Assessment 3
This assessment task requires you to write the first three chapters of your honours research
thesis. This assessment tests your achievement of the following Course and Program
Learning Outcomes:
Course Learning Outcomes:
• Identify a research problem
• Systematically undertake a research inquiry which meets established ethical
guidelines and principles
• Analyse and synthesise relevant literature and produce a literature review
• Select and apply an appropriate research methodology
• Plan an approach to primary and/or secondary data collection
Program Learning Outcomes:
• Determine and apply discipline and theoretical knowledge to your professional practice
and/or further study
• Professionally communicate to a range of audiences utilising diverse formats and
strategies, demonstrating in depth knowledge of the discipline and responsiveness to
the needs of diverse stakeholders
• Apply logical, critical and creative thinking to analyse, synthesise and apply theoretical
knowledge, and technical skills, to formulate evidenced based solutions to industry
problems or issues
• Utilise appropriate methods and techniques to design and /or execute a theory-
research based or professionally- focused research project demonstrating capacity for
independent and collaborative learning, addressing real world industry issues
• Collaborate effectively with others and demonstrate intellectual independence and
autonomy to solve problems and/or address industry issues and imperatives
• Critically examine and reflect on the profession, in local and/or global contexts, and
question accepted interpretations and decision making
INSTRUCTIONS – OVERVIEW
This assessment task requires you to write the first three chapters of your honours research
thesis. Please follow the structure as provided below:
——-Prescribed Thesis Structure—————————————————————————–
Title Page
• Student name
• Project title and Date
• Academic supervisor and industry mentor
• Name of School and University
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction (~1200 words)
1.1 Introduction and Background
1.2 Problem Statement/Research Rationale
1.3 Aims and Objectives/Research Questions
1.4. Limitations of Research
Chapter 2: Literature Review (~4000 words)
2.1 Introduction
2.2, 2.3, 2.4 At least three subheadings, could be more
2.5 Summary
Chapter 3: Research Methodology (~1200 words)
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Research Methodology
3.3 Research Methods and Data Sources
3.4 Summary
References (Harvard Style) (Not included in the word limit)
Appendix
(*Word count is a guide only and may change based on your particular research and
advice from your supervisor)
———————————————————————————————————————–
You have some flexibility in the required thesis structure above in the sections indicated
through the italic font. For example, you may decide to merge the sub-chapters 1.1, 1.2., and
1.3 and/or you can have further sub-chapters under each subheading as required.
INSTRUCTIONS – FURTHER DETAILS
Generally
Make sure you review and understand the marking rubric at the end of this document.
Background/Introduction
• Discuss research and industry context and background information
• Consider terminology: Are there terms you should define for your audience?
Problem statement/Research rationale
• What is the problem?
• Why is it an important problem and how it relates to the industry?
• How does your research address this problem?
Aims and objectives/Research questions
• Clearly state your aims and objectives and/or research question(s)
• Make sure the question cannot be answered with a Yes or No.
Literature review
The key purpose of your literature review is to enable you to identify the existing knowledge
that you can build on and the research gaps and problems that relate to your research topic.
The aim is to situate your topic in the context of current literature. In doing so, you will need to
develop and apply literature searching skills to identify relevant academic publications.
The aims of your literature review are to:
• Provide background information needed to understand and frame your research topic
• Demonstrate familiarity with the important research which has been done in your topic
area
• Identify how your research can and will build on existing knowledge
• Critically evaluate independently sourced peer reviewed articles and construct a
coherent argument supporting your research topic.
Remember, that when writing a literature review you are not simply listing peer reviewed
articles that have some connection to your research topic. Instead, you are analysing these
articles and discussing their relevance by critically evaluating their content within the context
of your own research topic. Good literature reviews bring articles together to support an
underpinning narrative that justifies the research you are undertaking.
In completing your literature review you will address these aims using an academic writing
style that is clear and concise.
Research methodology
Discuss your overall research methodology that you plan to adopt. For each of the research
methods in your methodology, discuss why you picked it and what data/information sources
you plan and how you plan to analyse the data/information. Ensure you make it clear how your
research methodology will help you answer your research question.
Referencing and formatting
You must use citations (using RMIT’s Harvard format) to acknowledge authorship and include
a complete reference list (using RMIT’s Harvard format) in the reference section.
All sources must be referenced appropriately, and all figures and tables must be numbered,
titled and integrated into the body of the report.
