QUSU08042 2019 Research Methods and Dissertation
Full Title
Research Methods and Dissertation
Transcript Title
Research Methods & Dissertatio
Code
QUSU08042
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
QUSU - 0732 Quantity Surveying
Department
CENG - Civil Eng. and Construction
Level
08 - Level 8
Credit
10 - 10 Credits
Duration
Stage
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Sean McGagh
Programme Membership
SG_JQUAN_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying
SG_JQUAN_K08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying
SG_JQNTY_K08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying
SG_SREAL_K08 202200 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Real Estate Development and Valuation
SG_SFACI_K08 202200 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Facilities and Building Services Management (Add-on)
SG_SFABI_K08 202300 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Facilities and Building Services Management
Description
This module requires students to propose an original research problem on a topic of relevance to the quantity surveying discipline. With the support of research theory and under the supervision of an assigned quantity surveying supervisor, students will navigate the complete research process culminating in the production of a dissertation.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Identify and formulate a research problem and generate related research question(s)
2.
Discuss and take instruction and act upon tutor advice
3.
Articulate the aims of the investigation
4.
Produce a well-focused literature review
5.
Apply appropriate theoretical approaches and methodology(ies)
6.
Collect relevant data and analyse them in light of the research questions
7.
Present findings in a coherent and logical manner
8.
Synthesise relevant conclusions from the body of research and analysis
9.
Present a self‑contained document in an academically acceptable manner
10.
Defend the content and findings of the dissertation at an oral examination
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Lectures
One-to-one supervision
Presentations
Oral Vivas
Module Assessment Strategies
Product and Process Assessment
Repeat Assessments
As Marks and Standards
Indicative Syllabus
Scientific study, critical investigation, role of the supervisor, time management
Selecting a topic, narrowing the focus, framing a research question, aims, objectives.
Academic writing – style, layout, presentation and format
Literature review – Rationale, sources, critiquing an article, plagiarism, citations, referencing
Methodology – theoretical frameworks, methodology selection, ethics, analysis, validity, reliability.
Data collection methods, manipulation - questionnaires, interviews, document analysis, populations, sampling, statistical methods, analysis and interpretation, presentation of findings.
Data analysis and discussion
Conclusion and synthesis
Structure - Abstract, introduction, literature, methodology, analysis, discussion, conclusion and bibliography
Oral viva
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dissertation | Project | Project | 100 % | End of Year | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Research Methods | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Tutorial | Flat Classroom | Research Methods | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
| Independent Learning | Not Specified | Research Methods | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours
Online Learning Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Lecture | Not Specified | Research Methods | 1.5 | Weekly | 1.50 |
| Directed Learning | Not Specified | Research Methods | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
| Independent Learning | Not Specified | Research Methods | 5 | Weekly | 5.00 |
Total Online Learning Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 1.50 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Recommended Reading
2016-05-31 Writing Built Environment Dissertations and Projects John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781118921920 ISBN-13 1118921925
2016-05-31 Writing Built Environment Dissertations and Projects John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781118921920 ISBN-13 1118921925
Revised editon of: Writing a built environment dissertation. 2011.
Recommended Reading
2015-07-07 Research Methods for Construction John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781118915745 ISBN-13 1118915747
2015-07-07 Research Methods for Construction John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781118915745 ISBN-13 1118915747
This new edition of a valued guide for construction students will: instil rigour into your problem solving and the production of reports and publications is one of the few books to provide guidance on research formulation, methodologies, and methods specifically for construction students has been extended in scope to cover many areas of debate, e.g. research ethics, and quantitative & qualitative research
Recommended Reading
2012-07-23 Dissertation Research and Writing for Construction Students Routledge
ISBN 9780415538442 ISBN-13 0415538440
2012-07-23 Dissertation Research and Writing for Construction Students Routledge
ISBN 9780415538442 ISBN-13 0415538440
User-friendly, easy to dip into guide for all Built Environment students Takes the reader from the stage of choosing a topic to writing a well-structured dissertation Best case practice illustrated with numerous examples, case studies and references. Dissertation Research and Writing for Construction Students covers topic selection, research planning, data collection and methodology, as well as structuring and writing the dissertation - in fact, everything needed for a successful write-up. A new section advising students on the use of the SPSS software 'Statistical Package for Social Sciences' will help readers make the best use of this tool. New examples and references ensure that this new edition of the bestselling construction dissertation guide is right up to speed with current practice. This is the ideal resource for students involved in research in Construction Management, Building and Quantity Surveying.
Recommended Reading
2014-08-01 Doing Your Research Project: A Guide For First-Time Researchers McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN 9780335264469 ISBN-13 0335264468
2014-08-01 Doing Your Research Project: A Guide For First-Time Researchers McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN 9780335264469 ISBN-13 0335264468
Doing your Research Project is the market leading book for students across the social sciences conducting small scale research projects.
Recommended Reading
2011 Real World Research Wiley-Blackwell
ISBN 1405182415 ISBN-13 9781405182416
2011 Real World Research Wiley-Blackwell
ISBN 1405182415 ISBN-13 9781405182416
Real world research is a common responsibility of professionals and practitioners in a wide range of both public and private settings. These include teachers, social workers and health service professionals, managers and specialists in business, architects, designers, criminologists and accountants among many others. Real World Research provides a clear route-map of the various steps needed to carry out a piece of applied research to a high professional standard. It is accessible to those without a social science background while providing rigorous and fully up-to-date coverage of contemporary issues and debates. It brings together materials and approaches from different social science disciplines, seeing value in both quantitative and qualitative approaches, as well as their combination in mixed-method designs. Updated throughout, the third edition includes: A brand new chapter on multi-strategy designs Increased coverage of ethical issues A chapter on writing a project proposal Discussion of internet-based research - both as a research tool and as a subject for research Coverage of evidence-based approaches - seeking to present a balanced assessment of their value Colin Robsons bestselling textbook is essential reading for many higher education courses, at both undergraduate, taught postgraduate and doctoral level, as well as practitioners and others carrying out a research project as part of their job. A very extensive website, which is closely keyed in to the text, provides additional resources including copious examples of research and further discussion of research issues, links to other useful resources and selected journal articles, annotated lists of further reading and an extensive set of PowerPoint slides.
Recommended Reading
2000 Writing Your Dissertation How To Books Ltd
ISBN 185703662X ISBN-13 9781857036626
2000 Writing Your Dissertation How To Books Ltd
ISBN 185703662X ISBN-13 9781857036626
Almost all advanced educational courses require a dissertation or project. Now in the 3rd edition, this book offers a plain guide to ways of producing an excellent dissertation with the least stress and frustration.
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
N/A
Journal Resources
N/A
URL Resources
https://citethemrightonline-com.ezproxy.itsligo.ie/
https://library.itsligo.ie/academic-writing/
https://library.itsligo.ie/research-skills/
https://library.itsligo.ie/referencing/
Other Resources
Quantity Surveying Dissertation Handbook (updated annually)
Additional Information
N/A