SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY
SUBJECT OUTLINE
PRJ 3036 RESEARCH PROJECT II
Programme : BSc. (Hons) in International Hospitality Management
BSc. (Hons) in Culinary Management
BSc. (Hons) in Conventions and Events Management
Semester : January 2020
Subject Code and Title : PRJ 3036 Research Project II
Credit Value and : 6 Credit Value
Contact Hours Mondays, Week 1, 4 & 6
Prerequisite(s) : RSM 2024 / RSM 2014 Research Methods for Hospitality / Research
Methods for Tourism & Hospitality
Lecturer : Dr. Daisy Gayathri Kanagasapapathy
E-mail address : daisyk@sunway.edu.my
Room : Sunway University, Level 6, East Wing,
Academic Offices, Room 627
Telephone No : +603 7491 8622 ext. 7468
Consultation Hours : Monday
12 - 2 pm (Please email for appointments)
“Research is creating new knowledge” ~ Neil Armstrong ~
Subject Description
In a business environment, research proposals are undertaken to examine problems and to find ways to address them. This subject provides students with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to design and undertake a research project. The subject explores the research process and the critical elements of a research proposal, including identifying the research problem, aims, conducting a literature review, research methodologies, and writing a research proposal.
Students will be researching to their selected topic in the field of hospitality, tourism and events with the guidance of a supervisor. The report will be assessed as a scientific document, including consideration of the thoroughness of the literature review, the rigour and validity of the data generated and the student’s analysis, presentation and interpretation of their results.
Last updated: January 2020

Subject Objectives
The subject aims to enable the students to apply the skills that they have acquired from Research Methods for Hospitality and Research Methods for Tourism & Hospitality. The students will have methodological skills to develop research questions and apply appropriate analytical techniques; the students will have the theoretical knowledge to appropriately frame research design and analysis; the students will have analytical skills necessary to conduct research or evaluation, and the students will communicate their knowledge effectively using discipline-specific language and appropriate genre from a scholarly perspective and to a specified audience.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLO)
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
SLO 1 : Apply acquired research skills in carrying out an academic research project.
SLO 2 : Analyse relevant data using appropriate tools and techniques.
SLO 3 : Submit a research project.
Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)
After completing the programme, students will be able to:
PLO 1 : Discuss perspectives, principles and theoretical fundamentals in relations to the
hospitality industry.
PLO 2 : Apply the appropriate managerial skills, tools and techniques in managing hospitality
operations.
PLO 3 : Communicate and interact effectively with multiple stakeholders in diverse social,
cultural and environmental contexts.
PLO 4 : Embed empathy, responsibility, integrity and professionalism in making business and
service decisions.
PLO 5 : Function effectively as an individual and within a group as well as demonstrate the
responsibilities and qualities of a leader.
PLO 6 : Recognise and evaluate hospitality issues and challenges and develop corresponding
strategies for successful management.
PLO 7 : Manage information and engage in life-long learning.
PLO 8 : Apply managerial and entrepreneurial skills.
Mapping of SLO and PLO:
Subject
Learning
Outcomes
(SLO) Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)
PL0 1 PLO 2 PLO 3 PLO 4 PLO 5 PLO 6 PLO 7 PLO 8
SLO 1 v
SLO 2 v
SLO 3 v
Last updated: January 2020

Delivery Methods
Workshops and contact are as follows:
Week 1 (13/1/2020) Briefing
Week 4 (3/2/2020) SPSS refreshing workshop **subject to lab availability
Week 6 (21/2/2020) Report submission
Advisory System
Students were assigned a supervisor and research topic during RSM2024 Research Methods for Hospitality/RSM 2014 Research Methods for Hospitality & Tourism.
Students are anticipated to arrange your meetings with the same supervisor during Research Project to prepare your research proposal. Students are expected to consult your supervisor, by using a Research Student Log Book, for auditing purposes, within the first week of the semester you register for PRJ 3036 Research Project and on a more regular basis after which. This relationship will continue throughout the programme until the completion of your Research Project. These supervisors should be consulted regularly during the planning and writing of the research project, with outlines and drafts of work in progress reviewed according to some mutually agreed schedule. The students and supervisors should keep the record of the meeting as evidence of student’s progress ( see Appendix 6).
However, you may request a change of supervisor when you register for Research Project after a period of not more than one month from the first-class date of the semester, to be approved by the school upon written petition by the student. However, it will be subject to your progress stage and the availability of a substitute supervisor. You will not be allowed the change until a substitute is available. The subject lecturer will aid for the sourcing of new supervisor; however, the effort of sourcing for new supervisor is on the student.
Assessment
PRJ 3036 Research Project I and II are assessed through 100% coursework. Each student should complete satisfactory a research project, acceptable to the School Board of Studies Committee. The research project will be read and examined by two examiners.
Subject assessment will be weighted as follows:
Research Project I 20%
Research Project II 80%
Written Report
TOTAL 100%

