the APIC Academic
Integrity Policy (see Section 4, Policies).Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 8
3.3 Submitting assessments
All written assessments are to be submitted via the Unit site on the Online Learning System (OLS)
by the due date and time given in the Assessment Overview. Unit lecturers will provide
instructions and in-class demonstration of the submission process prior to the due date for the
first assessment in the Unit. Students who experience technical issues when attempting to submit
their assignment via the OLS should immediately contact technical support or the website for
assistance (see Section 5.2, Technical Support).
Vivas, examinations and presentations must be attended as scheduled, unless by prior
arrangement due to exceptional circumstances (see Section 4, Policies). Non-attendance at a
scheduled assessment may result in a fail grade for the assessment piece, and may impact
students’ overall grade in the Unit.
3.4 Late submission of assessments
Written assessments that are submitted after the due date and time published in this Unit of
Study Guide will receive a penalty of 10% of the maximum available mark per working day.
Exceptions to this will only be granted where a student has requested and been granted an
extension to the assignment due date in advance, or where an application for Special
Consideration has been granted (see Section 4, Policies).
3.5 Receiving marks for assessments
Students will normally be notified of marks for individual assignments via the OLS. All student
results for an individual assessment item will be released concurrently.
Marks will normally be returned within two weeks of the assessment being submitted. Students
will be notified if there is to be a delay to the release of marks for an assignment.
3.6 Changes to assessments
Other than in exceptional circumstances, no changes should be made to the assessment profile
published in this Unit of Study Guide after the end of Week 1 in any teaching period. If after this
time it becomes necessary to make changes to an assessment, any modifications must be:
made in consultation with students;
communicated to all students in writing by the Unit Coordinator; and
approved by the Dean.
3.7 Assessment moderation
Pre- and post-assessment moderation is a quality assurance process for ensuring appropriate
assessment and the consistent marking and grading of student work. APIC does not define the
proportion of marks and/ or grades that lie within pre-determined bands.
Moderation may occur:Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 9
before marking individual assessment tasks (pre-assessment) to ensure markers have a
shared understanding of the relevant criteria and standards; and
after marking individual assessment tasks and before the release of marks to students
(post-assessment) to ensure markers have applied the relevant criteria and standards
consistently.
3.8 Appeals against assignment marks
Appeals against the mark(s) awarded for an assessment task will only be considered on the
grounds that:
a Unit of Study Guide was not provided for the unit;
the assessment requirements as specified in the Unit of Study Guide were varied without
the approval of the Dean and without written notification to students;
assessment requirements specified in the Unit of Study Guide were unreasonably or
prejudicially applied to the student;
the student believes that a clerical error has occurred in the computation of the mark; or
due regard has not been paid to an approved application for Special Consideration.
Requests for re-marking must be made in writing to the Unit Coordinator within 2 weeks of the
results for the assignment being released.
The assignment will be re-marked by an academic staff member other than the person who did
the original marking. Re-marking may result in the original mark being confirmed, or the student
being awarded a higher or lower mark than originally awarded.
Results of re-marking are final and may not be appealed.Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 10
4. Policies
4.1 Academic Integrity and Professional Standards
Plagiarism is the inclusion of another person’s work within your submission without
acknowledgment or permission. While limited amounts of information and concepts expressed by
others may be included as part of your work, each inclusion must be identified by appropriate
referencing and acknowledgement to the original author. Plagiarism is regarded as a form of
cheating. The penalties associated with misconduct are severe, and plagiarism may result in failure
or variation of grade in the Unit.
All APIC students must familiarise themselves with the APIC Academic Integrity Policy, which can
be accessed here: http://apicollege.edu.au/academic-honesty/.
4.2 Other Relevant Policies, Procedures and Forms
The following documents contain important information relevant to all aspects of studying at APIC:
Policies:
Assessment Policy
Academic Progress Policy
Attendance Policy
Examination Policy
Recognition of Prior Learning Policy
Student Code of Conduct
Student Grievance and Appeals Policy
APIC General Regulations
Forms:
Application for Special Consideration
Application to Reduce Study Load or Overload
All APIC students are expected to familiarise themselves with these documents as part of their
rights and responsibilities as an APIC student.Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 11
5. Student Support
5.1 Academic and Learning Support
Students’ first point of contact for academic support is their tutor or lecturer. Contact details for
relevant staff are provided in the Unit Overview, Section 1 of this Unit of Study Guide.
Students will be advised in class of the consultation hours for this Unit and the best means for
contacting individual teaching staff.
