HRCOS82/101/0/2021

Tutorial Letter 101/0/2021

HONOURS RESEARCH REPORT

HRCOS82

Year module

School of Computing

Please activate your myUnisa account and myLife email addresses

and ensure you have regular access to your myLife e-mail address
and to the myUnisa module site for HRCOS82-21-Y1.

Note: This is a fully online module, and therefore your module content is
available on myUnisa.

BARCODE
 CONTENTS
Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 To get started… ............................................................................................................................ 3
2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES ...................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 4
3 MODULE FORMAT: HRCOS82 ................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Fully online module ....................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Printed materials to support the online module ............................................................................. 5
3.3 Library services and resources ..................................................................................................... 6
4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS ................................................................................... 6
5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................ 7
6 ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................. 7
6.1 Assessment plan........................................................................................................................... 7
6.2 Assignment requirements ............................................................................................................. 8
7 COMMUNICATION....................................................................................................................... 8
8 IN CLOSING ................................................................................................................................. 8

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 HRCOS82/101/0/2021

1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student
Welcome to the module Honours Research Report (HRCOS82). In this module, you will
be actually do research under the guidance of a research project leader. The outcome is a
research report.
Because this is a fully online module, you need to use myUnisa to study and complete the
learning activities for this course. The myUnisa website for this module (HRCOS82-21-Y1)
serves as the starting point of all the information you need to successfully engage with and
complete the module.
You therefore need to frequently visit the HRCOS82 website on myUnisa. Your research
project leader may also communicate with you via collaborative channels such as Microsoft
Teams or other channels outside of myUnisa. Make sure that your myLife account is working
and that you are able to receive and send emails.

Do not hesitate to contact your research project leader (on myUnisa, by email or by
telephone) if you are experiencing problems with the content of this tutorial letter or any
aspect of the module. Please make sure that you follow the instructions of the research
project leader in terms of direct project related communications.
We sincerely hope that you find this module, as well as your online learning experience
interesting and rewarding and trust that you will complete the module successfully.
1.1 To get started…

Because this is a fully online module, you need to go online to see your study materials and
read what to do for the module. Go to the website here: https://my.unisa.ac.za and login
with your student number and password.
You will see HRCOS82-21-Y1 in the row of modules in the tabs across the top of the
webpage. Remember to also check in the -More Sites- tab if you cannot find it in any of the
displayed tabs. Click on the tab with your module code (HRCOS82-21-Y1) to view the
module’s content.
Please note that myUnisa is the most appropriate place to start once you’ve opened the
module. In myUnisa you will see module background, your mark calculation formula as well
as your allocation to a research project.

2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES

2.1 Purpose

This module follows after HPCOS81 (Research Methods and Proposal), and building on that
module, serves as a fundamental building block in equipping students with the knowledge and
competencies to conduct research in the computing field as well as giving the students the
opportunity to conduct research under the supervision of a member of staff in the School.
Qualifying students have an appreciation of the research process and have shown that they
can work independently on a research project of limited scope. Students apply the research
skills they were taught in the research methods and proposal module to an area in computing
by identifying a research question and determining the research method suitable tor answering
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that question. They then apply the theoretical knowledge from other honours modules with the
knowledge acquired in HPCOS81 to do a research project of non-trivial scope. Students use
an academic writing style and recognized referencing techniques to complete an acceptable
written research report. The module contributes to the development of the computing field in
Southern Africa, Africa, and globally.

Students are required to have computers and Internet access for daily online study.
2.2 Outcomes

The specific outcomes and assessment criteria for this module are listed below. Please take
note of this when doing your assignments.

Specific outcomes and assessment criteria

Specific outcome
Select and apply an appropriate research
strategy to solve a given real-life problem
within the ICT environment.
Solve problems by applying an
appropriate research design, research
approach and research method in the field
of ICT.
Develop and design appropriate data
gathering tools in order to glean data to
solve an identified problem in ICT.
Discuss results/findings or implications
through analysis of data according to an
appropriately selected research paradigm.
Assessment criteria
1. The selected research strategy is appropriate to the stated
research problem.
2. The selected research strategy is described and justified in
the research report.
3. The selected research strategy is correctly applied.
1. The research design applied is appropriate to the stated
research problem to address the gap identified.
2. The research design is described and justified in the
research report.
3. The research approach is appropriately applied.
4. The research method is clearly articulated in the research
report.
5. The research method is appropriately applied to the stated
problem.
1. The data gathering tools are described and justified in the
research report.
2. The data gathering technique is appropriately applied during
the research event.
3. The data gathering is accurately reported, with the
limitations specified, and calculations correct.
Results/findings or implications are discussed through analysis
of data according to an appropriately selected research
paradigm.

Relate the data analysis to the research
problem by considering alternative
explanations / models and theories
pertaining to the field of ICT.
Communicate the results of the
research study through an acceptable
research report prepared using an
academic writing style, incorporating a
recognised referencing technique.
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1. The discussion reflects critical analysis of the meaning of the
results in the context of the research problem.
2. The discussion shows consideration of alternative
explanations.
3. The discussion reflects an understanding of the significance
of the results in the context of the research problem.
1. The research problem is clearly defined and justified.
2. The contribution of the research to theory and practice is
given.
3. The research report is set within the relevant research
context.
4. The aim and scope of the research report is clearly set out.
5. The appropriateness of the sources and/or method chosen
has been justified, and alternatives as well as limitations are
discussed.
6. The research method chosen has been justified and
 HRCOS82/101/0/2021

alternatives as well as limitations are discussed.

