Professional Documents
Culture Documents
HRCOS82
Honours Research Report Module
Year module
School of Computing
Please note that this tutorial letter contains information specific to Project 14 on
e-Schools’ Community Engagement - it does not replace the main tutorial letter for
the HRCOS82 Honours Research Report Module - both should be read together.
CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 2
2 CONTACT DETAILS ...................................................................................... 3
3 ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................... 3
3.1 Due Dates for Tasks, Assignments and Final Report .............................. 3
3.2 Assessment Plan .......................................................................................... 3
3.3 Submission of Tasks, Assignments and Final Report ............................. 3
3.4 Details of Tasks, Assignments and Final Report ...................................... 4
4 EXAMINATION ............................................................................................. 17
5 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ......................................................... 17
6 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................. 17
1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student,
Welcome to the HRCOS82 Honours Research Report Module and specifically to Project 14 on
e-Schools’ Community Engagement. I believe that the knowledge, skills and values presented
in this module will benefit you as a student at UNISA, in your career and in your personal life. This
project involves research to investigate to which extent a particular school in your community:
o qualifies to be labelled as an e-school
o engages with their community.
Possible research questions include:
• To what extent is a particular school characterised as an institution that has:
o learners who utilise ICTs to enhance learning?
o qualified and competent leaders who use ICTs for planning, management and
administration?
o qualified and competent teachers who use ICTs to enhance teaching and learning?
o access to ICT resources that support curriculum delivery?
o connections to ICT infrastructure?
• To what extent is a particular school connected with the community by:
o allowing community access to its computer facilities after hours?
o receiving support from the community and local Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises
(SMMEs) to maintain and sustain ICT interventions?
o serving as a venue for business advisory services and training for community based small
computer and repair businesses?
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2 CONTACT DETAILS
The lead lecturer on this project is
Prof. Leila Goosen GooseL@unisa.ac.za (the best way to reach me) or (012) 429-6789.
You must email all tasks, assignments and the completed final report to this address!
3 ASSESSMENT
3.1 Due Dates for Tasks, Assignments and Final Report
You will notice that in addition to the two assignments and the final research report mentioned in
the main tutorial letter for this module, I have also included several tasks to enable you to gradually
build up towards the final report. In the table below, you will notice that I have scheduled the due
dates for these tasks, assignments and the final report to be submitted about once a month /
every four weeks until January 11th 2022 (due date as indicated for the final report).
DO NOT post hard copies via ‘snail mail’ or fax any of the tasks, assignments or the completed
final report!
The submission of all tasks and assignments 1 and 2 are compulsory. A final mark will
not be concluded for your project unless all tasks and assignments had been submitted.
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3.4 Details of Tasks, Assignments and Final Report
Use 12-point font size, 1.5 line spacing on typed A4 pages in Microsoft Word & provide page
numbers (See Specific Outcome 7 Assessment Criteria 6 on the next page for mark allocation)
when completing all tasks, assignments and the final report.
Task 1: What’s your problem?
First Name/s:
Student Number:
Race:
• Also add the following with regard to the school where you would like to complete your project:
• Apart from the 7 references listed for Project 14 (available under Additional Resources), find
three more references (journal articles, books, conference proceedings) that you believe could
be used for this project.
• For each of these 10 references, supply:
o one quote that explains what you think this project is about (See Specific Outcome 6 on
the next page for mark allocation)
o the citation for this reference (Remember to use the Harvard referencing style - this means
that all citations have a page number indicated - See Specific Outcome 6 on the next page
for mark allocation)
o one sentence in your own words explaining why you chose this quote and/or briefly
describe what this reference has to say about the problem that you plan to investigate (See
Specific Outcome 6 Assessment Criteria 5 on the next page for mark allocation)
• Supply a numbered bibliography (alphabetical list) of all the references used in this task
(Also see Specific Outcome 6 Assessment Criteria 12 on the next page for mark allocation)
Length: Maximum 5 pages [5]
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HRCOS82/102/ e-Schools’ Community Engagement /2021
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Assignment 1: Project Proposal
Submit a project proposal for your research project. The objective of the project proposal is to
ensure that the candidate has done a thorough initial investigation into the problem, the viability
of a solution and some planning of how the problem is to be solved.
