Dissertation a Guidelines - SHU

8/11/2019 Dissertation a Guidelines - SHU

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1

Marks Allocation for Dissertation Submissions

DissertationA‐Report Semester1 30%

DissertationA‐Viva Semester1 10%

DissertationB Semester2 60%

DISSERTATION

A:

PURPOSE

GUIDELINES

Dissertation A is a Research Methods Report. It will demonstrate your ability to find appropriate

sources of secondary information and used them in an appropriate way. It will demonstrate to

your supervisor that you have understood and isolated the data collection methods for your

research with a clear rationale. It will further act as the 'backbone' upon which Dissertation B is

built up. It will allow you to get summative feedback on progress.

SECTIONS:

Contents

of

the

Report:

Approximate length 3,000 + 10% words.

You need to outline the following:

introduction

a hypothesis

the aims and objectives of your dissertation

the research methodology appropriate for your study

outline of the data collection you intend to do for dissertation B

a basic literature review

references

Introduction

to

Topic

What is the dissertation about?

Why have you selected it?

What are the main issues?



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Hypothesis, Aims and Objectives

These must be clearly stated with outcomes well defined

Objectives must be linked to aims.

Methodology

What methodology is to be employed?

What data type will be collected? (primary / secondary / facts & figures / opinions or feelings)

Why has the methodology been chosen?

What are the short comings of the methodology employed?

What literature have you consulted about conducting research?

What contingencies have you thought of?

Literature Search

Review the main body of the literature appertaining to your research topic

Identify the main arguments for and against a particular issue e.g. the main body of knowledge

argues that QA Systems are not applicable to Educational Establishments because........... Other authors state that QA Systems can be implemented because............

Notegroupingoftheliteraturecouldprovetobeausefulexercise.

Justification and rationale of a research question and aims and objectives. Helps to find out:

What is known about the subject

If there are any gaps in the knowledge of the subject

If areas of further study have been identified by other researchers that you may want to

consider

Who are the significant research personalities in this area

What aspects have generated significant debate on the topic

What is

the

most

productive

methodology

for

your

research

based

on

the

literature

you

have reviewed

Conclusions

Draw conclusions from your literature review. These will be dependent upon your research

focus.

In total you have 3,000 words (+ or 10 ) therefore your report must be an exercise in conciseness

Appendices

These are not included in the word count and may include any supporting evidence.

ETHICS PRO

‐FORMA

and

ETHICS

STATEMENT

must

be

here.



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DISSERTATION

A:

ASSESSMENT

CRITERIA

AND

WEIGHTING

The

weighting

for

the

report

is

30

Marking

Area

Description

Marks

Aims, objectives and

hypothesis

Aims clearly stated.

Objectives clearly stated

Appropriate linkages shown

10

Research methodology Clearly stated

Reasons for selection given

Aims and objectives match methodology

Methodology appropriate

Evidence of deeper consideration of research

question

35

Depth of knowledge of subject

area and content

Good range of references

References from a variety of sources (internet

/journal / book)

References appropriate to subject

Consideration of validity of each of sources / critical

analysis

Content reflects understanding of research question

40

Conclusions

A

well

rounded

conclusion

drawn

from

issues

presented

Suggestion for further study / identify areas of

uncertainty

5

Presentation Clarity of expression

Spelling

Use of English

Standard of presentation

Appropriate referencing system

10



4

VIVA VOCE THE SECOND TASK

A 15 minute Viva Voce to your supervisor and one other tutor, to be carried out at the end of

semester 1.

VIVA:

PURPOSE

The viva is the first time you will need to defend your work and talk about the decisions you have

made in front of 2 members of staff (normally your supervisor and second marker). This will

demonstrate your ability to generate an appropriate research methodology and to ask the right

questions of yourself and of your participants. In addition you will need to be able to respond to

questions in a timely manner demonstrating that you have been able to compile, analyse and

synthesise relevant material and report the findings in an objective, coherent manner. Feedback

will be

given

from

both

staff

which

will

be

both

summative

(given

a mark)

and

formative

(to

steer

your research).

The viva should demonstrate

a rationale for studying their selected topic with parameters clearly outlined;

an appropriate set of aims and objectives;

an understanding of the main and critical issues which affect the selected topic area;

analytical work that includes a research methodology, references;

accurate information and comprehension of the topic area

The

Presentations

Guideline

01. Presentation duration should be limited to 13‐15 minutes and should be prepared by using MS

PowerPoint.

02. Question and Answer (Q/A) session time will be 5‐10 minutes after each presentation.

03. Do not exceed 10‐12 slides.

04. Key areas that need to be included in the presentation.

i. Research Background/Introduction

ii. Aim & Objectives

iii. Research Approach & Methodology

iv.

Literature Review

Findings

v. Progression Plan of the research

vi. References

Please be punctual and make sure you save the PPT softcopy in the PC before the allocated time slot.

Dress

Code:

Formal

he weighting for the Viva is 10%.



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Dissertation

Viva:

Marking

Scheme

The

weighting

for

the

Viva

is

10 from

overall

dissertation

marks

Marking

Area

Description

Marks

Depth and breadth of

knowledge upon topic area.

Presentation interesting & stimulating

Subject presented in clear & logical manner

Subject presented effectively

25

Understanding of research

methodology

Methods clearly articulated

Methods of research appropriate

Strengths and weaknesses highlighted as appropriate

25

Practical

implications

of

conducting research. Selection

of

method

clearly

articulated

Logistical issues addressed

Ethical issues addressed

Reflection on progress

25

Ability to respond to probing

questions.

Answers prompt and to the point

Answers addressed question asked

Responses defended dissertation choices

25

Dissertation a Guidelines - SHU

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