Resubmission
A student will have a maximum of three attempts to pass your Research Project, subject to the decision of the University Board of Examiners.
Class Essentials
All students are expected to register with the eLearn (www.elearn.sunway.edu.my) to access learning materials for the module.
Apart from that, all students may register with the following additional resources:
· Knowledge@Wharton - http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/ (free registration)
Students are also encouraged to visit the following websites and blogs often and to read the articles, postings and papers on them:
· Harvard Business Review – http://www.hbr.org
· Asian Wall Street Journal – http://www.wsj-asia.com
· Technology Review – http://www.technologyreview.com
· New Scientist – http://www.newscientist.com
4 WRITTEN REPORT 80% (SLO 1, 2 & 3)

· Submission due: 21 February 2020 (Friday)
ABSTRACT
An abstract summarise your research project with strong arguments. It is the abstract of your research project that tells the audience about the objectives of your research. Within than 300 words, one paragraph, block format (i.e., do not indent). It is a concise summary description of the study, including the statement of the problem, the purpose of the study, methodology, key findings, and implications. The abstract ideally is written after the completion of the research project.
CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Chapter I begin the context of the study. The background study for a research project includes a review of the area being researched, current information surrounding the issue, previous studies on the subject, and relevant history on the issue. Ideally, the purpose of a background study is to help you to prove the relevance of your thesis question and to further develop your thesis.

Problem Statement
The statement of the problem is the focal point of your research and why this area was selected. Research gap is clarified under this section.
Research Objectives
The purpose is a single statement or paragraph that explains what the study intends
to accomplish. A few typical statements are:
The goal of this study is to...
... overcome the difficulty with ...
... discover what ...
... examine the causes or effects of ...
... refine our current understanding of ...
... provide a new interpretation of ...
Research Questions
Research questions are directly tied to the purpose. They should be specific, unambiguously stated, and open-ended. These questions cue readers to the direction the study will take and help to delineate the scope of the study.
Significance of the Study
The significance of the study answers the questions:
· Why is your research critical?
· To whom is it important?
· What benefit(s) will occur if your study is done?
Definition of Terms
Include descriptions that are unique to your field of inquiry or any terms that a general reader might not understand that.
CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW
Review of Literature
Chapter II is a review of the literature. It is essential because it shows what previous researchers have discovered in the area you are planning to investigate. If you are planning to explore a relatively new field, the literature review should cite similar areas of study or studies that lead up to the current research. NEVER SAY THAT YOUR AREA IS SO NEW THAT NO RESEARCH EXISTS.
Research Framework and Hypothesis (Hypothesis for Quantitative Only)
The conceptual/theoretical framework draws on past theory(ies) and research, which aims to examine the relationship among variables. In essence, the framework provides the theoretical and methodological bases for the development of the study and analysis of findings.
For quantitative research, the hypothesis of the variables should be clearly stated with justification for its logical and appropriateness with the support of past literature.

CHAPTER THREE - METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This section describes the types of research methodology (phenomenology, case study, action research, etc.) with a rationale for their suitability regarding addressing the research questions.
Population and sampling
Discussion on the chosen sample and data collection area. Questions such as:
· Why was this sample selected?
· Which sampling techniques and why? (Probability or non-probability)
· Why was this research area chosen?
Instrumentation
This section explains the specific type of research instrument used such as questionnaire, questionnaire-checklist or structured interview. The discussion should include how the chosen instrument was derived.
Data Collection
This section describes and justifies all data collection methods, tools, instruments, and procedures, including how, when, where, and by whom data were collected. A sample of the research tool (e.g. survey form, interview questions) should be attached in the Appendix.
Data Analysis
This section will answer these questions:
· What test will be used to analyse the data collection?
· Explain why?
Research Ethics
Important research ethics that concerns your research should be addressed in the study. For example, How will you obtain informed consent?
CHAPTER FOUR - RESULTS
Analyses of the Results
The analyses section follows the analysis plan laid out in Chapter III. Report the necessary steps and results based on the relevance of your study.
CHAPTER FIVE – DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
Discussion
This section is for you to discuss your findings. Link the findings with your RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND QUESTIONS. How did your results answer them? Do your findings support existing theories? Explain why you think you found what you did.
Implications of Findings
This section discusses the contribution of the research findings to the theoretical development as well as to the industry.

Limitation and Recommendations
This section identifies potential weaknesses of the study and the scope of the study. Limitations are external conditions that restrict or constrain the study’s scope or may affect its outcome. Present recommendations based on your findings.
Recommendations fall into two categories. The first is recommendations to the study organisation. What actions do you recommend they take based upon the data? The second is recommendations to other researchers. There are almost always ways that a study could be improved or refined. What would you change if you were to do your research over again? These are the recommendations to other researchers.
Conclusion
Write a summary of what you did and found (i.e., the interpretations of your results in Chapter IV, what they mean).
REFERENCES
Please use APA formatting style. FOR QUANTITATIVE REPORT
COVER PAGE (Appendix 1)
DECLARATION FORM (Appendix 2) ABSTRACT (Appendix 3)
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Appendix 4)
CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION Overview
Background of the Study
Problem Statement Research Objectives Research Questions Significance of the study
Definition of terms Conclusion
CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW Introduction Review of Literature Conceptual/Theoretical Framework Hypothesis Conclusion
CHAPTER THREE – METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Research Design
Population and Sampling
Instrumentation
Data Collection
Data Analysis

