Posted: September 13th, 2017

The development of the toy industry in China in last decade

The development of the toy industry in China in last decade

ow once you find the 2 journal articles and one book chapter, I need to have a look before you start write. (It is very important)

This examines the learning outcomes of:
•    Identifying and critically examining the  methods used in management research;
•    Conducting a literature review

Brief

Choose a research question.
Find 2 journal articles in peer reviewed journals and one book chapter relevant to your question.
The journal articles must come from 2 different journals.  One should be published in 2007 or later.
The journal articles should use contrasting methods,one focus on qualitative and the other focus on quantitative methods.
The book chapter should be published after 2000.
Use the template below to make notes on your three sources.  Your notes should be appended to your review, but are not included in the word count.
Write a review to show how the three sources inform the research question.
The review will include:
•    A research question – suitable for a project conducted by a student over a period of three months.  (10%)
•    A critical synthesis of the relevant information in the three sources and its implication for your research question and methods. (70%)
•    A conclusion which includes a refined set of research questions based on the literature analysed . (20%)
(suggested % of word count)

Marking criteria
•    The selection and critical synthesis of information in three relevant sources, with reference to their methodological assumptions and the application of research methods.
•    Correct referencing of the primary and secondary sources.

Template to make notes on your three sources
Reference – as it would appear in a journal paper
1 Purpose of author [aims of the paper]
2 Discipline / affiliation of author
3 Methods [full details]
4 Conclusions
5 The source that led me to the reference [include how you found it using literature search web sites]
6 Insights for me [what is interesting]
7 Points I agree with
8 Points I disagree with.  Justify points you disagree with by considering how the choice and implementation of methods may have affected the results.
9 Quotations I may wish to use in my review
Source: Huff, A. (2009) Designing Research for Publication.  London: Sage. P. 156.

Word limit and penalty: 2000 words.  For every 1% (or part thereof) of the length of a submissions above the word limit there will be a penalty applied of a reduction of 1 mark, in absolute terms, from the percentage mark given for that particular piece of work.

•    The word count applies to the main text, references within the text and quotations.
•    It does not include the title of the assignment, the list of references at the end of the assignment and the three templates recording the information in your three sources [which will be in an appendix].
•    Your word count on the submitted assignment should relate to the main text, references within the text and quotations.

Assignments must be your own work.
See guidance notes in the programme handbooks if you need clarification on this point.
Your assignments must be submitted to the turnitin programme, on the same day as you submit a hard copy to the student experience office.

If staff  need to check your essay is your own work they may interview you to test your understanding, or ask to see earlier drafts.  If you use a proof reader you must keep a copy of the version you wrote yourself as we may need to see this.

Assessment criteria:
Master’s Level Standards
The University has determined the minimum requirements for a master’s student. Such a student should be able to demonstrate:
•    An ability to critically evaluate current research, methodologies and scholarship and where appropriate propose new hypotheses;
•    An ability to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively;
•    A comprehensive understanding of relevant knowledge and applicable techniques which are at the forefront of their academic disciplines, field of study or professional practice;
•    Independent thought.

Specific assessment criteria related to the literature review and the exam:

70 and above

Literature review:
Completely meeting the brief.  A critical evaluation, contrast and synthesis of the sources.   A detailed critique of the information with reference to the selection and application of research methods used in its generation, and to the methodological assumptions underpinning this; all demonstrated in the structured recording of review material.  A depth of argument to explore nuances in theory or evidence informed by reading around the subject. A critical synthesis of the material focussed on the research question and written at a publishable standard, including referencing.

Exam
This answer will demonstrate an informed judgement in correctly applying research methods theory to the case; considering the merits of alternative approaches with reference to theory, methodology, and the practicalities of the research situation.  A depth of argument exploring nuances in theory.

60 – 69

Literature review:
Meeting the brief.   A critical evaluation, contrast and synthesis of the sources.   A detailed critique of the information with reference to the selection and application of research methods used in its generation, demonstrated in the structured recording of review material.  Evidence of some additional reading around the subject of research methods. A critical synthesis of the material focussed on the research question.  Incomplete detail in the critique of methods / underdeveloped research questions.  Minor errors in presentation.

Exam:
An informed judgement in correctly applying research methods theory to the case; considering the merits of alternative approaches with reference to theory, and the practicalities of the research situation.  Minor errors in application of theory.

50-59
pass

Literature review:
Meeting the brief.   A critical evaluation, contrast and synthesis of the sources.   A critique of the information with reference to the selection and application of research methods used in its generation, demonstrated in the structured recording of review material.  A synthesis of the material focussed on the research question.  Theory limited to that from one or two basic text books. Incomplete detail in the critique of methods, possible errors in application of research methods theory or underdeveloped research questions.  Errors in presentation.

The pass level must demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the sources with reference to research methods theory.

Exam:
The pass level must apply research methods theory to the case; rather than merely reporting the strengths and weaknesses of particular methods without reference to the particular case details and the practicalities of the research situation.  More significant errors in application of theory.

40 – 49

Literature review:
Does not meet the brief.   An inability to critically evaluate the sources with reference to research methods theory. Different methods are not contrasted.  An underdeveloped critique of the information with reference to the selection and application of research methods used in its generation; not demonstrated in the structured recording of review material.  Errors in application of theory and in presentation.

Exam:
Research methods theory is not applied to the particular case details and the practicalities of the research situation.  Possibly limited to the reproduction of course notes. Significant errors in application of theory.

39 and below

Literature review:
Does not meet the brief.   No ability to critically evaluate the sources with reference to research methods theory. No critique of the information with reference to the selection and application of research methods used in its generation.  Major errors in application of theory and in presentation.

Exam:
Research methods theory is not applied to the case details and the practicalities of the research situation.  Significant errors in reproduction of basic theory.

In all assessed work credit is not given if the English expression is not sufficient to clearly understand the meaning.  Credit is not given if the meaning has to be deduced.  Precise expression is particularly important in describing details of research methods where one incorrect word can significantly change the meaning.