APIC also provides a range of workshops and tutorials to support students with study skills,
academic writing and English language learning. These services are open to all APIC students free
of charge. Students may access these services either by referral from a lecturer or tutor, or by
speaking directly to a member of staff at their campus reception desk.
5.2 Technical Support
APIC provides a 24/7/365 OLS technical support service to its staff and students. To access this
service please call 1800 092 652 and select option 1 for students.
The technical team will take a step-by-step approach to resolve queries, and will automatically
escalate unresolved tickets to a local APIC OLS administrator.
We aim to resolve any technical issue within 48 hours of the issue being reported.
5.3 Student Services Support
Students who feel overwhelmed by their studies or living in a new country are strongly
encouraged to make an appointment to see the Welfare and Engagement Officer at their campus.
APIC’s Welfare and Engagement Service provides free confidential support and personalised
assistance to help students to manage their personal issues and help develop strategies to
concentrate on their studies and get more out of their APIC experience.
APIC’s Student Services team can be contacted at [email protected], or by
speaking to a member of staff at the campus reception desk.
All student application forms can be accessed from http://apicollege.edu.au/currentstudents/forms/.Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 12
APPENDIX A - Assessment Information
Assignment 1: Proposal
Due date: 9/04/2017, Sunday, 19 March 2017
Group/individual: Individual assignment
Word count: 200
Learning outcomes: Click or tap here to enter text.
Weighting: 10%
Assignment Details:
Establishing clear and concise research objectives: One-Page Research Brief
Providing your research supervisor with a research brief is a useful exercise in solidifying your
thinking and defining what you want and need to know from your research project. One Page
Research Brief is about a specific BM/PM problem, issue or challenge that you would like to
investigate/conduct a research focusing on:
BM/PM problem/issue/challenge identified
A Contemporary Article Published/Read on the above BM/PM
problem/issue/challenge
Title of your Research project that translates well into the BM/PM
problem/issue/challenge
It also provides you with an overview of:
What are the objectives of your research project?
What research methodology do you envisage?
Do you think your Research objectives would best be met through qualitative or
quantitative research or, perhaps, a combination?
Describe what you expect to get out of the project -the deliverables?
What are the benefits of your research project?
How do I know whether my topic is worth researching?
It is hard to doubt the importance of writing a research brief both for your research
supervisor and for yourself. Yet they take up precious time needed to get other things done
and can appear to require you to give direction when it is direction you need. The benefits of
writing a brief are not just in ensuring you get what you need but it also in speeding up the
process.Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 13
Marking Criteria:
Assessment Criteria HD
Excellent
D
Very
Good
C
Good
P
Satisfactory
F
Poor
Marks
obtained
Introduction:
Background about a
specific BM/PM problem,
issue or challenge that
needs to be
investigated/conducted a
research on
and:
- clear understanding
what this Section is
all about (What);
- clearly describe how
the Section will be
developed (How)
and;
clearly describe why this
Section is important
(Why). (10)
Clearly demonstrate
how - the BM/PM
problem/issue/challenge
was identified
- A Contemporary
Article
Published/Read on
the above BM/PM
problem/issue/challe
nge:
- Title of your
Research project that
translates well into
the BM/PM
problem/issue/challe
nge: (10)
Clearly located a
minimum of five current
(2012-present) researchbased sources to support
the submitted researchUnit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 14
brief (10)
Comprehensive
Overview of the
Research Project
including the
-Reasons for the research
- Where does it fit into
MBPM/MBA
programme?
-Which business units
does the research impact
and who is involved?
-Make sure you identify
any constraints on the
action you can take as a
result of the research
(20)
Clear and systemic
explanation of research
methodology that was
envisaged (20)
Comprehensive summary
of how the Research
objectives would best be
met through qualitative
or quantitative research
or, perhaps, a
combination? (10)
Evidence of summarising
the benefits of the
proposed research
project (10)
Comprehensive evidence
for whether the chosen
topic is worth
researching or not (10)
TOTAL MARKS: 100 Marks obtained:
Comments:Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 15
Supervisor: Location: Date:
Click or tap here to enter text.
Assignment 2: Unit project - Part A
Due date: Week 5, Sunday, 9 April 2017
Group/individual: Individual assignment
Word count: 2000
Learning outcomes: Click or tap here to enter text.
