2022/23 Module HandbookMasters Research Project
2022/23 Module HandbookMasters Research Project
School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management
Level 7
Semester 1
(40 Credits)
CRN 50288
Contents
TOC o "1-3" h z u 1What this Module is About PAGEREF _Toc113959120 h 11.1Introduction from the Module Leader PAGEREF _Toc113959121 h 11.2Module Aims PAGEREF _Toc113959122 h 21.3Module Learning Outcomes PAGEREF _Toc113959123 h 21.4Module Learning Activities PAGEREF _Toc113959124 h 21.4.1Staff and Student Responsibilities PAGEREF _Toc113959125 h 31.4.2What you can expect from your supervisor PAGEREF _Toc113959126 h 41.5Communication PAGEREF _Toc113959127 h 52Weekly Schedule PAGEREF _Toc113959128 h 63Key Resources to Support Learning PAGEREF _Toc113959129 h 64Assessment PAGEREF _Toc113959130 h 74.1Assessment Summary PAGEREF _Toc113959131 h 74.2Assessment Details PAGEREF _Toc113959132 h 84.2.1Essential Guidance for the Masters Research Project PAGEREF _Toc113959133 h 84.2.2Further Assessment Details PAGEREF _Toc113959134 h 164.2.3Guidance on formatting your Masters Research Project PAGEREF _Toc113959135 h 164.3Feedback on Your Assessments PAGEREF _Toc113959136 h 325Understanding Your Assessment Responsibilities PAGEREF _Toc113959137 h 326Your Feedback on the Module PAGEREF _Toc113959138 h 33Student Name____________________________________________________________
Email Address____________________________________________________________
Course____________________________________________________________
Group____________________________________________________________
Module Tutor____________________________________________________________
Tutors Email Address ______________________________________________________
Communication Protocol: module staff will reply to student questions within a reasonable time but this will normally be within office hours only. Students are advised to check this handbook and also to see if there are any online/noticeboard announcements or FAQ answers that deal with their enquiry before contacting staff.
What this Module is AboutIntroduction from the Module LeaderThis is undoubtedly the most exciting, and possibly challenging, stage of your postgraduate studies.
- Exciting in that you choose your own area of interest and focus only on this; developing an in-depth knowledge and expertise within the subject.
- Challenging in that the project requires you to bring together the range of skills and subject knowledge developed in other modules to produce a cohesive and intellectually rigorous piece of work.
Enjoy the challenge, work hard and the result will be a finished project to be proud of.
Show it to your friends and family, impress current and future employees, use it as the basis for further doctoral study and give it pride of place on your bookshelf.
Best of luck!
Tom
Dr Thomas Fletcher
Events Research Project Coordinator
t.e.fletcher@leedsbeckett.ac.uk (preferred)
0113 8123515
Module AimsTo enable students to produce a coherent and holistic piece of work on a major research project within event studies.
This module enables participants to undertake an extended study of a topic relating to the preceding taught modules of the course. More specifically, it allows students to use the skills and knowledge developed during the Research Methods module for investigation of an aspect of their field of study that is of particular interest to them. This handbook will explain the aims of the module and how it will be organised and assessed. If, during the course of the module, you have any queries, you should contact your supervisor once allocated, or the research project coordinator for your course of study if necessary.
Module Learning OutcomesOn completion of this module students will be able to:
LO1:Demonstrate originality in the application of theory, conceptual frameworks or models and research techniques formulate and perform effective, ethical research, and to deliver a research report or dissertation.
LO2:Evidence the ability to identify clear aims and objectives, to gather, understand, synthesise and analyse information and data effectively, solve associated technical or organisational problems, and address issues of an academic and applied nature through the production of a sustained piece of research.
Module Learning Activities
This independent project will normally be one of three types:
A primary research based empirical study;
A desk- based project to include a literature review and the analysis of secondary data;
An organisation-based research project.
The nature of the content will inevitably vary depending upon the individual study. However, each project should normally consider and include:
A background to the issue, explaining why it is important;
A clear statement of the research problem;
A critical review of relevant literature;
Details and a justification of the methodology and instruments used;
The findings;
Analysis and interpretation;
Conclusions and recommendations or implications (possibly for theory, practice, policy or further research).
You will be allocated a supervisor who may or may not be the person that you consulted prior to submission of your proposal. This person will oversee and advise on the progress of the project. The supervisor is allocated time for work connected with each project and will expect to communicate with you on a regular basis.
In your Research Methods module you may have developed the initial research proposal and when your supervisor is satisfied that your proposal provides the basis for a suitable project, you will proceed towards completion. You are urged to keep in close contact with your supervisor at all stages of this module. It is suggested that you negotiate key milestones during the first supervisory discussion.
Staff and Student ResponsibilitiesIt is the responsibility of each student to arrange discussion with their supervisor at intervals throughout the course of the project. Your supervisor will not come looking for you. They will however, require an explanation from you if you fail to keep appointments or to consult with them regularly.
The supervisory process is essential to you in performing well in this module and you should make best use of it. Supervisors will expect to be kept informed of progress, problems and developments and will want to see drafts of written material. They may suggest suitable references, advise you whether or not you are achieving the standard required and offer support in structuring and writing up your work.
You should note that supervisors have many other demands on their time. It is essential, therefore, that you arrange discussions in advance. Agree with your supervisor at the first discussion how the supervision process will work, including means of communication (telephone, e-mail, Teams, Zoom, Skype appointments) and methods of feedback. The most effective approach is at the first discussion you should identify the deadlines that you will be working to for the project and when you will be available for discussions and arrange key discussions around your supervisor's availability (particularly over the summer period if applicable).
