Thesis handbook 2019 2020 MIHSM

MASTER THESIS HANDBOOK
MA/MSc International Hospitality and Service Management

Course Year 2019-2020


TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................................. 2
MODULE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................... 3
POSITION OF THE THESIS IN THE MASTER PROGRAMME .................................................. 3
COMPETENCIES ............................................................................................................................ 4
LEARNING OUTCOMES ................................................................................................................ 4
TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY ................................................................................... 4
ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................................................ 4
MARKING ........................................................................................................................................ 5
HAND IN DATES ............................................................................................................................. 5
RETURN OF MARKED WORK ...................................................................................................... 5
RESIT PROCEDURE ...................................................................................................................... 5
PLANNING ....................................................................................................................................... 6
GUIDELINES ................................................................................................................................... 6
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ............................................................................................................. 9
APPENDIX 1: SUGGESTED CHAPTER OUTLINE ................................................................... 12
APPENDIX 2: FRAUD AND PLAGIARISM ................................................................................ 14
APPENDIX 3: INDIVIDUAL FEEDBACK FORM ........................................................................ 15
APPENDIX 4: ASSESSMENT FORM ......................................................................................... 16


MODULE DESCRIPTION
The thesis is the culmination of the master programme and is a major piece of
individually researched work. The work allows the master students the opportunity to
round off an in-depth investigation into an issue or problem derived from and planned

in their previous modules. The module offers the student an opportunity to enhance
knowledge developed during the programme on a particular issue, as well as an
opportunity to demonstrate cognitive, practical and transferable skills gained. The
module draws significantly on the three research modules (RES 1, 2, and 3). This
module enables students to demonstrate the research skills that can be applied in
any independently researched project, and thus their mastery of this skill set. The
thesis requires students to critically analyse a theory or applied issue with rigour and
detail related to their particular programme.
POSITION OF THE THESIS IN THE MASTER PROGRAMME
Table 1. Position of the thesis in the Master Programme.
MA/MSc IHSM
Module 1: Setting the Framework (10 wks)
Research 1:
Defining a
Contemporary
Topic

Module 2: Operationalizing the Framework (10 wks)
Service Performance
Improvement

Sustainable Value
Creation in the
Hospitality
Industry

Financial
Decision Making

Optional

University
of Derby
Study Trip

Research 2:
Thesis Proposal

Module 3: Beyond the Framework (10 wks)
Strategic Human
Resource Management

MSc Path

Real World Experiential)
Learning (RWEL) in
Stenden Hotel

Principles of Hospitality & Service
Management

Research 3: Data
Collection

Module 4 : Master Thesis (10 wks)
Electives (one of the following)
Entrepreneurship Managing
Research 4: Analysis and Writing
AIHR
and Innovation

Events
Projects
Organisations
Submission/ completion
Post-programme Career Advancement Internship


COMPETENCIES
On completion of the thesis, the student is able to demonstrate and apply the
following acquired cognitive skills, both in a differentiating and integrative way:
▪ conceptual reasoning
▪ strategic analysis
▪ quality questioning
▪ research competencies
▪ international orientation
The participant is able to demonstrate and apply the following acquired affective
skills, both in a differentiating and integrative way:
▪ academic approach
▪ independent way of thinking
▪ accurate style of working
▪ co-operative manner of managing
▪ academic writing

LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Create a substantial piece of independent, investigative research using
appropriate research instruments, underpinned by a consideration of
methodological issues, and conduct reflective analysis of the findings of the
research data

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY
A supervisor (senior member of the academic research staff) guides the master
thesis. Students are expected to consult with the supervisor at several times during
the thesis module. Comprehensive guidance of the responsibilities and roles of the
student is provided by the supervisor.
Individual meeting with supervisor
5%
Self-directed learning
95%
The focus is student centered and the students’ own the responsibility to drive the
analysis forward. The supervisor will offer assistance and guidance on the process
and analysis elaborated by the students. Contact between student and supervisor will
be negotiated as appropriate for the specific study.
In addition, there are several research tutorials focussed on analysing your data and
writing up the research report. Students are expected to join these tutorials.
ASSESSMENT
The assessment strategy is designed to enable students to demonstrate their ability
to implement an independent master research project.
Formative Assessment
Students are expected to initiate a sufficient number of meetings with their supervisor
(for the latter to confirm) and are supposed to attend the research tutorials.