Research Ethics Conclusion
CHAPTER FOUR – RESULTS
Introduction
Analyses of the Results
Conclusion
CHAPTER FIVE – DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
Discussion of the Findings
Implications of Findings
Limitations and Recommendations
Conclusion
REFERENCES
APPENDICES Gantt Chart
Questionnaire
Supervisory Meeting Log
FOR QUALITATIVE REPORT
COVER PAGE (Appendix 1)
DECLARATION FORM (Appendix 2) ABSTRACT (Appendix 3)
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Appendix 4)
CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION
Overview
Background of the Study
Problem Statement
Research Objectives, Research Questions
Significance of the study
Definition of terms
Conclusion
CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
Review of Literature
Conceptual Framework
Conclusion
CHAPTER THREE – METHODOLOGY Introduction
Research Design
Population and Sampling
Instrumentation

Data Collection Data Analysis Research Ethics Conclusion
CHAPTER FOUR – RESULTS Introduction
Data Coding and Analysis Conclusion
CHAPTER FIVE – DISCUSSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
Discussion of the Findings
Implications of Findings
Limitations and Recommendations
Conclusion
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
Gantt Chart
Interview Questions
Supervisory Meeting Log
9 SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

You must submit one hard copies in comb binding to the subject lecturer and electronic copies of the research project in Word format in TWO files via eLearn based on the assigned candidate number.
File 1: The whole research report (Cover page – Appendices) Save as CandidatexxFULL, e.g. Candidate1FULL
File 2: Abstract – Appendices (please make sure that ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION are omitted)
Save as CandidatexxMARKING, e.g. Candidate1MARKING
· A COPY of SPSS CODEBOOK (RAW DATA) and 10% of collected questionnaires or e-survey raw data or TRANSCRIPT OF CONDUCTED INTERVIEWS MUST be submitted to the subject lecturer as evidence of primary data collected.
· All supporting materials are to be uploaded in the eLearn. It is essential for verification and authentication of your data.
· Additionally, you are required to submit ONE COPY OF TURNITIN RESULT together with your hard copy project. The similarity report ideally should be below 30%.
· The research project should be written APPROXIMATELY WITHIN 8,000 WORDS.
· If there is any conflict between hard copy and an electronic copy of your research project, the hard copy version will prevail.
· Kindly take note that extensions will only be given under exceptional circumstances on a case by case basis.
TURNITIN CODE:
Turnitin Class ID: 23374785
Turnitin enrolment password: Jan2020
FORMATTING OF THE REPORT
The guidelines for the standard layout of the research project are:
· Paper: White A4 size paper.
· Typeface and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point for text and min 10-point for text in tables, figures, footnotes and endnotes (if applicable).
· Alignment: Justified
· Spacing: Double spacing except for footnotes, endnotes, appendices, long tables and quotations longer than four lines, reference list.
· Margin: 1 inch around for top, bottom and right, 1.5 inches for the left margin.
· Printing: All pages of the document must be printed single-sided.
· Numbering: Centre and bottom of the page. All preliminary pages except for title
pages must be numbered with Roman Numerals (e.g. I, II, III ) while for the main
text and references list must be numbered with Arabic Numerals (e.g. 1, 2, 3 ).
· Binding: For the hardcopy, plastic comb binding and single-sided printing are recommended.
· Referencing Style: APA format
· Language: All report must be written in English (British or American style). A spell and grammar check must be performed on all written material before submission.
· Chapter Title: All Chapter Title must be BOLDED, CENTERED and CAPITALIZED as follow.
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION
· Heading and subheading: All heading and subheading of the section are to be numbered accordingly. For the main heading, it should be BOLDED and left-justified, and for sub-heading, it should be BOLDED and indented FIVE spaces from the left.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Attendance
The University has a duty of care to its students and to ensure that each student makes the most of their learning opportunities while studying at the University. All students are expected to attend all teaching sessions.
The monitoring of students’ attendance will be done through the iCheck-in. Students are required to check-in for their teaching sessions within the first 15 minutes of the session or else the attendance will be recorded as an absent.
Reports on the students’ attendance will be emailed to the School on a monthly basis. Students with planned absence may fill up the Notification of Absence Form (Appendix 5 / eLearn) with supporting documents and submit to the respective lecturer(s) at least five (5) working days in advance for approval. Lecturers can either approve/reject there and then or email the student through the university email on the outcome (that is, the student’s iMail).
Students will receive an email reminder in their iMail if their attendance percentage for a subject fall below 90%. If the attendance percentage for a subject fall below 80% in the subsequent reporting month, an Unsatisfactory Attendance Report (UAR) will be issued notifying students on the actions to be taken as a consequence of student’s unsatisfactory attendance. A copy of the report will be sent to the Registry Office to be kept in Student’s File and International Office for International Students, for further action.
International Students
The University is obligated under the Malaysian law to inform the Immigration Department of Malaysia when an international student attendance for a subject fall below 80% or does not attend three consecutive classes in a semester without valid reasons. Unsatisfactory attendance may result in termination of student visa or the decline of student visa renewal or extension.
Marks awarded are provisional and subject to change and are only deemed final once approved by the Board of Examiners.
Absence from Assessments
Students are expected to be present for all coursework tests (e.g. mid-term, on-going practical assessments, practical exams, etc.) and the final examination at the time and place announced. You will, in no circumstance, be allowed to take tests or final examination at any other time. If you are absent for no good reason, this will be recorded on the mark sheet and a mark of zero awarded. Illness will only be accepted as a reason for absence if you present a medical report issued by a doctor. Self-certification without a doctor’s confirmation is not a substitute. Please get a registered medical practitioner to complete the relevant part to explain your condition. The Application for Special Examination Form is available in eLearn (Courses ? School of Hospitality ? Notices). This form should be submitted to me within THREE (3) working days of the scheduled test(s) for coursework test(s) or to Ms Mah Li Ling for final examination.

