TRADE 7013B - Research Project in International Trade (12 Units) Part 2

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 1 - 2020

The Research Project in International Trade is designed for students of the MITD to undertake independent research on a trade and development related topic of their own choice. Through several structured workshops students will be provided with research and analytical skills aimed to improve critical thinking in way that it prepares for possible future research studies, such as a PhD, or a career in research. In the first part of the Research Project in International Trade students are expected to (i) identify the research topic and supervisor, (ii) develop a research proposal, (iii) present the research proposal, and (iv) formally submit the research proposal. In the second part of the Research Project in International Trade, under the mentorship of their supervisor, students are expected to (i) to undertake independent research on their topic, (ii) present the research findings, and (iii) formally submit a research paper of publishable quality. Throughout the course, students are required to meet with their supervisor and course coordinator on a regular basis to ensure a successful completion of the research project.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code TRADE 7013B
    Course Research Project in International Trade (12 Units) Part 2
    Coordinating Unit Institute for International Trade
    Term Trimester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 12
    Contact Up to 36 hours
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites TRADE 7013A
    Incompatible TRADE 7014A/B, TRADE 7015
    Assumed Knowledge TRADE 5000, TRADE 7003, TRADE 7004, TRADE 7005, LAW 7070, TRADE 7013A
    Course Description The Research Project in International Trade is designed for students of the MITD to undertake independent research on a trade and development related topic of their own choice. Through several structured workshops students will be provided with research and analytical skills aimed to improve critical thinking in way that it prepares for possible future research studies, such as a PhD, or a career in research.
    In the first part of the Research Project in International Trade students are expected to (i) identify the research topic and supervisor, (ii) develop a research proposal, (iii) present the research proposal, and (iv) formally submit the research proposal.
    In the second part of the Research Project in International Trade, under the mentorship of their supervisor, students are expected to (i) to undertake independent research on their topic, (ii) present the research findings, and (iii) formally submit a research paper of publishable quality.
    Throughout the course, students are required to meet with their supervisor and course coordinator on a regular basis to ensure a successful completion of the research project.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Laura Marquez-Ramos

    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
    2-6
    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

    The University’s Writing Centre is a valuable academic support service available to all coursework students – undergraduate and postgraduate. They provide academic learning and language support and resources for all University coursework students.

    There are a number of useful learning guides on their website that students might find useful for this course, e.g. Writing a Research Report; Writing a Literature Review; Referencing Guides; Plagiarism.

    • Learning & Teaching Activities
      Learning & Teaching Modes

      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 staff members 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.

      Attendance at the structured workshops which will assist students in building up their research paper. To facilitate this, workshops are scheduled at the beginning of the course. Students present their research paper in the third workshop to staff from IIT and other interested researchers.

      Students are encouraged to approach a preferred supervisor. However, the course coordinator has oversight of the allocation of supervisors, and will take into account the expertise of available staff and workload management across the Institute for International Trade.

      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. Students who have concerns regarding supervision should conslut the course coordinator in the first instance. 




      Workload

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

      The University expects full-time students (i.e. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote at least 48 hours per week to their studies (624 hours per semester).

      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 workshops 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 6 structured face-to-face workshops for which attendance is compulsory:

      Schedule
      Workshop Week of Trimester Topics
      1 Week 1 of TRADE 7013A Introduce and discuss
      • the course and course expectations
      • the research process from design, implementation to completion (including revisiting basic research and analytical skills and critical thinking)
      2 Week 5 of TRADE 7013A Research proposal structure
      3 Week 10 of TRADE 7013A Students present their research proposal
      4 Week 1 of TRADE 7013B Introduction of TRADE 7013B
      5 Week 5 of TRADE 7013B Focus on literature review and update on progress of project
      6 Week 10 of TRADE 7013B Students present their final project
      There will be required readings and e-learning modules provided on MyUni for a number of these workshops.

      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 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 TaskTask TypeLengthWeightDue Date/WeekLearning Outcomes
      1 Presentation 1 – The Research Proposal Individual/collaborative
      (with peer-feedback)
      5% Week 10 (TRADE 7013A) 1,3,4,5
      2 Research Proposal Individual Approx. 3,000-4,000 words 20% See MyUni (TRADE 7013A) 1,3,4,5
      3 Presentation 2 – Final Presentation on Research Project Individual/collaborative
      (with peer-feedback)
      10% Week 10 (TRADE 7013B) 1-6
      4 Research Project Individual Approx. 12,000-13,000 words 65% See MyUni (TRADE 7013B) 1-6
      Total 100%
      Assessment Related Requirements
      Evaluation:
      The course assessment components will be assessed by the course coordinator (for proposals and presentations) and supervisor/s. The final project will be assessed by the supervisor/s and an additional marker. 
      Assessment Detail

      Under the guidance of the supervisor/s, students are expected to design, develop and undertake a research project on a topic of their choice.
      Students are required to meet up with the supervisor/s regularly to develop their research framework and analysis.

      The course will have four summative assessment items:

      THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

      1. Presentation 1 – Present the Research Proposal [5%] to the coordinator and supervisor/s.
      2. Research Proposal [20%] containing:
        1. hypothesis to be examined;
        2. literature review;
        3. expected outcomes;
        4. methodological framework.

      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 supervisor/s. 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 – Present research findings and the overall Research Project [10%] to the coordinator, supervisor/s and other IIT staff as identified by the course coordinator.
      2. Research Paper [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.

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