Summative Assessment
Assessment Weighting 100% Coursework
CW1:

100 %

Learning outcome 1

Students will demonstrate their ability to work independently (under supervision) by
producing an individual thesis of 20,000 words (± 10%).

MARKING
The master thesis will be assessed by two persons:
▪ the supervisor
▪ a second staff member (whose name will not necessarily be presented
beforehand)
Grades will be on a scale between 0% and 100%. The pass rate is 55%, which
corresponds with a rounded grade of 6. The grade will have a substantial effect on
the award a student will acquire. Both the weighted mean of all modules (including
the thesis) and the thesis itself need to have a minimum grade of 8 to obtain a Master
degree with distinction. After grading has finished the students will receive a
feedback form in which the comments of both graders are integrated. In case of a
non-pass grade at the first submission, this will help the student to improve the thesis
for second submission.
HAND IN DATES
The deadline for the thesis is Thursday the 27 August 2020, 12.00 hrs noon.
The deadline for the resit of the thesis is Thursday the 8 October 2020, 12.00 hrs
noon.
RETURN OF MARKED WORK
After the Assessment Board meeting the students will receive the feedback
form in which the comments of both graders are integrated. The form can be
found in Appendix 2 of the handbook
A note on the marking process:
Once the final work is submitted, the work is marked by the supervisor and a
second grader, and the two assessors meet to discuss and agree on a final
grade.

RESIT PROCEDURE
If a student does not pass the master thesis, the student has the possibility to resubmit the master thesis once. The student has to consider the feedback received
via the feedback form and then can consult supervisor if necessary. The deadline for
finishing the re-sit of the master thesis and further procedures can be found in the
planning and under hand in dates.


PLANNING
Overall, the year planning for the thesis is as follows:
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4

Research 1: Finding a contemporary topic
Research 2: Thesis proposal (end of module 2 students will be
allocated to their thesis supervisors)
Research 3: Data collection
Thesis

2020 Hand-in, assessment and re-sit of master thesis
Dates
Activity
27/08
Handing in thesis ultimately Thursday the 27th of August 2020 before 12.00 hrs
noon Dutch time on Blackboard and to MA office
27/08
11/09 Double assessment + moderation for grade setting
14/09
Pass/fail publication to student

14/09
18/09 Feedback moment with students
08/10
Handing in resit thesis ultimately Thursday the 8th of October 2020 before
12.00 hrs noon Dutch time on Blackboard and to MA office
08/10
23/10 Double Assessment, moderation for grade setting
26/10
30/10 Assessment Board
01/11
End of enrolment: students need to deregister from the NHL-Stenden student
administration.
11/12

Date of Graduation ceremony

Ultimately on Thursday the 27th of August 2020, before 12.00 hrs noon Dutch
time, the students have to email their master thesis (in word and PDF) to
The students have to add additional documents with their
thesis. Students will be informed in good time before the deadline what to hand in.
The master thesis has to be uploaded in Ephorus on Blackboard as a Word file, PDF
not accepted, ultimately Thursday the 27th August 2020 before 12.00 hrs noon in the
Research course.
In case of a resit the items described above need to be fulfilled ultimately on
Thursday 8th October 2020 before 12.00 hrs noon.

