The overall objective of this course is to introduce students to research project activities.
Research topics must be negotiated with the lecturer in charge.

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

• Pawar, B.S. 2009. Theory building for hypothesis specification in organizational studies, Response Books, New Delhi.
• Neuman, W.L. 2008. Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches, Pearson Education.

• International Journal of Project Management
• Project Management Journal
• International Journal of Project Organisation and Management

Library Resources
The University of Adelaide’s Barr Smith Library provides a range of learning resources including texts, journals, periodicals, magazines, and access to online databases and information services. It also offers a virtual library which is accessible via the University’s website. Access to the Library's electronic resources.

Other resources: Project Management Institute
If you are a member of the PMI you will “gain exclusive access to PMI publications and our global standards*, networking options with our chapters and online communities of practice, and leadership and volunteer opportunities. You’ll also receive discounts on certification exams and renewals, as well as our professional development offerings.” Student membership details

* Log in to access complimentary read-only PDFs of all of PMI's published standards or take advantage of discounts on paperback editions.

Assessment 1: Project Proposal
Weighting: 15%
Due Date: Week 5

This assignment will evaluate student understanding of the course topics presented in the first four weeks.

Task
The aim of the assessment is to assist you in developing your research report. It is required that students prepare a proposal for the lecturer’s consideration.

The proposal should include the following points:

Background, aims and significance: the theoretical or practical basis or proposition for your research project. What is the aim or purpose of your project? Students also should address why this research project is important.

Objectives: this section includes research questions to be addressed
Design: to determine the activities to be undertaken throughout the course of your research project
Methodology: what type of methodology the student will employ?
Milestones and budget: When it will be done, and in what order, and how much it will cost to do it (only in case your research has funds)
Possible outcomes (when is it applicable) / limitations

Length and Presentation
Approximately 2,000+ words addressing the points as noted above. 

The criteria by which your assignment will be marked is connected with your ability to
1. identify and summarise the problem/question to be investigated
2. identify existing, relevant knowledge and views connected with your selected topic
3. propose appropriate methodology for your research report
4. present some references which shows some understanding on the topic



Assessment 2: Research Project Presentation
Weighting: 15%
Due Date: During Week 9: In class presentation

This assessment will evaluate student presentations in respect to their research project.

Task
The Research Project Presentation will involve each student providing a PowerPoint presentation of their work to date. The presentation should be 10 minutes long with an extra 5 minutes for questions. Other students should ask questions which should be answered by the presenter.

Length of Presentation
10 minutes with 5 minutes for questions

The presentation preparation should
1. be as professional as possible
2. have the right content
3. wrap up all the relevant information
4. contain a clear action plan

The criteria by which this assessment will be marked
1. identify critical issues
2. show reasoning behind statements or ideas
3. use general or technical language in an appropriate manner
4. stimulate interest for the audience
5. discuss details of research activity
6. cope with questions and arguments
7. use of time-limit and visual aids



Assessment 3: Final Research Report
Weighting: 70%
Due Date: Week 13

This assessment will evaluate overall student understanding via the finished research project report.

Task
The Final Research Report is the culmination of all your investigations. Completing it will demand a time and effort. You will save some time if you have been following the guidelines and meeting regularly with the lecturer. This assignment should be prepared to a professional standard. Please ensure that your writing is grammatically correct, and that you use a cover page, indicate word count and that references are correctly cited as per Harvard reference system methodology. Work should be carefully proofread for errors (an over-reliance should not be made on the computer alone in this area).

A research report normally includes the following sections:
1.Introductory elements (cover sheet, title page, words count, abstract, acknowledgement, table of contents)
2. Introduction (background of the research, gaps, research problem and research questions, key definitions; research contributions, justification for the research, methodology overview, research limitations, report outline, and summary)
3. Literature review and contextual foundations
4. Methodology
5. Theoretical results and implications
6. Discussion and Conclusions
7. References
8. Appendices

Length and Presentation
9,000 words (maximum) aligned to the noted sections as above.

The criteria by which this assessment will be marked:
1. ability to present your findings clearly and succinctly
2. application of key relevant theories and concepts
3. research skills and use of data to support the analysis
4. recommendations identified in the analysis
5. presentation: word limit, layout, adequate structure, referencing and bibliography

• Assignment Submission:  Assignments should not be emailed to the instructor; they must be lodged via the MyUni Course site (unless specified to do both). Note that assignments may be processed via TURNITIN, which is an online plagiarism prevention tool.
• Cover Sheet:  Please include in the assignment a completed University of Adelaide Assessment Cover Sheet providing details of yourself and your team members (if applicable), your assignment, the course, date submitted, etc. as well as the declaration signed by you that this is your (your team’s) work.  Note that the declaration on any electronically submitted assignment will be deemed to have the same authority as a signed declaration.
• Backup Copy of Assignments:  You are advised to keep a copy of your assignments in case the submitted copy goes missing.  Please ensure that all assignment pages are numbered. If your assignment contains confidential information, you should discuss any concerns with the Course Lecturer prior to submission.
• Extensions of Time:  An application for Assessment Extension should be made well before the due date of the assignment to the Course Lecturer.  Normally, extensions will only be granted for a maximum of two weeks from the original assignment submission date.  Extensions will only be granted in cases of genuine medical, compassionate or extenuating circumstances.
• Failure to submit: Failure to submit an assignment on time or by the agreed extension deadline may result in penalties and may incur a fail grade.  Note that a late penalty of 5% of the total available marks for that assessment item will be incurred each day an assignment is handed in late (Unless otherwise stated in 'Assessment Related Requirements' or 'Assessment Detail' above). Assignments handed in after 14 days from the due submission date will fail even if a 100% mark is granted for the work.