You should then confirm the time of the next discussion at the end of each supervisory discussion, having agreed the goals to be achieved by that time. To ensure that discussions are as productive as possible, it is sensible to provide your supervisor with any work you want them to comment on before you get together (discuss and agree the length of time required and the handing in deadlines with your supervisor at the first discussion). In anticipation of those circumstances, you should agree a process with your supervisor for arranging additional discussions (e.g. telephone, e-mail, skype).
What you can expect from your supervisorEach tutor is given a total of 18 hours for each student they supervise. This includes all discussions (email, phone, face-to-face, Teams etc), reading submitted draft material and marking the finished work.
Your supervisor is there to provide guidance. The form of guidance may vary because of the nature of the project and because people vary in terms of their working styles (both supervisors and students). It is important, therefore, to review with your supervisor at the first discussion how the process of supervision might be most effectively managed e.g., how often supervisory discussions should be, how the agenda will be determined, whether a paper outlining progress since the last discussion will be presented on or before the discussion. The purpose of the discussion should be to establish shared expectations.
The early discussions with your supervisor are very important in ensuring that you have a clear set of aims and objectives that are appropriate and achievable. It may be frustrating if you are keen to get on with your literature review. Dont rush it - one of the main areas in which students lose marks is in not having a clear purpose that provides a focus for the work.
Similarly, your supervisor will want to make sure that you have an adequate theoretical/conceptual basis for the work and that you know how to develop this, before they allow you to start the research in earnest.
You can expect your supervisor to engage in discussion about and provide feedback on, the following:
The scale and scope of the project;
Theory associated with the project;
Research design and methodology;
Data analysis;
Style of writing.
The feedback will be in response to your ideas and proposals, and their reading of drafts of your work. It will improve the supervision process if you go along with specific queries and follow your own supervisors recommendations through, as each supervisor may have different views and therefore consistency is the key.
Feedback on written work is sometimes an area that causes difficulties with the project. This will be agreed with your supervisor at the first discussion. As a minimum, all supervisors should provide feedback on the written style, the content (relevance, depth etc.) and the quality of the analysis/thinking. The supervisor is not there as a grammar or spelling checker and therefore, you should show your supervisor completed work that you feel happy with, rather than material which you thought was not so good.
Occasionally, students become concerned about the effectiveness of the supervisory process. If this becomes the case, you should discuss the matter with your supervisor in the first instance. This should be done when difficulties arise rather than at the end of the module. As a last resort, you may take up the issue with the Research Project Co-ordinator.
Your supervisor will also support you in completing the ethics forms. It is important that you are sufficiently prepared to undertake research with human participants. Ethics forms MUST BE COMPLETED BY YOURSELF AND SUBMITTED VIA THE ETHICS ONLINE SYSTEM WHERE IT IS SIGNED OFF BY YOUR SUPERVISOR AND APPROVED BY THE ETHICS COORDINATOR PRIOR TO UNDERTAKING RESEARCH. Examples of information sheets and consent forms can be found on MyBeckett.
CommunicationWe will communicate with you through MyBeckett. Please monitor MyBeckett and your student e-mail address for announcements.
Weekly ScheduleThe Masters Research Project is studied over one semester determined by your course start date. Part time students have the option to study the project over two semesters.
Project start Ethics submission guide Project submission
Full time and Part time over 1 semester October 2022
2nd week of November 2022 13th January 2023
January 2023
2nd week of March 2023 12th May 2023
June 2023 3rd week of July 2023 6th October 2023
Part time over 2 semesters June 2022
2nd week of November 2022 13th January 2023
October 2022
2nd week of March 2023 12th May 2023
January 2023 3rd week of July 2023 6th October 2023
Key Resources to Support LearningA Reading List has been created for the module and it is available on the left hand menu on the module in MyBeckett.
Ally is an accessibility tool in MyBeckett that students can use to convert compatible files into alternative file formats. For example, students can use Ally to make an audio version of a Word document or convert a file to a format that is easier to read on a phone. A guide to using this resource is available from https://libanswers.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/faq/242876All disabled students requiring additional support or alternative arrangements must declare and provide evidence of their disability to the Disability Advice Team as early as possible: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/.
Assessment
Assessment SummaryAssessment 1 (100% of Module Marks)
Assessment Method: Masters Research Project Re-assessment Method: Revised Masters Research Project
Word Count 14,000 words Word Count 14,000 words
Assessment Date and Time: Research Project Start Date Submission Date Re-assessment Date and Time: Make good work
Dates TBC
October 2022 January 2023 June
2023 NB: Part-time students have the opportunity to study the module over two semesters Feedback Method: On request from supervisor Feedback Method: On request from supervisor following exam board
Feedback Date: Following publication of results Feedback Date: Following publication of results
Learning Outcomes Assessed: 1 and 2
You will receive feedback within four weeks of your assessment (University closures do not count as a working week). Your mark is provisional until it is ratified by the Module Board and External Examiner. Re-sit instructions for your assignments will be posted on My Beckett.
Assessment Details
Essential Guidance for the Masters Research Project
It is important to initially select the type of project you will be conducting. This will be one of three broad types:
A primary research based empirical study;
For this type of project your starting point will typically be from a gap or problem that arises from academic theory. Your rationale will identify the gap or problem in the theory; your intended audience is likely to be academic and the conclusions will have a more academic and theoretical focus.
