Student Handbook

Unit Supplement
Unit Code: U14026
Unit Level: 3
Unit Title: Independent Project
Unit Coordinator: Peter Watkins
Tel: 023 9284 6130
Email: peter.watkins@port.ac.uk
Office: Park Building 4.36

Academic Year: 2010 - 2011

School of Languages and Area Studies

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Introduction

The Independent Project carries 20 credits over two semesters and leads to a final
report of 4,500-5,000 words. The Project is a core (compulsory) unit for most SLAS
international students. In order to help students prepare for their projects, a Research
Methods course (called Project on the timetable) runs in semester 1.

In semester 2, students should seek individual supervision from their Project tutors
either by making an appointment or attending their office hours.

Aims

1. to provide an opportunity for students in the final year of their course to define
and explore an approved topic of their own choosing in relation to an
appropriate part of their programme and to prepare an extended report on the
topic.
2. to allow students to synthesise analytical skills, theoretical perspectives,
knowledge gained throughout their course and methods of empirical
investigation.
3. to develop the students’ ability to work independently.
4. to develop critical and evaluative faculties in relation to an empirically based
report.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able, at threshold level,

to:
1. Manage for themselves a period of extended and intensive study.
2. Identify, plan, and respond to guidance in order to produce a research project.
3. Manage the production of an extensive written report observing the relevant
conventions for the presentation of scholarly research.
4. Discuss one area of their course (their research topic) in considerable detail
and depth demonstrating an awareness of theoretical perspectives pertinent to
the topic chosen.

Choice of topic

Students should choose a topic which is both of interest to them and relevant to their
degree. They should consult their tutors about their topic choice before proceeding.
There are four broad areas in which students may do their projects:

1. business or logistics 3. language or linguistics 5. finance

2. literature or film 4. social or political studies

BAITE and BAIBE students must do a business-related topic.

Students studying Finance and English and based in the Business School must do a
finance related project. These topics will be approved by the Business School and
semester 2 supervision will take place in the Business School.

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The main focus of your project should not be solely on your own country. For
example, it would not be appropriate for a Brazilian student to examine ways in which
a Brazilian company sells Brazilian products in Brazil. However, comparative topics
involving your own country are allowed, or a single focus on a country other than
your own.

Assessment

There is one piece of assessment. You must submit your project, your previously
submitted proposal, and your response to the feedback on that proposal.

The final submission should be made in person in Room 1.13 (Park Building), by
12.00 noon on April 1 2011. You must also upload an electronic version to Victory.

Your proposal must be submitted by 12.00 noon on December 10 2010 in Room

1.13 (Park Building) and this will be returned to you by the end of semester 1. Failure
to submit a proposal will result in you receiving a maximum mark of 40. Your
proposal should be no more than 1500 words and should include:
a. a provisional title (naturally this can be modified in the course of later work)
b. a clear identification of the research question to be answered by the end of the
Project
c. a clear identification of the reason for selecting the research question (this should
relate the research question to background reading and/or an on-going public
debate)
d. a statement of the main issues to be studied in the Project
e. a reading list of at least 8 relevant references with reasons for their usefulness to
the Project
f. a statement of the methods to be used in order to answer the research question
g. a plan for the structure of the final report
h. a work schedule
i. a copy of the poster information presented in the in-class “poster session” (see
below)
j. a consideration of any ethical issues involved in carrying out the research (this
consists of a paragraph outlining any issues involved and a copy of the form
given to you by your tutor)

You must then briefly summarise the key points of the feedback and say how you will
use the guidance to benefit your Project (approximately 200 words). This should be
included in your final submission.

If a student wishes to change the topic of their project, after the proposal has been
handed in, the relevant form must be completed and signed by their tutor (see page
16).

Your final project must:

- comply with the regulations for the submission of dissertations/projects (see
Student Handbook)
- contain full, accurate and correctly presented referencing
- be factually accurate
- contain a review of appropriate literature, description of methods, data collection,
analysis and results in a manner appropriate to the topic
- show critical selection, use and evaluation of sources
- demonstrate a well-organised and stylistically suitable approach to the
presentation of information

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- demonstrate reflection on the process of developing the Project and the
limitations of the work.
(See the attached marking sheet – page 11.)

Your project will normally be marked by your supervisor and marks for all projects will
be verified by a second member of academic staff.
Semester 1 - research methods classes

Aims
- to acquaint students with the range of sources available to them for their Projects
- to acquaint students with the norms and rules of higher education in this country
- to ensure that students fully understand what is required of them for their Projects
and how Projects will be assessed.
- to prepare students to undertake their research projects
- to develop students’ skills in autonomous learning and report writing skills
- to present a forum for students to gain feedback on their Projects

Outline of classes

All students will follow the same programme, although individual tutors may present
classes differently according to their specialisms.