GUIDELINES
It is a requirement that the topic of study has a relation with the award the student is
studying. Students are invited to contribute to the body of knowledge and research
output that Stenden University of Applied Sciences is building. Ideally the subject is

related to one of the research units connected to the Hotel Management School
(MA/MSc IHSM) – Academy of International Hospitality Research (AIHR) and the
School of Leisure and Tourism (MA/MSc ILTEM) – European Futures Tourism Institute
(ETFI). In doing so, the quality of supervision is stimulated, and the identity and
branding of the Stenden Schools’ research units and master programmes are
strengthened. In some cases the master thesis might lead to a co-publication of the
staff member and the student. Finally, as the Stenden Schools offer professional
master programmes, the subject of the master thesis should have practical relevance
for the industry sector the programme is aiming at.


The master thesis topic should be sufficiently well-focused to facilitate an indepth study but broad enough to develop an informed overview of the topic area. The
required length of the master thesis is 20.000 +/- 10% words exclusive of title and
contents page, figures, tables, quotations, appendices and bibliography. The master
thesis is expected to demonstrate the student’s ability to undertake a piece of
original, primary research. Evidence will be required of reasoned exposition, logical
structure and scholarly presentation. The structure of the master thesis may depend
upon the nature of the research and there is no one correct structure. However, the
following must be included:
Cover Page

Spine

Title page

Master thesis title.
Full student’s name.
Institution name: NHL-Stenden University of Applied Sciences
Award Name: MA (/MSc if applicable) International ……
Year and month of master thesis submission.

Initials and surname
Course name abbreviation:
MA (MSc)ILTEM or MA (MSc)IHSM)
Year
Title of master thesis and author’s name.
“Master thesis submitted in part fulfilment of the requirements of
NHL-Stenden University of Applied Sciences for the Degree of
Master of Arts in International Hospitality & Service Management
or Master of Arts in International Leisure, Tourism and Events
Management
and (only in case of dual award):

Declaration

Acknowledgements
Abstract

Table of contents
List of tables (on a
separate page)
List of figures (on a
separate page)

University of Derby for the Degree Master of Science in
International Hospitality & Service Management or Master of
Science in International Leisure, Tourism and Event Management.
Month and year of submission.
I herewith declare that
1. This work is composed by me.
2. This work has not been accepted in any previous application for

a degree or diploma by me or anyone else.
3. The work of which this is a record is done wholly be me.
4. All verbatim extracts have been distinguished by quotation
marks and the sources of my information have been specifically
acknowledged.
Signed: … followed by your signature…
Name:
Date:
Place:
Important note: plagiarism is a serious academic offence that will
have serious consequences. Please turn to the Teaching and
Exam Regulations of both programmes for more details about the
Stenden Masters’ policy.
Acknowledgements should be given to individuals who have
provided substantive help with the research.
The master thesis includes an abstract of the
background/rationale, scientific and professional relevance for,
purpose statement, problem statement, research questions,
research design, outcomes and recommendations.
Chapter headings and subheadings.
Individual listing of titles and pages of any tables, graphs and
statistics.
Individual listing of titles and pages of photographs, illustrations
and diagrams.


List of appendices (on a
separate page)
Main text

Bibliography/references
Appendices

Individual listing by title of each appendix.
Typing: the master thesis must be typed using double spacing
and a font size of 12 points (preferably Arial).
Layout: pages should be numbered at the bottom.
Left margin of 3.54 cm. Right, top and bottom margin 2.54 cm.
Headings: use of headings and subheadings, in addition to
chapter headings, is encouraged. Decide your own sequence of
typographical features for defining the various levels of heading.
Preferably sections are numbered. Try not to go beyond three
levels of subheadings.
Paragraphs: the master thesis should be written in paragraphs.
Each paragraph should be normally longer than one sentence
and will often take up one third of a page. Paragraphs often have
a linking word such as ‘next’ or ‘furthermore’ near their start.
These linkers lead the reader from an established idea to a new
theme or idea.
Bullet points: are acceptable but no substitute for chunky
paragraphs full of argument. Only use them for summaries and
genuine lists and not as a way of avoiding debate.
Quotes: if they are brief, include them in the main text with
quotation marks at beginning and end. If they are longer than 25
words indent them as a separate paragraph. Always provide the
page number of the original source.
Footnotes: do not use them for providing citations. Use them
sparingly for comments or information that, whilst not part of the
main flow of argument, has sufficient merit.
Tenses: the introductory chapters and the conceptual framework