This assignment (Project Proposal) should contain no less than 20 references (journal articles,
books, conference proceedings), of which not more than 30% may be website references.
Use 12-point font size, 1.5 line spacing on typed A4 pages in Microsoft Word & provide page
numbers (See Specific Outcome 7 Assessment Criteria 6 below for mark allocation) when
completing this task.
Remember to use the Harvard referencing style - this means that all citations have a page
number indicated (See Specific Outcome 6 below for mark allocation).
VERY IMPORTANT: Have the INFORMED CONSENT FORM that Prof Goosen sent you [10]
completed and signed.
NB: Also see next page for additional requirements for Assignment 1.
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HRCOS82/102/ e-Schools’ Community Engagement /2021
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Task 2: Literature Review
Provide a thorough review of literature, including, for example, possible solutions to your research
problem.
This task (Literature Review) should contain no less than 30 references (journal articles, books,
conference proceedings), of which not more than 30% may be website references.
Use 12-point font size, 1.5 line spacing on typed A4 pages in Microsoft Word & provide page
numbers (See Specific Outcome 7 Assessment Criteria 6 below for mark allocation) when
completing this task.
Remember to use the Harvard referencing style - this means that all citations have a page
number indicated (See Specific Outcome 6 below for mark allocation).
NB: Also see next page for additional requirements for Task 2.
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HRCOS82/102/ e-Schools’ Community Engagement /2021
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Assignment 2: Research Methodology
In this assignment, you can explain what research strategies, designs, approaches, methods
and data gathering tools other researchers have used and why these could (not) be appropriate
to your problem. Pay attention to the aspects detailed on the next page in terms of the Specific
Outcomes and Assessment Criteria that needs to be covered.
This assignment should contain no less than 10 references (journal articles, books, conference
proceedings), of which not more than 30% may be website references.
Use 12-point font size, 1.5 line spacing on typed A4 pages in Microsoft Word & provide page
numbers (See Specific Outcome 7 Assessment Criteria 6 on the next page for mark allocation)
when completing this assignment.
Remember to use the Harvard referencing style - this means that all citations have a page
number indicated (See Specific Outcome 6 on the next page for mark allocation).
The student can provide proof that (s)he has obtained permission from the provincial/
[10]
national authorities for conducting research in the applicable institution.
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HRCOS82/102/ e-Schools’ Community Engagement /2021
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Task 3: Results
You should now carry out your actual research and in this chapter, write up the results. You will
probably have a couple of tables in this chapter - don’t forget to include these in your list of tables
when you do your final research report. Again, pay attention to the aspects detailed below in terms
of the Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria that needs to be covered.
Use 12-point font size, 1.5 line spacing on typed A4 pages in Microsoft Word & provide page
numbers (See Specific Outcome 7 Assessment Criteria 6 below for mark allocation) when
completing this task.
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HRCOS82/102/ e-Schools’ Community Engagement /2021
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Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria (Task 4: Discussion of Results):
Specific Outcome 3 Develop and design appropriate data gathering tools in order
to glean data to solve an identified problem in ICT.
Assessment Criteria 3 The data gathering is accurately reported, with the limitations
specified, and calculations correct. [1]
Specific Outcome 4 Discuss results/findings or implications through analysis of
data according to an appropriately selected research
paradigm. [3]
Assessment Criteria 2 The data is analysed using an appropriate data analysis tool. [1]
Assessment Criteria 3 The data analysis outcomes are discussed in line with
scientific principles, with evidence of validity, reliability and
fairness. [3]
Specific Outcome 5 Relate the data analysis to the research problem by
considering alternative explanations / models and theories
pertaining to the field of ICT [4]
Assessment Criteria 1 The discussion reflects critical analysis of the meaning of the
results in the context of the research problem. [2]
Assessment Criteria 2 The discussion shows consideration of alternative
explanations. [1]
Assessment Criteria 3 The discussion reflects an understanding of the significance of
the results in the context of the research problem. [2]
Specific Outcome 6 Communicate the results of the research study through an
acceptable task prepared using an academic writing style,
incorporating a recognised referencing technique. [10]
Assessment Criteria 5 The appropriateness of the sources and/or research
method chosen has been justified, and alternatives as well as
limitations are discussed. [10]
Assessment Criteria 6 The research method chosen has been justified and
alternatives, as well as limitations, are discussed. [2]
Assessment Criteria 9 The results of the research study are critically evaluated
considering any alternative explanations. [1]
Assessment Criteria 11 The implications of the results as related to the research
problem have been thoroughly and conscientiously
discussed, including discussing any alternative
explanations. [3]
Assessment Criteria 12 A complete reference list is included in the task using an
appropriate referencing tool (such as EndNote, RefWorks or
one such as found in e.g. MS Word 2010). [10]
Assessment Criteria 13
Any work from sources has been appropriately cited. [10]
Specific Outcome 7 Write and submit a task according to the standards of scholarly
writing.
