Assignment overview:
The students are required to produce a 2500-word research proposal following the criteria below. If the proposal meets the requirements below the student will qualify to write up a full research Bachelor thesis in S7.
Overall aim:
Students will develop their critical application of the research process and explore a research topic in either or both a quantitative or qualitative domain. Students will also
select and use appropriate research methodologies that align to a research question or hypothesis. By the end of the course, students will complete a research proposal that will help them with their later capstone research project or thesis.
Learning Outcomes and Transferable Skills
All objectives and transferable skills are measured.

• LO1 Evaluate a real-life research problem through the literature with well reasoned and academically supported arguments based on academic theories, models, concepts, principles.
 LO2 Clearly state the aim and objectives that directly link to a study.
 LO3 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 in a study.
Transferable Skills;
The course will develop and assess the following transferable skills:
 TS1 Communication  TS3 Information literacy  TS4 Numeracy skills  TS6 Learning how to learn
Resources Available: Learning Resources Course textbook:
Brotherton, B. (2015). Researching hospitality and tourism (2nd ed.). Los Angeles: CA, Sage
Recommended resources:
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2012). Research Methods for business students (Sixth Edition). Edinburgh: Financial Times/ Prentice Hall
Tasks, Organization and Grading:
The following learning descriptors are assessed for all sections:
 Knowledge and Understanding  Cognitive Skills  Professional Competencies  Transferable Skills
Organization (Chapter Outline in this order):

Proposal Marking Criteria:
Title Page, Introduction 15 %
o Title: specific and consistent with Aim o Introduction Introduces the reader to the topic of research Provides the rationale from a business research perspective 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 (Brotherton research methods book and Saunders see SOW)
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. Ideally of three objectives Measurable and/or observable Focused, clearly defined, limited to the scope of the bachelor thesis Realistic, and feasible
Literature Review 30 %
The literature review should be of the type introduction to a primary research topic (Brotherton and Saunders see Scheme of work) Start early as the writing a good literature review “[…] is facilitated with hard work and frequent revisions” (Webster & Watson, 2012, p. 20) Claims and assertions are supported with evidence that is referenced. The literature review links the title, introduction, aim and objectives and provides sufficient knowledge to write the research methods section. Strong evidence of evaluation and critical analysis of the literature reviewed. Comprehension of the literature cited is clearly evidenced. Limit the use of books in favour of journal articles. Themes, concepts, main ideas, theories, etc. are organized through the use of headings and sub-headings. Limit the use of quoted materials: try to write in your own words. Structure using paragraphs and sections. Try to synthesize the literature chapter by constructing a conceptual framework (Randolph, 2009).
Research Methodology 30 %
o Research Methods
Proposed Research methods are clearly linked to Aim and Objectives The methodology section is not a summary of the textbook, but needs to clearly link objectives and consider the specific situation of the environment where data will be collected. Rationale for the selection of this method of data collection is explained as opposed to the use other methods. Reference can be made to earlier similar research. Use of inductive methods, action research or participant observation is not allowed
o Data Collection From the conceptual framework, a data requirements table can be created in appendix to guide the data collection. All the data collection methods are explained in detail. The process of use, modification of existing, and/or development of any data collection tools, materials and/or processes are explained in detail. The way the data collection tools will need to be designed and developed in this study is clearly discussed. The procedures of data collection are explained. The population and the method of the sample selection are explained in detail. The means of statistically determining the 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.
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. A sentence such as “Data will be analyzed with Excel” is not adding any value. A sentence like: “A t-test will be applied to evaluate the hypothesis (de Winter & Dodou, 2010)” provides much more precise and valuable information about what the researcher wants to do.
o Ethical considerations (if applicable)
Discuss the implications of the research from an ethical standpoint if it is applicable. Any use of deception in the research methodology is only allowed after formal approval.
o References, Presentation and Style, 10 % Meets word limit requirements Write concisely! Meets recommended format and submission requirements Headings, sub-headings, chapters, figures & tables are clear and consistent Good sentence structure, spelling, grammar and diction APA referencing style version 6 used throughout Use of non-peer reviewed materials is only accepted in the introduction In-text references to books indicate page number to relevant sections All items on reference list appear with corresponding in-text references All in-text referenced items appear on reference list All articles of the reference list are included in electronic format on the reference file and are appropriately named. Paper articles should be scanned in pdf format. Note: • Submit the full document to be assessed through Moodle / TurnitIn. The document submitted should be the full document (including cover page, title & reference section). The format should be the full MS Word file (docx) The final dissertation proposal will not be assessed if it is not found on Turnitin.
Special Instructions: Word Limit: 2,500 The word count taken in consideration is as indicated by the MS Office Word count function on a selection of all chapters starting with introduction but excluding: title page, table of contents, references, Gantt charts, graphs, appendixes).
Assignment Type:
Individual assignment
o Additional requirements for presentation style:
• Font: Headings – Font 14 or 16;
Main text – Font 12. Times New Roman is preferable.
• Space: Double-spaced throughout the paper except italicised quotations and reference section
Learning Descriptor Task Weight
Knowledge and Understanding Task All
30%
Cognitive Skills Task All
30%
Professional Competencies Task All
15%
Transferable Skills Task All
25%
FINAL GRADE 100%= 50% of RM BBA 6017 course

STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP
To ensure proper academic research and report writing techniques), each individual or group written project work should include the following statement, signed by all students involved in the project.
“I confirm that this work is my own. Additionally, I confirm that no part of this coursework, except where clearly quoted and referenced, has been copied from material belonging to any other person e.g. from a book, handout, another student. I am aware that it is a breach of GIHE regulations to copy the work of another without clear acknowledgement and that attempting to do so renders me liable to disciplinary procedures. To this effect, I have uploaded my work onto Turnitin and have ensured that I have made any relevant corrections to my work prior to submission. ”
DRAFT DOCUMENTS: (if you are authorized to use the drafting function)
You are allowed to upload as many drafts as you feel necessary before the final due date, as long as you leave a 24 hour gap between each upload to allow Turnitin to review the report. However the final report submission must be uploaded on the submission day and by the deadline.
It is your responsibility to check your own Originality Report and to ensure that you have removed any possible elements of plagiarism or bad practice (please refer to your APA pocket guide on how to reference correctly).
FINAL DOCUMENTS:
 Late work will not be accepted, and you will receive zero for your work.
 You are required to submit an electronic copy of your report to Turnitin, The electronic copy is designated as the formal submission document.
 The final piece of work must be uploaded in enough time for the system to accept it on the due date. The system sometimes takes longer than normal to accept reports (from 30 min up to few hours). Please note that larger reports will upload more quickly if they are saved as a pdf file
 Referencing will be checked as Turnitin only checks similarities.
 Should you have difficulty using the system, you must contact your lecturer immediately (leaving this until the last minute is unacceptable). It is YOUR responsibility to upload your own work and last minute IT issues will not be considered as mitigation.
 You must not upload your work onto another person’s account. If this happens, your submission may not be assessed, leading to a zero.

 You are required to agree to the Turnitin usage policies when you first access the Turnitin website. Full information regarding the Turnitin service, including privacy, copyright and fair usage can be found on the Turnitin website at http://www.turnitin.com/static/footnote/usagepolicy.htm.
 Hard copies are required for capstones only and submissions for capstones must be made on the deadline day at the Academic Administration.

Grade Learning descriptor 80– 100%
Excellent
a) Knowledge: A clear and exact demonstration of systematic knowledge and the critical understanding of the subject area: all arguments carefully developed and clearly shown. Considered and effective use of literature beyond that supplied in the classroom. Data specialist in nature and informed by the existing body of knowledge. b) Cognitive: Synthesize, critically evaluate, and challenge information. Apply knowledge and understanding accurately to a range of issues, questions and problems. Apply established techniques to synthesize, critically evaluate and challenge information. Recognizes the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits to knowledge. Clear evidence of thinking and links to originality. c) Professional Competencies: Engage, as appropriate practical and profession skills and relevant ethical issues. d) Transferable Skills: communicate complex information, arguments, and ideas effectively and appropriately to explore issues and problems, use recognized literature, ICT, and planning; excellent report structure with APA presentation of figures, tables, references (in-text and list) where appropriate. Evidence of originality and novelty present.
70 – 79%
Very Good
a) Knowledge: A sound grasp of the subject material, with some critical understanding and logical arguments shown. Reasonable evidence of wider study beyond the classroom. b) Cognitive: Knowledge applied and used appropriately. Evidence of synthesis, critical review, and arguments. Evidence of critical thinking and evaluation of data. c) Professional Competencies: Some engagement, as appropriate practical and profession skills and relevant ethical issues. d) Transferable Skills: evidence of complex information and argument’s evident, considered use of communication tools, literature, ICT, and planning; well organized report; appropriate choice and APA presentation of figures and tables; clearly presented throughout 50 – 69% a) Knowledge: Reasonable understanding of subject matter with some critical review and evaluation, but some flaws and errors evident. Only limited evidence of wider study and use of

Pass
literature information. b) Cognitive: Knowledge used to interpret data with some knowledge application evident. But problems found in overall logic and argument. Limited critical review and evaluation, thus thinking not shown. c) Professional Competencies: Little evidence of key skill development in line with practical and/or professional problem solving. d) Transferable Skills: considered use of communication tools, literature, ICT, and planning; a generally clear report with acceptable format, but some errors in APA style and/or omissions in presentation.
40 – 49%
Fail
a) Knowledge: Limited understanding of the topic with a minimal critical application or evaluation; considerable factual errors evident. Virtually no inclusion of literature information beyond lecture materials. b) Cognitive: Knowledge used to describe, a limited application of knowledge shown. Limited evide c) Professional Competencies: Limited evidence of skills development in line with practical or professional development or problem solving. d) Transferable Skills: inadequate use of communication tools, ICT, and some planning; little attention given to the report structure; a very limited use of illustrative tables and figures. APA problems evident and serious flaws in presentation shown.
20-39%
Fail
a) Knowledge: Minimal understanding of the subject; serious factual errors evident. No critical review or evaluation evident. b) Cognitive: Very limited argument or logic shown. Poor evidence of thought. c) Professional Competencies: Poor evidence of skills development. d) Transferable Skills: poor use of communication tools, literature, ICT, and planning; poorly structured report; disorganized, missing sections, minimal presentation of supporting data. 0 – 19% a) Knowledge: Very poor coverage of material with little relevant information evident. Virtually no evidence of understanding or exploration. A few lines of relevant material or no material at all.

Fail
b) Cognitive: No argument or logic shown. c) Professional Competencies: None shown d) Transferable Skills: minimal attempt to provide a structured answer. Poor
The qualitative criteria include consideration of
· The quality of the report/essay – use of sections, diagrams, figures, citation of references, neatness etc.
· Student knowledge of the subject; depth and quality of answer
· Evidence of reading / study beyond the regurgitation of standard taught materials
· Shows level 5 competencies together with synthesis and evaluation
· Common Assessment Methods: case studies, dissertations, simulations, applied business projects, final reports/end of term papers, long answer examination.