chapter should be written in the present tense. The literature
review and the student’s own research in the past tense.
Conclusions should be in the present tense.
Personal pronoun: usually writing in the first person singular
would be regarded as inappropriate in more traditional research
cultures. We would recommend using them only if your research
is in the grounded theory, action research or ethnographic
research style.
Language: the master thesis should be written in English. If
quotes in other languages are used, translations should be
provided.
Tables, diagrams and boxes: should be included in an
appropriate place in the text. They should be numbered
consecutively with separate sequences for tables, figures and
boxes and have preferably a title. For tables, figures and boxes,
the number + title should be placed above them. They should only
be placed in appendices if they are so bulky that they would
disrupt the reader’s flow of understanding. The use of boxes to
contain illustrative material within the text is fine.
Vocabulary: use only words you understand. Be careful with
academic jargon. Avoid using acronyms.
Grammar: please refer to manuals and previous English language
courses.
Citation and referencing: APA style for which we recommend
using the automated function in Word (not to make mistakes).
Printing: one-sided
Listed using the APA style of all sources applied to the master
thesis.
They are useful to put subsidiary information (such as the
summary of results from a questionnaire), but the contents is not

necessary to the flow of the argument. There should always be
made references to the appendices from the main text, but this
should not eliminate mentioning the relevant information in the
main text. It should also be avoided to have the reader/assessor


get into cross referencing too much (see …, as mentioned in…).
Appendices that are thicker than the text should be avoided.
Appendices are not counted against the master thesis word limits.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
See grading indicators for criteria, in addition, the following offers an outline of
the contents.
•
•

Title: is the title focused, summative, and does it reflect the
proposal/dissertation content?
Abstract: is it short, complete, self-contained, summative, objective,
precise and easy to read?

Introduction: contains the specification and definition of the project. In general, the
markers will assess the clarity stated aims and objectives and the context elaborated,
academic and practical relevance to sector related issues, feasibility of objectives of
dissertation study and the rationale of your dissertation study.
• Introduction: is background information included? Is an introduction to
current research included and developed? An introduction to the
organisation (if applicable)? Have you demonstrated the relevance of your
dissertation to the field and is it theoretically grounded? Links to relevant
literature and academic debates, the evidence of extensive reading will be

valued.
• Aim(s): is the aim feasible and manageable (have resource and data
accessibility been taken into account)? Is the aim original and does it have
the potential to add insights to the field of study? Does it conform to the
right aim format?
• Objectives: are they focused and do they reflect or are they linked to the
aims? Are the objectives specific and observable? Do they conform to the
right format (action verbs)?
• Relevance: what is the academic and professional relevance of your
study? Why does it need to be researched now? Who could do what with
the information found out?
Literature Review: In general: Search for relevant literature. Critical assessment of
literature. Awareness of contribution of other researchers. Awareness of relevant
concepts. Direct linkage to dissertation aims and objectives identified.
• Provide a critical review of relevant academic literature;
• Critique existing research and link it to aims/objectives;
• Review key academic theories and review needs to relate to previous
published and “recognised” work;
• Demonstrate relevance to contemporary/current debates; literature
discussed needs to be current (not outdated);
• Be critical (sources that both support and oppose aims and objectives);
• Be able to differentiate fact and opinion;
• Assess strengths and weaknesses of previous work;
• Be objective, unbiased, coherent and cohesive;
• Adhere to APA.
Issues for Investigation highlight the issue to be researched
• Conceptual model
• Refined problem description, issue is clearly identified
• Problem statement on the basis of Literature review / model

