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HRCOS82/102/e-Schools’ Community Engagement/2021

Tutorial letter 102/0/2021

HRCOS82
Honours Research Report Module

Year module

School of Computing

This tutorial letter contains important information about your module.

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).

3.2 Assessment Plan

What? Details Due Date % of Final Mark


Task 1 What’s your problem? 2021/05/17
Assignment 1 Project Proposal 2021/06/14 15%
Task 2 Literature Review 2021/07/19
Assignment 2 Research Methodology 2021/08/16 15%
Task 3 Results 2021/09/13
Task 4 Discussion of Results 2021/10/11
Task 5 Conclusion 2021/11/08
Draft Research Report 2021/12/06
Final Research Report 2022/01/10 70%

Note that there is no examination in this module.

3.3 Submission of Tasks, Assignments and Final Report


Assignments 1 and 2, as well as the final report must be submitted via the Assignments tool on
the myUNISA web site for the module.
You must also email all tasks, assignments and the completed final report to
GooseL@unisa.ac.za

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?

• Supply the following information on the first page of this task:

Surname and Initials:

First Name/s:

Title (Ms / Mrs / Mr):

Student Number:

Race:

I am studying: (Indicate Full time / Part time)

(Indicate South Africa, or other country if applicable)


Citizenship:
[7]

• Also add the following with regard to the school where you would like to complete your project:

Name of the school: ____________________________________________________

School District: __________________________ e.g. Tshwane South D4

School Region: __________________________ (if applicable)

Province: _______________________________ Country: ____________________ [3]

• 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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Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

Specific Outcome 6 Communicate your thoughts on the research problem through


an acceptable task prepared using an academic writing style, [10]
incorporating a recognised referencing technique. [10]
Assessment Criteria 5 The appropriateness of the sources has been justified
[10]
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 first 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]

Total for this Task 1: [80]

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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.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

Specific Outcome 1 Select … an appropriate research strategy to solve a given


real-life problem within the ICT environment. [1]
Specific Outcome 2 Solve problems by applying an appropriate research design,
research approach and research method in the field of ICT. [6]
Specific Outcome 6 Communicate the research problem through an acceptable
research proposal prepared using an academic writing style,
incorporating a recognised referencing technique. [20]
Assessment Criteria 1 The research problem is clearly defined and justified. [2]
Assessment Criteria 3 The research proposal is set within the relevant research
context. [1]
Assessment Criteria 4 The aim and scope of the research proposal is clearly set out. [2]
Assessment Criteria 5 The appropriateness of the sources … chosen has been [20]
justified, and … limitations are discussed. [2]
Assessment Criteria 12 A complete reference list is included in the proposal using
an appropriate referencing tool (such as EndNote, RefWorks
or one such as found in e.g. MS Word 2010). [20]
Assessment Criteria 13 Any work from sources has been appropriately cited.
[20]
Specific Outcome 7 Write and submit a research proposal according to the
standards of scholarly writing.
Assessment Criteria 1 Terms and concepts are clearly explained. [5]
Assessment Criteria 5 The assignment 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]

NB: Also see next page for additional requirements for Assignment 1.

Total for this Assignment 1: [150]

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The project proposal should also have the following properties:


Title A short descriptive name for the project.
1.1 Problem The project proposal should contain a short introduction [2]
statement (maximum 2 sentences) that places your project in terms of
environment/context and sub-discipline by including some
background to the topic (maximum 3 sentences), as well as a [3]
definite description of the problem identified. The problem
statement can basically be seen as the starting point of the project,
where the candidate finds her- or himself in the beginning (Also see
Specific Outcome 6 Assessment Criteria 1 and 3 on previous page
for mark allocation).
1.2 Research The purpose is the goal that needs to be reached (maximum 2 [2]
Purpose sentences). This section should contain a brief outline of what will
hopefully be obtained by the project and/or how the problem will be
solved (See Specific Outcome 6 Assessment Criteria 4 on previous
page for mark allocation).
1.3 Scope It should describe the scope of the project, in terms of a
delimitation of the study field (Also see Specific Outcome 6 [2]
Assessment Criteria 5 on previous page for mark allocation), as well
as
1.4 Research
state the main research questions (maximum 3) and [3]
Questions
1.5 Assumptions assumptions and limitations that you anticipate (Also see Specific [2]
and Outcome 6 Assessment Criteria 5 on previous page for mark
Limitations allocation).
1.6 Key Terms An explanation of key terms and concepts used in the research
and (See Specific Outcome 7 Assessment Criteria 1 on previous page
Concepts for mark allocation)
2 An overview of the relevant literature, which could suggest one or
more possible solution(s) to the research problem.
3 Research The research methodology (method or approach) is a statement of
Methodology the plan (the set of steps) that you are going to follow to move from
the problem statement to reaching the objective. The methodology
will typically include aspects like, for example, interviews or
software to be developed, what practical work will be done, are you
going to do an empirical study and/or evaluate existing systems
and/or undertake case studies, et cetera … Describe the
(3.1) type of research: (Qualitative; quantitative; mixed, interviews,
questionnaires, observation, etc.);
(3.2) Scope: (No. of participants and type of institution, e.g. Primary;
LSEN; Secondary; Combined schools; FET colleges; District
or Head Office, etc.) and
(3.3) Target group: (No. of Learners; Educators; SMT; SGB, etc.)
(See Specific Outcomes 1 and 2 on previous page for mark
allocation).
Bibliography An alphabetical numbered list of references cited in this proposal
(Also see Specific Outcome 6 Assessment Criteria 12 on previous
page for mark allocation) [2]
Length: 5-10 pages [10]

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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).

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 task
(later 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. Include in you
review of literature what other researchers have to say regarding:
• The limitations of their research [5]
• The possibilities with regard to further/future research [5]
Bibliography An alphabetical numbered list of references cited in this task. [2]
[20]
Length: Maximum 20 pages

VERY IMPORTANT: Include with this task ONE of the following:


• a completed Annexure A if your school is in Gauteng, [10]
• a completed WCED Revised Research Form if your school is in the Western Cape,
• OR a permission letter to your provincial or national office.

NB: Also see next page for additional requirements for Task 2.

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Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

Specific Outcome 2 Solve problems by consulting appropriate literature in the field


of ICT.
Assessment Criteria 1 The literature review provided is appropriate to the stated
research problem to address the gap identified. [3]
Specific Outcome 6
Communicate the research problem through an acceptable
literature review prepared using an academic writing style, [30]
incorporating a recognised referencing technique.
Assessment Criteria 5 The appropriateness of the sources … chosen has been
justified. [30]
Assessment Criteria 12
A complete reference list is included in the task using an
appropriate referencing tool (such as EndNote, RefWorks or [30]
one such as found in e.g. MS Word 2010).
Assessment Criteria 13 Any work from sources has been appropriately cited.
[30]
Specific Outcome 7 Write and submit a literature review 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]

Total for this Task 2: [180]

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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).

Length: 5-10 pages [10]

The student can provide proof that (s)he has obtained permission from the provincial/
[10]
national authorities for conducting research in the applicable institution.

Supply an alphabetical numbered list of references cited in this


Bibliography [2]
assignment.

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Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:


Specific Outcome 1 Select and apply an appropriate research strategy to solve a
given real-life problem within the ICT environment.
Assessment Criteria 2 Research strategies are described and justified in the
assignment. [2]
Specific Outcome 2 Solve problems by applying an appropriate research design,
research approach and research method in the field of ICT. [9]
Assessment Criteria 2 Research designs are described and justified in the
assignment. [2]
Assessment Criteria 4 Research methods are clearly articulated in the assignment. [1]
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
assignment. [2]
Specific Outcome 4 Discuss procedures for data collection and analysis
according to an appropriately selected research paradigm. [3]
Assessment Criteria 3 Procedures for data collection and analysis … are discussed
in line with scientific principles, with evidence that issues
related to validity, reliability, and fairness have been
considered. [3]
Specific Outcome 6 Communicate the research strategy, design, approach and
method through an acceptable assignment prepared using an
academic writing style, incorporating a recognised
referencing technique. [10]
Assessment Criteria 5 The appropriateness of the sources … chosen was justified …
[10]
Assessment Criteria 6 The research method chosen has been justified … [1]
Assessment Criteria 12 A complete reference list is included in the assignment 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 Submit an assignment according to the standards of scholarly
writing.
Assessment Criteria 5 The assignment 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]

Total for this assignment: [100]

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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.

Length: 5-10 pages [10]

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

Specific Outcome 1 Select and apply an appropriate research strategy to solve a


given real-life problem within the ICT environment.
Assessment Criteria 3 The selected research strategy is correctly applied. [1]
Specific Outcome 2 Solve problems by applying an appropriate research design,
research approach and research method in the field of ICT. [1]
Assessment Criteria 3 The research approach is appropriately applied. [1]
Assessment Criteria 5 The research method is appropriately applied to the stated
problem. [1]
Specific Outcome 3 Develop and design appropriate data gathering tools in order
to glean data to solve an identified problem in ICT.
Assessment Criteria 2 The data gathering technique is appropriately applied during
the research event. [1]
Assessment Criteria 3 The data gathering is accurately reported … and calculations
correct. [1]
Specific Outcome 4 Discuss results ….
Assessment Criteria 1 The data is accurately and clearly presented in the task. [1]
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.
Assessment Criteria 7 The research method chosen has been rigorously applied to
the given research problem. [1]
Assessment Criteria 8 The measurements have been accurately and objectively
made. [1]
Assessment Criteria 10 The results have been accurately and completely reported. [1]
Specific Outcome 7 Write and submit an 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]

Total for this task: [35]

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Task 4: Discussion of Results


In this chapter, you will discuss the results that you had obtained. As you should know by now,
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 task 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 next page 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 on next page for mark allocation).

Length: 5-10 pages [10]


Bibliography Supply an alphabetical numbered list of references cited in this task. [2]

NB: Please see next page for


Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria (Task 4: Discussion of Results)

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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]

Total for Task 4 - Discussion of Results: [90]

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Task 5: Conclusion
A chapter summarising important relevant aspects regarding the main findings (maximum 5) [5]

and main recommendations (maximum 5) [5]

in terms of the research problem and context [2].


This chapter should also state the contribution of your research to theory and practice
(See Specific Outcome 6 Assessment Criteria 2 below for mark allocation),
provide some areas for further research on the topic (maximum 3) [3],

as well as final conclusions (maximum 2 sentences) [2].

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):

Specific Outcome 2 Solve problems by applying an appropriate research design,


research approach and research method in the field of ICT.
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.
Assessment Criteria 2 The contribution of the research to theory and practice is
given. [3]
Specific Outcome 7 Write and submit a task according to the standards of scholarly
writing.
Assessment Criteria 5 The task is free from typographical 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]

Total for Task 5 - Conclusion: [45]

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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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Assessment:
An external examiner will likely mark this final report as well.

The following criteria could be used:


• Definition of scope of project and problem statement
• Research methodology
• Content
• Scientific writing style
• Reference style
• Language use and technical layout of report

4 EXAMINATION
Note that there is NO examination for this module - the final report submitted takes the place of
an examination.

5 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


The myStudies@Unisa brochure contains an A-Z guide of the most relevant study information.
Please refer to this brochure for any questions you might have before you make use of any of the
contact details provided earlier in this letter.

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!

Prof. Leila Goosen E-mail: GooseL@unisa.ac.za

Department of Science and Technology Education Tel no: +27 (0)12 429 6789

College of Education Fax no: +27 (0)86 590 7005

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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