| Category | Assignment | Subject | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| University | Northumbria University | Module Title | LD7201 Academic and Employability Skills and Research Methods Dissertation |
| Word Count | 1,500 words (+/- 10%) |
|---|---|
| Assessment Type | Coursework |
| Assessment Title | CW2-Dissertation Research Proposal (Strand 2 ) |
| Academic Year | 2024-25 |
General Information
Further information about The Assessment Regulations for Taught Awards (ARTA), general assessment criteria, regulations, referencing and plagiarism can be found on the e-Learning Portal (Blackboard) site for the module. Students are advised to read and follow this information.
Knowledge & Understanding:  
1. KU1 Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of choosing, justifying and implementing an appropriate & systematic research methodology and methods for the successful completion of a major research project in a given time and with appropriate resources.   
2. KU 2 Knowledge and understanding of a range of hard and soft skills and competencies required for research, employability, and entrepreneurship.   
     
Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:  
3. IPSA 1 Systematically identify your pathways-specific complex business problem, plan and execute a major research project on a contemporary business, and then present your report to the relevant stakeholders, thus demonstrating skills to solve complex business problems.  
 
4. IPSA 2 Be able to critically apply, analyse, synthesise and evaluate a range of discipline-specific concepts, theories and models, as well as demonstrate competency in choosing & implementing an appropriate research methodology, and collecting and analysing data for your chosen research topic.   
  
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):  
5. PVA 1 Demonstrate curiosity and critical awareness of professional, ethical, social, legal and sustainability issues in research and also about the processes involved in the research, including reflection upon your ethical values, job-relevant skills, meeting targets, self-direction, originality, independence and the contribution of the research to the topic area. 
This assessment contributes to (MLO1,2,3 of the module.
Instructions on Assessment
The module will be assessed by a summative assessment of a 1,500-word research proposal report.
The selection of a suitable dissertation topic rests with the student. The student cannot be required by a member of staff to undertake a topic that is not acceptable to the student. Ideas for topics can be gleaned from many sources. Work placement experiences, aspired career paths, coursework work and readings are just a few. Start thinking early about potential topics that interest you. Copies of previous Master's dissertations are available for inspection via the eLP; consult these to see what previous students have done.
Your dissertation should describe an original piece of work undertaken by yourself. The topic needs to be related to business or management and to the specific named degree pathways the student is studying. You may have come across the phrase ‘addressing a gap in the literature’ but this applies most strongly to doctoral-level research. At the master's level, your research may be investigating a business issue that has been studied by others, but you should still produce a critical literature review and obtain/analyse some data. It is the student's responsibility to verify that the title and the approach of the dissertation are original. However, a student may not claim exclusive rights to a topic area.
Students can assume that the topic, as initially conceived, may evolve as the dissertation progresses. By ‘evolve’ it is meant that the particular aspect of the topic which becomes central to the dissertation may well change in one direction or another as the dissertation progresses. This evolution or “fine-tuning” of a topic is quite usual and should be expected. The goal is to find a topic that is general enough to be significant, but specific enough to become focused. A common problem is having the scope of the work too wide so that the work is not sufficiently focused to allow successful completion with the resources available.
Each student should submit his/ her proposed topic using the prescribed form. The research topic must be close to your pathways of study.
The submission date(s) for the proposal will be announced on the eLP.
A team of academics will allocate you a supervisor as per your topic, the expertise of the faculty and resource availability.
At the end of the second semester, students are required to submit a dissertation research proposal which will in part inform the allocation of an appropriate supervisor. The research proposal will be assessed and is worth 10 % of the 60-credit-point dissertation module. The dissertation proposal must be submitted as a soft copy to the Turnitin link under the eLP. The submission date(s) for the proposal will be announced on the eLP.
This information tells you how to structure your research proposal using the sections below. You will also find some past example proposals. The word limit for the proposal is 1500 words. Here are the sections of the Proposal:
1. Section 1: Introduction to a Researchable Topic Area (Approx. 300 words)
You should include the background and issue(s) underlying your research topic area. You should provide the rationale & significance of your research. You should state 3-4 maximum research objectives, relating to academic theories, your proposed investigations, your analysis and your conclusions.
