Overview
This unit is the second and final stage of your final year research project which builds upon the successful completion of Research Project 1 (PPMP20019). In this unit, you will complete the investigative study that you have planned for in 'Research Project 1'. You will collect, analyse secondary or primary data and discuss the findings of your study. Then, you will draw conclusions and report the research findings via a rigorous scholarly paper as well as an oral presentation. You will also be required to apply project management principles throughout the execution of your research project. The unit is designed to help you develop essential problem-solving and research skills for conducting independent research projects including the ethical issues involved.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisite: PPMP20019 Research Project 1 or ENEG14005 Engineering Honours Project Implementation
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2022
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 12-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 25 hours of study per week, making a total of 300 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from School leadership
The unit may not be appropriate for students from other disciplines.
Redevelop the unit to have a broader scope to suit students from other disciplines.
Feedback from Student evaluation
The regular interactive meetings with the unit coordinator and peers facilitated knowledge sharing and timely completion of set tasks.
Maintain the regular meetings with the unit coordinator in addition to the 'one to one' meetings with allocated supervisors as appropriate.
- Apply appropriate research tools and techniques in collecting and analysing research data
- Interpret and discuss results and draw conclusions that address the research question
- Employ ethical practices in collecting research data, analysing results and reporting research findings
- Apply project management principles in executing the research project plan
- Communicate and orally present a well constructed scholarly paper of a publication standard.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Project (research) - 80% | |||||
| 2 - Oral Examination - 20% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||||
| 2 - Communication | |||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
| 4 - Research | |||||
| 5 - Self-management | |||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
| 7 - Leadership | |||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Research methods for business students
Authors: M. N. K. Saunders, Philip Lewis & Adrian Thornhill
Binding: eBook
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Endnote (available through Library - see Moodle link)
- SPSS 20.0 may be needed for data analysis
- computer lab
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.skaik@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
- Refine and discuss your implementation plan with the Supervisor.
- Get the data collection instrument reviewed by the Supervisor.
- Secure ethics clearance (if applicable)
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Kick-off meeting with the Supervisor (Compulsory)
Module/Topic
- Finalise the sampling plan and prepare a list of all potential sources of data collection.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Milestone:
Sampling plan and list of data sources finalised.
Module/Topic
- Proceed with pilot study (if applicable)
- Update/refine data collection instrument (if applicable).
- Proceed with mass data collection
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Progress meeting with the Supervisor and presentation of work progress and status report (Compulsory)
Module/Topic
- Continue with data collection
Chapter
Review the online resources within the relevant section of this week in Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Organise, check, transcribe or code collected data.
- Discuss how to approach data analysis with your supervisor
Chapter
Review the online resources within the relevant section of this week in Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Progress meeting with the Supervisor and presentation of work progress and status report (Compulsory)
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Analyse and interpret collected data.
Chapter
Review the online resources within the relevant section of this week in Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Progress meeting with the Supervisor and presentation of work progress and status report (Compulsory)
Module/Topic
- Write the results and analysis section.
Chapter
Review the online resources within the relevant section of this week in Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Milestone:
Results and analysis section complete.
Module/Topic
- Get the results and analysis reviewed by the supervisor.
- Discuss findings and make links between objectives, findings and literature.
Chapter
Review the online resources within the relevant section of this week in Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Progress meeting with the Supervisor and presentation of work progress and status report (Compulsory)
Milestone:
Discussion section complete
Module/Topic
- Finalise the discussion section.
Chapter
Review the online resources within the relevant section of this week in Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Complete the conclusion section which summarises major findings in response to the research question or hypothesis, limitations, implications and directions for future research.
- Compile all completed sections to develop the research paper.
Chapter
Review the online resources within the relevant section of this week in Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Progress meeting with the Supervisor and presentation of work progress and status report (Compulsory)
Module/Topic
- Format and finalise the paper.
- Go through the given checklist and ensure you tick all boxes before submission
Chapter
Review the online resources within the relevant section of this week in Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
- Present and defend your paper
Chapter
Review the online resources within the relevant section of this week in Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
For any queries relating to this unit, contact the unit coordinator Dr Samer Skaik, email: s.skaik@cqu.edu.au
1 Project (research)
Overview:
This assessment requires you to work independently and complete the second and final phase of your research project that you have already planned in PPMP20019. Your project will be overseen by your supervisor who will provide the necessary strategic directions and guidance throughout the entire process and warn you if the work is not thought to be of a satisfactory standard. You should maintain contact with your supervisor throughout the preparation of your work. A common pitfall is to go long periods of time without making any contact with your supervisor. You must attend the meetings with your supervisor as scheduled in the unit profile. You will be required to deliver a short presentation about your progress in every supervisory meeting which will be the basis to proffer further discussion and feedback.
