A SSESSMENT 2 BRIEF
Subject Code and Title IAP607 Independent Critical Analysis Project
Assessment Group consultancy report
Individual/Group Group (3 max.)
Length 4,000 – 5,000 words (+/- 10%)
Learning Outcomes This assessment addresses the following Subject Learning Outcomes:
a) Critically reflect upon and apply disciplinary methods and approaches in the design of the hotel analysis.
b) Critically review the literature as it applies to the hotel analysis.
c) Collect and synthesise data using appropriate consultancy tools.
d) Critically reflect upon and interpret information to reach meaningful conclusions and make recommendations.
e) Communicate the hotel analysis in appropriate academic language and structure.
Submission Due by 11.55pm ACST/ACDT/AEST/AEDT Friday of Week 9
Weighting 50%
Total Marks 100 marks
Context
In this capstone subject, students have the opportunity to demonstrate the core attributes of written communication, information literacy, synthesis of complex information, and logical and critical thinking. This is achieved by completing a substantive piece of analysis, supported by research and based on experiential learning, to achieve the analysis of an actual business problem.
This subject enables students to independently undertake a research project based on the analysis of an actual business problem that holds relevance to the hospitality industry. Students will submit a research report based on the finalised and approved research proposal in BRH606 Business Research for Hoteliers.
Task Instructions
Each project has its own individual characteristics therefore the following is provided as a general guide to structuring a final report. If you feel you need to structure your report in a way that is very different to the general structure outlined below, please discuss it with your lecturer before proceeding.
Abstract (approx. 150- words, not included in the word count, numbered as Page i).
• Research problem and context
• Research methods
• Main findings
• Implications
• Limitations and recommendations for future research
Table of Contents (not included in the word count, numbered as Page ii).
• Each heading should correspond to a page number. Use the Table of Content function in Word to create this.
List of Tables and Figures (not included in the word count, numbered as Page ii).
• Only required if you have tables or figures in your report.
List of Appendices (not included in word count, numbered as Page ii)
1. Introduction (10% - approx. 400 words, numbered as Page 1).
• Background to the research, including the research problem.
• Include essential information about the firm.
• Research aim and objectives.
• Significance of the research - What is important about this research? What benefit will it bring to the business and/or advancement of theoretical knowledge?
• Scope of the report - This section explains what will be covered in the report. State the major sections and sub- sections of your report (tell the reader what is to come).
2. Literature Review (15% - approx. 600 words)
The literature review, drawn from relevant and credible sources, should demonstrate a strong understanding of relevant concepts to your chosen the research problem for this project. Literature reviews synthesis a significant amount of information while engaging critically (e.g., raising critiques about previously published work) with the content. Your literature review must identify a gap and how your research problem is positioned against existing theoretical knowledge and state why your research is relevant.
Ensure that all sources of information are referenced and citations are used in-text. To supplement 12 quality and relevant academic references, credible industry sources can be added to contextualise the industry environment of your identified business situation, strengthen your argument about the topic and evaluate relevant industry knowledge. Credible industry sources include industry publications, company reports including those of competitors, credible newspaper articles, and secondary data sets from the ABS, Tourism Australia, Tourism NSW, World Tourism Organisation, national tourist offices (NTOs). Your literature review should make it clear the relevance and value of the research you completed (this is often achieved through a clear articulation of the research gap).
3. Methodology (25% - approx. 1000 words)
Write in the past tense. Clearly explain how you have collected primary data to complete your project.
It is important that all decisions are clearly identified, justified and supported by literature.
• Introduction: Give a brief introduction to this section of the report
• Research Methodology: Detailed explanation of the methodology and theoretical background to the research. Justification for methodological decisions.
• Population and Sample: Detailed description of population and sample and sampling technique.
• Data Collection: Description and justification of data collection methods. Any issues encountered and how they were dealt with.
• Data Analysis: Detailed description of data analysis processes and procedures. What process, tools, software and/or tests you used.
• Measures of Good Research: Justify the quality of your research by describing the criteria (e.g., reliability, validity, transferability, etc.) and strategies (e.g., triangulation, reflexivity member checking, etc.)
• Limitations: discuss the limitations you experienced in conducting your research. How has this impacted the quality of your research?
4. Findings and discussions (35% - approx. 1400 words)
Present a clear and logical outline of the key findings. In the discussion, demonstrate how your findings relate to your research objectives or questions. Provide data to evidence the findings you have derived. Support your argument with citations from the literature (academic and industry). Make sure it is clear what information comes from your investigation and what comes from other research.
5. Conclusion and Recommendations (15% - approx. 600 words) Conclusion:
Make reasonable and/or logical conclusions because of the research you have conducted. This can be organised by the suggestions that following or in a way that best fits the study you have conducted.