Late Submission Penalty Clause
The deadline for submission of assignment is to be strictly adhered to. No extension of time will be allowed except in extenuating circumstances, e.g. medical reasons. Students who wish to apply for an extension of time for the submission of assessment item(s) after the due date shall put in writing the request, together with validated documentary evidence to support the application.
If an assignment is submitted after its due date (and without approval for extension), the following penalty will be imposed:
· Coursework submitted after the deadline but within 1 week will be accepted for a maximum mark of 40%.
· Work handed in following the extension of 1 week after the original deadline will be regarded as a non-submission and marked at zero.
Academic Malpractice
Plagiarism, whether inadvertent or deliberate, shall include the following:
· Word-for-word copying of sentences or whole paragraphs from one or more sources, or presenting substantial extracts from books, articles, thesis, other unpublished work such as working papers, seminar and conference papers, internal reports, computer software, lecture notes or tapes, without clearly indicating their origin.
· Using very close paraphrasing of sentences of whole paragraphs without due acknowledgement in the form of reference to the original.
· Submitting another student’s work in whole or in part.
· Use of other person’s ideas, work or research data without acknowledgement.
Collusion, whether inadvertent or deliberate, shall include the following:
· Submitting an ‘individual assignment’ that was jointly prepared by the candidate and any other third party, e.g. other students, family, professionals, or tutors / lecturers.
· Submitting a ‘group assignment’ that was jointly prepared by the group and any external party, e.g. family, students from other subjects, or professionals.
· Copying each other’s work and passing it off as an individual effort.
Please refer to the Programme Handbook for details about academic malpractice penalties.

READING LIST
Sekaran, U & Bougie, R 2016, Research Methods for Business,7th edition, Wiley, UK.
Creswell, JW & Creswell, JD 2018, Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative & Mixed Methods Approaches, 5th edition, Sage, UK.
Schindler, P 2019, Business Research Methods, 13th edition, McGraw-Hill, New York.
Saunders, M, Lewis, P & Thornhill, A 2016, Research Methods for Business Students, 7th edition, Pearson, Italy.
Bryman, A 2016, Social Research Methods, 5th edition, Oxford University Press, UK.

13

APPENDIX 1: COVER PAGE
TITLE OF YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT
BY
Your full name
RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF
BSc (Hons) INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT (Change according to your
programme Title)
in the
SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY
SUNWAY UNIVERSITY
MALAYSIA
JANUARY 2020

APPENDIX 2: DECLARATION FORM

PLAGIARISM
PRO-FORMA
I declare that the following Research Project is all my work and has not been copied or plagiarised from any other sources. In addition, I have read and understood the University’s Academic Deceit Policy and Procedures and have fully complied with all of its requirements in this Research Project.

15

Student Number:
Your student number
Course: BSc. (Hons) International Hospitality Management (Change according to your programme)
Signature:
Name:
Title of Research Project:
Name of Supervisor
APPENDIX 3: ABSTRACT

TITLE OF THESIS
ABSTRACT
The abstract is a summary of the entire proposal and it shall be written last. Students are advice to pay extra attention in this section. The write up should be presented ONLY IN A PARAGRAPH. It should have appeared on a page by itself and numbered with a small Roman numeral. No literature shall be included unless is necessary. It includes a brief statement of the problem encountered, a concise description of the main purpose of your research, the methodology used. Lastly, you should end your abstract by telling your reader, WHY YOUR RESEARCH IS IMPORTANT!
16

APPENDIX 4: TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABSTRACT ii
CHAPTER
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. LITERATURE REVIEW 5
2.1. Sub-heading 1 5
2.1.1. Sub-subheading 1 7
2.1.2. Sub-subheading 2 10
2.2. Sub-heading 2 15
2.3. Sub-heading 3 21
Sub-subheading 1 22
Sub-subheading 2 25
Sub-subheading 3 31
Sub-heading 4 33
3. METHODOLOGY 38
4. GANNT CHART 40
REFERENCES 54
APPENDICES 60

SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY
RUBRICS FOR RESEARCH PROJECT (QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH)
Student ID:
Research Title:
CRITERIA EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR WEAK POOR WEIGHTAGE SCORE
ABSTRACT & CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION TO • Abstract provides a precise and concise summary. • Abstract provides a good summary. • Abstract provides a sufficient summary. • Abstract provides a sufficient summary but • Abstract provides quite a confusing summary.
THE STUDY
· The quality of • Articulates a specific, significant problem by connecting that problem to the literature. • Articulates a significant problem by connecting that problem to The literature. • Articulates a problem and the problem is weakly related to the literature. • with little confusion.
The problem identified is too broad, with no • The problem failed to be identified or omitted from the content.
presentation of the • The research objectives & • The research objectives & • The research objectives & relevance to the • The research objectives
abstract questions are excellently written questions are good, and the questions are written but not literature. & questions are poorly 15
· The clarity of the statement of problems with the ideas flows logically from the introduction and is ideas somehow flow logically from the Introduction. clearly stated, and the ideas
are not logically drawn from • The research objectives & questions are addressed or omitted from the content.
· The clarity of the Research Objectives • comprehensive.
The topic is generally • The topic is quite complicated, but it is manageable. • the Introduction.
The topic is not that difficult addressed but poorly
stated, and the ideas • It is easy to research this topic.
and Research Questions complicated and challenging to • An interesting and practical and is manageable. failed to flow logically • Not an interesting topic
· The complexity and research average students. problem. • Quite an interesting research from the Introduction. and has limited
difficulty of the topics
· Its novelty and relevance to current hospitality and tourism issues • A very interesting and practical research problem. problem and has some practical value. •
• It is easy to research this topic.
Reasonably interesting but not much practical value. practical value if at all.
CHAPTER II:
LITERATURE REVIEW • Current sources, of which most are quality journal articles from top journals. • Current sources, of which some are quality journal articles. The evidence comes from valid • Fewer current sources and fewer are journal articles. Sound sources are inconsistently used. • Fewer current sources and fewer are journal articles. There is over-reliance on • Fewer current
sources and fewer are journal articles. Not all
· Quality of good • Provide a current and sources. • Provide a current and accessible non-academic articles utilised are
references in the comprehensive review of • Provide a current and proper satisfactory review of literature sources. credible, and
literature literature relevant to the topic. review of literature relevant to relevant to the topic. • Provide a somewhat dated references are not
· Currency and • The structure of the literature the topic. • The structure of the literature and not too satisfactory current. 15
comprehensiveness of the review of the review is comprehensive and sufficiently grounded to each of • The structure of the literature review is sufficiently grounded review is workable and somehow review of the literature relevant to the topic. • Provide an inadequate review of the literature
literature relevant to the the critical ideas, constructs or to each of the key ideas, or related to the ideas, constructs • The structure of the relevant to the topic.
topic variables related to the research purpose, questions, or context. variables related to the research purpose, questions, or context. or variables related to the literature review is weak; it does not identify essential • The structure of the literature review is
Last updated: January 2020

School of Hospitality PRJ 3036 Research Project
· The organisation of the literature
· The logical of the research framework • The research framework is drawn logically from the gaps identified in previous literature. The variables included and the relationships between the variables are well explained with excellent justification by using literature. • The research framework is drawn logically from the gaps identified in previous literature with minor errors. The variables included and the relationships between the variables are explained with justification by using literature. research purpose, questions, or context.
· The research framework is drawn from the gaps identified in previous literature with significant errors. The research framework constructs in the theoretical framework have • ideas, constructs or variables related to the research purpose, questions, or context. The research framework is poorly constructed and has very little explanation and justification from the • incomprehensible, irrelevant, or confusing. The research framework is poorly constructed with NO explanation and justification from the literature.
• The hypotheses are well-linked • The hypotheses are linked but some brief explanation and literature. • The hypotheses are
with the literature. not adequately justified. justification from the literature.
· The hypotheses are briefly linked
with literature. • The hypotheses are little linked with the literature. NOT linked at all with the literature.
CHAPTER III: • The purpose, questions, and • The research design has been · The research design has been • The research design is • The research design is
METHODOLOGY design are mutually supportive and coherent. identified and described with some insufficiently precise identified and described but not
into precise terms. Some of the confusing or incomplete given the research inappropriate or has not been identified and or
· The research design Attention has been given to terms. Majority of the limitations limitations and assumptions questions and sampling described using
used is appropriate and eliminating alternative and assumptions have been have been identified. strategy. Essential standard
justified explanations and controlling identified. · Instruments are identified by limitations and terminology. Limitations
· Instruments are extraneous variables. • Instruments are identified and name and described. Lack of assumptions have not and assumptions are
appropriately chosen Appropriate and essential described. Sufficient evidence of evidence of validity and been omitted.
and validated limitations and assumptions of validity and reliability are reliability are presented. identified. • Instruments for
· Sampling methods and the research design have been presented. · The context, population, and • Description of the gathering data are not
data collection are appropriate • clearly stated.
Descriptions of instruments • The context, population, and the sampling strategy are sampling strategy are identified
with some description. The size instruments (purpose, form, and elements) is identified by name or described in a 20
· Manner of data analysis included type and number of adequately identified and of the population, sample, and confusing, incomplete, or meaningful
are appropriate items, the source for the items, adaptions made (if any) for the described. The size of the population, sample, and comparison groups are defined.
· Data collection procedures and lacked relevance to the research questions and way. Validity and reliability
19 items with justifications and type comparison groups are defined. ethical permission are variables. are omitted.
of scores. Reasonable evidence of validity and reliability are presented. • Data collection procedures are thorough and ethical permission is well managed to generate addressed.
· Types of data analysis proposed
are appropriate and aligned with • The description of the context, population, or sampling strategy is • The context, population, or sample is not identified or described.
• The description of the context, population and sampling strategy are meaningful. The • ethical, valid and reliable data. Types of data analysis proposed are appropriate but with minor the purpose of the study. However, the assumptions and limitation of the tests are not confusing, lacked relevance to the purpose, is incomplete, or The sampling strategy is inappropriate for the research questions.
sampling process is reasonable to recruit a representative sample of the population. errors and aligned with the purpose of the study. Some assumptions and limitation of taken into consideration. failed to identify specific quantitative or qualitative details. • Data collection procedures and ethical permission are omitted.
•
• Attention is given to controlling for extraneous factors and sampling error.
Data collection procedures are thorough and ethical permission is well managed to generate ethical, valid and reliable data. Types of data analysis proposed are appropriate and aligned with the purpose of the study. All assumptions and limitation of the tests are taken into consideration. the tests are taken into consideration. •
• Data collection procedures and ethical permission are not well considered.
Majority of the data analysis proposed is not appropriate and not aligned with the purpose of the study. The assumptions and limitation of the tests are ignored. • The data analysis is wrong or omitted from the context.
Last updated: January 2020

