-1- Version: 2017 2 Internal Subject Outline Subject Name: Research and Decision-Making for Business Subject Code: BX2174 Study Period: SP1 Study Mode: Internal Campus: Cairns Subject Coordinator: Prof. Gianna Moscardo Subject Lecturer: TBA We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters where our university is located and actively seek to contribute and support the JCU Reconciliation Statement, which exemplifies respect for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures, heritage, knowledge and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians. *** Subject at a glance Weekly Engagement  Weekly Activities Reading, viewing lecture content, engaging in activities Assignments 2 Presentation 0 Exam 1 Group Work -2- Version: 2017 2 Pre-requisites: For prerequisites for BX2174, see https://secure.jcu.edu.au/app/studyfinder/index.cfm?subject=BX2174&year=2017&transform=subjectweb view.xslt This subject outline has been prepared by Prof. Gianna Moscard for the College of Business Law and Governance, Division of Tropical Environments and Societies, James Cook University. Updated 18/2/2017. Q1. This subject is offered across more than one campus and/or mode and/or teaching period within the one calendar year. Yes X Q2. If yes [Q1], the design of all offerings of this subject ensure the same learning outcomes and assessment types and weightings. Yes X Q3. If no [Q2], _________________________ has authorised any variations, in terms of equivalence. *** Subject Outline Peer Reviewer Name Laurie Murphy Position Associate Professor Date Reviewed 12th January 2017 © Copyright 2017 (V2017-1) This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism, or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process or placed in computer memory without written permission. -3- Version: 2017 2 Contents Section 1. Subject at a glance ................................................................................................................. 5 1.1 Student participation requirements ................................................................................................. 5 1.2 Key dates ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Section 2. Subject details ........................................................................................................................ 6 2.1 Subject description ......................................................................................................................... 6 2.2 Course and Subject learning outcomes .......................................................................................... 6 2.3 Learning and teaching in this subject ............................................................................................. 6 2.4 Student feedback on subject .......................................................................................................... 6 2.5 Subject resources and special requirements .................................................................................. 7 Section 3. Assessment details and other requirements ........................................................................... 7 3.1 Requirements for completion of subject ......................................................................................... 7 3.2 Assessment tasks .......................................................................................................................... 8 Section 4. Submission and return of assessment .................................................................................. 11 4.1 Submission and return of assessment.......................................................................................... 11 Section 5. Subject calendar ................................................................................................................... 12 Section 6. Rubrics ................................................................................................................................. 13 Section 7. Student Support .................................................................................................................... 17 -4- Version: 2017 2 Staff Contact Details Teaching team Staff member Room Phone Email Consultation times* Subject Coordinator Prof. Gianna Moscardo [email protected] By Appointment Lecturer/tutor TBA *Other consultation times by appointment only. Please email [email protected] for assistance with all educational technology/online challenges. Student Support Officers (SSO’s) are available. SSO’s can provide non-judgemental confidential advice, act as an interface between students and academic staff and can be your first point of contact for any queries you may have. Contact Details: Campus Phone Email Susan Wright Townsville 4781 4163 [email protected] Natasha Garvey Cairns 4232 1087 -5- Version: 2017 2 Section 1. Subject at a glance 1.1 Student participation requirements The JCU Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy (4.3) indicates that, “a 3 credit point subject will require a 130 hour work load of study-related participation including class attendance over the duration of the study period, irrespective of mode of delivery”. This work load comprises timetabled hours and other attendance requirements, as well as personal study hours, including completion of online activities and assessment requirements. Note that “attendance at specified classes will