Units
Research Seminar
Unit code: BSN503
Contact hours: Flexible Mode
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
In this unit students prepare detailed literature reviews relevant to the thesis or dissertation proposal. Students are required to prepare and present a detailed seminar paper describing and explaining the results of their review and its relevance to the thesis or dissertation proposal. The unit is in two parts: the first provides a series of lectures from staff advising as to the requirements of a thorough, well-directed literature search and review; the second consists of a series of seminars from students presenting their findings.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit is designed to give students an introduction to planning a research project and suggestions about how to undertake research on an academic topic.
Aims
The aim of this unit is for the student to prepare a detailed research proposal. This includes undertaking a literature review of their chosen topic, identifying and conceptualising a research gap, linking this research gap to a problem statement within a theoretical context and describing an appropriate research design for investigating the problem.
Objectives
Course Learning Goals (Research)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:
Have a broad and deep advanced theoretical and disciplinary knowledge (KNO)
1.1 Discuss advanced theoretical and disciplinary knowledge
Have advanced analytical research skills necessary to evaluate and conduct research in their areas of specialisation (ARS)
2.1 Display understanding of research design through appropriate methodological critique of published research
2.2 Display competence in research design through the development and critique of a rigorous design for their own research
2.3 Display competence in the appropriate and rigorous analysis of data
Be an effective communicator of theoretical, disciplinary and research information effectively at an advanced academic level (COM)
3.1 Provide an effective presentation and defence of their research in oral contexts
3.2 Provide an effective presentation and defence of research in written contexts
3.3 Disseminate research outcomes through presentations of their academic work within academic and other relevant communities **
Be able to demonstrate independence in research planning and execution (IND)
4.1 Identify independently issues as they arise in the conduct of research and enact solutions in a timely manner **
Have an understanding of the ethical context of research (ETH)
5.1 Reflect on the ethical dimensions of their research and obtain ethical clearance prior to conducting research
Be able to work effectively in a team environment (TW)
6.1 Operate effectively and with flexibility to achieve common goals in research settings, using a range of skills, including leadership, negotiation, reflection, proactivity and support for team members
** AOL goal applies at PhD level only.
Unit Objectives
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
1. Understand the differences between applied and academic research
2. Conceptualise research problems
3. Undertake a literature review relevant to a thesis or dissertation proposal
4. Develop a research proposal for thesis or dissertation research
5. Deliver a conference style presentation describing and explaining the results of their literature review and its relevance to the research proposed
6. Develop practical skills in making effective academic presentations, using technology to facilitate literature and information searches, and writing in standard academic format.
The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.
Content
This unit will cover:
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit has formal class contact time in lectures of three hours per session. The teaching format will consist of a small amount of lecture material, and extensive individual presentation and group discussion.
All participants are expected to enter into rigorous debate of research issues and approaches and present and defend their choices of research questions and approaches. Participants are expected to work extensively in the library and to learn to use the technology enhancements available for literature searches.
Assessment
Apart from assessment items students prepare a number of 'Preparation Tasks' on which they receive formative feedback but no mark. These tasks deal with different aspects of the preparation of a research proposal e.g. identifying a research question, preparing a literature review. The assessment items are as follows.Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
Assessment name:
Analysis of Literature Reviews
Description:
Identify key components of an effective literature review. Critique the literature review of three journal articles using the criteria identified.
Length/Duration: 1,250 words
Formative or Summative:Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives:
Unit objective: 3 and AOL goals: KNO (1.1), ARS (2.1), COM (3.2)
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 5
Assessment name:
Presentation on Proposal Topic
Description:
Conference presentation on the topic of student's proposal and the literature review - outlining the proposed research question, literature review, gaps the study aims to address and the suggested methods that might be employed in data collection. The conference is designed to provide further feedback on the draft proposal and improve the quality of Assessment 3.
Length/Duration: 15 minutes
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives:
Unit objective: 5 and AOL goals: KNO (1.1), ARS (2.1), (2.2), COM (3.1)
Weight:
25%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 13
Assessment name:
Research Proposal
Description:
A detailed proposal on thesis or dissertation topic based on the conference presentation. This should include a description of the issue or problem being investigated, analyse what the major literature has to say on the topic, identify gaps and limitations in the literature, explain the nature of the proposed contribution to the literature and its significance, and suggest methods to be used for data collection and analysis.
Length/Duration: 2,500 words maximum
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives:
Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and AOL goals: KNO (1.1), ARS (2.1), (2.2), COM (3.2), ETH (5.1)
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Central Exam Period
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Book of Readings: Collection of Articles on Writing a Thesis, Theory Building, Literature Review, Research Design and Analysis Issues available via Blackboard.
Prescribed Text
Punch, K. F. (2006). Developing Effective Research Proposals (2nd edn.). Sage: London.
Other Recommended Texts
Will be specified in the Week 1 document.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 15-Feb-2013