2. Section 2: Literature Review (Approx. 600 words)
You should identify and discuss the academic theories and some current research relevant to your researchable topic area.
3. Section 3: Details of your research (Approx. 500 words)
You should identify who or what you will use to obtain your data or information; explain how you will collect this data/information and how you will get access; identify how you are going to analyse your data and information. Research methodology – POEMS ( Research philosophy, Ontology, epistemology, Approaches, methods and strategies). • Selection, justification and application of an appropriately rigorous research methodology and methodologies (quantitative, qualitative and systematic literature review, etc) to your chosen research. Research Ethics - briefly describe what you will consider to ensure that your research follows the University’s Ethical Policies and Procedures.
4. Section 4: Conclusions (Approx. 100 words)
You should describe what your research will achieve by referring back to your objectives.
5. Section 5: Timetable for your research
Give a weekly indication of when you are going to work on various parts of your dissertation (e.g. your literature review, your collection of data/information, your analysis of data/information, etc)
6. Section 6: References
7. List in sources you have used in the production of your proposal. This must be in the correct format (APA style).
Once the proposal is completed, it must be submitted to the Turnitin Link under the Blackboard site by the deadline posted on the eLP site.
The Assessment Regulations for Taught Awards (ARTA) contain the Regulations and procedures applying to cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct.
You are reminded that plagiarism, collusion, unethical use of AI, and other forms of academic misconduct, as referred to in the Academic Misconduct Policy, are taken very seriously by Northumbria University. Assignments in which evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct is found may receive a mark of zero. See the student guidance on avoiding academic misconduct.
Struggle With assignments and feeling stressed?
Order Non-Plagiarized AssignmentAt the end of your programme of study, you will have achieved the following goals:
Goal 1: To develop the skills necessary for employment and career progression.
Goal 2: Be culturally and ethically aware.
Goal 3: Have developed leadership and management capability.
Goal 4: Have developed and applied knowledge of international business and management theory.
Goal 5: Have developed a range of research skills and project capabilities.
All learning that takes place within modules is designed to enable you to achieve the above goals and your assessment tasks are mapped directly to these goals. In this module, you will be assessed on objectives relating to Goals.
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Assurance of Learning |
Please tick the box (Exceeded/Met/Not Met) to match with the grading on the additional sheets |
Not Met |
Met |
Exceeded |
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Goal 2 Objective 2 |
Reflect on their ethical values |
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Goal 4 Objective 2 |
Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of innovative and contemporary research on the business and management community |
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Goal 4 Objective 3 |
Acquire, interpret and apply specialist functional knowledge about their programme of study (specialist programmes only) |
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Goal 5 Objective 1 |
Plan and complete a major piece of research or project on a contemporary business, financial, management or leadership topic |
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Assessment component 2: dissertation proposal report - assessment criteria
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The NBS Dissertation Proposal Feedback Sheet |
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Student Name: |
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Student ID: |
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Programme: |
MSc Business With |
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Supervisor/first marker |
Please print name |
Signed |
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Areas |
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Marks |
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Comments |
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Researchable Topic Area |
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Introduction and Objectives for the Research [15%] |
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Literature Review [35%] |
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Details of your Research Methodology [30%] |
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Research Ethics [5%] |
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Conclusions [5%] |
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Timetable for your Research[5%] |
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Structure, formatting, coherence and Reference List [5%] |
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Total [100%] |
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Criteria |
Scales |
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0-39% Standard Not Met 1 |
40-49% Standard Not Met 2 |
50-59% Meets Standard 1 |
60-69% Meets Standard 2 |
70-79% Exceeds Standard 1 |
80-89% Exceeds Standard 2 |
90-100% Exceeds Standard 3 |
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Introduction 15% |
Completely insufficient in terms of research topic area and objectives need to be revised / changed. A number of elements are missing. Very little understanding shown.