Weighting: 20%
Assignment Details:
Research Proposal/Literature review/Formulation of Research Methodology
A research proposal is a document that informs others of a proposed piece of research. Students
usually write research proposals for academics who may eventually formally agree to supervise
the work based on the proposal. A research proposal can be rejected as unsuitable or poorly
designed and on the basis of this, a piece of research can be rejected. The proposal is, therefore,
an important document; one that is worth spending some time on to get right. Another reason to
get the proposal right is that this can save you time in the long run. If the proposal is welldesigned, it can form an outline of the thesis to follow, and ideally, can be mapped onto various
parts of the final thesis.
The elements of the research proposal: Overview
The following elements must be included in any proposal:
1. Introduction or background to the research problem or issue, including an identification of
the gap in the current research
2. Research question and, if possible, a thesis statement answering the question
3. Justification for the proposal research, i.e., why the research is needed
4. Preliminary literature review covering what others have already done in the area
5. Theoretical framework to be used in the proposed research
6. Statement of the contribution of the research to the general area
7. Proposed research methodology
8. Research plan and outline
9. Timetable of proposed research
10. List of references used in preparing the proposalUnit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 16
The following elements may also be included in the proposal:
Limitations of the research (what the research is not intended to do, i.e., the scope of the
research)
Resources to be used in the research, e.g., equipment
Statement of the means by which the research will be evaluated or tested
Statement of where and how results of the research will be disseminated
Background of the researcher and their suitability for the task
Provide the research supervisor with your hypotheses or the research questions that you wanted
to answer. Provide any relevant contextual data, which simply means describe the local study
area, or explain what is happening that makes you want to answer these research questions. You
can also use secondary data or your literature review to describe the context and more fully
develop your “story.” Thinking of your research report as documenting and telling the “story” can
help make a standard, and sometimes dull, research report much more interesting to the reader.
Marking Criteria:
Assessment Criteria HD
Excellent
D
Very
Good
C
Good
P
Satisfactory F
Poor
Marks
obtained
Introduction: Background of
Chapter 1 which needs
evidence of good academic
writing and:
- clear understanding of
what the motivations are
for this research (What);
- clearly describe why the
significance of the study
makes it unique (Why);
and
- clearly describe how this
research is approached
(How). (10)
Clearly demonstrate what the
major research question is
formulated to analyse the
BM/PM problem/issue/
challenge identified.
(Formulating the Research
Question) (10)
Clearly describe how the
Research Design is presented
along with its relevant
theoretical orientation
(Findings and Applications/
Structure of the report) (10)
Introduction: Background ofUnit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 17
Chapter 2 which needs
evidence of good academic
writing and clear
understanding of
comprehensive identification
and exploration of Literature
Review Topics related to the
BM/PM problem/issue/
challenge identified to
demonstrate the evidences
from current/past academic
studies (20)
Clear and systemic
comparison of the evidences
from current/ past academic
studies with theory, critical
appraisal techniques to
demonstrate any potential
GAPS and proper referencing
(Interpreting and
documenting the findings)
(20)
Comprehensive summary of
this Chapter 2 and clearly
demonstrate how the
conceptual model is
formulated to further
compliment the research
objectives (10)
Evidence of continually
improving and formatting the
research report (Title page;
Executive Summary; Table of
content; Chapter 1:
Introduction and Background,
Chapter 2: Literature Review
along with Section headings
and page numbers) (10)
Comprehensive Reference List
(10)
TOTAL MARKS: 100 Marks obtained:
Comments:Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 18
Supervisor: Location: Date:
Click or tap here to enter text.Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 19
Assignment 3: Unit project - Part B
Due date: Week 8, Sunday, 30 April 2017
Group/individual: Individual assignment
Word count: 2000
Learning outcomes: Click or tap here to enter text.
Weighting: 20%
Assignment Details:
Research Design/Data Collection/Data Processing/Data Manipulation/Data presentation/Data
Analysis/Findings
Initially, a research framework will be identified and discussed to address the research
question. In addition, a theoretical framework will be established along with the philosophical
assumptions of academic research in order to explain the structure of the research topic. The
identified theory will be associated with the research framework and research data in order
to address the research question and explain what happens as well as the findings.
Then it emphasises upon that well-chosen and well implemented methods for data collection,
data processing, Data Manipulation, Data Presentation and Data analysis that are essential
for all types of research project evaluations. This assignment provides an overview of what
constitutes ‘success’ and how the data will be collected, processed, manipulated, presented,
analysed and synthesized to answer the specific key research questions of your research
project. Secondary data must be collected up front which should be geared towards the mix
of evidence needed to make appropriate judgements about the outcomes of your research.
