Criterion 1
Defining and contextualising the research problem
Weighting 10%
This should include evidence of:
- A clear title for the research.
- A logical and well- argued need for the research and the problem/issue the author is to address with supporting evidence from reputable sources.
- A clear research aim is presented.
- Research objectives are clear and unambiguous and logically derived from the rationale and argument for the research.
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The nature of the research problem is not clear and must be largely assumed. Objectives and rationale are absent. Relationship to an appropriate area of business and management is tenuous.
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The nature of the research problem is not clear. Objectives and rationale are ill-defined. Relationship to an appropriate area of business and management is weak.
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The student can define the research problem, although the objectives and rationale lack clarity. Some links are made to an appropriate academic area of business / management, even if contextualisation is limited. Strategic importance of dissertation is stated, but with little substantiation.
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Research problem is stated, objectives and rationale are reasonably clear. Related to an appropriate academic area of business / management, and reasonable links are made to the wider overall context. Strategic importance of problem is explicit, although requiring some assumptions by the reader.
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Clear definition of research problem, objectives and rationale. Well related to an appropriate academic area of business / management in a wider context. Strategic importance of problem clearly presented.
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Very clear definition of research problem, objectives and rationale. Thoroughly related to an appropriate academic area of business / management in a wider context. Strategic importance of problem presented.
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Originality in the definition of research problem, objectives and rationale. Thoroughly related to an appropriate academic area of business and management in a wider context. Strategic importance of problem very clearly demonstrated.
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Criterion 2 (LO1) Critically review and analyse literature pertaining to the topic area selected for the overall research aim and objectives of the Dissertation.
Evaluation and application of theoretical concepts Weighting 20%
This should include evidence of:
- Logic and argument.
- Use and range of independently selected sources.
- Analysis and synthesis of literature to produce either a conceptual or theoretical framework to base the primary research tools on.
- Organisation and communication of ideas and evidence
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Sources are omitted; literature review is descriptive. Material likely to be drawn mainly or entirely from commercial web sites. Literature review bears little relation to the objectives set.
The work demonstrates a limited or no ability to work independently and deploy relevant techniques of analysis and enquiry accurately;
A poorly constructed /inappropriate research title and topic selection: A vague/unclear logical argument for the research not supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; an incoherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a non- professional format.
An unsuccessful attempt at producing conceptual or theoretical framework has been provided that provides no confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.
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Many key sources are omitted; literature review is largely superficial and descriptive. Material likely to be drawn mainly or entirely from web sites. Literature review bears little relation to the objectives set.
The work demonstrates an insufficient ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;
A poorly constructed /inappropriate research title and topic selection: A vague/unclear logical argument for the research not supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; an incoherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a non- professional format.
A below standard conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides limited confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.
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Shows evidence of ability to identify assumptions and to evaluate and critique complex concepts, although much of the literature review borders on the descriptive side. The material selected is partially related to the objectives set. Very limited range of sources consulted; few or no journal articles.
The work demonstrates a sufficient ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;
A somewhat clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.
A satisfactory conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides some confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.
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Reasonable range of sources consulted and demonstrates reasonable ability to evaluate and critique complex concepts, with mostly sensible relevance to the argument. Reasonable range of journal articles. A few original insights. Relevance to the objectives is clear, even if not always consistent.
The work demonstrates a sound ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;
A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.
A good conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.
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Material selected from a good range of sources, level of evaluation and critique is mainly but not consistently high, some original insights. Good use of journal articles. Generally systematic presentation with a high degree of persuasiveness, generally relevant to objectives.
The work demonstrates a sophisticated ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline.
A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.
A very good and sophisticated conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.
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Material selected from a wide range of appropriate sources; scholarly level of evaluation and critique. Excellent use of journal articles. Material followed logically, systematically with direct relevance to objectives.
The work demonstrates a highly accomplished ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;
A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.
An excellent and highly sophisticated conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.
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Material selected from a wide range of appropriate sources; scholarly level of evaluation and critique, many original insights. Excellent use of journal articles. Material followed logically, systematically and persuasively with direct relevance to objectives.
The work demonstrates a highly accomplished ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;
A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.
An outstanding and highly sophisticated conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.
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Criterion 3 (LO2)
Critically evaluate the performance of the primary research tool and identify weaknesses in the design, execution and findings produced by the research tool and make recommendations for future research opportunities.
Weighting 30%
This should include evidence of:
- Clear argument and justification for the research methodology design in relation to relation to research aim and objectives.
- Awareness of limitations of research and research findings.
- Presentation and analysis of research findings.
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Demonstrates little ability to conduct a major piece of self-managed research.
Methodology is ineffective for producing relevant findings. The approach does not take methodology into account.
Scanty primary research data gathered, inadequate analysis, overall superficial.
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Demonstrates limited ability to conduct a major piece of self-managed research.
Methodology is ineffective for producing useful findings, or approach taken does not take methodology into account.
Scanty primary research data gathered, limited analysis, overall superficial.
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Demonstrates a problem- solving orientation in the design of methodology even if the execution of it is weak.
Offers some critical reflection on research design and execution. The student must have collected both secondary and primary data and made some effort to abstract meaning from it.
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Likely to show a range of strengths and weaknesses rather than an overall consistent approach e.g., good methodology, evaluation and critique of approach but sampling could be improved.
Demonstrates reasonable ability to identify, gather, analyse and present authoritative and relevant data. Shows ability to learn from own mistakes.
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Methodology is sound and student show`s ability to identify limitations and critique own approach. Sampling is appropriate and complete enough for the purpose.
