Research project in decentralization and its role in growth of business.

Summative Assessment

Surnmative assessments are the pieces of coursework that you must complete which contribute towards your final grade in this module. If you have a Support Plan you can discuss with your module tutor what reasonable adjustments you need.Specific Assessment Component Guidelines

Assessment description:

Independent Research

The assessment strategy reflects the programme's emphasis on applied practice, work-based learning and the development of a range of technical and behavioural skills appropriate to level 6. Therefore, in all assessments learners will be expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of the relevant theoretical and practical issues.

You will produce a written project that will allow you to demonstrate the attainment of the learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3 through the application of the concepts and techniques learned.

Detailed guidance

The aim of the assessment is to enable you to demonstrate your ability to conduct and present a major piece of independently researched and developed work, including demonstrating appropriate skills of organisation, communication and presentation in the written element, whether dissertation.

Project Report Structure

It is suggested that you adopt the following format in presenting your dissertation: Title Page

Abstract

Acknowledgements: Acknowledgements of outside help (not tutorial support).

Table of Contents: It should list the sequence with page numbers of all relevant subdivisions of the dissertation; i.e. chapter headings section and sub-section (if appropriate).

List of Tables

List of Figures/Illustrations

Introduction, Aims and Objectives

Literature Review

Methodology

Data Presentation or Findings

Data Analysis or Analysis

Conclusion and Recommendations

References: The dissertation should include a list of all relevant texts/journals used.

Appendices: The appendices should only include material that is not central to the arguments in the main text.

Assessment Criteria

Your written dissertation will be marked by two internal examiners, one of whom will be your supervisor. The internal examiners' marks are moderated by an external examiner.

Your research project will be graded according to the following marking criteria: 1. Specification and Definition of the Project

Title: It should contain details of the title, student name, programme and year of submission.

Please ensure is the title focused, summative, and reflects the proposal/dissertation content,

Abstract: It should provide a brief summary of the dissertation. It should state the nature and purpose of the dissertation and outline the approach adopted. This should be short (300-500 words), self-contained, sumrnative, objective, precise and easy to read.

Introduction: is background information included? Is an introduction to current research included and developed? An introduction to the organisation (if applicable)? Have you demonstrated the relevance of your dissertation to the field and is it theoretically grounded? Links to relevant literature and academic debates, the evidence of extensive reading will be valued. Does the introduction provide a clear rationale for the project aim and objectives?

Aim(s): is the aim feasible and manageable (have resource and data accessibility been taken into account)? Is the aim original and does it have the potential to add insights to the field of study? Does it conform to the right aim format?

Objectives: are they focused and do they reflect or are they linked to the aims? Are the objectives specific and observable? Do they conform to the right format (action verbs)?

In general, your markers will assess the clarity stated aims and objectives, relevance to sector related issues, feasibility of aims and the rationale of the study.

2. Literature Review

Search for relevant literature. Critical assessment of literature. Awareness of contribution of other researchers. Awareness of relevant concepts. Direct linkage to dissertation aims and objectives identified.
- Provide a critical review of relevant academic literature
- Critique existing research and link it to aims/objectives
- Review key academic theories
- Demonstrate relevance to contemporary/current debates
- Be current (not outdated sources)
- Be related to previous published and "recognised'. work
- Be critical (sources that both support and oppose aims and objectives)
- Be able to differentiate fact and opinion
- Assess strengths and weaknesses of previous work,
- Be objective, unbiased, coherent and cohesive.
- Adhere to the Harvard Referencing System

3. Methodology
Choice and use of research methods are appropriate to the aims and objectives. Sound justification provided, including evidence of secondary data supporting choice of methods. A clear and concise account and justification for each of the following:
- Research approach
- Research design
- Research methods
- Data collection (i.e. sampling)
- Ethical issues
- Reliability and validity of the study
- Limitations
- Appropriateness of the research design

4. Analysis and Discussion
Presentation of data, quality of interpretation and analysis. Clear relationship made between aims and objectives, literature and findings. Demonstrates critical thought.

Is the data appropriately presented (graphically or verbatim) and linked to the objectives?
Is the data presentation factual or interpretative?
Does the analysis answer the research questions?
Does the analysis relate or is linked to previous knowledge in the field? Is the analysis built from the findings?
Is the analysis linked to the literature review?
Is the research analytical or merely descriptive?
- Have the research objectives been met?

Conclusion and Recommendations
Aims and objectives are satisfied. Effective drawing out of key issues.
- Are the conclusions drawn from the findings?
- Are the conclusions linked to the literature?
- Are the conclusions linked to aims and objectives?
- Are the recommendations based on the findings and conclusions?
- Are the recommendations feasible?

Presentation
Organisation and layout of material. Style including spelling and grammar. Use of material. References and citations. Appropriate use of appendices_ Evidence of the understanding of process in terms of linkage between chapters, the flow of the work_ Reflection on the process and possible improvements.
Is cohesive, well-structured and inter-linked
- Sections complement each other
- Complies with traditional research format
- Follows Harvard Referencing style
- Follows Academic writing