ASSESSMENT PLAN

1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 MODULE NAME: MSU 07401_RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
1.3 QUALIFICATION: Bachelor Degree (NTA Level 8)

This assessment plan has been prepared by the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) for
the module/course named Research Methodology. The assessor(s) plan to assess the learning
outcomes stipulated within the NTA curriculum flexibly based on the student’s ability to apply
competencies involving application of knowledge, skills and understanding in a wide and
unpredictable variety of contexts with substantial personal responsibility for the work of others,
and responsibility for policy, planning, execution, evaluation and resources.

The assessment was developed in March 2021 to be implemented for the first time in the second
semester of the academic year 2020/2021.

2.0 ENABLING AND SUB-ENABLING OUTCOMES

ENABLING OUTCOME
2.1 Apply research skills in
systematic analysis and
solving various economics
and business related
problems.
SUB ENABLING OUTCOMES
2.1.1Discuss the nature of research methods.
2.1.2Formulate a research problem to be solved.
2.1.3Undertake a literature review.
2.1.4Explain research design.
2.1.5Apply various sampling techniques in solving research problem.
2.1.6Appraise various data collection methods.
2.1.7Apply data analysis methods
2.1.8Write a research report.
 3.0 SPECIFICATION OF COMPETENCIES
SN Sub-enabling outcomes and Related Competencies to be Assessed 23
Tasks (Ability To …)

Understanding
Skills

Wider Attributes

SENumber of Tasks
Knowledge

under CA &
K S U WA CA SE
1. Sub-enabling outcome:Discuss the nature
of research methods.

Related Tasks:
Discuss the what, why, and how of research.
√ √
Explain the types of research √ √

Explain the Research Process √ √

Explain research ethics √ √

2. Sub-enabling outcome: Formulate the

research problem.
Related Tasks:
- Define research problem √ √

- Describe the attributes of good research

problem. √ √
- Explain basic steps and techniques in
problem formulation √ √
3. Sub-enabling outcome: Undertake
literature review
Related Tasks:
- Identify activities performed in
literature review. √ √
- Differentiate the sources of literature
review. √ √
- Indicate the contents of literature
review. √ √
4. Sub-enabling outcome: Explain research
design
SN Sub-enabling outcomes and Related Competencies to be Assessed 23
Tasks (Ability To …)

Understanding
Skills

Wider Attributes

SENumber of Tasks
Knowledge

under CA &
K S U WA CA SE
Related Tasks:
- Explain the activities performed in √ √
research design

- Differentiate types of research designs. √ √

5 Sub-enabling outcome: Apply various

sampling techniques.
Related Tasks:
- Identify the target population, sample,
sampling frame, elements and sample
size √ √
- Apply different types of sampling √
techniques √
6. Sub-enabling outcome:Appraise various
data collection methods
Related Tasks:
- Differentiate between primary data and
secondary data √ √
- Appraise various sources of secondary
data √ √
- Appraise methods used to collect
primary data. √ √
7. Sub-enabling outcome: Apply data
analysis methods.

Related Task:
- Explain the difference between
qualitative and quantitative data
analysis √ √
- Undertake data processing √ √
- Analyse quantitative data using √
descriptive statistics √
8. Sub-enabling outcome: Write and present
research report.
SN Sub-enabling outcomes and Related Competencies to be Assessed 23
Tasks (Ability To …)

Understanding
Skills

Wider Attributes

SENumber of Tasks
Knowledge

under CA &
K S U WA CA SE
Related Tasks:
Identify the contents of the research report √ √

Prepare the research report √ √

Present the research report √ √

4.0 EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS/RUBRIC

4.1. Duration, Number of Questions, Marks Distribution, and Sections

4.1.1 The duration of comprehensive test will be TWO HOUR, and duration for Semester
Examination (SE) will be THREE (3) hours.

4.1.2. For CA there will be two (2) assignments and one comprehensive test. The assignments
will cover various parts of the module. The comprehensive test will have FOUR questions
grouped in Sections A, B, C, and D (with sub-parts). Section A will be composed of multiple
choicequestions and the student will be required to answer all. Section B will be comprised
“True and False” questions/items and the candidate will also be required to answer all.Section C
will be comprised of a case study that will be compulsory for all students. Section D will have
two essay questions and a student will be required to answer one.

Marks distribution for Comprehensive Test

Section No of items/questions Marks for each item Total

A 50 0.8 40
B 20 1 20
C 1 20 20
D 1 20 20
 100%

4.1.3. For Semester Examination (SE), there will be FOUR sections (A, B, C and D),Section A
will have 50 multiple choice items covering parts of the module as specified to be tested in SE.
Each item in this section will carry 0.8 mark). Section B will be comprised of 30 “True and
False” items, covering the various parts of the module specified to be tested in SE above. Each
item in section B will carry 0.8 mark. Section C will have 15 matching items, and each item will
carry 1marks. Section D will be comprised of a research case, which will have a total of 21
marks.

Summary marks distribution for SE

Section No of items/questions Marks for each item Total

A 50 0.8 40
B 30 0.8 24
C 15 1 15
D 1 21 21
100%

Class Assignment(s) and Tutorial Assignment(s)

Class assignment will be based on Literature Review and will weigh 100%. The tutorial
assignment will be based on the 23 questions endorsed by instructors. The rubric for marking the
assignments is presented in the table below:

SN Assessed components/Component description Max. Actual

score score
01 Introduction of the topic/ question is well structured, including, thesis 10
statement, the purpose, preview of the main concepts covered.
02 The main body of the assignment is well organized in scholarly 10
acceptable patterns (logical framework – what, why and how)
03 The flow from a sub-topic to another is smooth allowing the reader to 05
make connection or transit.
04 The content of the assignment develops the question or topic or 25
subtopics under discussion.
05 The candidate (group) has shown a mastery of English language as 05
 appropriate to the level of study.
06 The candidate has shown ability to use some non-verbal aspects in the 05
assignment, such as charts, tables, and drawings.
07 The conclusion of the presentation is relevant, and gives clear reflection 15
of the topic content in summary form or provides way forward.
08 The claims made in the presentation are supported by credible previous 25
researches. (in text citation, and references are given)
100%