•

SMART research questions and / or hypotheses

Methodology: In general, choice and use of research methods are appropriate to the
aims and objectives. Sound justification provided for each element, including
evidence of literature supporting choice of methods.
• Research Design: research philosophy and resulting research approach;
• The research methods;
• Instrumentation, reliability and validity of the study; and how it was
ensured
• Concepts, indicators and information needs are well presented (research
matrix)
• Population, sampling, sample
• The data collection procedure
• Ethical issues and how these were treated
• Limitations and influence of these limitations
Data Presentation or Results: In general, clear and logical presentation of data. Indepth analysis
• Is the data appropriately presented (graphically or verbatim)?
• Is the data presentation factual or interpretative?
• Is the analysis appropriate for the research questions?
• Are analysis methods used correctly?
• Is the analysis analytical or merely descriptive?
Discussion: In general: Clear relationship made between aims and objectives,
literature and findings.
•
•
•

Research questions are discussed and answered based upon findings
Analysis links the findings to prior academic work as stated in the review
and discussed them in-depth
Gaps, limitations and implications are discussed and evaluated

Conclusions: In general, the aims and objectives are satisfied. Effective drawing out
of key issues and a logically following recommendations.
•
•
•
•
•
•

Are the conclusions drawn from the findings and discussion?
Are the conclusions linked to aims and objectives?
Conclusions are clearly on evaluative level and are not a mere summary
of results or discussion.
Is the contribution of research both for industry and academia stated and
well elaborated?
Is the research process and result critically reflected and evaluated?
Recommendations: SMART recommendations for further research and for
the industry (link to relevance of intro).

Presentation in general: organisation and layout of material needs to be professional,
academic style including spelling and grammar is required. Well-used referencing
including a list of references and citations. Appropriate use of appendices. Also the
flow of work and linkage between chapters is well worked-out.
•
•

•
•
•

Is cohesive, well-structured and inter-linked
Sections complement each other
Complies with traditional research format
Follows APA Referencing style
Follows Academic writing and uses terminology sufficiently


From the above, it should be clear that markers will not only consider the technical
merit of a dissertation, but also the logical development of argument. You need to
demonstrate interpretative skills and show the ability to study a problem in depth
adopting a critical and analytical manner. Work that is descriptive, superficial and
lacking direction will not be graded highly.


APPENDIX 1: SUGGESTED CHAPTER OUTLINE

The outline below is fairly standard for Master thesis. Which means it needs to fit
any kind of study. For each specific thesis, this outline can of course be improved.
Think about:
Giving more specific headings for each section, based on the concepts / content
being covered.
If needed, changing the order of sections to improve the line of argument
Where appropriate, skipping sections which are not relevant and adding sections
which are needed for the line of argument

Abstract

Preface / Acknowledgement
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

Research Topic
Research Background
Research Context
Purpose of Study
Can include relevance

1.5 Overview of the Thesis

Chapter 2 Literature Review
2.1 Concept 1
2.2 Concept 2
2.3 Etc.

Chapter 3 Issues for Investigation
3.1 Conceptual model
Based on literature review

3.2 Problem Analysis

Describes model in the context of the purpose from chapter 1

3.3 Problem statement / Research Questions / Hypotheses

Chapter 4 Method
4.1 General Research Design
4.2 Instrument
Contents + scaling
Reliability
Validity

(or the qualitative interpretations of reliability / validity)

4.3 Sample
Target population
Accessible population
Sampling method & sample size
Representativeness
4.4 Data collection procedure
4.5 Data analysis method
4.6 Ethical issues
4.7 Limitations of the Design


Chapter 5 Results
Quantitative studies:
5.1 Sample description
5.2 Scale analysis
5.3 / 5.4 ……. Analyses to address research questions / hypotheses
Qualitative studies
5.1 Sample description
5.2 (5.3/5.4 …….) Presentation of themes derived from data
5.3 Further analyses
Example: comparing themes between sample groups / contrasting points of view

Chapter 6 Discussion
6.1 Research questions
Research question 1
Findings
Comparison with literature
Research question 2
Findings
Comparison with literature
Research question 3
Etc.