The task:
Your task is to collect and analyse primary and/or secondary data then disseminate your research via a scholarly research paper. The task requires you to demonstrate that you can present a piece of rigorous research in your chosen field and involves critical thinking and reasoning. You must demonstrate good project management skills throughout the term and complete all required tasks in a timely manner. You must also present an updated status report of your progress at every meeting and keep a full record of the minutes of meetings with your supervisor. All status reports and minutes of meetings records must be included in the appendices of your final submission.
You are required to submit your paper by the end of week 12. A paper template with clear guidelines on how to write key sections is available in Moodle for your use. The sections/components of the paper should appear in the following order.
- Research topic
- Abstract
- Introduction/background
- The need and significance of the study.
- Research questions and objectives
- Focused literature review
- Research method
- Results & Analysis
- Discussion
- Conclusion, implications, limitations and recommendation of further research.
- References
- Appendices (data collection instrument, figures, tables, research data, raw data, supplementary information, supervisory meeting records, progress status reports, final ethics report if applicable, etc.)
- Reflective statement: summarising your experiences, feelings, reactions towards practising project management in completing your project and commenting on resources or feedback you found to be helpful or unhelpful.
For guidance, the paper should be 10,000-12,000 words in length excluding references and appendices. Moodle site includes useful resources to help you complete your paper. More details of the research report formatting and submission checklist are provided on the Moodle site.
Week 11 Friday (27 May 2022) 5:00 pm AEST
Exam Week Friday (17 June 2022)
| Grade | Criteria |
| HD | As in the D category, but in addition, displaying a very high ability to comprehend the subject matter within the wider context and demonstrating considerable originality. The highest level of project management skills, thesis structure and presentation. |
| D | An extremely thorough, distinction level piece of research. Thorough understanding of the subject and issues. Demonstrates a high degree of critical appraisal analysis, clearability to formulate/construct RQs or hypotheses and excellent understanding and application of research methods. Conclusions are well supported by the content. Very well structured and presented. An excellent demonstration of project management skills throughout the project lifecycle which is evident via the reflective statement, status reports, meeting records, etc |
| C | A good understanding of the subject and issues. Demonstrates a clear ability to ask the right questions and/or formulate/construct hypotheses to address the issues. Good understanding and application of research methods. Critical appraisal is demonstrated and conclusions and recommendations are supported. Fairly structured and presented paper over and above the basic standard. One or two requirements have not been met. A good demonstration of project management skills throughout the project lifecycle which is evident via the reflective statement, status reports, meeting records, etc. |
| P | A reasonable understanding of the subject and issues, which asks questions and addresses potential answers, supported by a reasonable degree of analysis and critique. Acceptable consideration of research methods. Conclusions are reasonably formed and recommendations are generally supported by the work undertaken. Basic structure and presentation of the paper. three or more requirements were not met. A basic demonstration of project management skills throughout the project lifecycle which is evident via the reflective statement, meeting records, etc. |
| F | Does not meet academic standards for a paper. A basic piece of work that demonstrates limited knowledge/effort and understanding, supported by only little analysis and minimal review. Poor or non-existent consideration of research methods. Inadequate discussion with very poorly or unsupported conclusions. Poorly structured and presented paper. The submission is incomplete with many missing information. A poor or lack of demonstration of project management skills which was evident via the reflective statement, meeting records, etc. |
- Apply appropriate research tools and techniques in collecting and analysing research data
- Interpret and discuss results and draw conclusions that address the research question
- Employ ethical practices in collecting research data, analysing results and reporting research findings
- Apply project management principles in executing the research project plan
- Communicate and orally present a well constructed scholarly paper of a publication standard.
2 Oral Examination
Task
This assessment requires you to give an oral presentation and defend your research findings at a research seminar attended by the respective faculty and students. The seminar will be conducted in week 12 via ZOOM following the submission of your dissertation. You must cover the key sections of the dissertation in your presentation slides. All students enroled in this unit must attend the oral presentations on the day from start to finish to maximise their learning and knowledge in different research topics as presented by other students.
Specifications
Each presentation will have 30 minutes time allocation. 20 minutes will be the student presentation, 10 minutes Q&A and 5 minutes swapping time. Exceeding the time limits for presentation will encounter mark deductions, therefore, you are encouraged to have adequate rehearsal in advance. The proposed flow of the slides is suggested to be as follows:
- Introduction/background
- The need and significance of the study
- Research question(s) & objectives
- Research method
- Results and analysis
- Discussion
- Conclusion and limitations
- Reflection on practising PM in executing your project.
- Reference list
Week 12 Monday (30 May 2022) 9:00 am AEST
Exam Week Friday (17 June 2022)
| Assessment Criteria | Weight |
Technical Content
|
40% |
Delivery of presentation
|
40% |
Handling of Questions and Discussion
|
20% |
- Apply appropriate research tools and techniques in collecting and analysing research data
- Interpret and discuss results and draw conclusions that address the research question
- Employ ethical practices in collecting research data, analysing results and reporting research findings
- Apply project management principles in executing the research project plan
- Communicate and orally present a well constructed scholarly paper of a publication standard.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