In other words, the analytical framework – the methodology for analysing the ‘meaning’ of
the data by looking for patterns in a systematic and transparent manner – should be specified
during this assignment. The framework includes how data analysis will address assumptions
made in the theory of change about how the research was conducted to produce the
intended results. In a true mixed qualitative and quantitative data methods evaluation, this
includes using appropriate numerical and textual analysis methods and triangulating multiple
data sources and perspectives in order to maximize the credibility of the research findings.
Data collection, data processing, Data Manipulation, Data Presentation and Data analysis
methods should be chosen to match the particular evaluation in terms of its key research
questions identified in Assignment 1 and 2 and the resources available. Data Presentation and
Data analysis in particular should make maximum use of existing data and then fill gaps with
other data available. Data collection and analysis methods should be chosen to complement
each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Students should ensure that they make use
maximum use of existing data, identify and address the gaps in the data, use a range of data
collection and analysis methods, selected data collection and analysis methods are feasible,
the quality of the data is managed, deal with specific issues in ensuring quality in data
collection, and identifying data needs through appropriate unpacking of key concepts.Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 20
Marking Criteria:
Assessment Criteria HD
Excellent
D
Very
Good
C
Good
P
Satisfactory
F
Poor
Marks
obtained
Introduction: Background of
Chapter 3 which needs evidence of
good academic writing and:
- clear understanding of what
the research design of this
project is (What);
- clearly describe why the
significance of the
philosophical assumptions of
academic research makes it
unique (Why); and
- clearly describe how to explain
the structure of the research
design of this project (How).
(15)
Clearly demonstrate how the
theory was associated with the
research framework and research
data in order to address the
research question and explain what
happens as well as the findings.
(15)
Introduction: Background of
Chapter 4 which needs evidence of
good academic writing and:
- clear Comprehensive visual
presentation and discussions
on the data gathered as
outlined in Chapter 3 in order
to address the research
question (What);
- clearly arrange data into
fields/sub-fields and
named(Why);
- clearly recognise data types
(continuous/ discontinuous)
and manipulate data using
suitable formula or equations
(How) (20)
Categorization and theme-based
data analysis/ Competence andUnit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 21
accuracy in use of relevant
techniques rigor of data analysis
procedures
Consistently use labels, highlights,
font weight and underline (10)
Placing data analysis around
theoretical frameworks to provide
further insight/ Use of percentages
and averages in Interaction Design/
Clear presentation of findings using
Tables and Figures as appropriate,
indicating bearing on hypotheses
where relevant (15)
Comprehensive summary of this
chapter and clearly demonstrate
how the data that was
analysed/interpreted will be used
to further develop the discussions
in the next chapter/ Presentation
of the findings which should not
overstate the evidence (10)
Evidence of continually improving
and formatting the research report
(Title page; Executive Summary;
Table of content; along with
section headings and page
numbers) (5)
Comprehensive Reference List (10)
TOTAL MARKS: 100 Marks obtained:
Comments:
Supervisor: Location: Date:
Click or tap here to enter text.Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 22
Assignment 4: Unit project - Part C
Due date: Week 11, Sunday, 21 May 2017
Group/individual: Individual assignment
Word count: 2000
Learning outcomes: Click or tap here to enter text.
Weighting: 20%
Assignment Details:
Major Findings/Discussions on Major Findings/Major Contribution
This assignment provides the opportunity to present and describe the most important results or
major findings from your research study. All major findings should be presented, even if they do
not agree with your original hypotheses or assumptions.
This assignment might include:
Findings from statistical analyses
Tables, charts, and graphics to illustrate your data and information
Representative quotations from people interviewed or field notes (if applicable)
Stories or ethnographies about the situation, setting, or scene
Discussion of why the information and data is significant (or not)
In this assignment you should highlight the major findings and the theoretical contribution of this
study and identify areas for future research. Initially, you may need to revisit the research
questions and evaluate the effectiveness of the theoretical orientation in addressing these
questions. Secondly, you should restate the key research findings in relationship to the literature
and the contributions the investigation makes to the theory. Finally, you discuss the limitations
and examine the implications of this study for future research and practice.