A desk-based project to include a literature review along with further analysis of secondary data;
This will require you to have access to a suitable existing data set but will not involve the collection of primary data.
An organisation-based research project.
This type of project has a more practical focus similar to a consultancy type of research. The research could be for an organisation that you have approached, or could be for the organisation that you work for. In the past some students have used their research project to undertake research as a foundation for a business enterprise or venture that they are planning. Your rationale will identify the practical issue or problem which needs addressing and your introduction will provide the context to your organisation. Your intended audience will be practitioners and the conclusions will focus on practical recommendations rather than theoretical developments.
Whichever form is selected the Research Project report must include a critical review of relevant literature and a critical appraisal of the methodology selected.
You will be advised on the most suitable type of project for your topic area during the research methods module and in the initial discussions with your supervisor.
The structure and style of the project submitted should be appropriate to its intended outcomes. Outlined below are the key stages of tackling a large project. Your work should include these stages but, depending on the topic of study and the research design, the emphasis between them may vary.
Before looking at each of the stages in more detail it is vital not to deal with too wide a subject. The more closely the investigation can be defined the better will be the chance of achieving the learning outcomes (and a good mark).
You should also note that you are expected to analyse and explain issues associated with the phenomenon being studied, rather than merely describing them.
Normally, the project is written in an impersonal style (ie not using the first person, I). However, where you use certain methodologies it may be permissible to refer to yourself in the first person.
Aim and Objectives
State the aim and objectives of your study i.e., what is the purpose of the project?
State your objectives in such a way that you can measure the extent to which they have been achieved. You may have a proposal (hypothesis) that is capable of being tested or you may have identified a research problem to investigate or a research question to answer. You dont need all three.
Also, it is very important to ensure that the aim and objectives defined are achievable within the scope of the research project (timescale, data availability and number of words).
Introduction and Approach
The introduction sets the context for the study. This covers the rationale behind the choice of topic and the overall approach to the work and how it is structured, including the theoretical underpinning. In other words, it includes the justification for your aim and objectives and an overview of how you go about achieving them. Decide what information is needed to achieve the aim and objectives and how you are going to collect it. Do not include areas that are not related to the topic.
Review of Theory and Literature
This stage requires an investigation and discussion of past and current research/literature on your topic. To do this you should read and summarise relevant information on the topic. This literature review must be used to develop a theoretical framework for your work. It will vary according to the type of study that you are undertaking. However, an apparent lack of literature probably means that the topic is unsuitable for a research project.
The role of the literature survey can be summarised as follows:
To help further clarify the purpose of your research and contribute to a rationale for the work.
Provide a thorough examination of the relevant literature, so giving you a full understanding of the topic.
Clearly identify and define the theoretical concepts and/or frameworks to be used in the work.
To provide a context for your research by placing your specific topic in the literature and showing how your work relates to that already existing.
Identify and analyse the relationships between ideas that make up the framework for your study.
Provide a basis for your methodological choices.
In order to do this it is necessary to look for and summarise, areas of agreement and disagreement and contradictory evidence and analyse, and evaluate theory and evidence with reference to the objectives of your study.
A literature review should be comprehensive, current, critical and clearly focused on your objectives. It should cover the full range of literature available that relates to your topic. It is a requirement of a literature review that you use academic and research literature from journals, books, papers and government publications. Online research databases such as Discover provided by the library will enable you to search a wide variety of sources relatively easily.
Follow the guidelines on referencing for the Leeds Beckett Harvard system. Also, wherever possible, you should refer to work read rather than overuse direct quotations (ask your supervisor if you are still unsure about the difference between direct and indirect quoting or paraphrasing). Also see the section on referencing below.
At this stage of the process your objectives will probably undergo some refinement or your research problem/question(s) will become more precise.
One of the key challenges of the research project is to produce a coherent and holistic piece of work in which all the sections link together and are clearly focused on the aim and objectives. This is obviously important throughout but especially so in establishing the relationship between the literature review and any primary research or secondary data analysis undertaken.
This should be discussed in detail with your supervisor but the basic principles are that:
Your literature review is concluded effectively and you are clear about the findings and how they relate to the aims and objectives.
The findings of your literature review are clearly and explicitly used to inform the methodology and, hence, the primary research.
The data sought from the primary research is properly identified and is derived from and related to, the literature review findings.
The methods used to carry out the research are appropriate and relevant to the findings of the literature review and the data sought.
Research Design and Methodology
It is important to develop an effective methodology and to understand why your methodology is appropriate to this particular study. Consideration should therefore be given to the best methods to use to address the research problem or question that you have identified.
Your method will vary with the type of study, but you will probably need to collect or locate data and analyse them. This may well involve you in primary research (collecting data for the specific purposes of your project). It does not, however, have to take this form. It may be possible to use existing data i.e., secondary or open data - in a way that is new to this study.
It is expected that you will deal with the following elements during this stage of the research project:
The specific purpose of this part of the process and how it contributes to the overall aims and objectives of the work.
The choice of research approach (primary/secondary qualitative/quantitative).
The choice of sample size, characteristics and selection method.
If using primary data, the methods used to collect the data and the precise design of any instruments used (interview schedules, questionnaires, observation checklists etc.).
If using secondary data, a critique of the collection method and awareness of any limitations.
Techniques used to analyse the data (again qualitative or quantitative).
Critical evaluation of each of these factors.
The Research Methods module will have introduced a variety of data gathering techniques and associated means of analysis. It is important that you are able to honestly criticise the methodology you have used, in light of the outcomes and your original objectives. For example, how reliable and/or valid are the results? Are the measurements accurate? Is there any bias? etc. No research is perfect and the ability to reflect on your own research practice is an important part of becoming a good researcher.
