1862 Hospitality Investigations Level 5 Assignment Brief 2024-25 | UCB

Hospitality Investigations Assignment Task:

●    This assignment task requires you to produce a social science research proposal, which focuses on a contemporary topic or issue within the hospitality/food industry.

MARKING CRITERIA:

• Below are the marking criteria that align with both the task(s) set and the quality of your document.  Clear weightings/marks will be noted for each criterion.  
• The overall mark awarded for this assignment will explicitly show how the mark was calculated based on your performance against each criterion.

TASK AND DOCUMENT FORMAT GUIDANCE:

• Focus on attention to detail, quality of work and overall academic standards.  
• Specific Guidance for this assignment (include guidance on each task and the format of the document):
• For additional guidance on this assignment, please access the assignment vodcast available on Canvas.

Please use the assignment template provided (WITHIN THE SUBMISSION POINT) as a guide. 
If utilised correctly, this will ensure that your proposal includes the following:

1. A proposal introduction/introduction to research

• This section should provide a brief introduction to research/the importance of research within your industry, the purpose of research proposals, and an outline of your proposal structure.

2. A proposed aim and set of objectives, for a potential future research paper.

• Your aim should fit the SMART criteria discussed in class.
• Your objectives should be clear and logical, providing clear steps for achieving your research aim. You should have approximately 4 objectives. 

3. An introduction to your topic area, including definitions of key terms, and a rationale for the study.

• Your rationale should focus on analysing the need for/purpose of your research and evaluating who/what may benefit because of your project.
• It should be clear and convincing, with reference made to existing/contemporary academic or industry research and publications, and/or recent figures/statistics, to support points where appropriate.

4. A critical review of the existing research/literature which provides a theoretical framework, in relation to your chosen topic.

• Your literature review should refer to a range of relevant textbooks and journal articles.
• Existing research findings and the author’s viewpoints should be compared.
• Your review should be critical in nature and should be underpinned by appropriate theory.
• It should be organised into key themes, or chronologically if reviewing how a topic has evolved. 

5. A critical discussion around the planned methods for the research.

• This section should identify the proposed (primary and/or secondary) methods to be employed to achieve the project's aim.
• Planned methods should be clear and justified concerning achieving the project's aim/objectives. Key research texts (see reading list) should also be used in support of points.
• Good, planned methods sections will be critical/evaluative in nature and consider the following five areas:
  - The overall approach to research
  - The selection and design of data collection tools
  - Possible sampling approaches/techniques
  - Procedures for collecting data (to include ethics)
  - and data analysis techniques

6. An effective proposal summary and appropriate recommendations

• This section should include a post-analysis discussion based on the research findings.
• Concluding and making recommendations for future research opportunities.

Total word count: 2,500 words
Please also include a title page, contents page, any relevant supporting figures, a reference list, and supporting appendices (if applicable). Appendices are optional, though you may wish to include a literature matrix, a theoretical framework diagram, or an example research tool (copy of a questionnaire/interview/focus group questions, observation checklist, etc.). These aspects do not count towards the word count.

Please remember to:

• Write in 3rd person and with a good academic style.
• Ensure that you follow UCB guidelines for referencing and the presentation of work (including the presentation of figures, tables, etc.)
• Ensure that ideas are communicated clearly, and that work is effectively poof-read.

The language you use, your academic writing style, the work's structure, your referencing technique, plus any 'additional efforts' made to include relevant supporting appendices or information will contribute to 20% of your overall mark.

The marking allocation guide is detailed below:

• Initial Introduction / 5 marks.
• Aim/Objectives / 10 marks. 
• Rationale/Topic Introduction / 15 marks.
• Literature Review / 25 marks.
• Planned Methods Section / 25 marks.
• Summary/Recommendations / 10 marks.
• Overall writing/academic style; to include referencing technique, presentation, and credibility of/range of reading in support, etc. / 10 marks.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

●    Learning Outcomes are what the student needs to demonstrate after completing a module. An assessment is a way in which students can demonstrate their achievement of these Learning Outcomes. Learning Outcomes are NOT the same as the assignment task.

1. Formulate an appropriate research aim and set of objectives, in relation to a contemporary topic/issue to be researched.
2. Demonstrate the ability to develop a theoretical framework and literature review, in relation to the chosen topic area.
3.  Demonstrate an ability to plan and design proposed research methodology; evaluating, selecting, and designing appropriate, individual data collection tools.
4. Present a summary and critical evaluation of a proposal, considering future research.

ACADEMIC SKILLS OUTCOMES:

• The Academic Skills Outcomes to be developed by completing this assignment can be found here.
• For Apprenticeship programmes, identify the applicable Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours the assignment seeks to test.