COURSEWORK: RESEARCH PROPOSAL The Task: As part of your final year undergraduate degree, you are required to undertake a research project. This project makes a significant contribution towards your degree as you produce a product in a form of a system or study to meet a set of agreed requirements. Projects are expected to be a substantial practical problem-solving exercise or a research study which requires you to demonstrate skills in organisation, time-management, investigation and communication. All projects must deliver a product, which may be for example an item of software, a report for a client or a dissertation. In preparation for this task, you are asked to produce a proposal for your dissertation or project that you will undertake next year. Your proposal should include: • A Title This should reflect the content of the project. • Abstract A short summary of the aim and purpose, and what you expect to achieve. • Aim The aim of the project or dissertation. • Objectives The list of measurable tasks, which will enable you to achieve your aim. • Background. This examines the background to your project, problem or topic and sets it in context. It may include a section on the Company for which you will be working. Above all it will set the scene for the reader, giving them all the necessary information for understanding where your proposal comes from, why it is such a good idea, and realise why the outcomes are likely to be beneficial. • Critical review of relevant literature. This is an essential part of any academic project or proposal. • Research Methods Your research methodology: how you will select your sample(s), collect your data, and the type of analysis you will be carrying out. Clearly this will vary considerably depending on the nature of your project or dissertation. • Project Plan Show your timetable as a Gantt chart. Be detailed and be realistic; relate it to your objectives. Presentation Your proposal should be professionally presented. Marks will be deducted for poor English, spelling mistakes and poor layout. As a guide, your proposal is likely to be between 6 - 8 pages in length (excluding any appendices which you may think appropriate) if you use Times New Roman 12pt, 1.5 line spacing, 1” top and bottom margins, and 1.5” left and right margins. Marking Scheme: Title, aim and abstract 10% Background 15% Critical literature review 30% Objectives 20% Research methods 10% Project Plan 5% Presentation 5% References 5% Assessment criteria For a mark of 70% or more • Show a thorough understanding of the purpose of the activity. • Demonstrate clear understanding of the theories, concepts, issues and methodology, as appropriate, and an ability to apply them effectively. • Provide evidence of independent, critical thought, and wide-ranging reading, including academic journals. • Provide approaches that are creative, practicable, and supported. • Write in a well-structured way, with clarity of expression.