WHATEVER METHOD YOU ADOPT, YOU MUST NOT APPROACH ANY OUTSIDE BODY OR SEND OUT ANY POSTAL QUESTIONNAIRES UNLESS THE ETHICS COORDINATOR AND YOUR SUPERVISOR HAVE GIVEN PERMISSION AND YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALL THE NECESSARY ETHICS FORMS (AVAILABLE VIA Leeds Beckett Ethics Online).
This requirement applies equally to interviews with members of the public (such as street interviews) as to any other form of data gathering. These individuals may be contacted by tutors, as a means of verifying the data you attribute to them. If potential participants wish to retain anonymity, you must explain to them that their identity will only be shared with tutors.
Primary Research Requirements
Past experience has shown that the majority of students elect to undertake some form of primary research. This helps to support/test the findings of their reading and to draw effective and realistic conclusions for their work.
When carrying out research it is vital that you conduct it professionally and ethically.
Verification: In the past we have had some students who have been unable to verify the source(s) of their data or the way in which they were collected. As a result of this you MUST meet the requirements outlined below.
Although this detail may not be presented in your research project due to issues of confidentiality and anonymity you must make sure that you keep records of the following in line with the Universitys research ethics policy.
Records of all sources of data.
Identify your sources including as much of the following information as possible:
Name and addresses of individuals contacted.
Their position within the organisation.
The address of the organisation head office.
Dates and times of contacts.
Signed consent forms.
The use of questionnaires carried out on a random basis in the street is usually discouraged in the project. Your supervisor is likely to ask you to look for alternative methods if you are considering this as an approach. If you do use this approach you must still collect as much of the data as possible from each respondent.
It is the intention of staff involved in the research project to follow up a random sample of primary research to confirm the information presented is accurate.
Ethics: the Universitys policy on research ethics is quite clear. All research should conform to some basic principles:
Beneficence do positive good; and
Non-maleficence do no harm.
The research should be assessed for potential risks concerning participants the interests of subjects and participants in the research should always come before those of the research itself.
Informed consent of participants
All participants should be given full and accurate information in order for them to decide whether to take part in the research or not. Example of Information sheet can be found on MyBeckett.
Confidentiality and anonymity
Explicit consent must be gained from participants in order to publish any information that may enable them to be identified. Examples of Consent forms can be found on MyBeckett.
(if the research involves a questionnaire then the consent form can be built into this, rather than requiring a separate consent form)
Please refer to the separate guidance on Research Ethics and submit the appropriate forms online as indicated via your MyBeckett module.
Click here to submit your research ethics forms online https://researchethics.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/auth?redirect=%2F
ETHICS FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED BEFORE ANY PRIMARY RESEARCH IS UNDERTAKEN. WE RECOMMEND THIS IS DONE AT LEAST EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE YOUR SUBMISSION DATE.
Any student without final ethics approval performing primary research or submitting work that includes primary research will be subject to investigation for unfair practice under the University Academic Regulations Section 10: Academic Integrity.
Before you begin your research; whether using primary sources (human subjects such as consumers, event managers, company employees etc.) or secondary sources (Twitter, TripAdvisor comments, newspapers or company websites etc.) you must complete your Research Ethics forms online, have your Research Ethics forms approved by your supervisor and then approved by the Local Research Ethics Coordinator
Please read the Leeds Beckett University Research Policy https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/-/media/files/policies/research-and-enterprise/upre_research_ethics_policy.pdfData Presentation, Analysis and Discussion
Present the data professionally, logically and clearly. There are two different methods suggested for this; either present your main findings separate from any analysis or discussion, or present your findings and discussion together.
As a general guideline it is likely that the former will be more appropriate for quantitative data and the latter for qualitative data. This is a guide not a rule you must follow, there will always be instances when either approach is appropriate. Make sure you discuss this with your supervisor.
The form of data analysis undertaken will vary according to how the project has been approached. Thus some research projects may involve highly quantitative analysis whereas others may utilise qualitative methods. The research methods programme will introduce you to various data analysis techniques.
The analysis needs to be appropriate for the study. For example, simple descriptive analysis may be acceptable in some instances but more sophisticated inferential analysis may be more appropriate and improve the quality of your findings. However you need to plan this in advance as collection of the wrong or insufficient data will make it difficult or impossible to conduct the required level of analysis.
Discussion of the significance of your results should consider:
comparisons with similar research and findings in the literature;
to what extent the data confirms or detracts from any theoretical framework developed in the literature review and/or used in your research;
whether your data collection methods may have affected the results;
practical and theoretical implications for firms, management, government bodies etc.
This section gives you the opportunity to evaluate your findings in context and thereby demonstrate your skills of evaluation, analysis and synthesis.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions (and possibly recommendations) are the final part of your work. They should follow naturally from the work done to this point and should summarise the key issues emerging from your work and set it in a wider context. Is it possible, for example, to generalise on the basis of your findings? You conclusion should do this without bringing in any new arguments. Keep it concise and focused on the implications of your findings.
Depending on the nature of the subject matter, you may wish to offer recommendations. These may be for the industry in terms of future action or for researchers considering a similar topic.
It is appropriate for you to suggest other, related, avenues for further consideration. This is not an afterthought to be tacked on to the end of the research project; it is a key element of the work that should not be left to the last minute.
References
All sources of information to which you refer must be cited using the Harvard referencing convention. You should already be fully conversant with this style; if not full guidelines are available in the library or on the intranet.