School of Hospitality PRJ 3036 Research Project

· Data analysis has been carried out appropriately.
· Analytical methods are sufficient, specific, clear, and relevance to the research questions, research design. The scale of measurement, sample size and type of distribution are appropriate with the methods chosen.
· The findings are well explained and supported with excellent literature and related very coherently to the problems, objectives and research questions.
· Highly commendable recommendations and significant implications to both academia and tourism and hospitality industry have been written.
· The report has fully complied with the format given.
· All referencing done correctly with the right referencing guide.
· Description of the report is evident with high extent of logical coherence in the arguments.
· Data analysis has been carried out quite appropriately.
· Analytical methods are sufficient, specific, clear, and relevant to the research questions, research design but may have minor problems. The scale of measurement, sample size and type of distribution are appropriate with the methods chosen.
· The findings are explained and supported with good literature and related tightly to the problems, objectives and research questions.
· Commendable recommendations and significant implications to both academia and tourism and hospitality industry have been written.
· The report has adequately complied with the format given.
· Referencing was done with the right referencing guide but with minor error.
· Description of the report is clear with a reasonable extent of logical coherence in the arguments.
· Data analysis has been carried out quite appropriately.
· Both descriptive and inferential methods are identified. Levels of significance are stated, but some may not be relevant to the research questions and research design. The scale of measurement, sample size and type of distribution may not be appropriate with some of the methods chosen.
· The findings are explained and supported with sufficient literature and related adequately to the problems, objectives and research questions.
· Good recommendations or useful implications to both academia and tourism and hospitality industry have been written.
· The report has reasonably compiled with the format given.
· Referencing done with the right referencing guide but with minor error and some missing bibliography found.
· Description of the report is reasonably clear with the reasonable extent of logical coherence in the arguments.

/100

Last updated: January 2020

School of Hospitality PRJ 3036 Research Project
COMMENTS:
Examiner’s name and signature: Date:
THE SUBJECT COORDINATOR WILL FILL THIS SECTION
First Examiner’s Marks 21
Second Examiner’s Marks
FINAL MARKS Signature (1st) Signature (2nd)
Justification
Last updated: January 2020