Week 1
Independent Project unit handbook
What is an Independent Project?

Week 2
What makes a good Independent Project?
Thinking of potential topics

Week 3
Thinking of a topic
Thinking of a question
Initial research

Homework task
Think of a topic that you may be interested in writing your Independent
Project about. Make a list of 5 possible sources of information. Briefly explain
why you think each will help you. Your library visit will help with this task. Give
it to your tutor in week 5.

Week 4
How to write a literature review and summarising skills

Week 5
Choosing a topic
Aims and assessment
Parameters in the design and execution of topics

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Week 6
Referencing and bibliographies

Homework task
Write down what you think your Independent Project topic will be and what
specific question(s) you will answer and give to your tutor this week.

Week 7
Gathering information 1

Week 8
Gathering information 2 + ethical considerations

Week 9
Linking the parts of the Independent Project

Week 10
Poster review session

Week 11
Reporting and analysing results
Submission of Project Proposals

Week 12
Writing an abstract
Requirements for the report and subject specific issues

Week 15
Tutors will return Project Proposals with written feedback.

Semester 2

In weeks 1-9 in semester 2 you must upload a draft of your work to Victory, including
the final version in week 9. This will show the progress you have made each week.
This is a key way in which you may prove that your work is authentic. If you do not do
this, there is a chance that you will not be able to defend yourself from an accusation
of plagiarism.

This work will not be commented on by your tutor. It does not replace seeing your
tutor and showing your tutor hard copy drafts of sections of your work.

In the second semester, students are expected to contact their tutors for further
individual direction. An office hour will be set aside for the purpose.

Students should submit sections of their work for monitoring. The work will not be
given a numerical mark, but tutors will advise and ensure that the work is progressing
satisfactorily. Students should not make assumptions about the final marks from
tutors’ comments. It is the responsibility of students to see their tutors regularly in
semester 2. Records will be kept of what was agreed at each meeting.

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Students are entitled to receive comments on one draft of the Introduction and one
draft of the Methods. They should not expect tutors to comment on revised drafts or
other sections.

Students must not email attachments of work to supervisors. They must present
paper copies. Tutors will advise on the selection, content, presentation and methods
of student projects. Tutors will not correct the English but may indicate if any aspect
of the work is not of an adequate standard. They will not indicate the likely mark for a
final piece of work. The Project remains the responsibility of the student.

Students should submit a draft Introduction by the end of week 3 (26 February) and a
draft of their Methods section by the end of week 5 of Semester 2 (12 March).

While students will refine their topics and there may be changes of emphasis in the
final report from the proposal, students should not change topic without consulting
their tutors. A new proposal may be necessary.

If you wish to change the topic of your project, or make other significant changes to
your proposal after the proposal has been handed in, you must get permission, in
writing, from your tutor. You should complete the attached form. Failure to do so may
result in the final project not being accepted.

Students are reminded of the rules for submission of work in their handbooks. Work
handed in after 12.00 on the due date will be regarded as late. If there is no valid
Extenuating Circumstances claim, the maximum mark will be 40. Computer problems
are not accepted as a reason for late hand-in. It is advisable to print the work well in
advance of the due date.

Submissions that are missing a component, such as the Proposal, may be capped at
40.

You must keep evidence of any research that you do. For example, if you distribute a
questionnaire, you should keep all the responses that you get. You may be asked to
show this.

Word limits must be respected. Projects that are excessively long will be penalised.

Tutors are not expected to comment on drafts of the entire project. Tutors will not
look at any drafts or make any comments on work handed to them less than one
week before the hand in date.

Projects will be returned via the Learning Resources Centre in the week beginning 24
May 2010. Tutors are not allowed (by faculty regulations) to return work before this.
You are not entitled to feedback on your Project if you have submitted or are
planning to submit, an Extenuating circumstances Form.

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Indicative reading

Bell, J. (2005). Doing Your Research Project (4th edition). Maidenhead: Open
University Press
McDonough, J. (1997). Research Methods for English Language Teachers. London:
Arnold
McNeil, P. (1990). Research Methods. London: Routledge
Nancy, H. (ed.) (1997). Encyclopaedia of Language and Education. Dordrecht:
Kluwer.
Oppenheim, A.N. (2000). Questionnaire Design, Interviewing and Attitude
Measurement New Edition. London: Continuum International Publishing Group
Saunders, M. (2002). Research Methods for Business Students Harlow: Pearson
Education
Schuman, H. & Presser, S. (1996). Questions and Answers in Attitude Surveys.
London: Saga

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 FORMAT OF THE INDEPENDENT PROJECT

1. The Independent Project must contain a Title Page inserted before any other
page. The title page consists of
- the title of the University: The University of Portsmouth
- the title of the Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- the title of the degree: B.A. (Hons.) International Trade and English, B.A. (Hons.)
English Studies etc.
- title of the work: Independent Project
- your HEMIS number

2. Following the title page students must provide a comprehensive Table of

Contents. This will
- indicate the various sections and subsections of the Project together with the
page numbers on which the sections or subsections begin.
- Give the numbers, titles, and page numbers of all tables, figures, diagrams,
photographs and graphs presented in separate lists.

