TRADE 7013 - Research Project in International Trade

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 3 - 2017

This research project is designed for students of the MITD to undertake independent research on a trade and development related topic of their own choice. It provides students with a set of research and analytical skills to improve critical thinking in way that it prepares for possible future research studies, such as a PhD, or a career in research. In five structured workshops (for which attendance is required) students will be prepared for the three key elements of the research component in this course: (i) a research proposal, (ii) a dissertation/research paper, and (iii) two presentations. Four workshops are scheduled at the beginning of the course. The first three are primarily aimed to introduce students to the course, the research process, the writing and presenting of the research proposal and to enhance general research and analytical skills as well as to improve critical thinking. Students will then be asked to present their research proposal in the fourth workshop to staff from llT and other interested researchers. The fifth workshop will be held at the end of the term in which students will be asked to present their research findings to their peers and academic staff of llT, the Faculty and other interested researchers. Throughout the course, students are required to meet with their supervisor(s) and course coordinator on a regular basis to ensure a successful completion of the research project

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code TRADE 7013
    Course Research Project in International Trade
    Coordinating Unit Institute for International Trade
    Term Trimester 3
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 12
    Contact Up to 144
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange
    Incompatible TRADE 7014A; TRADE 7014B and TRADE 7015
    Assumed Knowledge TRADE 7003; TRADE 7012
    Course Description This research project is designed for students of the MITD to undertake independent research on a trade and development related topic of their own choice. It provides students with a set of research and analytical skills to improve critical thinking in way that it prepares for possible future research studies, such as a PhD, or a career in research.
    In five structured workshops (for which attendance is required) students will be prepared for the three key elements of the research component in this course: (i) a research proposal, (ii) a dissertation/research paper, and (iii) two presentations.
    Four workshops are scheduled at the beginning of the course. The first three are primarily aimed to introduce students to the course, the research process, the writing and presenting of the research proposal and to enhance general research and analytical skills as well as to improve critical thinking. Students will then be asked to present their research proposal in the fourth workshop to staff from llT and other interested researchers. The fifth workshop will be held at the end of the term in which students will be asked to present their research findings to their peers and academic staff of llT, the Faculty and other interested researchers.
    Throughout the course, students are required to meet with their supervisor(s) and course coordinator on a regular basis to ensure a successful completion of the research project
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Shandre Thangavelu

    Name: Dr Uwe Kaufmann
    Role: Course Coordinator
    Location: Level 6 - Nexus 10
    Phone: 8313 6900
    Email: uwe.kaufmann@adelaide.edu.au
    Name: Hannah Adams
    Role: Course Advisor
    Location: Level 1 - Nexus 10
    Phone: 8313 1788
    Email: hannah.adams@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Apply their understanding of the research process from initiation, design, implementation to completion, and including the appropriate use of primary and secondary resources, and their deep understanding in one’s chosen area of focus/research to the design of a research project.

    2. Develop and articulate a trade and development related problem/issue into a research topic suited to the task of writing a dissertation.

    3. Produce and present a research proposal and dissertation.

    4. Identify and critique key theoretical works and relevant literature and resources.

    5. Proficiently use research techniques including computer-based research and analysis.

    6. Recognise and address the ethical, social, global and cultural issues in relation to a research topic.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,4,6
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2,3,4,5,6
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    2,3
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1-6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    2,6
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1,2,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    There are no required text books for this course. 

    The course will be supported by e-Learning modules on MyUni which may include modules developed for other TRADE courses of the Institute that are relevant to this course to support the student’s research projects.
    Recommended Resources
    N/A
    Online Learning
    Useful Online Resources:

    Other online references will be given during the course.




  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Students will be required to attend the five structured workshops which will assist them in building up their research proposal. To facilitate this, four workshops will be scheduled at the beginning of the course. The first three are primarily aimed to introduce students to the course, the research process, the writing and presenting of the research proposal and to enhance general research and analytical skills as well as to improve critical thinking. Students will then be asked to present their research proposal in the fourth workshop to staff from IIT and other interested researchers. The fifth workshop will be held at the end of the term in which students will be asked to present their research outcome to their peers and academic staff of IIT, the Faculty and other interested researchers. 