School of Hospitality PRJ 3036 Research Project
RUBRICS FOR RESEARCH PROJECT (QUALITATIVE RESEARCH)
Student ID:
Research Title:
CRITERIA EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR WEAK POOR WEIGHTAGE SCORE
ABSTRACT & CHAPTER • Abstract provides a precise and • Abstract provides a good · Abstract provides a sufficient • Abstract provides a sufficient • Abstract provides
I: INTRODUCTION TO concise summary. summary. summary. summary but with little quite a confusing
THE STUDY • Articulates a specific, significant • Articulates a significant problem · Articulates a problem and the confusion. summary.
problem by connecting that by connecting that problem to problem is weakly related to • The problem identified is too • The problem failed
· The quality of problem to the literature. The literature. the literature. broad, with no relevance to to be identified or
presentation of the • The research objectives & • The research objectives & · The research objectives & the literature. omitted from the
abstract questions are excellently written questions are good, and the questions are written but not • The research objectives & content. 15
· The clarity of the with the ideas flows logically ideas somehow flow logically clearly stated, and the ideas questions are addressed but • The research
statement of problems from the introduction and is from the Introduction. are not logically drawn from poorly stated, and the ideas objectives &
· The clarity of the Research Objectives • comprehensive.
The topic is generally • The topic is quite complicated, but it is manageable. the Introduction.
· The topic is not that difficult failed to flow logically from the Introduction. questions are poorly addressed or
and Research Questions complicated and challenging to • An interesting and practical and is manageable. • It is easy to research this omitted from the
· The complexity and research average students. problem. · Quite an interesting research topic. content.
difficulty of the topics
· Its novelty and relevance to current
22
hospitality and tourism • A very interesting and practical research problem. problem and has some practical value. • Reasonably interesting but not much practical value. •
• It is easy to research this topic.
Not an interesting topic and has limited practical value if at all.
issues
CHAPTER II: • Current sources, of which most • Current sources, of which some · Fewer current sources and • Fewer current sources and • Fewer current
LITERATURE REVIEW are quality journal articles from top journals. are quality journal articles. The evidence comes from valid fewer are journal articles. Sound
sources are inconsistently used. fewer are journal articles. There is over-reliance on sources and fewer are journal articles.
· Quality of good • Provide a current and sources. · Provide a current and accessible non-academic Not all articles
references in the literature comprehensive review of literature relevant to the topic. • Provide a current and proper review of literature relevant to satisfactory review of literature relevant to the topic. • sources.
Provide a somewhat dated utilised are credible, and references are
· Currency and • The structure of the literature the topic. · The structure of the literature and not too satisfactory not current. 15
comprehensiveness of review is comprehensive and • The structure of the literature review is workable and review of the literature • Provide an
the review of the sufficiently grounded to each of review is sufficiently grounded somehow relevant to the topic. inadequate review of
literature relevant to the the critical ideas, constructs or to each of the key ideas, or related to the ideas, constructs • The structure of the literature the literature
topic variables related to the research variables related to the research or variables related to the review is weak; it does not relevant to the topic.
· The organisation of the literature • purpose, questions, or context. The research framework is • purpose, questions, or context. The research framework is research purpose, questions, or context. identify essential ideas, constructs or variables related • The structure of the literature review is
· The logical of the research framework drawn logically from the gaps identified in previous literature. drawn logically from the gaps identified in previous literature · The research framework is drawn from the gaps identified in to the research purpose, questions, or context. incomprehensible, irrelevant, or
The variables included and the with minor errors. The variables previous literature with • The research framework is confusing.
relationships between the variables are well explained with excellent justification by using included and the relationships between the variables are explained with justification by significant errors. The research framework constructs in the theoretical framework have poorly constructed and has very little explanation and justification from the literature. • The research framework is poorly constructed with NO
literature. using literature. some brief explanation and • The hypotheses are little explanation and
• The hypotheses are well-linked with the literature. • The hypotheses are linked but not adequately justified. justification from the literature.
· The hypotheses are briefly linked
with literature. linked with the literature. justification from the literature.
Last updated: January 2020
School of Hospitality PRJ 3036 Research Project
• The hypotheses are NOT linked at all with the literature.
CHAPTER III: • The purpose, questions, and • The research design has been · The research design has been • The research design is • The research design
METHODOLOGY design are mutually supportive and coherent. identified and described with some insufficiently precise identified and described but not
into precise terms. Some of the confusing or incomplete given the research is
inappropriate or has
· The research design Attention has been given to terms. Majority of the limitations limitations and assumptions questions and sampling not
used is appropriate and eliminating alternative and assumptions have been have been identified. strategy. Essential limitations been identified and
justified explanations and controlling identified. · Instruments are identified by and assumptions have not or
· Instruments are extraneous variables. • Instruments are identified and name and described. Lack of been described using
appropriately chosen Appropriate and essential described. Sufficient evidence of evidence of validity and identified. standard
and validated limitations and assumptions of validity and reliability are reliability are presented. • Description of the instruments terminology.
· Sampling methods and the research design have been presented. · The context, population, and (purpose, form, and elements) Limitations and
data collection are clearly stated. • The context, population, and the sampling strategy are identified is assumptions are 20
appropriate • Descriptions of instruments sampling strategy are with some description. The size confusing, incomplete, or omitted.
· Manner of data analysis included type and number of adequately identified and of the population, sample, and lacked relevance to the • Instruments for
are appropriate items, the source for the items, adaptions made (if any) for the described. The size of the population, sample, and comparison groups are defined.
· Data collection procedures and research questions and variables. gathering data are not
items with justifications and type of scores. Reasonable evidence of validity and reliability are presented. • comparison groups are defined. Data collection procedures are thorough and ethical permission is well managed to generate ethical permission are addressed.
Types of data analysis proposed are appropriate and aligned with • The description of the context, population, or sampling strategy is confusing, lacked relevance to the purpose, is identified by name or
described in a meaningful
• The description of the context, population and sampling strategy are meaningful. The • ethical, valid and reliable data. Types of data analysis proposed are appropriate but with minor the purpose of the study. However, the assumptions and limitation of the tests are not taken into incomplete, or
failed to identify specific quantitative or qualitative way. Validity and reliability
are omitted.
23 •
• sampling process is reasonable to recruit a representative sample of the population. Attention is given to controlling for extraneous factors and sampling error.
Data collection procedures are thorough and ethical permission is well managed to generate ethical, valid and reliable data. Types of data analysis proposed are appropriate and aligned with the purpose of the study. All assumptions and limitation of the tests are taken into consideration. errors and aligned with the purpose of the study. Some assumptions and limitation of the tests are taken into consideration. consideration. •
• details.
Data collection procedures and ethical permission are not well considered.
Majority of the data analysis proposed is not appropriate and not aligned with the purpose of the study. The assumptions and limitation of the tests are ignored. •
•
• The context, population, or sample is not identified or described. The sampling strategy is inappropriate for the research questions. Data collection procedures and ethical permission are omitted.
The data analysis is wrong or omitted from the context.
Last updated: January 2020
School of Hospitality PRJ 3036 Research Project
CHAPTER IV: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS •
• Data analysis has been carried out appropriately.
Analytical methods are · Data analysis has been carried out quite appropriately.
· Analytical methods are •
• Data analysis has been carried out quite appropriately.
Both descriptive and inferential •
• Data analysis is poorly conducted.
Both descriptive and · Data analysis is very poorly conducted.
· Analytical methods
· Data collection issues
· Manner of data sufficient, specific, clear, and relevance to the research sufficient, specific, clear, and relevant to the research methods were identified. Levels of significance are stated, but inferential methods are
confusing or incomplete. (descriptive, inferential
analysis is questions, research design. The questions, research design but some may not be relevant to the Levels of significance are test, and
appropriately scale of measurement, sample may have minor problems. The research questions and stated but with errors and significance
conducted size and type of distribution are scale of measurement, sample research design. The scale of the majority of the analysis level) are missing or
· Interpretation of appropriate with the methods size and type of distribution are measurement, sample size and are not relevant to the inappropriately
results is appropriate chosen. appropriate with the methods type of distribution may not be research questions and aligned
and relevance to • The findings are well explained chosen. appropriate with some of the research design. The scale with research 30
research questions and supported with excellent · The findings are explained and methods chosen. of measurement, sample questions and
and design literature and related very coherently to the problems, objectives and research questions supported with good literature and related tightly to the problems, objectives and research questions. • The findings are explained and supported with sufficient literature and related adequately to the problems, objectives and research questions. • size and type of distribution may not be appropriate with the majority of the methods chosen.
The findings are explained but may not be supported with sufficient literature and have some relationships to the problems, objectives and research questions. design. The scale of measurement, sample size and type of distribution are omitted from the analysis.
· The findings are explained, but lack of from literature and have no relationships to the problems, objectives and research questions.
CHAPTER V: • The findings are well explained · The findings are explained and • The findings are explained and • The findings are explained · The findings are
DISCUSSION,
24 and supported with excellent supported with good literature supported with sufficient but may not be supported explained, but lack
CONCLUSIONS AND literature and related very coherently to the problems, objectives and research and related tightly to the problems, objectives and research questions. literature and related adequately to the problems, objectives and research questions. with sufficient literature and have some relationships to the of from literature and have no
relationships to the
RECOMMENDATIONS
· Elaboration of questions. · Commendable • Good recommendations or problems, objectives and problems, objectives
findings and Highly commendable recommendations and useful implications to both research questions. and research
relevance to the recommendations and significant implications to both academia and tourism and • Poor recommendations or questions. 10
research problems, purpose and research questions.
· The extent of commendable recommendation or implication to be spelt out clearly. significant implications to both academia and tourism and hospitality industry have been written. academia and tourism and
hospitality industry have been written. hospitality industry have been written. not too useful implications to both academia and tourism and hospitality industry have been written. · Very poor or non-existence recommendations or not useful implications to both academia and tourism and hospitality industry have been written.
• The report has fully complied · The report has adequately • The report has reasonably • The report has minor · The report has
FORMAT, REFERENCING & OVERALL • with the format given.
All referencing done correctly complied with the format given.
· Referencing was done with the • compiled with the format given. Referencing done with the right issues compiled with the format given. significant issues
compiled with the
IMPRESSION OF THE with the right referencing guide. right referencing guide but with referencing guide but with minor • Referencing done with the format given. 10
REPORT • Description of the report is evident with high extent of minor error.
· Description of the report is clear error and some missing bibliography found. right referencing guide but with significant error and · No proper referencing is done.
logical coherence in the arguments. with a reasonable extent of logical coherence in the arguments. • Description of the report is reasonably clear with the reasonable extent of logical coherence in the arguments. • some missing bibliography found.
Description of the report is vague and has minor issues with the logical · Description of the report is vague and has significant issues with the logical coherence in the arguments.
Last updated: January 2020

