Part 1
| Abstract • Is the scope of the project and the research problem clear? • Are the aim and objectives clearly stated? • Is the methodology clearly summarised? • Are the key findings and conclusions stated? Are any recommendations and practical implications included? Maximum score 5 |
| CHAPTER 1 Introduction • Is there a clear introduction that discusses the topic of research and rationale (what you are doing and why)? • Is appropriate background information provided including all special terms and definitions? • Are the aim and objectives, research questions clear, relevant and achievable (testable)? • Do aims, objectives etc go beyond mere description i.e. do they involve explanation, comparison, criticism or evaluation? • Does the introduction indicate the content of the other chapters? • Does the student provide the background of the study and its significance? Maximum score 10 |
| CHAPTER 2 Literature Review • Has a comprehensive range of relevant literature, pertinent to the aim and RQs of the Project or is the impression given that almost everything read on or around the problem has been included? • Are the key themes and issues surrounding the research questions clearly drawn from the literature? • Does it attempt to compare and contrast a number of relevant concepts, models or theories in a critical manner or is it merely descriptive? • Are these used in an effective manner? • Are the sources used up to date, where appropriate and do they have sufficient academic weight? • Have sources been acknowledged and referenced fairly and properly? • Is the bibliography at the end of the project complete and in the appropriate version of the Harvard System? Maximum score 15 |
| CHAPTER 3 Research Methodology • Is there a clear rationale for methodology i.e. is student aware of nature and types of research e.g. are distinctions between qualitative and quantitative, positivist and interpretative methods addressed? • Have the alternatives been discussed and have the advantages and disadvantages of chosen methods been evaluated? Has this understanding informed their choice of approach? • Is the methodology described appropriate for the data required? • Is the research methodology described fully so that it could be replicated? I.e. • Are the research instruments well designed with all questions etc relevant to research aims? • Is there evidence of care and accuracy in the secondary data collection process? • Are data analysis methods discussed? Maximum score 15 |
| CHAPTER 4 Research Findings • Is the data presented relevant to aims and objectives? • Does any statistical presentation make the most of the data collected? • Is any qualitative data categorised and presented systematically? • Are the findings presented clearly and interestingly for the reader to follow? i.e. is diagrammatic representation of data e.g. tables, charts etc embedded in the text? Maximum score 15 |
| CHAPTER 5 Analysis of Findings • Is the most relevant data clearly summarised, discussed and evaluated? • Have patterns in the data been identified and/or key variables compared and relationships highlighted? • Are all statements discussed in context and supported by the data? • Have the findings of the research been compared and contrasted with findings, theories, models or concepts derived from the literature review? Maximum score 20 |
| CHAPTER 6 Conclusion, Recommendations and Practical Implications • Do the conclusions follow on from the findings? Are the conclusions well-grounded in the evidence and arguments presented? • Have the aim, objectives and research questions been clearly reviewed and addressed? • Are the conclusions discussed in context and are they applicable to a wider scenario? • Are recommendations given and are they consistent with the findings and conclusion? • Are practical implications discussed? Maximum score 10 |
| Layout and Referencing – Presentation of the material that conforms to principles of academic writing • The list of references can take as many pages as necessary and not included in the limit/word count • presentation that follows a sequence of chapters and appropriate structure as indicated in the brief. • High quality presentation that conforms to principles of academic writing and contains minimal errors in sentence construction, grammar and punctuation. The assignment followed • appropriate academic conventions regarding in-text citations and referencing. Maximum score 10 |
Assessment Point Submission Link – Part 2: Presentation of the process (annotated)
| Introduction (including Objectives) • Is the topic sufficiently introduced? • Are the objectives clearly outlined? • Are the introduction and objectives consistent with the Dissertation Report? Maximum score 15 |
| Main Body (includes Literature Review, Research Methodology, Research Findings, Analysis of the Findings) • Are all the important sections included? • Is all the important information discussed on the slide and in the speaker notes? Maximum score 55 |
| Conclusion, Recommendations and Practical Implications of the Research • Are clear conclusions drawn from the findings? • Are recommendations and practical implications presented? Maximum score 15 |
| Speaker Notes, Layout and Referencing • Do all slides contain speaker notes? Are the notes clear and do they complement the text and visuals presented on the corresponding slide? • Balanced and not too busy slides • Presentation is in line with Dissertation Report • Are visuals used, including tables, figures? • High quality presentation that conforms to principles of academic writing and contains minimal errors in sentence construction, grammar and punctuation. The assignment followed appropriate academic conventions regarding in-text citations and referencing. • List of references (it can take as many slides as necessary and not included in 20-25 slides limit). Maximum score 15 |