The reference list should not be a general list of publications on the topic. Only include those references to which you refer in the text, do not include sources read but not directly referred to.
Last word
The better projects do not merely follow a linear process and are not a diary of what you did. The finished written work represents a completed solution to (or recommendations for) an identified problem. This means that you will revisit all sections of the written work throughout the module possibly revising your aim and objectives at the end of the process. With this in mind do not use the future tense but write as though you have completed the work. Past or present tense is appropriate.
Further Assessment DetailsAssessment for the research project is based on the final completed thesis.
You will have had guidance about how to write your proposal for the Project within Research Methods.
Once proposals have been submitted they will usually be reviewed by the Course Research Project Co-ordinator and any appropriate colleagues for context specific elements. After reviewing your proposal you will be allocated a supervisor.
You must make arrangements to discuss with them immediately to start the research process. Where the proposal has not been passed you may be required to make changes before you start on your research.
The proposed title may change during the course of the work as might the methods employed or even the specific objectives.
Changing topics part way through will severely limit the time available and you are unlikely to achieve the necessary standard of work. Any request for alteration of the topic must be channelled through your Supervisor to the Course Research Project Co-ordinator.
Assessment of the research project will be based on the criteria listed later in this section. Each project will be double marked (supervisor plus one other member of staff) and the final mark may be the subject of scrutiny by the external examiner.
There may also be a confirmatory viva voce (interview) if necessary.
Guidance on formatting your Masters Research ProjectTyping should be one and a half line-spaced, except for extended quotations, which should be single-spaced and indented.
The left-hand margin should be a minimum of 40mm, and the remaining margins should be at least 20mm.
The font should be 12 point except for headings and titles.
Typing can be double sided.
All pages should be numbered.
At the front of the project there should be:
a title page giving:
the title of the research project, which should give a clear indication of the content
your name
the name of your course, for example MSc International Events Management"
the words Leeds Beckett University
the month and year of submission
Example: Title
Name
Presented as part of the requirement for the award of the
MSc/MA in .
Leeds Beckett University
Month, Year
a declaration page with the wording:
I, confirm that the work contained in this research project is my own work. It has not been previously published or submitted for assessment elsewhere.
I confirm that all other sources of information have been acknowledged in line with the regulations for referencing.
I confirm that I have fully complied with all University regulations regarding plagiarism and unfair practice.
I confirm that the word count for the dissertation is XXXX
Name:
Signature: ____________________ Date: ____________
an acknowledgements/dedications page (if desired).
an abstract of approximately 250 words outlining the main arguments
a contents page listing the page numbers of all sections/chapters
and including , if appropriate
a list of tables
a list of figures, including maps, diagrams, photographs, etc.
a list of appendices (to include evidence of ethical approval).
The nature of the content will inevitably vary depending upon the individual study. However, each project should normally include:
a background to the issue, explaining why it is important;
a clear statement of the research problem;
a review of relevant literature;
details of the methodology used;
the findings;
analysis and interpretation;
conclusions and recommendations or implications (possibly for theory, practice, policy, further research)
A bibliography of references (in Harvard style and only those you have referred to in the text.)
Numbering of pages begins with the Introduction to the report itself and not with the Title page, Acknowledgements and Contents. These pages are known as Prelims and if numbered should be given a different numbering from the main text e.g. (i) (ii) (iii) etc. (The title page should not be numbered.) Numbering should be at the bottom centre of each page.
The length of the research project should be a maximum of 14,000 words (excluding appendices). The word count starts at your introduction and finishes after your recommendations
It is considered part of the discipline of the Research Project to work within this word limit. Please pay attention to the maximum word-length for your assignment. You will not be penalised if you go slightly over the limit (up to 10%) but learning to write concisely is part of the discipline of producing a good, focussed essay or report. If your assignment is over-long we will not mark it and your work will be recorded as a non-submission. Appendices should be used sparingly, essential information should be included within the word count as content in the appendices is not assessed. The word limit excludes the list of references, appendices and assignment cover sheets.
The criteria for assessing the project are identified in Appendix B. Your research project will, therefore, be assessed on the extent to which it demonstrates:
The clarity of the rationale and focus. The level of internal consistency and the logical development of information to sustain arguments linking the research rationale, literature and findings indicating a high level of critical awareness of strengths and limitations of the research. Clarity of analysis and evaluation;
A comprehensive literature research and/or study of background information consistent with the stated aim of the research project;
An advanced understanding of the conceptual and theoretical perspectives and appreciation of methodological issues related to the research topic and has constructively criticised all major viewpoints illustrating awareness of strengths and limitations;
That the analysis and/or discussion of the collected data or information is logically sound and is relevant to an evaluation of any hypothesis offered and the degree to which the aims have been fulfilled;
That the presentation of the research project is in the approved manner with reference to format, argument, statistical information and analysis, appendices and referencing;
The project is demonstrably the student's own work.
Keeping in contact with your supervisor provides you with an opportunity to ensure that you are approaching your project in a manner that will increase your likelihood of meeting the assessment criteria.
Student Instructions for Submission of Coursework
This module requires you to submit your work online.
You MUST submit your work through MyBeckett using the link set up by the tutor Receipt of your work will be recorded.
Your "Turnitin assignments" in MyBeckett can be set up so that you can check your assignment yourself as you submit it. This checking is done by creating a "Similarity Report". If this report shows that there are some problems with your work, such as un-cited quotations, you should be able to make corrections and re-submit the work again before the due date. More information about Turnitin is available online here: http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/mybeckett/turnitinPlease note: Tutors will follow up any suspected breach of academic integrity found after the submission date as per University policy. Late penalties will apply as per University Regulations.