[0 – 6] |
Research topic area is identified but there is insufficient understanding of the area/topic. Academic objectives are not appropriate and needs refining. . Not all areas are covered.
[6-7.5] |
Adequate explanation of the research topic
[7.5 - 9] |
Good explanation of research topic area. Academic objectives and boundaries stated. Student understands what their research is about, but the objectives may need further refining. Lacks depth. in the rationale for the choice of the topic of the research proposal [9 -10.5] |
Very good discussion of researchable topic. Academic objectives and boundaries clearly stated
[10.5 - 12] |
Excellent discussion of researchable question or topic which is clearly indicated by the title. Title, Abstract The rationale for the choice of the topic of the research proposal is excellently explained.
[12 – 13.5] |
Outstanding discussion of researchable question put into context by a consideration of existing literature. Extremely clear research question and objectives and very good explanation of the nature of the problem or issue. Title, Abstract The rationale for the choice of the topic of the research proposal is excellently explained.
[13.5-15] |
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Actual marks in Introduction |
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Literature Review 35% |
Lacks understanding of what is required. The use of quotations and citations is not effective. Review does not relate to academic objectives. Theory has very few cited sources which largely standard text books are
[0 – 10] |
Lacks an adequate review of existing literature. The use of quotations and citations is weak or inappropriate and therefore does not support the literature review effectively.
[10-14] |
Some discussion of existing literature. The use of quotations and citations is adequate but shows room for improvement. Limited number of sources used; mainly text books, few academic journal articles.
[14-21] |
Good discussion of existing literature. Citations and quotations are used to good effect. Review includes a number of academic journal articles. Some good
[21- - 24.5] |
Very good discussion of existing [24.5-28] |
Excellent in depth review of relevant, up-to-date literature with extensive use of academic journal articles supported by extensive citations and appropriate use of quotations. |
An outstanding literature review, excellent in every respect. Review is current, highly critical and shows real insight and mastery of the topic area. Referencing is almost faultless. Extremely clear summary of the main themes/issues thus providing strong links to the following chapter.
[31.5-35] |
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Actual marks in Literature Review |
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Methodology, Methods 30%
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Major errors or omissions are present. The explanation provided of methodology and research methods, data collection and analysis are completely insufficient: all extremely unclear or missing. Sampling is completely insufficient (either very small or inappropriate sample).
[0 – 12] |
The explanation provided of methodology, research methods and data collection and analysis are insufficient. Limitations of research have not been adequately addressed. Discussion of the sampling method is insufficient.
[12 - 15] |
The explanation provided of methodology, research methods and data collection and analysis are adequate but brief and lacks depth. Limitations of research may have been mentioned but not in sufficient detail. Discussion of the sampling method is adequate. |
Good explanation (but lacking in full justification) of methodology, research methods and data collection and analysis. Limitations of research may have been acknowledged but not fully considered. Discussion of the sampling method is good, with a sensible method & well justified. [18 - 21] |
Very good explanation of methodologies with a clear justification of selected research methods. Data collection and analysis is clear and well executed. There is an explanation of practical details of how the research was undertaken with limitations noted. Discussion of the sampling method is very good, with a suitable method & well justified. |
Excellent explanation of methodologies with a clear justification of selected research methods. Data collection and analysis is very clear and very well executed. Limitations are discussed (for example a discussion of any potential bias). Selection & discussion of the sampling method is excellent.
[24 - 27] |
Outstandingly clear explanation of methodologies with a clear justification of selected research methods. Data collection and analysis is extremely well executed. There are clear details of the practicalities of the research. Selection & discussion of the sampling method is outstanding.
