Mode

Brief Description

Length

Research Plan

Research Plan/Proposal

2000 words (+/- 10%)

Dissertation Poster

Poster

A1/A4 size

Dissertation

Dissertation

7500 words (+/- 10%)

Dimension (Weight %)

Mark Band

Mark Band Descriptor

Introduction/ Background (20%)

17-20

Comprehensive/detailed knowledge of topic with areas of specialisation is depth and awareness of provisional nature of knowledge, clearly links to the research problem and research gap

14-16

Reasonable knowledge of topic and an awareness of a variety of ideas/contexts/frame-works

11-13

Has given a factual and/or conceptual knowledge base and appropriate terminology

8-10

Evidence of limited knowledge of topic and some use of appropriate terminology

0- 7

Research Question (20%)

17-20

Very clear and precise question or topic, highly relevant to understanding of management, title clear and fully explanatory of research question, topic

interesting and likely to be manageable within constraints of time.

14-16

Clear and well-stated research question or topic, interesting and relevant for understanding of management, adequately described by title.

11-13

Research question stated imprecisely, relevance to management not clear or not fully justified, title imprecise, topic may be too basic or too ambitious.

8-10

Research question difficult to identify, little relevance to management, title does not describe research adequately, topic likely to be too basic or too ambitious.

0- 7

No obvious research question or topic, not relevant to management, title confusing, topic clearly too basic or too ambitious.

Theory and Literature

(20%)

17-20

Theory clearly stated and fully relevant to research question. Literature review clearly structured and shows full awareness of prior research and relevant

materials.  Citations and references consistently in proper form.

14-16

Theory clearly stated and relevant to research question. Literature review well- structured and shows awareness of prior research and relevant materials,

though some less relevant material may be referred to. Citations and references almost all in proper form.

11-13

Theory stated imprecisely, relevance to research question not clear. Literature review somewhat unstructured, prior research covered only at basic level, some irrelevant material included.  Some inaccuracies in citation and referencing.

8-10

Little relevant theoretical basis. Unstructured literature review with significant gaps.  Citation and referencing haphazard, with some citations unreferenced.

0- 7

No theoretical basis (and no explanation for omission).  Literature coverage very rudimentary,with clear gaps. Citation and referencing unsystematic or omitted.

Research Method

(20%)

17-20

Research method fully appropriate to research question and clearly explained.

14-16

Research method appropriate (though not necessarily best method) and clearly explained.

11-13

Research method relevant for research question though explanation unclear.

8-10

Research method possibly relevant for research question, explanation and justification vague.

0- 7

Research method inappropriate for research question, explanation missing or confusing.

Overall

Assessment (20%)

17-20

Very promising research proposal, very well structured, clearly written and

presented in professional manner, giving a coherent and integrated impression of planned research.

14-16

Very good research proposal, well-structured and presented - proposal may not be fully integrated.

11-13

Satisfactory research proposal - some elements may be vague, inconsistent and/or impractical.

8-10

Acceptable proposal overall, though with significant gaps and/or issues of practicality.

0- 7

Unacceptable proposal.  There are crucial omissions and/or confusions, making the proposed research unlikely to be feasible.