School of Hospitality PRJ 3036 Research Project

coherence in the arguments.
TOTAL SCORE
/100
COMMENTS:
25
Examiner’s name and signature: Date:
THE SUBJECT COORDINATOR WILL FILL THIS SECTION
First Examiner’s Marks
Second Examiner’s Marks

Last updated: January 2020

APPENDIX 5: NOTIFICATION OF ABSENCE FORM
1. Student Details
Name: School /Centre:
ID No.: Programme & Intake:
2. Absence Details Reason of absence:
Date of
Absence Subject Affected Lecturer Name Approval Status Lecturer’s
Comments (if any)
n Approve n Disapprove
n Approve n Disapprove
n Approve n Disapprove
n Approve n Disapprove
n Approve n Disapprove
3. Supporting Document (please tick where appropriate)
Medical certificate n
Any other evidence to support the absence. Please state: n
4. Declaration of information
I certify that the information provided at the above is correct.
Student’s Name & Signature
Consent & acknowledgement should be obtained from affected subject lecturer prior to submission of this document to the School administrative office for record-keeping.
Information regarding the student attendance requirement can be found in Sunway University Student Attendance Policy, Student Monitoring Procedure, and Student Handbook.

Last updated: January 2020

APPENDIX 6: SUPERVISORY MEETING LOG
SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY
RESEARCH PROJECT : SUPERVISORY MEETING RECORD
Date:
Topics Discussed:
Material Submitted:
Tasks / Actions for Next Meeting:
Comments:
CONFIRMATION FROM STUDENT AND SUPERVISOR:
NAME SIGNATURE
Supervisor:
Student:
Last updated: January 2020