be a mandatory requirement for satisfactory completion of some subjects” (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy, 5.10); and that additional hours may be required per week for those students in need of English language, numeracy or other learning support. Key subject activities Time Day / Date Room / Location Lecture/tutorial 1-3pm Monday A001.018 For information on the days and times when lectures, tutorials, workshops, etc. are scheduled for all of your subjects, visit JCU Lecture Timetables at http://www.jcu.edu.au/ttable/ For information regarding class registration, visit the class registration schedule at https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/enrolment/class-registration-schedule 1.2 Key dates Key dates Date Census date see 2017 Study Period and Census Dates Last date to withdraw without academic penalty see 2017 Study Period and Census Dates Assessment task 1 Research Proposal (20%) 5 pm Friday 9/4/2017 Assessment task 2 Research Report (30%) 5 pm Friday 29/5/2017 Exam (50 %) During examination period -6- Version: 2017 2 Section 2. Subject details 2.1 Subject description A superior ability to collect, process, and interpret information for decision making is a major source of competitive advantage in the business marketplace. The focus of this subject is to develop knowledge and basic skills of business research concepts and methods. Specific topics include the role of information systems, knowledge management, formulation of the research problem, research design and methods including qualitative and quantitative approaches, data collection, data analysis and the interpretation and use of research results. Students gain a view of business research from the buyer's and seller's perspectives and an understanding of the code of practice which regulates business market research activities. 2.2 Course and Subject learning outcomes As a student it is important for you to understand how the course learning outcomes are being addressed by the subject though specific subject learning that you are to achieve. The following table shows the alignment between the learning outcomes at the course and subject level. Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to: Subject Learning Outcomes o explain the critical importance of research for superior business performance; o analyse a business situation, formulate a research problem and devise an appropriate research design; o analyse data using basic qualitative and quantitative methods; o interpret findings in a manner that facilitates business decision making; o explain basic data collection methods, outline when the method is most suited, and evaluate the related strengths and limitations of each method in a business context; and o demonstrate effective written communication skills. 2.3 Learning and teaching in this subject Being a student is something like being a tourist in a very exotic place you’ve never visited before. Being a teacher is like being a guide to that exotic place. The guide’s job is to:- • Provide a structure to the tour by highlighting the key elements (major issues, concepts and theories); • Help with the language of the area (definitions and terminology); • Direct students to key places (key references and resource materials sites; • Answer questions that arise; and • Use their knowledge of the area to organise an efficient itinerary to cover the essential sites (organisation of the lecture and practical material to cover the core elements of the topic area) A really good guide gives their tourists the skills and abilities to explore on their own. A good student tourist pays attention, asks questions, is polite to the guide, their fellow students and the other people they meet along the way and makes the most of the experiences offered and the guide’s skills and knowledge. The teaching approach to this subject is about providing sufficient orientation, structure and skills that students feel confident and motivated to explore the area on their own. In this subject we will try to achieve this by using a variety of different resources, learning activities and options. Students should make the most of these opportunities and try and participate in as many of the offered learning activities as possible. Lectures/tutorials The lectures and tutorials are run together in a two hour block where theoretical knowledge will be presented in an interactive classroom environment with relevant tutorial questions to work through to reinforce the theoretical knowledge. 2.4 Student feedback on subject As part of our commitment at JCU to improving the quality of our courses and teaching, we regularly seek feedback on your learning experiences. Student feedback informs evaluation of subject and teaching strengths and areas that may need refinement or change. YourJCU Subject and Teaching Surveys provide a formal and confidential method for you to provide feedback about your subjects and the staff members teaching within them. These surveys are available to all students through LearnJCU. You will receive an email invitation when the survey opens. We value your feedback and ask that you to provide considered feedback for each of your subjects. -7- Version: 2017 2 2.5 Subject resources and special requirements Prescribed Texts Sekaran, U., & Bougie, R. (2013). Research Methods for Business: A Skills Building Approach 6th Edn. Wiley. Textbooks are available to