Particular Instructions to Students
Please read carefully the assessment and grade/marking descriptors overleaf:
Course Title(s): MSc International Events Management / MSc Sports Events Management
Module Title: Masters Research Project Level: 7
Assessment Title: Research Project Weighting: 100%
Criteria 100-86
Distinction 85-70
Distinction 69-60
Merit 59-50
Pass 49-40
Fail 39-0
Fail
Rationale, aims and objectives
1. Rationale, background & context clear and evidenced through reference to a range of sources.
2. Purpose & objectives clear, precise & focused on outcomes and not process. Objectives clearly fulfilled.
3. Range & scope of study appropriate & achievable within the constraints of the module.
Weighting
Primary research project 15%, Secondary research project 15% , Organization based project 15% Exceptional arguments, well-articulated & evidenced rationale, background & context. A novel & legitimate aim with appropriate objectives detailing what will be achieved Rationale, background & context very clear & evidenced through reference to a range of sources. A clear aim & appropriate objective
Rationale, background & context clear & evidenced through reference to a range of sources. Aim detailed with achievable objectives
Rationale, background & context included but lacking clarity/purpose. Some evidence provided through reference to sources. Aim & objectives presented but with issues of clarity and/or appropriateness Several deficiencies in rationale, background & context.
Little evidence/ justification provided. Unclear or inappropriate aim & objectives Major deficiencies in rationale, background & context. Very little or no evidence/justification provided.
Missing aim & objectives
Literature review
1. Thorough & appropriate selection of up-to-date source material. All material presented relevant & appropriate to the study.
2. Suitable range of sources used including research-based & academic sources.
3. Identification & discussion of relevant theories, conceptual frameworks or pragmatic studies.
4. Critical evaluation of the literature providing a basis on which to develop research methods and discuss the findings.
Primary research project 25%, Secondary research project 25% , Organization based project 15%
Extremely thorough & critical discussion of literature relevant to the area of study. Builds a strong basis for the methodology & creates a theoretical or conceptual framework for the research Thorough & appropriate selection of up-to-date source material. All material presented relevant & appropriate to the study with a very good level of critique. A very good basis for the methodology & theoretical underpinning for the research Appropriate selection of up-to-date source material. Most material presented is relevant & appropriate to the study with a good level of critique. A good basis for the methodology & a sound theoretical underpinning for the research Appropriate selection of source material. Material presented is relevant to the study with some level of critique but some inconsistencies. Some theoretical underpinning that links to further areas of research. Little use of appropriate selection of source material. Material presented is relevant to the study but with little critique. A high number of inconsistencies. Little theoretical underpinning that links to further areas of research. Very little or no use of appropriate selection of source material. Material presented is relevant to the study but with little critique. Major omissions throughout. Little or no theoretical underpinning that links to further areas of research.
Research design and methodology
1. Methodology and methods appropriate to the aims & objectives & fully explained & justified.
2. Development of suitable research instruments, sampling method and size.
3. Collection of sufficient data relevant to the aims & objectives of the study.
4. Critical evaluation of the research methods used and an awareness of the strengths & weaknesses of the study design & methods.
5. Discussion of ethical issues
Primary research project 20%, Secondary research project 15% , Organization based project 15%
Excellent explanation of methodology & methods appropriate to the aims & objectives. Fully explained & justified through reference to the literature review.
Excellent philosophical approach & research strategy designed to meet the aims & objectives of the study.
Development of suitable research instruments drawing upon previous research.
Critical evaluation of the research methods used, & an awareness of the strengths & weaknesses of the study design & methods
Very clear explanation of the sampling method used. Critique of the validity of this & the sample size.
Insightful consideration of ethical issues Very good explanation of methodology & methods appropriate to the aims & objectives. Well explained & justified through reference to the literature review.
Credible philosophical approach & research strategy designed to meet the aims & objectives of the study.
Development of suitable research instruments drawing upon previous research.
Critical evaluation of the research methods used, & an awareness of the strengths & weaknesses of the study design & methods
Clear explanation & critique of the sampling method & sample size.
Consideration of ethical issues Good explanation of methodology & methods appropriate to the aims & objectives. Explained & justified through reference to the literature review.
Philosophical approach & research strategy discussed to meet the aims & objectives of the study.
Development of suitable research instruments
Some critical evaluation of the research methods used,
Explanation of the sampling method & sample size appropriate for the study
Consideration of ethical issues Explanation of methodology & methods appropriate to the aims & objectives. Some errors.
Philosophical approach & research strategy presented but with some omissions.
Development of suitable research instruments but with some minor errors.
Sampling method & sample size considered but not in detail.
Ethical issues & limitations considered but not in detail. Little explanation of methodology & methods. Methods inappropriate to the aims & objectives. Poor discussion of philosophical approach & research strategy . Research instruments not developed or explained.
Inappropriate sampling method sample size.
Ethical issues & limitations not considered appropriately. Very little or no explanation of methodology & methods. Methods inappropriate to the aims & objectives. Very poor or no discussion of philosophical approach & research strategy.
Research instruments not developed or explained
No sampling method & sample size Ethical issues & limitations not considered.
Discussion of results,
Sufficient and appropriate data
Analytical & clearly focused discussion of the results, answering the aims & objectives.
