PROJECT OUTLINE
Project title: Research Proposal

Program: S6

Course: Research Methods and Report Writing

Faculty responsible: John S. Rowlson, Ph. D.

Internship report due: January 28, 2011 (12:00) at reception

Optional Proposal Draft: at least 24 hours before the scheduled tutorial.

Final Dissertation Proposal Due: May 2, 2011 (13:30) at reception

Project Overview:
To enable students to produce a Research Proposal through Research Methods and Report Writing Course with specific workshops in research methods techniques and writing skills.

Overall Aim:
To enable students to produce a business research proposal related to a focused and specific topic that is of an acceptable standard to be used in the preparation for the dissertation.

SPECIAL NOTE: ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE SPECIFICALLY PATHWAY FOCUSED.

Learning Outcomes:

1. To identify and discuss with well-reasoned and academically supported arguments an issue or business related problem that is based on academic theories, models, concepts, principles found in academic sources of information and knowledge in the design of a business or management related research proposal.

2. To clearly define and state the aim and objectives that directly link to all chapters of the study.

3. To structure a systematic research process using an appropriate application of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods for data collection, analysis, interpretation and triangulation of data.

4. To design a means to systematically collect data, accurately identifying and defining the data to be sought and the means in which it will be used in this study, to identify where this data can be found, how the access to this data will be obtained, as well as how the validity and reliability (for quantitative methods) and verification and creditability (for qualitative methods) of this data will be determined.

5. To define and design a systematic process to analyse and/or interpret data identifying statistical procedures that will be used to analyse the data, or the interpretive processes to be applied to the data to be collected with a discussion of the meaning and significance of the analysis and interpretation of the potential results of this study.

Organization (Chapter Outline in this order):
Title Page
Introduction
Aims and Objectives
Literature Review
Research Methodology
References

Assessment weighting: 100% of the total grade.

Dissertation/Independent Research Study Proposal Marking Criteria:

o
• Title Page, Introduction 15 %
o Title: specific and consistent with Aim
o Introduction
? Provides the rationale from a business research perspective
? Introduces the reader to the topic of research#p#分頁標題#e#
? Gives the basis for the study in terms of: the theories, concepts, and perspectives of the issues and problems considered.
? Claims and perspectives are referenced
? The Reasoning for the research questions is provided along with the research questions.
• Aim and objectives 15 %
o Aim (Note: there should be only one aim to a research study.)
? Research questions stated in terms of aim and objectives
? Aim is clearly linked to the title, introduction, literature review, and research methods chapters.
? Precise and clearly written
o Objectives
? All objectives are clearly linked to the aim and consistent with the title, introduction, literature review, and research methods.
? Minimum of three (3)
? Measurable and/or observable
? Focused, clearly defined, limited to the scope of the dissertation
? Realistic, and feasible
• Literature Review 30 %
? Includes a wide variety of current and related academic literature.
? Claims and assertions are supported with evidence that is referenced.
? Clear link between title, introduction, literature review, aims and objectives and research methods.
? Strong evidence of evaluation and critical analysis of the literature reviewed and presented.
? Comprehension of the literature cited is clearly evidenced.
? Themes, concepts, main ideas, theories, etc. are organized through the use of headings and sub-headings.
? Limited use of quoted material.
? Good integration of quoted material into sentences.
? Clear transitions from paragraph to paragraph and section to section.
? Synthesis of literature chapter.
? Paragraphs contain strong topic sentences.

• Research Methodology 30 %
o Research Methods
? Proposed Research methods are clearly linked to Aims and Objectives
? Research Philosophy is appropriately presented and adequately discussed in terms of the research questions, aim and objectives.
? Methods to be used are clearly explained and referenced
? Rationale for the selection of this method of data collection is explained as opposed to the use other methods

o Data Collection
? All of the data collection methods are explained in detail with references.
? The process of use, modification of existing, and/or development of any data collection tools, materials and/or processes are explained in detail, with references.
? The manner in which the Data collection tools will need to be designed and developed in this study is clearly discussed.
? The procedures of data collection are explained with references.
? The Population Sample and the method of the sample selection are explained in detail with references.
? The means of statistically determining their validity and reliability are clear identified and defined, using references.
? The concepts and issues related to various ways of testing for reliability and validity or verification are addressed for each research method proposed with references.#p#分頁標題#e#

o Data Analysis or Interpretation
? Data analysis and/or data interpretation process, tools and techniques are appropriately identified, defined and clearly stated with references.
? Statistical and non-statistical procedures used to analyze and interpret data are appropriately identified and clearly stated with references.

o Results, Findings and Discussion
? Discuss the implications of the research methods to be used in the context of this study.
• References, Presentation and Style, 10 %
o Meets word requirements, as indicated on the Turnitin report
o Meets recommended format and submission requirements
o Headings, Sub-headings, chapters, figures & tables are clear and consistent
o Good sentence structure, spelling, grammar and diction
o APA referencing style used throughout, as presented in the Student Handbook.
o All utilized literature is included with in-text references and included on the reference list
o All items on reference list appear with corresponding in-text references
o All in-text referenced items appear on reference list

• Total 100%

Note: It is required, the student must:
• Submit all documents to be assessed in the Research Methods and Report Writing course in Moodle.
o The draft and the final proposal to be assessed must be processed by the student through Turnitin.
o The draft proposal and the final dissertation proposal will not be assessed if it is not found on Turnitin.

Special Instructions:

Word Limit: 1,500 – 2,500 words (excluding: title page, references, charts and graphs, appendix)
Note: exceeding the word limit (as indicated in the Turnitin report) between 2,500-2,750 will result in a grade reduction of 10%, 2,750-3,000 words= 15%, 3,000-3,250 words= 20%, 3,251 to 3,500 words= 25%, 3,501 to 3,750= 30% and 3,750 to 4,000= 35%. Proposals of more than 4,000 will not be assessed.