Assessment Criteria 5
The task is free from spelling and grammatical errors. [10]
Assessment Criteria 6 The research report is written using the appropriate
international standard for and demonstrates the correct use
of the typesetting and cross-referencing functions. [5]
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HRCOS82/102/ e-Schools’ Community Engagement /2021
Task 5: Conclusion
A chapter summarising important relevant aspects regarding the main findings (maximum 5) [5]
As usual, pay attention to the aspects detailed below in terms of the Specific Outcomes and
Assessment Criteria that needs to be covered.
Use 12-point font size, 1.5 line spacing on typed A4 pages in Microsoft Word & provide page
numbers (See Specific Outcome 7 Assessment Criteria 6 below for mark allocation) when
completing this task.
Length: 5-10 pages [10]
Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria (Task 5: Conclusion):
Assessment Criteria 6 The research report is written using the appropriate international
standard for and demonstrates the correct use of the
typesetting and cross-referencing functions. [5]
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Final Research Report
NOTE: For this Project, your final report should be submitted for examination purposes
before or on Monday 11 January 2022.
Title page The title of the project, your name and student number, and your
project leader’s (and lecturer’s) name(s)
Table of contents including page numbers
List of figures with page numbers
List of tables with page numbers
Abstract A short abstract that gives an overview of your research project
# Chapter
1.1 Problem This chapter should contain a short introduction that places your
statement project in terms of environment/context and sub-discipline by
including some background to the topic, as well as a definite
description of the problem identified. The problem statement can
basically be seen as the starting point of the project, where the
candidate found her- or himself in the beginning.
1.2 Objective The objective/aim is the goal that was (hopefully!) reached. This
section should contain a brief outline of what was obtained by the
project and/or how the problem was solved.
1.3 Scope It should describe the scope of the project, in terms of a delimitation
of the study field, as well as the
1.4 Assumptions and assumptions and limitations.
Limitations
1.5 Key Terms and An explanation of key terms and concepts used in the research
Concepts
2 Literature Review A comprehensive overview of the relevant literature, which sets the
scene for your work and informs the reader of what has and has not
been done by other researchers in the area. This chapter could
include an explanation of the causes and effects of the identified
research problem and/or suggest one or more possible solution(s) to
the research problem.
3 Research
See details for Assignment 2.
Methodology
4 Results A chapter which details your research results.
5 Discussion of A critical evaluation of the results in terms of your original proposal's
Results objectives. This chapter can also relate your results back to literature.
Also see details for Task 4.
6 Conclusions See details for Task 5.
Bibliography A numbered, alphabetical list of all literature references cited in this
research project report.
Appendixes Any indirect contribution to the research report, e.g. computer listings,
results and diagrams, if applicable
Length: Minimum 50 pages (excluding title page, table of contents and list of figures and tables)
[50]
Please see the last three pages of this guide for indications of how the outcomes of the
module will be assessed in the final research report.
Total for the Final Research Report: [250]
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HRCOS82/102/ e-Schools’ Community Engagement /2021
Assessment:
An external examiner will likely mark this final report as well.
4 EXAMINATION
Note that there is NO examination for this module - the final report submitted takes the place of
an examination.
6 CONCLUSION
Please contact me if you are experiencing problems with the content of this tutorial letter or any
aspect of the module. I hope that you have an interesting, challenging and rewarding year ahead
of you and trust that you will complete this module successfully.
Enjoy this Honours Research Report Module!
Department of Science and Technology Education Tel no: +27 (0)12 429 6789
UNISA
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The research report will be assessed against the Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria for this module in the following format:
Especially in chapter: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Specific Outcome 1 Select and apply an appropriate research strategy to solve a given real-life problem ✓
within the ICT environment.
