Assessment Overview for Research Methods Module

Further information about general assessment criteria, ARNA regulations, referencing and plagiarism can be found on the e- Learning Portal (Blackboard) site for the module.  Students are advised to read and follow this information.

Module Learning Outcomes (MLOs)

At the end of the module the student will:

1.An understanding of the value of research methods in completing a Masters’ dissertation, consultancy project or management enquiry. [MLO1]

2.Skills of data collection and analysis relevant to their chosen research topic. [MLO2]

3.Reflect on your own ethical values. [MLO3]

Assessment Overview

Assignment 001 (70%): Research proposal - This is an individual 2,000 word extended research proposal synopsis. A comprehensive illustration of the proposed project in any of Masters’ dissertation, consultancy project or management enquiry.

Assignment 002 (30%): Poster presentation- This is an individual assignment (poster presentation): the poster presentation must include a brief illustration of the proposed project in any of Masters’ dissertation, consultancy project or management enquiry.

Assignment 001: (70%)

Using a range of available professional and academic tools, building on the contents of your poster presentation. you are required to complete your 2,000-word extended research proposal synopsis. A comprehensive illustration of the proposed project in any of Masters’ dissertation, consultancy project or management enquiry. Your research proposal must include comprehensive elements of the following:

A.Intro / overview giving background and context in relation to your dissertation, consultancy project or management enquiry. [20%]

B.Delivery of a summarised literature review and research gaps. [30%]

C.Delivery of the research method adopted in your dissertation, consultancy project or management enquiry. [30%]

D.A conclusion providing an overall summary of the key points made and a summing up of your dissertation, consultancy project or management enquiry. [20%]

Using a range of available professional and academic tools, you will showcase your poster presentation in week 10, which must include the following elements:

A.Intro / overview giving background and context in relation to your dissertation, consultancy project or management enquiry. [10%]

B.Delivery of a summarised literature review and research gaps. [20%]

C.Delivery of the research method adopted in your dissertation, consultancy project or management enquiry. [20%]

D.A conclusion providing an overall summary of the key points made and a summing up of your dissertation, consultancy project or management enquiry. [10%]

E.Critical appraisal of poster design, layout and content. [40%]

Word limits and penalties for assignments

The word count is to be declared on the front page of your assignment and the assignment cover sheet. The word count does not include:

Assignment 001 (70%): Research proposal

Please note, in text citations [e.g. (Smith, 2011)] and direct secondary quotations [e.g. “dib-dab nonsense analysis” (Smith, 2011 p.123)] are included in the word count.

If the assignment is within +10% of the stated word limit no penalty will apply.

If the word limit of the individual report exceeds the +10% limit, 10% of the mark provisionally awarded to the assignment will be deducted. For example: if the assignment is worth 70 marks but is above the word limit by more than 10%, a penalty of 7 marks will be imposed, giving a final mark of 63.

If the word count is falsified, students are reminded that under ARNA regulations this will be regarded as academic misconduct.

Submission of Assessment & Feedback:

Electronic Management of Assessment (EMA) applies: please note assignments will need to be submitted electronically by the given deadline via Turnitin. The Turnitin link will be made available on the module’s eLP (Blackboard) site.

Summative Feedback - you will be provided with a mark and feedback on your performance, which will include any actions to be taken to improve performance. This will be returned to you via the same system used for submission of the assignment i.e. EMA system.

Formative Feedback – all teams should take note of the formative feedback provided during the workshops / seminars throughout the semester in order to feed forward into the final summative presentation and report.

Late submission of work

This assessment will contribute directly to the following Postgraduate programme goals and objectives.  

Goal One: To develop the skills necessary for employment and career progression

1.Demonstrate awareness of their personal strengths and weaknesses and the ability to engage in continuing self-development

2.Demonstrate the development of inter-personal and intra-personal skills.

3.Demonstrate competence in contemporary analytical and ICT applications

Goal Two: Be culturally and ethically aware

1.Demonstrate their ability to work in culturally diverse groups and teams and make an appropriate personal contribution to team effectiveness

2.Reflect on their own ethical values.

3.Understand the wider impact of individual or organisational decision making on social and environmental contexts

Goal Three: Have developed leadership and management capability

1.Analyse and communicate complex issues effectively

2.Demonstrate decision making, problem solving and project management skills

Goal Four: Have developed and applied knowledge of international business and management theory

1.Acquire, interpret and apply knowledge of international business, management and organisational functions.

2.Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of innovative and contemporary research on the business and management community

3.Acquire, interpret and apply specialist functional knowledge in relation to their programme of study (specialist programmes only)

Goal Five: Have developed a range of research skills and project capabilities

1.Plan and complete a major individual piece of research on a contemporary business, management or leadership topic.

2.Demonstrate skills of analysis and synthesis in the application of research methods to the exploration of contemporary business and management issues.