Assignment Details and Instructions

 Assignment Details and Instructions.

PG Dissertation Research Proposal Template

Maximum of 3000 words excluding References. Pass mark is 50%.

FAIL
0 – 49

PASS
50 – 59

PASS WITH MERIT
60 – 69

PASS WITH DISTINCTION
70 – 85

PASS WITH DISTINCTION
86 – 100

Criterion  1 objectives of the research

Criterion 1 Identify the macro and micro organisational contexts for the dissertation and the objectives of the research. This should be in the light of a client’s briefing if applicable.

The organizational context and current issues are not identified leading to no clear research objectives.

The organizational context and current issues are sufficiently identified and expressed, but lacks clarity in some areas, leading to an adequate but somewhat loose identification of research objectives.

The organizational context and current issues are clearly identified and scoped, leading to the identification of appropriate research objectives.

The organizational context and current issues are unambiguously identified, scoped and prioritized, leading to well framed research objectives.

The organizational context and current issues identified are theoretically grounded. Factual data are well used to iterate the business scenario that leads to precisely framed research objectives.

Criterion  2 review the literature

Criterion 2 Critically review and synthesize the relevant literature on the subject area in order to construct a conceptual framework to underpin the research.

PLO5 apply advanced specific knowledge, professional and research skills in addressing complex issues.

There is an insufficient range of literature considered. This impairs the analysis and integration of concepts, models and theories that might lead to a conceptual framework to underpin the research.

There is a sufficient range of literature considered, and some attempt at analysis and integration, but lacking in critical focus towards a clear conceptual framework to underpin the research.

There is an adequate range of literature considered. Analysis and integration of concepts, models and theories have an adequate critical focus, leading to a substantiated conceptual framework to underpin the research.
 

An extensive range of literature is considered. Good analysis and integration of concepts, models and theories with substantial critical content.  The conceptual framework underpinning the research is well argued for.

Very good application and critique of concepts with evidence of breadth and depth of literature reviewed and integrated, leading to a sound conceptual framework and a theoretically well grounded investigation.

Criterion  3 research design

Criterion 3 There is a clear link between the extant literature in the field, the development of research aims/objectives/questions, and the design of a clear conceptual framework. The above are used to clearly guide the research design.

There are no links provided between the literature, the research aims and resultant research design strategies. No conceptual framework is proposed and fieldwork or secondary data is non-existent or very little.

There are sufficient relevant links between the literature, research aims and the data collection (primary or secondary). This is underpinned sufficiently by the conceptual framework underpinning the research, but further detail is required.

There are sufficient and relevant links between the formulation of the research aims relative to literature and context, and this is derived from a clear analysis of the separate streams of literature and how they form the focus for the current study. The data collection (primary or secondary) is clearly informed by the conceptual framework underpinning the research.

A wide and critical literature base is assimilated accurately in formulating the study aims and there is clear consideration of a research gap and the relevance of making a contribution to knowledge. The data design and collection (primary or secondary) is clearly and largely informed by the conceptual framework underpinning the research.

A wide and critical literature base is assimilated accurately in formulating the study aims and there is a very clear and thoughtful consideration of a research gap, contribution to knowledge and the strategies needed for design of the current study. The data collection (primary or secondary) is clearly and very thoroughly informed by the conceptual framework underpinning the research.

Criterion  4 appropriate methodology

Criterion 4 Apply an appropriate methodology for collecting and for analysing primary data with due regard to ethical considerations. Critically discuss the methodology used for secondary data where applicable;  student has completed the Ethos Application and attached it  to the proposal.

PLO5 apply advanced specific knowledge, professional and research skills in addressing complex issues.

There is no or very little awareness of currently recognized research methodologies and methods, and of consultancy approaches (if applicable). No method, justified or recognized in the research methods literature, has been applied. Student has not attached the Ethos Application form.

There is sufficient awareness of currently recognized research methodologies and methods, and of consultancy approaches (if applicable). Research methods are applied, and its choice and appropriateness are sufficiently justified.
Justification for the chosen consultancy approaches (if applicable) is limited. The Ethos Application form has been completed but ethics is superficially mentioned.

There is a clear understanding of currently recognized research methodologies and methods, and of consultancy approaches (if applicable). There is a competent use of research methods, and its choice and appropriateness are adequately justified. There is a review of and adequate justification for the chosen consultancy approaches (if applicable). The Ethos Application form is attached and there is clear consideration given to Ethics in the research design.

There is a very clear understanding of currently recognized research methodologies and methods, and of consultancy approaches (if applicable).
There is a competent and thorough use of research methods, and its choice and appropriateness are well justified. There is a thorough review of and well-argued choice of consultancy approaches (if applicable). The Ethos Application form is attached and there is well recognised understanding of Ethics in the research projec