purchase online through The Co-op Bookshop. The JCU Library has limited copies of all prescribed textbooks available for 2 day loans. Further Reading Additional readings for some topics will be made available in the relevant folder on the subject learnjcu site and listed in each module’s overview. Section 3. Assessment details and other requirements 3.1 Requirements for completion of subject In order to pass this subject, you must obtain a final mark of at least 50%. In addition, the expectation is to obtain a credible performance over all assessment components within a subject to pass the subject overall. Students who have completed less than 100% of the assessment will be subject to review by the College Assessment Committee which could result in overall fail. Submitting Assignments All of the on course assignments that you do will need to be submitted electronically via a drop box on LearnJCU. You may be expected to submit hardcopies of your assessments to your lecturer. Any assessment submissions must be your own work. Do not copy from another student, do not copy from other sources without full and appropriate acknowledgement. Refer to the JCU Policy Library Academic Misconduct and Plagiarism, which can be accessed at: https://www.jcu.edu.au/policy/student-services/student-academic- misconduct-requirements-policy. By submitting your answers online you are acknowledging that the answers are entirely your own work. Final Examination This subject requires you to sit a Final Exam. JCU conducts invigilated examinations on their four campuses during the examination period. Please note that a draft exam timetable is published 7 weeks prior to the scheduled commencement date of the exam period. The final exam timetable is published 5 weeks before the commencement of the exam period. The examination period for 2017 has been scheduled in the Important Dates calendar: https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/important-dates If you experience difficulties or serious circumstances before or up to the day of your exam, which you believe may affect your ability to sit the exam successfully or perform at your best, you can apply for special consideration in the marking of your exam. Please see the JCU Special Consideration, Supplementary, Deferred and Special Examinations Requirements http://www.jcu.edu.au/policy/allitoz/JCUDEV_005344.html If you are unable to attend an exam at the scheduled time due to extenuating circumstances/circumstances beyond your control, you may apply for a deferred exam. Deferred exams are granted in exceptional circumstances such as severe medical conditions or family or personal trauma. For further information, visit http://www.jcu.edu.au/student/assessmentexams/exams/JCU_096513.html Assessment items and final grades will be reviewed through moderation processes (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy, 5.13-5.18). It is important to be aware that assessment “is always subject to final ratification following the examination period and that no single result represents a final grade in a subject” (Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy, 5.22.). -8- Version: 2017 2 Release of Marks/Results Assessment scores that you achieve are made available in the My Grades item within LearnJCU. You will be advised via an announcement or email that results and feedback are available. In LearnJCU see the Help and Support → How To… → Viewing your Results, for further instructions. 3.2 Assessment tasks ASSESSMENT TASK 1: Research Proposal Aligned subject learning outcomes • analyse a business situation, formulate a research problem and devise an appropriate research design • demonstrate effective communication skills • synthesise underlying principles and concepts for making business decisions • convey information clearly and fluently, in high quality written form appropriate for the audience • demonstrate an awareness of ethical and social responsibility in professional practice • explain basic data collection methods, outline when the method is most suited to research questions, and evaluate the related strengths and limitations of each method in a business research context Individual Weighting 20% Due date 5 pm Friday 9/4/2017 ASSESSMENT TASK 1: DESCRIPTION Students will be given a choice of business decision or problem case studies and they will write a simple research proposal designed to collect evidence that addresses the decision or problem that includes a short critical literature review. Students will be given a template for the research proposal and activities in the workshops are designed to assist students to complete the relevant sections of the report. The proposal should be 2500-3000 words in length excluding references and it must include the following sections. - Analyzing the Business Decision or Problem In this section you should write in your own words a brief description of the business and the decision or problem that needs to be addressed. You should then describe your analysis of the decision or problem (you may use a diagram to assist in this explanation) and identify and describe the information that you would need to address it. You should finish with a set of two general research questions that you would need to answer to get this information. (250-300 words) - What is Already Known about the Decision or Problem In this section you should report on the steps you have taken