Some examples of what to address are:
• A brief summary of your research project including the value/justification
• Responses to research objectives - How did your research respond to the research question and to each of the objectives?
Recommendations:
Using bullet points, make recommendations that can be directly derived from the study you have conducted
• From your study, what solutions can you recommend for the business problem you first identified?
• How can hotel businesses or the hotel industry use the knowledge you have gained from conducting this study?
• What areas of research or new research question would you recommend be pursued next? Ensure that your recommendations are feasible (that they are affordable and practical for the hotel/business to implement).
References (not included in the word count)
• The references you employ will be assessed for their quality (e.g., credible academic sources) and relevance to your topic (e.g., articles that relate to the study topic, drawn from an appropriate field, like hospitality, hotel management, tourism, leisure, and/or come from a relevant or relatable context such as the same or similar country of study)
• Provide a full reference list using APA 7th edition Academic Writing Guide referencing style.
• Students must refer, in text, to a minimum of 12 academic sources (e.g., journal articles or academic texts), plus additional industry reports, as required.
• It is likely you will have 24+ references in this project since you are expected to expand on the material from a BRH606 final research proposal in this course.
Appendices (not included in the word count)
Depending on the methodology, please include the following in appendices:
• Data collection tool – survey questionnaire/interview questions/observation protocol.
• Transcript of interview with key informant.
• Interviewee consent form (de-identified).
• Results analysis: Tables/graphs (if they are not embedded in the text).
Each appendix must start on a fresh page and be numbered A, B, C or 1, 2, 3. All appendices must be referred to within the body of the work.
Group Contract and Peer Evaluation Instructions
At the beginning of the term/project:
• All students taking part in a group assessment should draw up and sign a group contract using the template provided on Blackboard, in the Assessments section. This step should be completed at least two weeks prior to your assessment due date. Your Learning Facilitators may ask to review the contracts when deemed necessary (for example, when there is a lack of progress or conflict among group members).
During the project:
• You should keep records of communication and drafts. Any serious concerns about individual group member’s contribution should be brought to the attention of your Learning Facilitator as soon as they occur or at least two weeks before the due date, whichever is earlier.
At the end of the project/assessment submission:
• When submitting your group assessment, you are required to attach the group contract as an appendix of your submission. You are reminded not to ‘recycle’ (self-plagiarise) contracts from other assessments. Sections on deliverables, timeline and expectations, in particular, should be unique to each assessment or project. Self-plagiarism constitutes a breach of Academic Integrity and can lead to penalties to the assessment or subject.
• The group contract accounts for 10% of your assessment grade, as indicated in the marking rubric. The group contract will be assessed based on its effectiveness in stipulating targets, plans and expectations. It should be clear, realistic and appropriate for the nature of the project.
• A peer evaluation form is available on Blackboard in the Assessments section. This can be used when you feel there was unequal or unfair contribution from other group member(s) which you would like to raise with your Learning Facilitator. You must provide clear supporting evidence (e.g. records of communication and drafts) and email it to your Learning Facilitator together with a completed peer evaluation form by the assessment due date. Otherwise, the allegations will be dismissed.
• If you have been accused of not contributing equally or fairly to a group assessment, you will be contacted by your Learning Facilitator and given three working days to respond to the allegation and provide supporting evidence. If there is no response within three working days of contact, your Learning Facilitator will determine an appropriate mark based on the evidence available. This may differ from the mark awarded to your group members and would reflect your contribution in terms of quantity and quality of work.
Submission Instructions
1. To be submitted as an MS Word file according to the submission deadline stated on Page 1.
2. A TUA Group Assignment Cover Sheet is to be attached to your submission.
3. Only one copy of the report is to be submitted, with names of all group members listed on the cover sheet.
4. A minimum of 12 credible sources including academic journal articles, textbooks and supporting industry/professional references. Of these 12 sources, a minimum of 8 academic references are required. Lecture notes are unacceptable as a form of research.
5. All referencing (in-text referencing and reference list) must be in accordance with the APA 7th edition Academic Writing Guide available on Blackboard.
6. A Torrens University Australia peer evaluation form MUST be completed and submitted to your lecturer, by the means designated by them, no later than the presentation day.
7. See marking rubric attached at the end of this document. You do not need to attach this rubric to your submissions.
Academic integrity declaration
All students are responsible for ensuring that all work submitted is their own and is appropriately referenced and academically written according the Academic Writing Guide. Students also need to have read and be aware of Torrens University Australia Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure and subsequent penalties for academic misconduct. These are viewable online.
Students also must keep a copy of all submitted material and any assessment drafts.
Assessment Rubric
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FAIL
(UNACCEPTABLE) 0-49% PASS
(FUNCTIONAL)
50-64% CREDIT
(PROFICIENT)
65-74% DISTINCTION
(ADVANCED)
75 -84% HIGH DISTINCTION
(EXCEPTIONAL)
85-100%
RESEARCH CONTEXT &
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Content, audience and purpose of the
assignment
10% Demonstrates no awareness of context and/or purpose of the assignment.