Other option: order by theme for qualitative studies

6.2 Review of Conceptual model

Some qualitative studies: this is the only place to present a model

6.3 Limitations of Findings

Chapter 7 Conclusions & Recommendations
7.1 Conclusions

Includes answer to problem statement and reflection on purpose of study

7.2 Recommendations for Practice
7.3 Recommendations for Further Research

Reference List
Appendices

APPENDIX 2: FRAUD AND PLAGIARISM
Please note: Fraud and plagiarism is taken seriously and students should take note
of chapter 6, article 17 of the 2019-2020 Teaching and Examination Regulations of
the programme. If a student has doubt how to deal with sourcing and referencing the
student should ask the supervisor for advice.


APPENDIX 3: INDIVIDUAL FEEDBACK FORM
Student’s name
Title of Module
Name Supervisor /
Assessor

THESIS
1st

Name 2nd Assessor’s
SECTION B
Provisional Grade: %
Motivation:

NB. Coursework submitted late will only be considered for assessment at the discretion of the
Examination Board, (See University of Derby Examination Regulations).
Copy to be returned to student

Date

Date

Signature supervisor / 1st assessor

Signature 2nd assessor

____________________________

______________________________


APPENDIX 4: ASSESSMENT FORM
Student’s name:
Student number:
Title of Module:

THESIS

Name Supervisor / 1st Assessor:
Name 2nd Assessor’s:

Introduction + Issues for
Investigation
Situating the aim within the
knowledge, theory, and
concepts of the field of study.
Context / Background of
research.
Explains the purpose / value
of the study.

Comments:

Excellent – Distinction

Very good - Distinction

Good – with Merrit

Satisfactory

Unsatisfactory

Very poor

(90-100%)

(75-89%)

(65-74%)

(55-64%)

(40-54%)

(<40%)

Relevance of the research
question, to the field of study and
the industry is fully justified and
shows outstanding insight in the

issue studied.

Relevance of the research topic, to
the field of study and the
corresponding industry is justified
and shows insight in the issue
studied.

Relevance of the research
topic to the field of study and
the industry is very well
reasoned and shows insight
in the issue studied.

A clear research problem is
defined(*).

Inaccurate /
irrelevant / confused
research topic..

Topic is contemporary, objectives
are focussed and clearly follow the
aim.

The theory used shows insight into
the current debate of the academic
discussion and the aim is clearly
based within it.

Shows some theoretical
background and topic is
placed in academic context.

Relevance of the
research topic is
narrow and vague.
Topic is barely
linked to the
academic context.

Topic is theoretically grounded
and placed in the academic
debate with exhaustive theory
background

Sufficient background/context to
the research problem is provided
Relevance of the research topic
to the field of study is described,
academic insight stays on a
basic level.
(* or more specific: purpose,
problem statement and research
questions / hypotheses)


Literature Review
Demonstrates up to date
knowledge of the literature in

the field of study.
Critically assesses previous
research in the chosen field of
study.
Should provide a thematic
and conceptual basis for the
student's study.

A wide range of relevant,
contemporary academic sources,
that examine the current academic
debate; a very high level of critical
evaluation of these sources,
sorted for logical connections.
Accurate information rigorously
and critically interpreted within the
context of the research identifying
clear gaps within the literature that
the study will address. Review is
very innovative, comprehensive,
critical and relevant.
Conceptual model represents
ideas with exceptional clarity, is
based on discussed literature and
is self-explanatory. The link from
the model to the research
questions is clear.

A range of relevant academic
sources, a very good level of

critical evaluation of these
sources, sorted for logical
connections.

Relevant academic sources
aggregated, a fairly good
level of critical evaluation of
these sources, sorted for
logical connections.

Accurate information rigorously
and critically interpreted within the
context of the research. Review is
comprehensive, critical and
relevant.

