Unit Outline

This unit equips ICT research students with the essential skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to conduct independent and rigorous research. It introduces the role and significance of research in both academic and industry contexts, and supports students in developing strong foundations in research design, including the formulation of research questions, critical literature review, and ethical considerations. Students will engage with both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, learning how to design data collection tools and apply appropriate methods of analysis. The unit also focuses on building students’ capacity to communicate research effectively through academic writing and presentation. Through structured modules, interactive workshops, and individual project supervision, students will design and refine their own research projects.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Synthesise and critically evaluate literature relevant to a research topic
2	Apply different research methodologies to conduct ethical ICT research.
3	Design, implement, evaluate, and communicate ICT research

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Nil

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Literature review paper draft	Week 9	30 %	LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Research Methodology design and communication	Week 14	50 %	LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Formal Presentation	Refer to Assessment Description	20 %	LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Literature review paper draft

Task Description:

Draft a literature review paper that summarises, analyses, and synthesises existing research on your project topic. The review should link to your research questions, provide thorough coverage of key themes, and demonstrate critical analysis of the literature. It must be well-structured and organised, written in an appropriate academic style, and include accurate referencing and citations.

Task Length:

3,000–8,000 words, but it can be longer if needed.

Due Date:

Week 9

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Coherently describe relevant literature and research methodology to the intended audience	LO1, LO3
2	Justify the research question based on a critical analysis of the literature	LO1
3	Critically evaluate literature relevant to a research topic	LO1
4	Use an appropriate level of academic writing for the relevant data and findings.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Research Methodology design and communication

Task Description:

Prepare and deliver a formal documentation and presentation that covers both the design of your research methodology and the communication of your research plan and progress.

The Methodology Design should clearly state the research questions, problems, and objectives, outline a suitable and coherent methodological design, and provide justification for the chosen approaches. Include a clear data collection and analysis plan, with logical structure, clear writing, and correct referencing.

The presentation should clearly explain the research topic and objectivity, provide justification for the chosen method, and present your research plan or progress effectively. Use appropriate visual supports.

Task Length:

Refer to the assessment description

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

50 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Justify the chosen research methodology’s relevance to the research questions.	LO2, LO3
2	Select ethical research processes with appropriate methodologies	LO2, LO3
3	Use an appropriate level of professional writing and clear presentation of relevant data and results	LO3
4	Use appropriate methodology to conduct research to progress the 3project.	LO2, LO3

Assessment Task 3: Formal Presentation

Task Description:

Formal presentations cover the practices for both qualitative and quantitative research, with 20 minutes allocated for each presentation.

Task Length:

20 mins

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply different quantitative research methodologies to a given case study	LO2
2	Apply different qualitative research methodologies to a given case study	LO2
3	Justify the chosen qualitative approach through a critical discussion.	LO2
4	Justify the chosen quantitative approach through a critical discussion.	LO2
5	Use an appropriate level of professional and clear presentation of relevant data and results	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

N/A