Integration of results & literature review including the application of theory from the literature & evaluation of results
Primary research project 20%, Secondary research project 25% , Organization based project 25% Excellent reliable data obtained that is of sufficient quality & quantity for the study. Highly structured & focused analysis. High level of critical discussion of the findings answering the aims & objectives.
Excellent integration of results & literature review including the application of theory from the literature & evaluation of results Very good data obtained that is of sufficient quality & quantity for the study. Very well structured and focused analysis. Very good level of critical discussion of the findings answering the aims & objectives.
Very good integration of results & literature review including the application of theory from the literature & evaluation of results Sufficient data obtained for the study. Well-structured analysis. Good level of critical discussion of the findings answering the aims & objectives.
Good integration of results & literature review including the application of theory from the literature & evaluation of results Data obtained for the study that has value but is limited in quantity and/or quality. A structured analysis of the data with some critical discussion of the findings largely answering the aims & objectives.
Some integration of results & literature review including the application of theory from the literature & evaluation of results. Insufficient data & little analysis.
Unfocused or unsubstantiated discussion of the results,
Little integration of results & literature review Insufficient & inappropriate data
Very little or no analysis
No meaningful discussion of the results,
Very little or no integration of results & literature review
Conclusions & recommendations
Speaks to the target audience(s) (academic and/or practitioner)
Conclusions supported by the study methods used, the data collected, analysis & results.
Pragmatic, realistic recommendations firmly grounded in findings & conclusions.
Primary research project 10%, Secondary research project 10% , Organization based project 20%
Speaks to the target audience(s) (academic and/or practitioner)
Excellent drawing together of conclusions supported by the study methods used, the data collected, analysis & results.
Pragmatic, realistic recommendations firmly grounded in findings & conclusions.
Highly meaningful discussion of further research and limitations Very good drawing together of conclusions supported by the study methods used, the data collected, analysis & results.
Recommendations firmly grounded in findings & conclusions.
Very good discussion of further research and limitations Good drawing together of conclusions supported by the study methods used, the data collected, analysis & results.
Most recommendations grounded in findings & conclusions.
Good discussion of further research and limitations Some attempt at drawing together of conclusions supported by the study methods used, the data collected, analysis & results.
Some recommendations grounded in findings & conclusions.
Some discussion of further research and limitations Little attempt at drawing together of conclusions supported by the study methods used, the data collected, analysis & results.
Unsubstantiated recommendations
Little discussion of further research and limitations Very little or no attempt at drawing together of conclusions supported by the study methods used, the data collected, analysis & results.
No recommendations
Very little or no discussion of further research and limitations
Presentation, style and structure of the report
1. Clear, easy to follow & logical flow with relevant links between sections.
2. Conforms to specifications.
3. Clearly written in a confident, easy-to-follow style.
4. Spelling & grammar checked.
Primary research project 10%, Secondary research project 10% , Organization based project 10% Highly professional read. Extremely clear, easy to follow & logical flow with relevant links between sections.
Conforms exactly to specifications for referencing, font, headings etc.
Excellent attention to detail with very few spelling or grammar errors Professionally written in style. Very clear, easy to follow & logical flow with relevant links between sections.
Conforms to specifications for referencing, font, headings etc.
Very good attention to detail with few spelling or grammar errors Well written in a flowing style. Clear, easy to follow & logical flow with relevant links between sections.
Largely conforms to specifications for referencing, font, headings etc.
Good attention to detail with few spelling or grammar errors Writing style not always clear, easy to follow. Mainly logical flow with relevant links between sections.
Some errors in conforming to specifications for referencing, font, headings etc.
Needs greater attention to detail. Several spelling or grammar errors Poor writing style not clear or easy to follow.
Little flow between sections
Many errors in conforming to specifications for , font, headings etc.
Many spelling or grammar errors Very poor writing style not clear or easy to follow.
No between sections
Consistent errors with total lack of conforming to specifications for, font, headings etc.
Difficult to read due to the large number of spelling or grammatical errors
Referencing
Referencing is an important part of academic work and we expect you to reference your work correctly. If your work is not referenced correctly, you will have marks deducted for this. The penalty for this is up to 10 marks for every piece of work. If you have more than 6 marks deducted for poor referencing your work will be reviewed for a suspected breach of academic integrity (see Section 5: Understanding Your Assessment Responsibilities and Section 10 of the Academic Regulations).Word Counts
Where a word count is appropriate to the assessment, a rule of +/- 10% is imposed and submissions which fall outside the limit set will incur a penalty which will be a deduction of 10% (Title Page, Contents, Reference List and Appendices are excluded from the word count).
Student name:
Criteria and WeightingPRIVATE Weighting for type of project 100-70 69-60 59-50 49-40 39-0
Primary research project Secondary research project Organization based project Distinction Merit Pass Fail Fail
Rationale, aims and objectives
1. Rationale, background & context clear and evidenced through reference to a range of sources.
2. Purpose & objectives clear, precise & focused on outcomes not process. Objectives clearly fulfilled.
3. Range & scope of study appropriate & achievable within the constraints of the module. 15% 15% 15% Mark range and comments Literature review
1. Thorough & appropriate selection of up-to-date source material. All material presented relevant & appropriate to the study.
2. Suitable range of sources used including research-based & academic sources.
3. Identification & discussion of relevant theories, conceptual frameworks or pragmatic studies.
4. Critical evaluation of the literature providing a basis on which to develop research methods and discuss the findings. 25% 25% 15% Mark range and comments
Research design and methodology
1. Methodology and methods appropriate to the aims & objectives & fully explained & justified.
2. Development of suitable research instruments, sampling method and size.
3. Collection of sufficient data relevant to the aims & objectives of the study.
4. Critical evaluation of the research methods used and an awareness of the strengths & weaknesses of the study design & methods.
