Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives This elective aims to develop and integrate important generic skills with knowledge acquired from earlier diploma subjects, by focusing on an area of contemporary, academic or professional strategic interest. It further aims to introduce students to the research process; provides opportunities to conduct research; develops ability to analyse and interpret research data, and practices formal communication of results and recommendations. The skills practiced will enable graduates to professionally sponsor, author and present managerial reports, and continue in post-graduate academic research.
Synopsis This subject introduces and practices concepts and theories of the academic research process, its methodology, analytical tools and ethics. The topics of research project selection, problem definition, hypothesising, library research, research design, data gathering, data analysis and synthesis, and reporting are linked to a real-time research project in an area of strategic importance for an organisation. A research project is conducted within a systematic framework of relevance to business organisations. Both written and oral report presentation techniques are reviewed and utilised to produce a formal research report and recommendations.
Assessment Research proposal (1500 words): 20% + Progress report (1500 words): 20% + 5000-word research project report and 10 minute video presentation: 60%