Write and submit a research report
according to the standards of scholarly 4. Arguments are presented logically.
writing.
7. The research method chosen has been rigorously applied to
the given research problem.
8. The measurements have been accurately and objectively
made.
9. The results of the research study are critically evaluated
considering any alternative explanations.
10. The results have been accurately and completely reported.
11. The implications of the results as related to the research
problem have been thoroughly and conscientiously
discussed including discussing any alternative explanations.
12. A complete reference list is included in the proposal using
an appropriate referencing tool (such as Mendeley, EndNote
or RefWorks).
13. Any work from other sources has been appropriate cited or
acknowledged.
1. Terms and concepts are clearly explained.
2. The research report is clearly and logically structured.
3. The accepted conventions of mathematical writing are
followed.
5. The research report is free from typographical and
grammatical errors.
6. The research report is written using the appropriate
international standard for and demonstrates the correct use
of the typesetting and cross-referencing functions.

3 MODULE FORMAT: HRCOS82

3.1 Fully online module

Please note that this module is offered fully online.

All study material for this module will be available on myUnisa or directly from your project
leader. It is very important that you register on myUnisa and access the module site on a
regular basis. You must be registered on myUnisa to be able to access your learning
material, submit your assignments, gain access to various learning resources, and to
participate in online discussion forums and blogs.
Importantly, myUnisa contains the study material for this module if you have registered.
3.2 Printed materials to support the online module

Because we want you to be successful in this online module, we provide you with this tutorial
letter in digital format as an offline starting point to your studies. No other materials will be
sent to you for the duration of your registration in this module. In other words, you should
NOT wait for printed support materials to arrive to start studying.
Please consult with the Study @ Unisa publication for more information on the
activation of your myLife email address as well as obtaining access to the myUnisa
module site.

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3.3 Library services and resources

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources:

 for detailed Library information go to

http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
 for research support and services (e.g. personal librarians and literature
search services) go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-
services/Research-support

The Library has created numerous Library guides:

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

 Request and download recommended material:

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request
 Finding recommended reading in the print collection and e-reserves –
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/undergrad
 Postgraduate information services:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
 Finding and using library resources and tools to assist in research:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_skills
 Frequently asked questions about the Library/ contacting the Library/finding
us on social media/:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask
 Services to students living with disabilities:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/disability

4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

The Primary Lecturer for this module can be reached at the following address:
schoema@unisa.ac.za.
Please note: the primary lecturer serves an administrative role in this module. You can direct
any query related to the administrative components of the module to the primary lecturer. Any
research project related communications should be directed to your research project leader.
To contact the University, you should follow the instructions in the Study @ Unisa brochure.
Remember to have your student number available when you contact the University.

When you contact the Lecturer, please do not forget to always include your student number
as well as your module code. This will help the Lecturers to assist you.

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 HRCOS82/101/0/2021

5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study @ Unisa brochure is available on myUnisa: www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

This brochure has all the tips and information you need to succeed at distance learning and,
specifically, at Unisa.

6 ASSESSMENT
The assessment details of the HRCOS82 module are explained in detail below whilst your
specific assignment requirements will be discussed with you by your research project
leader. On myUnisa, and below, you will find the method of calculation of your final mark as
well as all the relevant instructions to engage with and complete your assignments.

6.1 Assessment plan

To be considered for examination admission in HRCOS82, a student must submit the first
assignment due on 14 June 2021.

For detailed information on the completion and submission of assignments, please refer to
the brochure my Study @ Unisa.
Please note that the due dates are automated by the system and Lecturers are unable to
change or extend due dates. There will be no extensions to submission dates.

Assignments need to be submitted using myUnisa. No other method of submission will be

accepted.
The FINAL_MARK for this module is calculated from your YEAR_MARK and EXAM_MARK.
The YEAR_MARK is calculated from your first 2 assignment marks and your EXAM_MARK
is calculated from the portfolio (Assignment 3). You will therefore not write an examination at
the end of the academic year.

Mark Calculation

YEAR_MARK (Assignment 1 mark x 15%) + (Assignment 2 mark x 15%)

EXAM_MARK The mark you earned from the Portfolio (Assignment 3)

FINAL_MARK (YEAR_MARK x 30%) + (EXAM_MARK x 70%)

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 The most important information about your assignment to keep in mind is the submission
date and unique assignment number. These are as follows:

Assignment Unique Code Submission Date

1
number 788164 14 June 2021
2 888023 16 August 2021
3 747668 10 January 2022
(non-negotiable
examination date)

The marking of your assignments is managed electronically and you therefore must submit
your assignments in a computer readable format such as for example PDF and Word.
Please do not scan your assignment to a PDF because it cannot be processed
electronically. If you cannot save your Word assignment to a PDF format, rather submit the
Word format. Keep in mind that your project leader may have additional requirements to
adhere to.
6.2 Assignment requirements

Note - Because this is an online module and every research project is unique, the specific
requirements for each assignment are not provided in this Tutorial Letter 101 (TUT101).
Instead, you are given the specific assignment by your research project leader, as they
occur during the course.

7 COMMUNICATION
You can send an email to the module email address: schoema@unisa.c.za if you are
experiencing problems with the content of this tutorial letter. For other queries of the research,
contact your research project leader.

8 IN CLOSING
We wish you a fulfilling journey doing research and trust that you will complete the module
successfully.
Enjoy the journey!
Dr MA Schoeman
Module leader HRCOS82

©
UNISA

2021