to search for existing information about the decision or problem. These should include a formal academic literature review of academic papers available through internet search engines. Find and read a minimum of 5 articles from the academic journals and 3 reports relevant to the research problem area. You need to find articles to help you understand relevant research in this field and to assist in formulating research questions and your approach to tackling the research problem. From your search for existing information summarize the type of information found and any key conclusions that you can draw relevant to the decision or problem. At the end you should have a section summarizing the gaps and limitations in the information found and a few sentences describing your overall conclusions and what these mean for conducting further research to answer the questions listed in the previous section. Clear and logical links between the summarized information and the overall research questions should also be provided (1,000 words). - The Overall Research Design – Evaluating Options In this section you should assess some major research designs in terms of how well they fit your research questions. At the end of the section you should use this assessment to decide on the design that you would use to address your research questions and why you think this is the best option. (250-300 words) - What are the Key Variables and How Will you Measure Them? Here you will use the information and conclusions from all previous sections to identify and describe the main variables that you need to include or consider in the proposed research. Then take each of these variables and describe how you will measure them and explain their interrelationships. (250-300 words) - Sample Requirements & Sampling Options In this section you must describe the details of the sample that you require to answer the research questions and describe options for accessing this sample. Explain your decisions in detail. Where appropriate, discuss what -9- Version: 2017 2 sample size might be needed and why – use of the appropriate formula must be explained and justified. (300-500 words) - Ethical Issues Here, identify and discuss the ethical issues associated with research design and sampling procedure you have chosen for your proposed research. You should also suggest options for dealing with these issues. You must explain your decisions in detail 250-300 words) - References You must list here any references in APA style that you have used in the body of the proposal to support your statements. References are not included in the word count. ASSESSMENT TASK 1: CRITERIA Basic requirements necessary for a Pass □ The proposal includes all relevant sections □ The proposal is properly referenced and no problems are identified through safe assignment □ The proposal is free of spelling and grammatical errors (it has been carefully proof read) □ The review of available information includes at least 5 relevant academic papers and 3 other relevant reports/webpages Also see Rubric in section 6 ASSESSMENT TASK 2: Research Report Aligned subject learning outcomes • interpret research findings in a manner that facilitates business decision making; • analyse research data using basic qualitative and quantitative methods • demonstrate effective communication skills • synthesise underlying principles and concepts for making business decisions • critically evaluate data & resources in the context of relevant academic literature • convey information clearly and fluently, in high quality written form appropriate for the audience Individual Weighting 30% Due date 5 pm Friday 29/5/2017 ASSESSMENT TASK 2: DESCRIPTION Students will be data relevant to the business decision or problem case study that they chose for their research proosal and they will write a simple research report that addresses the decision or problem that includes a short critical literature review and analyses of quantitative data. Students will be given a template for the research report and activities in the workshops are designed to assist students to complete the relevant sections of the report. Chapter 17 of the textbook provides more information on the preparation and presentation of research reports. The report should be 3000-3500 words in length excluding the executive summary, references, tables and figures and it must include the following sections. - Executive Summary An executive summary provides a clear summary of the most important information in the report that is easily accessible to the intended audience. Students should provide a standard executive summary which covers the reasons for the research, a very brief description of the methodology, the main results and key conclusions. It should be presented as dot points and should not be more than 6 dot points. -10- Version: 2017 2 - Overview of the method used including a description of the sample (approx. 