Assessment Criteria 1 The selected research strategy is appropriate to the stated research problem. ✓
Assessment Criteria 2 The selected research strategy is described and justified in the research report. [2]
Assessment Criteria 3 The selected research strategy is correctly applied. ✓
Specific Outcome 2 Solve problems by applying an appropriate research design, research approach and [2]
research method in the field of ICT.
Assessment Criteria 1 The research design applied is appropriate to the stated research problem to [6]
address the gap identified.
Assessment Criteria 2 The research design is described and justified in the research report. [2]
Assessment Criteria 3 The research approach is appropriately applied. ✓
Assessment Criteria 4 The research method is clearly articulated in the research report. ✓
Assessment Criteria 5 The research method is appropriately applied to the stated problem. ✓
Specific Outcome 3 Develop and design appropriate data gathering tools in order to glean data to solve ✓
an identified problem in ICT.
Assessment Criteria 1 The data gathering tools are described and justified in the research report. [2]
Assessment Criteria 2 The data gathering technique is appropriately applied during the research event. ✓
Assessment Criteria 3 Data gathering is accurately reported, with limitations specified and calculations [2]
correct.
Specific Outcome 4 Discuss results/findings or implications through analysis of data according to an [3]
appropriately selected research paradigm.
Assessment Criteria 1 The data is accurately and clearly presented in the research report. ✓
Assessment Criteria 2 The data is analysed using an appropriate data analysis tool. ✓
Assessment Criteria 3 The data analysis outcomes are discussed in line with scientific principles, with ✓ [3]
evidence of validity, reliability and fairness.
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HRCOS82/102/ e-Schools’ Community Engagement /2021
Especially in chapter: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Specific Outcome 5 Relate the data analysis to the research problem by considering alternative [4]
explanations / models and theories pertaining to the field of ICT
Assessment Criteria 1 The discussion reflects critical analysis of the meaning of the results in the context of ✓
the research problem.
Assessment Criteria 2 The discussion shows consideration of alternative explanations. ✓
Assessment Criteria 3 The discussion reflects an understanding of the significance of the results in the ✓
context of the research problem.
Specific Outcome 6 Communicate the results of the research study through an acceptable research ✓
report prepared using an academic writing style, incorporating a recognised
referencing technique [30]
Assessment Criteria 1 The research problem is clearly defined and justified. [2]
Assessment Criteria 2 The contribution of the research to theory and practice is given. ✓
Assessment Criteria 3 The research report is set within the relevant research context. ✓
Assessment Criteria 4 The aim and scope of the research report is clearly set out. [2]
Assessment Criteria 5 The appropriateness of the sources and/or method chosen has been justified, and
alternatives, as well as limitations, are discussed [30]
Assessment Criteria 6 The research method chosen has been justified and alternatives, as well as ✓ ✓ ✓
limitations, are discussed.
Assessment Criteria 7 The research method chosen has been rigorously applied to the given research ✓
problem.
Assessment Criteria 8 The measurements have been accurately and objectively made. ✓
Assessment Criteria 9 The results of the research study are critically evaluated considering any alternative ✓
explanations.
Assessment Criteria 10 The results have been accurately and completely reported. ✓
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Especially in chapter: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Assessment Criteria 11 The implications of the results as related to the research problem have been [2]
thoroughly and conscientiously discussed, including discussing any alternative
explanations.
Assessment Criteria 12 A complete reference list is included in the proposal using an appropriate referencing
tool (such as EndNote or RefWorks) [30]
Assessment Criteria 13 Any work from other sources has been appropriately cited or acknowledged [30]
Specific Outcome 7 Write and submit a research report according to the standards of scholarly writing. ✓
Assessment Criteria 1 Terms and concepts are clearly explained. [2] [3]
Assessment Criteria 2 The research report is clearly and logically structured. ✓
Assessment Criteria 3 The accepted conventions of mathematical writing are followed. ✓
Assessment Criteria 4 Arguments are presented logically. ✓
Assessment Criteria 5 The research report is free from typographical and grammatical errors [10]
Assessment Criteria 6 The research report is written using the appropriate international standard for and [5]
demonstrates the correct use of the typesetting and cross-referencing functions.
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