    There are three key elements to the research component in this course: (i) a research proposal, (ii) a dissertation/research paper, and (iii) two presentations. Throughout the term, students will be guided and supervised through the process by an academic staff member of the Institute. The supervisor(s) will assist students with the development of viable research topics and questions, and provide regular support and feedback to the students.

    In addition to the structured workshops, students are required to meet with their supervisor(s), as well as the course coordinator, on a regular basis.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1. Students are expected to prepare and present a research proposal (3,000-4,000 words) to staff from the Institute.

    2. Students are expected to meet with their supervisor(s) on a weekly-basis to discuss and develop their project. Meeting times to be negotiated between each student and the coordinator.

    3. Students are expected to meet at once a month with the Course Coordinator, unless the Course Coordinator is also the supervisor, on a regular-basis during the term to discuss their progress. Meeting times to be negotiated between each student and the coordinator.

    4. Students are expected to develop and submit a substantial research project (12,000-13,000 words) and present this to staff from the Institute and other interested researchers.



    Below is a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements:

    Workload Total Hours (per term)
    5 x 3 hour workshops 15 hours
    Required reading for the worshops 30 hours
    Weekly meetings with supervisor (approx. 1-1.5 hours average) 18 hours
    3 x 1 hour meetings with course coordinator (monthly) 3 hours
    23 hours required reading and research per week 279 hours
    23 hours of writing per week 279 hours
    TOTAL 624 hours



    Learning Activities Summary
    In this course, there are 5 structured face-to-face workshops for which attendance is compulsory:

    1. Three workshops (at the start of the semester) to introduce and discuss:

        a. A workshop on introducing and discussing

               - the course and course expectations 

               - the research process from design, implementation to completion (including revisiting basic research and analytical skills and   critical thinking)


         b. A workshop on the research proposal structure


         c. A workshop focussed on literature review

     
    2. In the fourth workshop, students are to present their research proposal

     
    3. Fifth workshop (at the end of the term) where students are to present their final project.

     
    4. There will be required readings and e-learning modules provided on MyUni for a number of these workshops.


    Students areexpected to meet with their supervisor(s) on a weekly-basis to discuss and develop their project. Meeting times to be negotiated between each student and their supervisor.

    Students are expected to meet at once a month with the Course Coordinator unless the Course Coordinator is also the supervisor on a regular-basis during the term to discuss their progress. Meeting times to be negotiated between each student and the course coordinator.

    Throughout the term, students are expected to spend significant time working independently on their projects under the guidance of their designated supervisor(s).
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome
    Presentation 1 - The Research Proposal Individual/Collaborative (with peer-feedback)

    TBA

    5% 1,3,4,5,6
    Research Proposal Individual TBA 20% 1,3,4,5,6
    Presentation 2 - Final Presentation on Research Project Individual/Collaborative (with peer-feedback) TBA 10% All
    Research Project Individual TBA 65% All
    Total 100%
    Assessment Detail
    Under the guidance of a supervisor, students are expected to design, develop and undertake a research project on a topic of their choice. 

    The course will have four summative assessment items:

    THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL 

    1. Presentation 1 – the Research Proposal [5%]

    2. Research Proposal (3-4,000 words) [20%]

    In the first 4 weeks of the course, students will have commenced work on their research topic, the research methodology and the structure of their project with their supervisors. Students are expected to present the outcome of the work they have undertaken in the form of a research proposal – written and presentation.

    THE RESEARCH PROJECT 

    1. Presentation 2 – Research findings and the overall Research Project [10%]

    2. Research Proposal (12-13,000 words) [65%]


    Submission
    All written assessment must be submitted via Turnitin on MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.