Marking Criteria:
Assessment Criteria
HD
Excellen
t
D
Very
Good
C
Good
P
Satisfactory
F
Poor
Marks
obtained
Introduction Background of
Chapter 5 which needs evidence
of good academic writing and
-Justification for the nature of the
study which can dictate overall
content of the major findingsUnit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 23
-Introduction to a new level of
perception about the research,
Reaffirmation of the research
statement and seek to offer
answers to the questions raised in
the research and justification for
the approach used. (10)
Emphasis upon the Major
Findings: Provide a synthesis of
the empirical findings from the
study with respect to the
individual research questions.
Provide evidence and synthesis of
arguments presented in the body
to show how these converge to
answer the research question, and
or study objectives and provide
answers to or the specific
research question being
addressed in the conclusion. (20)
Theoretical/Practical Implication
of Major Findings: Provide the
contribution and or implications
of these syntheses with respect
to the research questions and
how they may impinge on
existing theories or practical
understanding, attempt to
briefly argue how your findings
could influence further
understanding or application
knowledge, present a modest
position of how your work has
contributed to existing
understanding of concepts (20)
Criticality of Major Findings:
Integrate the various issues,
research, etc., covered in the body
of the research report, and to make
comments upon the meaning of all
of it, note any implications resulting
from your discussion of the topic, as
well as recommendations and Show
variations of your findings from
those of others (20)Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 24
Recommendations of Future
Work: Outline your plans
regarding further research of the
topic or aspects of the project
that has not been covered in the
present study but is considerably
worthwhile to investigate in the
near future, Show evidences that
you know your field of study and
are thinking ahead of the present
challenges. (20)
Conclusion: Show the reader that
you have done what you said you
would do and gives a sense of unity
the research., Highlight he overall
significance of the study (10)
TOTAL MARKS: 100 Marks obtained:
Comments:
Supervisor: Location: Date:
Click or tap here to enter text.Unit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 25
Assignment 5: Presentation
Due date: Week 13, Sunday, 4 June 2017
Group/individual: Individual assignment
Word count: 6000
Learning outcomes: Click or tap here to enter text.
Weighting: 30%
Assignment Details:
Dissertation/Research Report/ Presentation
The Basics of Your Dissertation/Research Report/Presentation:
Introduction – explains the “why” of your study.
Methods – explains the “how” you arrived at the results of your study.
Findings/Results – explains “what” you found out.
Conclusions and Recommendation – explains “what” your results mean and “what”
can be done to address the situation.
References Cited – gives credit to the other researchers and authors whose work was used to
develop and validate your study. 9 Interpretation of the findings in relation to research
questions, hypotheses, or assumptions
All references that you cite and use intensively to develop and conduct your study should be
cited. In some cases, you might want to also list those references that you “consult” but do
not specifically cite, particularly if you think this will help orient the reader.
This Dissertation needs to be prepared and presented in conjunction with the information
published in the SBM1300 website. As may be noted, students will conduct their work in
teams and should manage their own IP (not sharing their work with others).
Marking Criteria:
Unit Competencies
Key elements of the assessment Comments on how key levels of
assessments are presented.
Conduct of systemic
literature review,
critical appraisal
techniques
(15 Marks)
Introduction and background to the
research: Statement of the problem:
Objectives and significance of the
research, Clear progression from the
previous LR, Evidences presented
coherently and with clear progression
from research question
Design of research Conceptual Framework, Research
Objectives and research questionsUnit of Study Guide: SBM1300, Semester 1, 2017
Page 26
using appropriate
methods and
techniques
(15 Marks)
Research methodology and design
Relationships between key
constructs/variables
the basis for the research questions,
hypotheses or assumptions
Data Collection and
Data Analysis
(15 Marks)
How and to what degree the
information sourced from authorities in
the field or evidence and / or data
collected is integrated and used to
sustain the argument
Interpreting findings
conclusions
(15 Marks)
The extent of reflective assessment &
appraisal of strengths & limitations of
previous work and/or own work,
discipline paradigms and methodologies
and their application to the research
question sources, data and
findings/Quality of conclusions
Quality and
Delivery of the
Presentation
(20 Marks)
Choice of suitable colour font size/type
Layout/ use of visual aids/ clarity/
graphs/tables/
Voice/Spoken English/ Vocabulary /
Grammar
Dissertation/Final
Report
(20 Marks)
Statement of the meaning and
relevance of findings presented through
linkage to other research and to
theories prevalent in the field
Statement of the validity of conclusions
related to the data and their analysis
Statement of the potentiality of findings
in identifying a gap or advancing
knowledge within the discipline
Originality/creativity/contribution to the
field
Assessor Moderator
Date ______/______/______ Date ______/______/______
Marks: _____ out of 100