Accurate information
critically interpreted within
the context of the research.
Review is critical and
relevant.

Conceptual model represents
ideas with pleasing clarity, is
based on discussed literature and
is self-explanatory, issues for
investigation are clear

Conceptual model
represents ideas which are

self-explanatory.

Comprehensive explanation of
research methods, with thorough
justification.

Clear and detailed
explanation, with wellreasoned justification.

Information on reliability and
validity is justified and very good
described as is information on
possible future replica studies.

Information on reliability and
validity is clear as is
information on possible
future replica studies.

Ethical issues and implications are
discussed.

Ethical issues are described.

Relevant academic sources
aggregated, a fair level of critical
evaluation of these sources,
sorted for logical connections.
Accurate information interpreted
and discussed within the context

of the research. Review is
relevant.
Conceptual model is based on
relevant concepts, but needs
some explanation.

Academic sources
aggregated, but
inadequate critical
evaluation of these
sources, not sorted
for connections
within the context of
the research.
Information not
discussed within the
context of research
and relevance of
review is not
explained.

Largely inaccurate
information not
interpreted or sorted
for connections
within the context of
the research.
Irrelevant sources.
Conceptual model
does not represent

literature.

Conceptual model
does not entirely fit
discussed literature.

Comments

Research Methods
Explanation and justification
of methodology, the research
method and research
techniques in relation to the
research questions

Comprehensive explanation of
research approach and design.
Method choices are discussed and
critically evaluated with thorough
justification of a most appropriate
and innovative method for the
research questions.
Information on reliability and
validity is justified in detail and
exceptional well described as is
information on possible future
replica studies.
Ethical issues and their
implications are discussed.
Limitations and their influences is

evaluated and how they were dealt
with is justified.
Data collection procedure and
sampling is well justified and
evaluated and guarantees high
internal validity.

Limitations and their influences are
discussed.
Data collection procedure and
sampling is discussed and
justified.

Data collection is described
solidly, reliability and validity
are justified but miss
evaluation.
Limitations and their
influences are mentioned.

Clear explanation and
justification.
Design, instrument and sample
are appropriate for the research
problem
Information on reliability and
validity is described on a basic
level as is information on
possible future replication
studies.

Ethical issues are barely
discussed or/and limitations of
the research are mentioned but
their influence is not elaborated.
Data collection and/or sampling
procedure are described well but
the application of the chosen
techniques has weaknesses.

Brief description with
unclear explanation
and limited
justification.
Information on
reliability and validity
is narrow and
vague, information
on possible future
replica studies is not
accurate.
Information on
ethics or limitations
is vague.

Data collection
and/or sampling or
described on a basic
level and are,
hence, a replica
study would not be

possible.

Inaccurate and
ambiguous
description with
confused
explanation and
limited justification.
Information on
reliability and validity
is incorrect and
information on
possible future
replica studies is not
accurate.
Data collection
and/or sampling
procedure is missing
or extremely vague
No information on
limitations or ethical
issues.


Comments

Results and Analysis
Application of research
techniques and presentation
of results

Analysis and discussion of
research results.
Demonstrates logical
connections between findings
and literature review.
Shows aims and objectives of
the project are achieved and
the research question
answered.

Clear, engaging and effective
presentation of data that shows
the validity and reliability of data
collected.
Information given is clearly
focussed on the issues for
investigation, insightful analysed.
Original approach and high
competence in data analysis is
visible.
The results are critically analysed.
The presentation and analysis of
results are evidently connected to
the research questions.

Clear, effective presentation of
data that shows the validity and
reliability of data collected.
Original thinking and high
competence in data analysis.

Clearly focussed on the main
issue addressed, results are easy
to follow

Incisive original thinking,
insightful and creative
interpretation of the relationship
between the results and the
academic field of study.
Critically addresses gaps
identified literature review.
Limitations of the research and
their implications are discussed.