Demonstrates good ability to identify, gather, analyse and present authoritative and relevant data.
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Methodology is very well explained and entirely justifiable in relation to objectives. Sampling is appropriate and very fit for the purpose.
Demonstrates a high level of scholarship in identifying, gathering, analysing and presenting authoritative and relevant data.
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Methodology is well explained and entirely justifiable in relation to objectives, high level of reflection on and critique of own approach. Sampling is appropriate and very fit for the purpose.
Demonstrates a high level of scholarship in identifying, gathering, analysing and presenting authoritative and original data.
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Criterion 4 (LO3)
Critically analyse the primary research findings in relation to theories and concepts to arrive at a set of evaluative conclusions and recommendations, where appropriate
Integration and argument
Weighting 30%
This should include evidence of:
- A clear and logical flow to the work that integrates theory into the argument throughout.
- Integration of work from theoretical or conceptual framework is evident.
- Research aim and objectives are clearly met.
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The dissertation lacks focus and comprises several individual elements with little or no integration between them. Conclusions and recommendations unrelated to findings. Organisation of the material and flow of the argument suggest a rushed approach. Objectives are not met, or scope and nature of the work is shallow and show little evidence of in-depth investigation.
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The dissertation lacks focus and comprises several individual elements with little integration between them. Conclusions and recommendations largely unrelated to findings. Organisation of the material and flow of the argument suggest a superficial approach. Objectives are partially met, or scope and nature of the work is shallow and show little evidence of in-depth investigation. Argument lacks rigour.
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The dissertation begins with a focus and there are some linkages back to the original objectives. There is evidence of an intelligible argument, even if patchy and inconsistent. Some clear attempts are made to integrate theoretical ideas and the findings from secondary and primary research. Some of the conclusions and recommendations follow logically from the foregoing. Objectives are partially met.
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The dissertation is mainly focused with a reasonable line of argument, although the reader needs to make a few assumptions as it develops. Theory, secondary and primary evidence are reasonably well integrated, stronger in some areas than others. The conclusions and recommendations are related to the foregoing but the linkages between other chapters are less clear. Objectives are largely met.
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The dissertation is clearly focused and there is a clearly discernible line of argument running through the work. Argument shows some originality and is convincing. Some of the linkages in the argument are more explicit than others. Theory, secondary and primary data show a high level of integration, mainly rigorous. Conclusions and recommendations are logically derived from and mainly supported by previous evidence. Objectives are mostly met.
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The dissertation is clearly focused, and the line of argument consistently and explicitly reflects this focus. Each chapter builds logically on the foregoing and drives the argument forward. Theory, secondary and primary data are integrated. Conclusions and recommendations are logically derived from and fully supported by previous evidence. Objectives are fully met.
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The dissertation is clearly focused, and the line of argument consistently and explicitly reflects this focus. Argument displays much originality and is highly persuasive. Each chapter builds logically on the foregoing and drives the argument forward. Theory, secondary and primary data are carefully rigorously integrated. Conclusions and recommendations are logically derived from and fully supported by previous evidence. Objectives are fully met.
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Criterion 5 (LO4)
Demonstrate transferable skills including time management, project management, listening, negotiation, written communication skills, independent learning and advanced research skills
Written presentation, structure and referencing Weighting 10%
This should include evidence of:
- Harvard referencing.
- Use of English.
- Spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- Presentation of work
- Use of reputable academic and professional sources.
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Very badly written and presented, ‘thrown together’ with multiple spelling and grammar errors. Meaning often obscured through poor use of English. Either far too long or far too short. Incorrect citing and referencing of material, many references missing. Ineffective structuring.
An unacceptable range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.
Incorrect Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.
Major spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.
Presentation of work is unacceptable and incapable of being presented to a board of directors. Work is outside of the +/-10% word count.
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Superficially written and presented, with multiple spelling and grammar errors. Meaning often obscured through poor use of English. Either far too long or far too short. Incorrect citing and referencing of material, several references missing. Ineffective structuring.
A below standard range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.
Incorrect Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.
Major spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.
Presentation of work is below the standard required and incapable of being presented to a board of directors. Work is outside of the +/-10% word count.
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Some effort to structure appropriately. Meaning can be understood even if use of English is poor. Greatly exceeds word count with much largely irrelevant data. Most sources are cited and referenced, although the Harvard system has not been consistently followed.
A satisfactory range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.
Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.
Significant spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.
Presentation of work is satisfactory but not suitable for being presented to a board of directors. Work is outside of the +/-10% word count.
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Within word count +/-10%. Most sources appropriately cited and referenced. Reasonably well written and presented.
Good range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.
Noticeable issues with the Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.
Noticeable spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.
Presentation of work is good and capable of being presented to a board of directors only with significant corrections and improvement. Work is only just outside the +/-10% word count.
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Within word count +/-10%. Sources appropriately cited and referenced. Well written and presented.
Very good range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.
Correct Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.
Minor spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.
Presentation of work is very good and capable of being presented to a board of directors with some corrections. Work is within +/-10% word count.
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Within word count +/-10%. Sources appropriately cited and referenced. Clearly written English, very well structured and presented.
Excellent range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.
Correct Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.
Very minor spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.
Presentation of work is excellent and capable of being presented to a board of directors as is. Work is within +/-10% word count.
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Within word count +/-10%. Sources appropriately cited and referenced. Clearly written English. Impeccable use of terminology and succinct writing style. Very well structured and presented.
Outstanding range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.
Correct Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.
No spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.
Presentation of work is outstanding and capable of being presented to a board of directors as is. Work is within +/-10% word count.
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