5. Discussion of ethical issues 20% 15% 15% Mark Range and comments
Criteria and WeightingPRIVATE Weighting for type of project 100-70 69-60 59-50 49-40 39-20
Primary research project Secondary research project Organization based project Excellent Good Satisfactory Poor Very Poor
Discussion of results,
Sufficient and appropriate data
Analytical & clearly focused discussion of the results, answering the aims & objectives.
Integration of results & literature review including the application of theory from the literature & evaluation of results 20% 25% 25% Mark range and comments Conclusions & recommendations
Speaks to the target audience(s) (academic and/or practitioner)
Conclusions supported by the study methods used, the data collected, analysis & results.
Pragmatic, realistic recommendations firmly grounded in findings & conclusions. 10% 10% 20% Mark range and comments Presentation, style and structure of the report
1. Clear, easy to follow & logical flow with relevant links between sections.
2. Conforms to specifications.
3. Clearly written in a confident, easy-to-follow style.
4. Spelling & grammar checked. 10% 10% 10%
Mark range and comments Mark range and comments
Research ethics form included and approved Yes No
Additional comments
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Understanding Your Assessment Responsibilities
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Topic- Impact of covid 19 on entertainment industry.
Hi Gourav
Thanks for getting back to me. Post-Covid impact is a good starting point but you will need to find a focused topic area, context and theory within it to allow you to manage a research project. You need to be a bit careful as we are 2 years beyond Covid so it not the main focus for people and businesses it once was but effects are still being felt. I would suggest that understanding longer-term changes in consumer behaviour is probably an easier and more meaningful topic to focus on, as opposed to economic impact, mainly because there are lots of other economic factors effecting events businesses (inflation, interest rates etc) which are hard to separate out. You may well mention the impact of changes in consumer behaviour on business without making it a central part of the study.
Alternatively you can look at how a specific type of events business (eg music venue/event organiser) in a particular sector and location has been effected since the 2021 re-opening and what issues they are facing and what they have done to deal with the new operating environment, but I worry that many would not be very open as to their challenges and solutions (as an example I have a friend who used to own 2 medium sized music festivals and has had to sell them to a major corporation as a result of cost and cash-flow issues post-pandemic, but remains as their manager. She might tell me this in confidence but in public she is still in charge and wouldnt talk about it publicly as the festivals still trade on being independent)
The important things to think about
A specific context the entertainment Industry is very broad, you would need to think of a particular events sector within it (eg music events (Concerts); music festivals; event cinema; family leisure events or what ever you are most interested in yourself really) and within that what specific sub-sector (what type of music events eg live music, nightclubs and within that what type of live music, what type of nightclub) and also think of a relevant location to study (City, Region or Country). I would chose something that you are interested in and knowledgeable about yourself, and something which where it is easy to get access to relevant people to study.
Target group this is related to the above point but try to be clear (and as focused/narrow) as possible about the location and people whose behaviour you are looking to study. Try to select a single target group: think about a particular demographic in terms of age and income as there will be very different responses across groups. In my experience running events since the pandemic younger people have been much quicker to return to events but have suffered much more from financial pressures in the last 12 months, whereas older groups have become much more settled at home or attending smaller private events despite having more disposable income and it has been much harder to get them to return to pre-pandemic behaviours.
Population When doing a research project you need to be clear as to who you will be involving in your research and whether they will be able to give you a full picture of what you are trying to find out. Event organisers can tell you how they have seen their business change but they wont have a complete picture of customer behaviour change as they cant know about the broader group of who doesnt come, or why they dont come.
Access - You say industry professionals but you need to be confident that you will be able to get them to complete your survey. Think about what research will be easy and who is likely to respond. It can be much easier to get consumers within a target group to respond to a survey as there are many more of them and many ways or getting to them. If you are relying in business owners then its a risk as they might not respond. Again as an example I am doing my PhD on small music venues and music promoters in Leeds, I sector I worked in for 20 years and people I know pretty well, and Im struggling to get them to respond to me as they are more concerned with their own businesses than my research. You also need to think about time of year, any group involving festivals and outdoor events is going to be very very busy between now and September and not likely to respond. Any group that isnt looks to the summer as quiet time and may be on long holidays.
Theory A good research project is based in theory and looks to either explore an existing theory or use a theory to explore an observed phenomenon. You need to think what the basis for your study is. Consumer behaviour is very much a marketing concept so you would need to find some aspect of marketing theory (text books are probably a better starting point than journals) that you can base you research on what does the theory say about how consumers make decision and does this help explain why things have changed post-covid.
I think the final point to make is that the Research Project is mainly to see whether you can put together a study that works in terms of following a good structure and having clear links between a well-defined context (introduction) a clearly identified theoretical foundation (literature review) leading to a clear research approach (methodology) and results that are discussed in terms of the literature (results). You dont have to discover anything ground-breaking or complex. Simple and focused is always better. So my advice is to think about who you can get access to and study them in the context of the subject you are interested in. If that is students or international students in Leeds or the UK or indeed India if that is easier for you to get access to, then do that. If you have access to business owners or manager and are confident they will respond to you then go ahead, but make your life as easy as possible.
Have a think and get back to me. It would be good to catch up in TEAMS in next couple of weeks and of course feel free to ask me anything via email. Once you have a better defined topic we can look a bit more closely at the different sections and also your timeline.#
Kind Regards