Assignment Type: Individual assignment

Others: Please refer to the Glion Student Handbook for other rules regarding referencing style, writing style, plagiarism, late work submission, incomplete work, grading system, and presentation style. Electronic submission must accompany a hard copy that will be submitted at the main reception.

Additional requirements for presentation style:

• Font:
o Headings - Font 14 or 16;
o Main text - Font 12. Times New Roman is preferable.

• Space: Double-spaced throughout the paper except italicised quotations.

References File Requirement:

• All students must submit with the final proposal a Reference File that contains all of the articles and literature sources that appear on the reference list.
• This Reference File will be submitted with the proposal at the time of submission and must be presented in a CD or USB chip, which should be attached with the proposal in an appropriate file folder.#p#分頁標題#e#

Electronic Copy of Proposal

• An electronic copy of the proposal will also be submitted at the time of submission to Dr. Rowlson: [email protected]

Formal Tutorial Support
? One twenty-minute tutorial is available to all students with Dr. Rowlson.
? This tutorial can occur anytime during the semester.
? There is a tutorial signup sheet posted on the bulletin board outside the faculty room.
? It is the student’s responsibility to sign up for a tutorial.
• The tutorial sign-up sheets will only be on display from January 24 until February 4, 2011.
• Students, who have not signed up for a tutorial by the end of week 4, February 18, forfeit the option to have a formal tutorial.
• If a student misses their scheduled tutorial (unless by mitigation), forfeit the tutorial.
? Tutorial requirements
• An electronic draft must be submitted to Dr. Rowlson at least 48 hours before the tutorial.
• The student must bring to the tutorial a copy of the draft and copies of all of the literature used in the draft.
• This proposal draft must include these chapters:
o Title page
o Introduction to the research study
o The aim and objectives of the study
o Literature review completed to date, which must have at least ten references.
o An identified research method with the means in which the data will be collected and analysed.
o Reference list
Informal Tutorial Support
? Tutorial support is available from faculty.
? Students in E62, E63, E64, E 66 and E68 are in pathway specific programs. It is accepted that they may present and discuss their research ideas and potential topics with pathway specific faculty.
? Students in E60 will also have faculty support from those instructors within the topical areas that are central to the student’s research topic.

The student must be considerate about the tutorial time that the various instructors will be available for and able to provide. Instructors are free to express their own differing tutorial requirements. If a respective instructor is willing, the student may have an informal tutorial to discuss the merits of a research topic. Later in the semester an instructor may require the student to present a written presentation prior to the tutorial session. These sessions are limited in time and the availability of faculty.

You must reference all the sources used (to form your ideas, arguments and analysis) throughout the Dissertation Proposal.

You must include a complete reference list of all references sources used in the text, to be placed at the end of the proposal. Failure to comply with these standards could indicate “Bad Practice” or worse Plagiarism.

Plagiarism is the presentation of others peoples words and ideas without giving credit, acknowledgment, or referencing to the original source. It is the presenting of others ideas as ones own. Correct referencing is the way to demonstrate that the original source of these ideas is acknowledged and honoured.#p#分頁標題#e#

Common Skills Developed/Assessed:

MANAGING AND DEVELOPING SELF 1.Manages own role and responsibilities 2.Manages own time in achieving objectives.
3.Undertakes personal and career development 4.Transfers skills gained to new and changing situations and contexts. 5.Uses a range of thought processes
COMMUNICATING 9.Receives and responds to a variety of information 10.Presents information in a variety of visual forms 11.Communicates in writing
MANAGING TASKS AND SOLVING PROBLEMS 13.Uses information sources 14. Deals with a combination of routine and non-routine tasks 15.Identifies and solves routine and non-routine problems
APPLYING NUMERACY
AND TECHNOLOGY 16.Applies numerical skills and techniques 17.Uses a range of technological equipment and systems

Resources Available:
Student text:
• Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research Methods for Business Students (fifth Edition). Edinburgh: Financial Times/ Prentice Hall.

Library texts:
• Ateljevic, I., Pritchard, A. & Morgan, N. (2007). The Critical Turn in Tourism Studies: Innovative Research Method. Oxford, UK: Elsevier Ltd.
• Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2007). Business research Methods (2nd edition). New York: Oxford University Press Inc.
• Johns, N., & Lee-Ross, D (1998). Research Methods in Service Industry Management. London: Cassell Wellington House.
• Long, J., (2007). Researching Leisure, Sport and tourism. The Essential Guide. London: Sage Publications Ltd.
• Mason, J. (2003). Qualitative Researching (2nd edition). London: Sage Publications Ltd.
• Maylor, H., & Blackmon, K. (2005). Researching Business and Management. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Mertens, D. (2005). Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology: Integrating diversity with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods (2nd edition.) London, UK: Sage Publications, Inc.
• Oishi, S. M. (2003). How to conduct in-person interviews for surveys (2nd edition.). London, UK: Sage Publications, Inc.
• Shank, G., (2006). Qualitative Research: A Personal Skills Approach (2nd edition). New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
• Strauss, A., & Corbin, J., (2008). The basics of qualitative research: techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory (2nd edition) London, UK: Sage Publications, Inc.

Please note there is an extensive source of pathway relevant research methods books in the library. These should be used prior to considering online sources.
Additional resources are available per request from the Library staff.

Electronic Database:
• Mintel
• PROQUEST
• Emerald library
Journals:
• The Economist
• Hotels
• International Journal of Hospitality Management
• Harvard Business Review
• Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research#p#分頁標題#e#
• The Hospitality Review
• Hospitality Directions – Europe Edition
• Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly
• Other appropriate journals in the Glion Library