QLTY09036 2019 Research Thesis

Survey, summarise, present, explain and critically discuss current issues, knowledge and theory relating to an area of Quality Management & Quality Technology using suitable referencing skills.

Demonstrate the ability to plan, execute and monitor an individual research investigation with appropriate attention to the theoretical and practical aspects of the topic.

Analyse, critically evaluate, present and discuss research outcomes in a logical and systematic manner, setting them in the context of previous research.

Communicate the importance of these research outcomes in the context of current knowledge and understanding of the topic

Present a critical comparison of the strengths and failings of the research undertaken with respect to the strengths and failings of previous research.

Produce a written report of their research and its conclusions that is appropriate to a Masters degree level.

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Method of Assessment:

Two staff members will assess the dissertation independently and a consensus will be reached as to the overall assessment mark. Should this prove impossible then a third staff member will assess the dissertation. The external examiners will be informed of Theses that prove difficult to agree a mark and may be asked to arbitrate. The two assessors may conduct a Viva examination.

The research thesis should demonstrate:

• the ability to present research clearly and coherently in the research thesis, with appropriate use of language and graphical presentation.

• evidence of a systematic and wide ranging literature search, and of critical understanding of that literature;

• appropriate use of methodology and techniques involved in planning and undertaking the project, including a reasoned justification of the choice of methodology and techniques.

• ability to analyse the information collected, to evaluate those results and to summarise appropriate conclusions and recommendations.

Dissertation Marks are allocated as follows:

Secondary Research 35%

Primary Research 25%

Research Methodology 10%

Conclusions and Recommendations 10%

The presentation of the research report 10%

Formal Presentation & Continuous Assessment 10%

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 Project Selection

The project will be in a quality management & technology related area. Dissertation selection will involve academic/industrial liaison to confirm appropriate depth and scope and adequate limitations. An appropriate research proposal will be agreed with the supervisor prior to any in-depth research activity.

Secondary Research

The students should compile a body of knowledge on their selected topic. This will involve a literature search. The students are expected to review and critically evaluate the existing body of knowledge.

Primary Research & Research Methodology

The primary research of the dissertation provides an opportunity for the students to analyse and evaluate their research findings and relate these to the existing body of knowledge. The students are expected to explain and document their research methodology.

Project Supervision

The student will be allocated a research supervisor and they will meet regularly throughout the year. The supervisor will provide guidance about undertaking the research, including appropriate methods and techniques. Guidance will also be provided on the standard of work expected. A progress review will be undertaken by the Supervisor at the end of the first Semester.

Plagiarism

In order to minimise plagairism and to ensure that the implication of such an action are fully understood, the student is required to make the following statement:

By inserting my name below, I declare that this material, which I now submit for award, is my own work and that any assistance I received in its preparation is fully acknowledged and disclosed in the document. To the best of my knowledge and belief, all sources have been properly acknowledged, and the assessment task contains no plagiarism.

I understand that plagiarism, collusion, and/or copying is a grave and serious offence in the Institute and am aware that penalties could include a zero mark for this module, suspension or expulsion from IT Sligo.

I acknowledge that this submission may be transferred and stored in a database for the purposes of data-matching to help detect plagiarism. I declare that this document was prepared by me for the purpose of partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree programme I am registered on at IT Sligo. I also declare that this work, or any part of it, has not been previously submitted by me or any other person for assessment on this or any other course of study either at IT Sligo or another college.