3. Before beginning the main text of their Independent Projects, students should
provide a short overview in the form of an Abstract of the Project (one page
maximum).

4. Page numbering and HEMIS numbers. All pages must be numbered and all
pages must carry the student’s HEMIS number. The first page of the actual text is
page 2. Page 1 is the Abstract. The Contents and any other material are in
Roman numbering, I, ii, iii, iv,…..

5. Line spacing, font and size of print.

The Independent Project should be in 1.5 spacing throughout (except for
appendices, which may be in other spacings).
Times New Roman or Arial are preferable. Check with your tutor before using
another font.
The main text must be in size 12 point type. Exceptions are allowed for titles,
tables, notes and appendices.

6. Students are reminded that their work should be fully and consistently referenced
and that a full and comprehensive bibliography (correctly presented using
Harvard APA) should be supplied. There are severe penalties for unsatisfactory
referencing (see Student Handbook and the University Handbook). The rules also
apply to text downloaded from the internet.

7. Students must sign a declaration that the work is substantially their own and
insert it as the last item in the Project.

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FINAL CHECKLIST

Your project must include the following:

TITLE PAGE:

The University of Portsmouth

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
B.A. (Hons) fill in name of your degree course
Independent Project
Hemis Number fill in your own number

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT (this should be numbered page 1)

NUMBERED SECTIONS/CHAPTERS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES

DECLARATION
- “I hereby declare that that this Independent Project is substantially my own work
and that all relevant attributions have been made” with name and signature.

Have you…

included all the sections mentioned above? Yes/No

numbered every page and included your HEMIS number? Yes/No

used size 12 point type (except for tables, titles, notes and appendices)? Yes/No

acknowledged all material from other sources? (quotations, ideas, data Yes/No
etc.)

given all tables, figures, diagrams, photographs and graphs a number Yes/No
and a title and listed them in the contents’ section?

included in your bibliography all sources used and arranged them Yes/No
alphabetically?

proof-read your work carefully? Yes/No

included a copy of your proposal and response to the feedback? Yes/No

uploaded a final electronic copy of the project? Yes/No

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 Independent Project
Proposal feedback sheet

Student: Tutor:

1 Does the Title clearly

reflect the topic to be
discussed?

2 Is there a clear statement

of the research question(s) to
be answered in the final
report?

3 Is there a clear rationale for

doing this work?

4 Are the main issues clearly

identified?

5 Are there at least 8

relevant references with
clear statements of their
usefulness to the Project?

6 Is there a clear statement

of the methods to be used in
order to answer the research
questions?

7 Is there a plan for the final

report?

8 Is there a work schedule

for the research?

9 Is there a copy of the

poster materials? Does it
correspond to the proposal?
10 Have ethical
considerations been taken
into account?

11 Other comments

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 Independent Project Marking Sheet

Student Number: Agreed mark:

Does the report comply with regulations? Yes/no

Does the report correspond to the proposal? Yes/no

Is the report appropriately presented? Yes/no

Criterion Comments

Explanation of choice of
topic

Aims

Scope and relevance of

literature review

Appropriacy of choice of
methods (including ethical
considerations)

Clarity of presentation of
data

Discussion and analysis

Reflection on process/
Limitations

Bibliography/Referencing

Response to feedback

Other Comments

Signed : First marker: Internal verifier:

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 Independent Project Marking Sheet – completed example

Student Number: xxxxxx Agreed mark: 43

Does the report comply with regulations? Yes/no

Does the report correspond to the proposal? Yes/no

Is the report appropriately presented? Yes/no

Criterion Comments

Explanation of choice of Fine

topic

Aims
Scope and relevance of
literature review
Appropriacy of choice of
methods (including ethical
considerations)
The aims are too vague – it is not clear exactly what you want
to find out. Are you looking at Nike advertising just in the UK,
or Europe, or internationally?
The ‘literature review’ relies heavily on Nike’s own
promotional material and you are too uncritical of what they
say, apparently accepting it at face value. You need more on
advertising – you rely on a single source, largely.
The questionnaire lacks detail and I’m not sure that
respondents will be reliable when asked if they are affected
by advertising. You need to ensure that each question on the
questionnaire has a specific purpose.

The data gathered needed to be presented in more detail,

Clarity of presentation of
data
Discussion and analysis
rather than just the broad conclusions that you draw from it.
It would help if you gave the data you gathered question by
question.
Because you did not present much detailed data there wasn’t
much for you to analyse in depth and this is a weakness.