Key components of the assignment are not addressed.
Demonstrates limited awareness of context and/or
purpose of the assignment
Demonstrates consistent awareness of context and/or purpose of the assignment.
Demonstrates an advanced and integrated understanding of context and/or purpose of the assignment.
Consistently demonstrates a systematic and critical understanding of context and purpose of the assignment.
LITERATURE REVIEW &
GAP IN KNOWLEDGE
Uses and explains concepts and theories that are relevant to the research topic.
10%
Limited understanding of required concepts and knowledge
Displays knowledge or understanding of the field or discipline.
Resembles a recall or summary of key ideas.
Often confuses assertion of personal opinion with information substantiated by evidence from the research/course materials.
Demonstrates thorough knowledge or
understanding of the field or discipline(s). Supports personal opinion and information substantiated by evidence from the research/course materials.
Demonstrates a capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts.
Demonstrates a highly developed understanding of the field or discipline(s).
Discriminates between assertion of personal opinion and information substantiated by robust evidence from the research/course materials and extended reading.
Well demonstrated capacity to explain and apply relevant concepts. A sophisticated understanding of the field or discipline(s).
Systematically and critically discriminates between assertion of personal opinion and information substantiated by robust evidence from the research/course materials and extended reading.
Mastery of concepts and application to new situations/further learning.
METHODOLOGY
Explanation of key methodological concepts such as research approach and design, collection of primary data as well as analysis and treatment of primary data
15% Limited understanding of methodological concepts with poor application to the research. Concepts are appropriately applied although some have been misunderstood or were not clearly explained.
Demonstrates a capacity to explain and apply relevant methodological concepts to the research.
Demonstrates a good capacity to explain and accurately apply relevant methodological concepts to the research.
Mastery of concepts and accurate application to the research.
FINDINGS AND
DISCUSSIONS
30% Limited explanation of the findings and discussions. Findings and discussions are appropriately presented, but some have been misunderstood or are not clearly explained.
Demonstrates the ability to interpret findings and present discussions accordingly.
Demonstrates the ability to accurately interpret findings and present relevant discussions. Student is able to compare findings against literature and addresses the research objectives. Demonstrates the ability to accurately interpret findings. Strong use of the existing literature to create discussions and support findings. Research addresses all research objectives accordingly.
CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
15% Implications, limitations and recommendations for future research were poorly addressed. Implications, limitations and recommendations for future research were addressed, although not always clear and logical. Implications, limitations and recommendations for future research were clearly and logically addressed. Implications and limitations of the research were critically reflected upon.
Relevant recommendations subsequently proposed for future research. Implications and limitations of the research were critically reflected upon, in relation to the research context. Relevant recommendations for future research were proposed for the enhancement of theoretical and practical knowledge.
REFERENCES
Quality of references- Correct citation of key resources and evidence
10%
Demonstrates inconsistent use of good quality, credible and relevant resources to support and develop ideas.
Demonstrates use of credible and relevant resources to support and develop ideas, but these are not always explicit or well developed.
Demonstrates use of high quality, credible and relevant resources to support and develop ideas.
Demonstrates use of good quality, credible and relevant resources to support and develop arguments and statements.
Shows evidence of widened scope by sourcing evidence within the organisation.
Demonstrates use of high-quality, credible and relevant resources to support and develop arguments and position statements.
Shows evidence of widened scope by sourcing evidence within and outside the organisation.
GROUP CONTRACT
10%
The group contract has been poorly completed. Targets, plans and expectations have not been clearly defined and are not achievable.
The group contract has not been completed or submitted.
The group has partially completed the contract. Some targets, plans and performance expectations have not been identified and clearly defined. Some targets, plans and performance expectations are not achievable. Roles are not always clear.
The group has completed the contract. The group contract contains somewhat clear, precise and achievable targets and plans. It also stipulates performance expectations for each group member or role.
The group has thoroughly completed the contract. The group contract contains well thought out targets, plans and performance expectations. There are clear explanations in relation to performance expectations for each group member or role.
The group has completed the contract to an exceptional level. The group contract contains clear, precise and achievable targets and plans which are detailed and well justified. There are clear and well- structured explanations in relation to performance expectations for each group member or role.
The following Subject Learning Outcomes are addressed in this assessment
SLO a) Critically reflect upon and apply disciplinary methods and approaches in the design of the hotel analysis
SLO b) Critically review the literature as it applies to the hotel analysis
SLO c) Collect and synthesise data using appropriate consultancy tools
SLO d) Critically reflect upon and interpret information to reach meaningful conclusions and make recommendations
SLO e) Communicate the hotel analysis in appropriate academic language and structure