Insightful interpretation of the
relationship between the results
and the field of study.
Addresses gaps identified
literature review.
Limitations of the research and
their implications are discussed.

Clear, effective presentation
of data that shows the
validity and reliability of data
collected.

Presentation of data is in line
with the research problem.
Shows competence in using

analysis methods

Solid competence in data
analysis.

Correct analysis and
interpretation of the findings of
the analysis.

Focussed on the main issue
addressed, results are easy
to follow

Unhelpful
presentation of data.
Rather descriptive /
vague presentation
of information, the
link to the objectives
is weak.

Completely
inappropriate
methods of data
collection used.
No evidence of
original thinking..

The presentation of results is
clear and relevant for the

questions

Comments:

Discussion
Discussion of research
results. Demonstrates logical
connections between findings
and literature review.
Considers limitations of the
work

Comments

Limitations of the research
are discussed.
Some evidence of original
thinking, good interpretation
of the relationship between
the results and the field of
study.
Clearly discusses results
with areas identified in the
literature review.

Discusses results related to
areas identified in the literature
Interprets findings in relation to
the field of study & the problem
definition

Considers limitations of the
study
Minor evidence original thinking.

No evidence of
original thinking, the
relationship between
the results and the
field of study is
briefly discussed
with some major
feature omitted.
Results are not
compared with
areas identified in
the literature review.

There is no
relationship between
the results of the
project and the
literature review


Conclusions &
Recommendations
Clear conclusions drawn from
research study.
Valid recommendation
following from the work (if

appropriate).
Contribution to knowledge /
contribution of research
Evaluation of research

Clear and relevant conclusions
drawn from the research.
Actionable SMART
recommendations following from
the research, both for the industry
and further research (if
applicable)
Clearly demonstrates a
contribution to knowledge with a
link to the current academic
debate..
Limitations of the research are
explored and critically evaluated,
suggestions for further
work/research discussed.

Clear and relevant conclusions
drawn from the research.
Actionable SMART
recommendations following from
the research.
Demonstrates a contribution to
knowledge.
Limitations of the research are
discussed and suggestions for

further work presented.

Appropriate academic and
professional standard with clear
evidence of a well-reasoned
argument.
No typographical errors.
Correct use of grammar.
Accurately referenced.

Appropriate academic and
professional standard with clear
evidence of a well-reasoned
argument.
No typographical errors.
Correct use of grammar.
Accurately referenced.

Relevant conclusions drawn
from the research.
Sound recommendations
following from the research.
Demonstrates a contribution
to knowledge.

Clear conclusions drawn from
the research.
Conclusions are related to the
research purpose , has some
tendencies to be a summary

instead of a conclusion.
Logical recommendations
following from the research.
Evaluation of research is
presented, however, stays rather
descriptive.

Unsound
conclusions drawn
from the research or
the conclusion is
merely a summary
Recommendations
are not following
from the results.
Evaluation of
research and
contribution of
research is missing.

No conclusions
drawn from the
research.
No
recommendations
following from the
research.
Evaluation of
research and
contribution of

research is missing.

Comments

Structure
Structure of dissertation
Standard of written English.
Accuracy of APA style
referencing.

Generally of an appropriate
academic and professional
standard with evidence of a
well-reasoned argument.
No typographical errors.
Correct use of grammar.
Accurately referenced.

Good academic standard with
evidence of a clearly reasoned
argument.
Minor typographical errors.
Mainly correct use of grammar.
Demonstrates good use of the
APA referencing system.

English is confused
and inappropriate
with little evidence of
a logical argument.

Many typographical
errors.
Demonstrates little
attempt to use the
APA referencing
system.
References are
inaccurate or
unrelated to
references in the
text.

Comments

English is confused,
inappropriate with
no evidence of a
logical argument.
Too many
typographical errors.
Demonstrates no
attempt to use the
APA referencing
system.
References are
inaccurate, missing
or unrelated to
references in the
text