700 words) Provide a succinct description of the method used to collect the data presented in this report. This description must have the following three subsections - An overview of the research study methodology - A description of the data collection methods - A description of the sampling procedure used and the actual sample (using relevant statistics and tables or figures as appropriate) - Results and Discussion (approximately 1000 words) This section reports on the analyses of the data collected. You should select the results that you believe are most relevant for answering the research questions. You should use tables and diagrams to present the results and you must discuss why the results are relevant and what the statistics mean. - Limitations (approximately 300 words) In this section you should identify and briefly describe any limitations in the study. - Conclusions and implications (approximately 1000 words). This section should provide an accurate summary of the research results, make logical connections to the research questions/business problems and provide detailed practical recommendations that are based on the evidence presented. ASSESSMENT TASK 2: CRITERIA SHEET Basic requirements necessary for a Pass □ The report includes all relevant sections □ The report is properly referenced and no problems are identified through safe assignment □ The report is free of spelling and grammatical errors (it has been carefully proof read) Also see rubric in Section 6 ASSESSMENT TASK 3: EXAMINATION Aligned subject learning outcomes • explain the critical importance of research for superior business performance • explain basic data collection methods, outline when the method is most suited to research questions, and evaluate the related strengths and limitations of each method in a business research context • analyse research data using basic qualitative and quantitative methods • synthesise underlying principles and concepts for making business decisions • critically evaluate data & resources in the context of relevant academic literature • convey information clearly and fluently, in high quality written form appropriate for the audience Weighting 50% Date ‘In examination period’ Duration 2 hours see Special Consideration, Supplementary, Deferred and Special Examinations Policy ASSESSMENT TASK 3: EXAMINATION DESCRIPTION The exam will have a mixture of short answer questions and business research scenarios for analysis. A practice exam will be given to the students. -11- Version: 2017 2 Section 4. Submission and return of assessment 4.1 Submission and return of assessment The ability to adhere to deadlines is a highly desirable attribute that employers seek in our graduates. Right from the beginning, new students should acquire the habit of meeting deadlines for their work, by organising their study time appropriately. The following points apply to the submission of assessment 1. Extensions will be granted in cases of illness or personal issues (supported by strong evidence – at least medical certificate/counsellor’s statement required). It is at the discretion of the subject coordinator/lecturer that extension s will be granted for inescapable, unexpected, documented work commitments (provide documentation). 2. You must contact your lecturer well before the due date if you are likely to require an extension 3. Where no prior extension has been approved, late submissions will incur a penalty of 5% of the total mark available per day including part-days, weekends and public holidays. Assessment tasks will generally not be graded after 14 days past the due date. 4. Please ensure that if required to submit a hard copy of written assessment you have attached the College of Business, Law and Governance Assignment Coversheet. 5. Assessment must be submitted using SafeAssign through the LearnJCU website 6. The assessment will be returned with feedback no later than 21 days after submission. 4.2 Plagiarism and referencing Plagiarism occurs when writers claim ownership of written words or ideas that are not their own. Plagiarism is a form of cheating and any instances of plagiarism will be dealt with promptly according to University procedures. Please see the JCU Student Academic Misconduct Requirements Policy • www.jcu.edu.au/policy/student-services/student-academic-misconduct-requirements-policy Also see the definition of self plagiarism in the JCU Learning, Teaching and Assessment Policy and note policy statement 5.9 in regard to submission of one’s own work that has been previously submitted for assessment and received a grade www.jcu.edu.au/policy/learning-and-teaching/learning-teaching-and-assessment-policy Referencing is a systematic way of acknowledging the sources that you have used. Students should check out the very helpful online resources relating to academic writing, referencing and avoiding plagiarism at: • Writing and Maths Skills Online www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-skills/learning-skills-online (In particular, the booklet Summarising, Paraphrasing & Avoiding Plagiarism is a very useful guide). • The Referencing Libguide http://libguides.jcu.edu.au/referencing • What is Plagiarism? www.jcu.edu.au/students/exams-and-results/what-is-plagiarism -12- Version: 2017 2 Section 5. Subject calendar Week Date Lecture/tutorial Readings/Preparation Related Assessment 1 22/02/2017 Business Decisions & Role of Research Textbook chapters 1 and 2 Exam 2 29/02/2017 Getting started Textbook chapters 3 and 6 Assignments & Exam 3 07/03/2017 Literature reviews, frameworks and hypotheses Textbook chapters 4, 5, 11 and 12, pp 210-218 and pp 224 to end of chapter) Assignments & Exam 4 14/03/2017 Data Collection techniques 1 – interviews, focus groups, observations Textbook chapters 7 and 8 Assignments & Exam 5 21/03/2017 Data Collection techniques 2 – Questionnaires Textbook chapters 9 and 12, pp 218-224 Assignments & Exam Mid Semester Break 6 04/04/2017 In class assignment work and feedback 7 11/04/2017 Sampling Textbook chapter 13 Assignments & Exam 8 25/04/2017 Qualitative data coding and analysis Textbook chapter 16 Assignments & Exam 9 02/05/2017 Quantitative data analysis – Part 1 Textbook chapter 14 Assignments & Exam 10 09/05/2017 Quantitative data analysis – Part 2, Group difference testing Textbook chapter 15 Assignments & Exam 11 16/05/2017 Experimental designs Textbook chapter 10 Assignments & Exam 12 23/05/2017 In class assignment work and feedback 13 30/05/2017 Revision 30/05/2016 – STUDY VACATION 06/06/2016 – EXAMS 13/06/2016 – EXAMS Please note that the sequence of some topics may change due to availability of staff, resources or due to unforeseen circumstances. -13- Version: 2017 2 Section 6. Rubrics Rubric Grading Criteria for Assessment 1: Research Proposal (20% BX2174) Criteria Unsatisfactory 0-49% Pass 50 – 64% Credit 65 – 74% Distinction 75 – 84% High distinction 85 – 100% Quality of writing Demonstrate effective communication skills/ Convey information clearly and fluently in high quality written form appropriate for the audience CLO3 SLO6 10 Poor grammar and sentence construction Little or no use of coherent paragraphs No logical order to information Lacks critical analysis and use of evidence Sentences are clear and correct grammatically and organized into reasonable paragraphs There is a basic logical order to information Limited connection to evidence and little critical analysis Uses clear sentences, organized into coherent paragraphs that follow a logical order. Some connections to evidence and some but limited critical analysis Uses clear sentences, organized into coherent paragraphs that follow a logical order. Clear connections to evidence and critical analysis Uses clear sentences, organized into coherent paragraphs that follow a logical order A high level of ability to organise content in a logical , concise and cohesive manner with high level critical analysis supported by evidence Analysis of the decision or problem & identification of required information Synthesize underlying principles & concepts for making business decisions SLO2 20 Limited and or logically flawed consideration of the decision and problem, identifies the limited or irrelevant information with no logical connection to a set of clearly described relevant research questions Demonstrates a sound consideration of the decision and problem, identifies some of the most important sets of information necessary – Limited logical connections are made to a set of relevant research questions Demonstrates a sound consideration of the decision and problem, identifies some of the most important sets of information necessary and establishes a clear logical connection to a set relevant research questions Demonstrates a sound consideration of the decision and problem, identifies the most important sets of information necessary and establishes a logical connection to a set of clearly described relevant research questions Demonstrates a thorough consideration of the decision and problem, clearly identifies the most important set of information necessary and establishes a detailed and logical connection to a set of clearly described relevant research questions Review of what is already known Critically evaluate data and resources in the context of academic literature CLOK2 SLO1 20 Limited and/or inadequate number of sources Summary does not identify key relevant information No awareness of limitations and gaps No links between summary and research questions Identifies/selects and uses minimal number of reasonably relevant existing information, provides a sound summary of key information, demonstrates awareness of some limitations and gaps in the available evidence and makes initial links between the summarized information and the research questions Identifies/selects and uses reasonably relevant existing information, provides a sound summary of key information, demonstrates some awareness of major limitations and gaps in the available evidence and makes some links between the summarized information and the research questions Identifies/selects and uses relevant existing information, provides an accurate summary of key information, demonstrates awareness of major limitations and gaps in the available evidence and provides clear links between the summarized information and the research questions Identifies/selects and uses highly relevant existing information, provides an accurate and succinct summary of key information, demonstrates awareness of major limitations and gaps in the available evidence and provides clear and detailed links between the summarized information and the research questions Assessment of research designs, identification of variables, their relationship to each other and how to measure SLO2 Does not show a clear understanding of the different research designs are There is no clear and/or logical argument to support the selection of the research design for the research Demonstrates an acceptable understanding of what the different research designs are Provides some argument to support the selection of the research design for the research Demonstrates a clear understanding of what the different research designs are and provides a clear and logical argument to support the selection of the research design for the research Demonstrates a clear understanding