EPM5640 Research Methods Assignment One (Part A) - Project Research Selection and Literature Review Developing a Methodology for Project Research 20 Marks Discuss, compare and contrast, the methodologies appropriate for researching a project. Review and critique alternative research methods and their application for research in projects. Choose the appropriate method for your project research and justify your choice. A review of the literature is necessary and suitable information found should be included in the data management system of EndNote. This requires an understanding of different sources of information, primary and secondary data, and a comprehensive review is expected for this assignment. This assignment is in four parts: 1. Analysis and discussion of the research methods and justification for the method chosen 2. A literature review to: a. Identify the research topic. b. Summary of all information regarding topic. 3. All references and in text citations.(In Harvard AGPS) Assignment One-(Part B): Data Presentation and workshop discussions 20 marks Demonstration of EndNote application to research project literature to be conducted in the class. The assignment must be submitted electronically and a backup copy should be retained by the student. This assignment must be used to demonstrate the data management system (EndNote). These are individual assignments which must comply with the University policy on plagiarism and ownership of work, as well as the Harvard AGPS referencing style. Harvard style in not optional, it is compulsory and marks will be deducted for non –compliance. See VU library: http://lgdata.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/docs/1909/377580/All_Examples_-_Harvard_-_LibGuides_at_Victoria_University.pdf NB if not sure, check with your lecturer. Due: 11 April 2016 Presentations 18, 25 April 2016   EPM5640 Research Methods Assignment Two- Research Proposal Assignment Two Part A: Project Research Proposal 40 Marks The student is to prepare a formal research proposal for undertaking a research project. The format of the proposal should follow the guidelines below and include: Title: should reflect accurately what the research is about using keywords that best describe it and could be used by others to find this study. Introduction: provides background information leading to the Literature Review. Literature Review: shows that the researcher has comprehensively reviewed the knowledge that is available on the topic and selected those that are significant to the research. Aim of the research: (what you are going to do) State the problem: (what is the problem and why it is important to solve) • describe what is the problem you are addressing • describe why it is important Research question: (the problem stated as a specific question) • State the research question as clearly and precisely as possible • State the other questions that need an answer to help you with the research Conceptual Framework: A diagram which shows how all the important factors interlink and shows which are those that connect to solve the problem and answer the research question. Methodology: (how you are going to do it, in detail) Discuss the use of the appropriate methodology and choose the most suitable after considering advantages and disadvantages of all the alternatives. Justify your choice and describe how it will be applied and what techniques will be used. Significance: Discuss how this research will be important in solving the problem. Timescale: Show a calendar and dates when each part is done and work to meet the schedule. A review of the literature is necessary and suitable information found should be included in the references using EndNote. This requires different sources of information, primary and secondary data, and a comprehensive review to be included (Minimum of 30 references). All references and citations to use EndNote adopting the Harvard AGPS style. The assignment must be submitted electronically and a backup copy should be retained by the student. Assignment Two Part B: Project Research Proposal Presentation 20 Marks The project research proposal submitted in report format for Assignment Two Part A must be presented to the class audience acting as proposal assessors engaging in discussion with the presenter. This is an individual assignment which must comply with the University policy on plagiarism and ownership of work, as well as the Harvard AGPS referencing style. Harvard style in not optional, it is compulsory and marks will be deducted for non –compliance. See VU library: http://lgdata.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/docs/1909/377580/All_Examples_-_Harvard_-_LibGuides_at_Victoria_University.pdf NB if not sure, check with your lecturer. Due: 9 May 2015 Presentations commence: 16, 23 May 2015