Introduction
The introduction should cover the following:
Research Background: A clear and concise introduction to the research topic
and its relevance to a larger business and/or theoretical context. A brief historical
context surrounding the research topic
Research Rationale - The rationale for research is the justification for
undertaking a given study.
Research Problem
Research Aim and Objectives - Research objectives (commencing with an
active verb e.g. ‘to investigate’ or ‘to evaluate’, etc.);
Research Question - A set of clear research questions (commencing why?
what? etc.)
Research Significance
An overview of the theoretical/conceptual framework and primary research
methods to be used (a more detailed discussion will appear in the
Methodology chapter)
A summary of the overall structure to be employed in the report.
Literature
Some of the broad aims of the literature review may be summarised as follows:
Helps you to refine your research questions
Increases your knowledge/expertise in your chosen topic area
Locates your research in the context of what is already known,
Aims to ensure that your knowledge on the topic area is up-to-date
Helps to identify current trends, issues and debates in your chosen topic area
Helps to identify thinking about ‘best practice’
Helps to identify relevant theories, models and key concepts for application to
your topic area and the leading authors associated with them
Provides a means of validating criteria to be measured and analysed in your
primary research
May generate themes which will be followed in both the literature review and
throughout the rest of the report
Methodology
The methodology chapter is likely to include discussion of the following:
(1) Research philosophy; ontology and epistemology; alternative philosophies e.g.
qualitative/quantitative, positivist/phenomenological or interpretive; a rationale for
methods selected (as noted above)
(2) Research design and its validation e.g. issues in questionnaire design or semi-
structured interviewing in theory and in practice and how these issues were
addressed; a validation of each question asked, usually by reference to a cited
source which has already been discussed in the literature review.
(3) Sampling: information about the sample, and sample size, how was it selected,
what roles did respondents have, why were these included, was the sample
representative in some way, how many respondents and non-respondents and
any implications of the latter, integrating references to the literature and research
practice?
(4) Ethics: A discussion of research ethics by reference to the methodology
literature and how ethical principles were incorporated into practice.
(5) Limitations: Any concluding comments on weaknesses found in the methods
used and their implications.
Research and Findings
The criteria for assessing your primary/secondary research chapter are set out in the
marking guidelines.
A good primary/Secondary research chapter is likely to:
Be closely structured around the research questions/objectives
Report findings clearly, possibly (where appropriate) through the use of
tables, charts or other pictorial devices
Provide a written interpretation and analysis of the findings (i.e. not allow
tables, charts, etc. to speak for themselves)
Report all findings faithfully (and not consign important data to Appendices)
Provide integrating reference to the literature
Conclusions
The conclusions should specifically address each of your research questions/objectives,
providing a summary analysis of what has been found out from the primary/secondary
research, with integrated reflections on how the findings either compliment or differ from
those reported in the literature.
Recommendations
Research Reports should finish with recommendations for action. Ensure they are
clear, precise, and pragmatic, with, at minimum some cost implications.
For guidance on online submission of assignments, including how to submit and how to
access online feedback, please refer to the UWL Blackboard student-help pages at:
[Link]
RECORD OF SUPERVISION MEETING
STUDENT NAME STUDENT ID SUPERVISOR NAME
DATE TIME TYPE OF MEETING
In-person Telephone UWL Skype Blackboard
IMPORTANT: For the purpose of this record a supervision meeting shall only be defined as a meeting in which a
verbal discussion occurred between the student and the supervisor. Email exchanges are not regarded as supervision
meetings. The University does not authorise staff to use social media channels to engage with students apart from the
University’s Skype-for-Business and Blackboard (please see Social Media Policy for Staff).
1 SECTION A
To be completed by student prior to meeting
A1) What is the current latest version of your dissertation / project report draft (circle relevant option):
Nil 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th
Other
Other please state: ______
A2) Do you have any outstanding actions from previous meeting(s) that requires supervisor approval?
YES – review progress of outstanding actions before discussing new
business NO – proceed directly to discuss new business
A3) What do you intend to discuss with your supervisor at this meeting?
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2 RECORD OF SUPERVISION MEETING
3 SECTION B
Column B1 to be completed by supervisor at this meeting. Column B2 to be completed by supervisor at
next meeting.
B1 B2
ACTIONS FROM THIS MEETING REVIEW OF PROGRESS
List the actions that the student needs to take in order to improve the dissertation / project Indicate progress towards action. State the date.
4 SECTION C
C1) Additional Feedback
Please use following box to provide additional feedback or comments (if any):
C2) Next Meeting
DATE: TIME: VENUE:
C3) Agree record of this supervision meeting is a true and fair representation of the meeting discussion:
Signature of Student Signature of Supervisor
Date: ______ - ______ - ______ Date: ______ - ______ - ______
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