of what the different research designs are and the different sorts of data they generate and provides a clear and logical argument to support the Demonstrates a clear understanding of what the different research designs are and the different sorts of data they generate and provides a clear and logical argument to support the -14- Version: 2017 2 20 questions. Variables not identified. questions. Variables identified with basic ideas about measurement questions. Variables identified, measured and relationships basically explained selection of the research design for the research questions. Variables identified, measured and relationships explained. selection of the research design for the research questions. Variables identified, measured and relationships fully explained Description of sample & sampling SLO5 10 The required sample described is inappropriate for the research questions, the proposed sampling procedure is not explained or is inappropriate for this sample The required sample described is acceptable for the research questions, the proposed sampling procedure is appropriate for this sample The required sample described is appropriate for the research questions, the proposed sampling procedure is appropriate for this sample Some awareness of sample size determination The required sample described is very appropriate for the research questions, the proposed sampling procedure is appropriate for this sample Includes some information on sample size and demonstrates awareness of procedures for determining sample size The required sample described is very appropriate for the research questions, the proposed sampling procedure is appropriate for this sample Includes information on sample size , including calculations where appropriate, and awareness of relevant issues in sampling Awareness of ethical & social responsibility in professional practice CLOA2 20 Does not identify relevant ethical issues associated with the research design and sampling procedure chosen for this proposed research. Does not suggests appropriate options for responding to these issues Identifies most of the key ethical issues associated with the research design and sampling procedure chosen for this proposed research and provides limited suggestions for options to responding to these issues Identifies most of the key ethical issues associated with the research design and sampling procedure chosen for this proposed research and suggests appropriate options for responding to these issues Identifies most of the key ethical issues associated with the research design and sampling procedure chosen for this proposed research and suggests appropriate options for responding to these issues Some discussion of the need to balance the different principles Identifies all the key ethical issues associated with the research design and sampling procedure chosen for this proposed research and suggests appropriate options for responding to these issues Can discriminate between the ethical issues and balance the different principles Grade -15- Version: 2017 2 Rubric Grading Criteria for Research Report (30% of BX2174) Criteria Unsatisfactory 0-49% Pass 50 – 64% Credit 65 – 74% Distinction 75 – 84% High distinction 85 – 100% Presentation & Style Demonstrate effective communication skills by conveying information clearly and fluently, in high quality written form appropriate for target audiences 10 Presented work that demonstrates a lack of literacy and rudimentary writing skills. Does not convey specific meaning Uses a basic understanding of language that conveys ideas with a number of discrepancies pertaining to grammar and/or referencing Incorporates appropriate language that generally conveys meaning to readers. Writing may include some errors in grammar and/or referencing Employs appropriate language and accepted principles of English and APA citation. Communicates clearly and concisely with minimal errors Presented work is expressed coherently and concisely with zero English and/or referencing errors Critical thinking Synthesize underlying principles & concepts for making business decisions CLO K2 10 Limited and or logically flawed consideration of the decisions, identifies limited or irrelevant information Demonstrates a sound consideration of the decisions, identifies some of the most important sets of information Demonstrates a sound consideration of the decisions, identifies some of the most important sets of information necessary and establishes a clear logical connection between relevant information Demonstrates a sound consideration of the decisions, identifies the most important sets of information necessary and establishes a logical connection to clearly described relevant information Demonstrates a thorough consideration of the decisions, clearly identifies the most important set of information necessary and establishes a detailed and logical connections to clearly described relevant information Executive summary Easily to read summary of critical information including a clear and logical connection to sound research objectives 5 Summary does not include important information, includes unnecessary details and/or information is poorly presented without a coherent structure Summary includes minimal but important information, presentation is acceptable, may include unnecessary details Summary includes most of the critical information and overall presentation is acceptable A clear summary of the most important information in the report that is logically and clearly presented A very succinct summary of all critical information, no unnecessary information included, good, clear and coherent organisation of the main points Method Provides a clear description of how the study was conducted including an overall description of the procedure, the measurement instruments and the sample 10 Insufficient or inaccurate description of the method Correct but limited description of the method. No critical reflection on method decisions Correct and adequate description of method. Limited critical reflection on method decisions Correct and detailed description of method. Demonstrates some awareness of reasoning behind the method decisions Correct and detailed description of method. Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of` the method decisions Results – choice and scope SLO 4 Analyse research data using basic qualitative and quantitative methods 15 Use of inappropriate and/or insufficient statistics to answer the research questions Use of appropriate descriptive statistics sufficient to address most aspects of the research question Use of both appropriate and sufficient descriptive and inferential statistics to address most parts of the research question Good use of both appropriate and sufficient descriptive and inferential statistics to address all parts of the research question Attempts to use multivariate statistics Extensive use of appropriate descriptive, inferential and multivariate statistics to address all parts of the research question Sophisticated combinations of statistics to develop detailed answers to the questions -16- Version: 2017 2 Results – presentation Demonstrates the ability to communicate information clearly using a mixture of text, tables and diagrams 10 Presentation of results lacks coherent or logical structure. Inappropriate or limited use of tables and diagrams to present results Insufficient detail for the reader to follow what was done Results in basic but logical sequence. Some limited use of tables and diagrams to present results Just sufficient detail for the reader to follow what was done Results presented in coherent, logical sequence Adequate use of tables and diagrams to present all results More details provided for the reader Results presented in coherent, logical sequence Good use of tables and diagrams to present all results Good details provided for the reader Results presented in coherent, logical sequence Sophisticated use of complex tables and diagrams to present all results Extensive details provided for the reader Discussion Demonstrates understanding of the statistics used and what the results indicate 15 Inappropriate and/or accurate interpretations of the meanings of the results Limited description of how the results provide answers to the research question Acceptable interpretations of the meanings of the results Adequate description of how the results provide answers to the research question Appropriate and accurate interpretations of the meanings of the results Adequate description providing some detail of how the results provide answers to the research question Appropriate and accurate interpretations of the meanings of the results Adequate description providing detail of how the results provide answers to the research question Sophisticated and accurate interpretations of the meanings of the results Extensive description of how the results provide detailed answers to the research question Conclusions and recommendations SLO 3 Interpret research findings in a manner that facilitates business decision making 15 Poor or no summary of the research results Limited, or inappropriate connections to the original issue Poor or no recommendations Adequate summary of a limited set of research results Sufficient but limited connections to the original issue Some recommendations based on the evidence presented Adequate summary of the main critical research results Logical connections to the original issue Adequate recommendations based on the evidence presented Accurate summary of the main critical research results Logical connections to the original issue Detailed recommendations based on the evidence presented Sophisticated but succinct & accurate summary of all of the critical research results Detailed logical connections to the original issue Detailed and extensive recommendations based on the evidence presented Limitations SLO 5 Evaluate the related strengths and limitations of methods in a business research context 10 Insufficient or inappropriate Identification of key limitations to the research Minimal identification of some research limitations, not always the most critical Identification of the key limitations Identification and some discussion of all key limitations Identification and detailed discussion of all key limitations Grade -17- Version: 2017 2 Section 7. Student Support James Cook University is committed to ensuring people with disabilities, injuries, illnesses or health conditions are able to participate to the fullest possible extent in the educational programs offered by the University and all other aspects of University life. Students with disabilities, injuries, illnesses or health conditions, who require special arrangements or consideration, should contact AccessAbility Services (see table below). 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