This was good.

Reflection on process/
Limitations

Referencing is weak – it is not always clear whether you are

Bibliography/Referencing quoting directly from your sources. The bibliography is rather
thin too.

See over the page.

Other Comments

Signed : First marker

Internal verifier

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Independent Project Marking Sheet – completed example (cont’d)

page 1 paragraph 1 – are these your own words?

page 2 – there are a lot of language errors in the first paragraph or two.
page 3 – each chapter should start on a new page.
page 4 – so what is it that makes it more than a ‘tool of business’ (according to Dunn)?
page 4 – you rely heavily on one source – you need to include a range of sources to give your
arguments more weight.
page 6 – you have included the source but I assume that this is a direct quote and that is not
indicated.
page 7 – well, Nike would claim that their trainers set the standard for the industry, wouldn’t
they? Do you have any other evidence?
page 10 – ‘wannabe’ has an inappropriate style for an academic piece of writing.
page 12 – I can’t follow your argument here. You are now saying that Nike targets youth, but
previously (page 9) – you said that ‘now we are all athletes – regardless of age’
page 15 – people generally report that they are not affected by advertising but when
companies advertise sales go up – perhaps we don’t realise how affected we are by it.
page 16 – you needed to present more of the data that you collected – or did you just realise
that some of the questions you asked were not relevant? In which case this could have been
included in the limitations section.
page 17 – ok, having presented your arguments, it would be useful to go back to the literature
review and say whether your data fits in with what the advertising literature would predict.

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 Independent Project Marking Sheet – explaining the terms

Criterion Comments

Compliance with Abstract (Inc. topic; aims; methods; results; conclusion)

regulations
Contents page; acknowledgements; declaration.

Appropriate sections/chapters, including, as appropriate:

Introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, conclusion,
bibliography and appendices.

Correspondence This should demonstrate a natural development of the introduction,

with proposal bibliography and outline methods sections in the original project
proposal. If the aims have changed in the light of advice or
circumstances, a brief indication of the development and rationale for
changes may be given.

Explanation for Background information, moving from the general to the more specific
choice of topic and giving reasons for the choice of the topic.

Scope and This should include a number of academic sources/opinions that either
relevance of support or question your overall argument. Therefore, this should not
literature review just be a list of academic sources. The arguments presented should be
integrated, rather than simply a series of ‘reviews’ of authors.

Aim(s) Clear statement outlining the aim/research question. This should be very
focused and clearly written, allowing the reader to understand the
purpose of the project. Aims and research questions should be
explained and you should be able to answer the research questions
clearly by the end of the project.

Appropriacy of You may use only secondary research or a combination of primary and
choice of secondary research. If you use primary research it may be of a quantitive
methods or qualitative nature but you need to give a rationale for its design. If a
(including ethical model of business analysis is used, such as SWOT or PESTLE its
considerations) relevance should be explained.

You should show an awareness of any relevant ethical issues.

Clarity of Find an appropriate, readable and selective way to present the findings.
presentation of All relevant results should be stated with any significant correlations.
data Results data may be integrated into the text or included in appendices,
as appropriate.

Discussion This should relate to the main topic of the project and the original
and analysis aim/hypothesis. Conclusions reached about the topics discussed should
be based on evidence. You could also discuss the findings of similar

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 studies and should certainly relate your findings to your literature review.
Recommendations regarding further investigation or future research
could be included and also the implications of the findings.

Reflection on This should be undertaken at each relevant stage of the project and
process/ clearly demonstrate your ability to critically analyse information.
Limitations Limitations may be due to, for example, the scale of the research and
care should be taken in the way in which results are presented, the
claims made for them and the significance attached to them.

Presentation The final project should conform to the required format and layout as
outlined in the ‘Independent Project’ guidelines.

Bibliography/ The bibliography should be organised alphabetically, by family name. It

Referencing should include all references made in the text. The bibliography and in
text referencing should conform to the Harvard APA referencing system.
Students should remember that referencing is a means of backing up
arguments and giving your work academic credibility.

Other comments Your tutor will give you feedback on any other aspects of your
Independent Project s/he feels is appropriate.

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 Independent Project

Request to make significant changes to a submitted proposal

After you have submitted your proposal, you may wish to make minor changes. This
is acceptable. However, if you wish to make any significant changes, particularly for
example, to the topic of your study, you must get permission, in writing, from your
tutor. You should complete this form and take it to your tutor to sign. Failure to
demonstrate your tutor’s approval for the change may result in your final project not
being accepted.

You must submit the completed (and signed) form with your final project.

Current topic

Proposed change(s)

Reasons for making the change(s)

Change(s) agreed by tutor: YES/NO

Tutor’s signature

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