[27-30] |
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Actual in RM
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Ethical issue 5% |
There are very serious limitations with the research and ethical issues and perhaps serious breaches of the University and NBS Ethical Guidelines. [0-2] |
There may be serious issues regarding the Ethics procedures - breaches of the University and NBS Ethical Guidelines. [2-2.5] |
Ethical issues are addressed appropriately according to the guidelines provided. Informed consent and organisational consent have been granted (where appropriate). [2.5-3] |
Ethical issues are addressed appropriately according to the guidelines provided. Informed consent and organisational consent have been granted (where appropriate). [3-3.5] |
Ethical issues are addressed appropriately according to the guidelines provided. Informed consent and organisational consent have been granted (where appropriate). [3.5-4] |
Ethical issues are handled excellently. [4-4.5] |
Ethical issues are addressed appropriately according to the guidelines provided. Informed consent and organisational consent have been granted (where appropriate). [4.5-5] |
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Actual in Ethics |
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Conclusions 5%
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Completely insufficient (very weak) There are major errors or omissions in sections such as conclusions, [0-2] |
Conclusions are only partly drawn and are not supported by findings.
[2-2.5] |
Conclusions are only partly drawn and are not fully supported by findings.
[2.5-3] |
[3-3.5] |
Conclusions are very well presented and are supported by the findings.
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[4-4.5] |
Conclusions are outstanding and relate directly to the research question/objectives. Detailed discussion of bias/limitations are included (where appropriate).
[4.5-5] |
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Actual marks in Conclusions, |
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Timetable for your Research[5%] |
Completely insufficient (very weak) missing timeline of activities. 0-2] |
Generic (very weak) timeline of activities. [2-2.5] |
The timeline of activities.is adequately drawn with a simple table but lacked detail/specifics . [2.5-3] |
The timeline of activities.is well presented and drawn a Gant chart but some errors / in detail/specifics. [3-3.5] |
The timeline of activities.is very well presented and drawn a Gant chart with negligible errors. A good justification given . [3.5-4] |
The timeline of activities.is very well presented and drawn a Gant chart with No errors. An excellent good justification given. [4-4.5] |
A clear and well drawn Gant Chart of the timeline of activities.is very well presented and drawn stand excellent good justification given. [4.5-5] |
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Actual in Timetable for your |
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Presentation Structure, formatting, coherence and Reference List [5%]
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A very poor structure, formatting, no coherence and no citation and missing Reference List. |
Below the standard, we would expect of a Masters student. Several significant [2-2.5] |
Adequate, structure, formatting, coherence, citation and missing Reference List. . Parts are difficult to follow and there may be other weaknesses. Referencing generally adequate, but with a number of [2.5-3] |
A very good structure, formatting, coherence, citation and Reference List. Quite readable but one or two of the key areas have deficiencies. Referencing generally good and in the correct format, but with
[3-3.5] |
Conforms to NBS Masters Guidelines.wrt structure, formatting, coherence and citation and Reference List.
[3.5-4] |
In accordance with NBS Masters
[4-4.5] |
In accordance with NBS Masters Guidelines for all aspects.
[4.5-5] |
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Actual marks in Presentation |
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Overall 100% |
The research proposal is completely insufficient and has very serious weaknesses. The student has failed to demonstrate an understanding of what is required for master’s research. Prpopasl.
[0 – 39] |
Some understanding is shown of what is required for master’s research proposal for some sections and/or chapters but overall the work is insufficient. The research proposal fails to reach a sufficient level either in an important area or is generally weak and lacks depth and rigor in a number of areas.
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The research proposal is adequate, but there are likely to be weaknesses in presentation, writing, critical evaluation and analysis. A basic understanding of what is required for master’s research is evident.
[50 - 59] |
The quality of the presentation of the research proposal is good, and it is easy to follow. The student shows good understanding of the master’s research approach in all areas.
[60 - 69] |
The research proposal is very good and easy to read. All the key sections and elements are present and have a very good level of discussion. There is clear critical analysis and evaluation of the theory and these are brought together in the synthesis and conclusions.
[70 - 79] |
An excellent research proposal which is easy to read and well-laid out. The student has demonstrated a thorough understanding of their study. The theoretical base and the conclusions are linked strongly through the synthesis.
[80 - 89] |
The research proposal is outstanding in all areas.
[90-100] |
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Overall Marks |
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