Module Details

Module Code: TOUR8017
Title: Research Dissertation Project
Long Title: Research Dissertation Project
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 8120 - Tourism
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: The module is designed to deliver an opportunity for students to commence an extensive research project. The research project is intended to build on and demonstrate learning of the research skills and knowledge acquired throughout the degree programme. This module concentrates on research topic choice, the review and assembly of relevant literature on the proposed research topic and an understanding and assembly of a research methodology plan.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop a research proposal on a chosen area and complete a literature review pertaining to this topic.
LO2 Researching and utilising appropriate secondary data sources.
LO3 Critically review academic literature relevant to the research, and determine where gaps exist and primary research is necessary.
LO4 Investigate various research methodologies and assess their relevance and suitability for proposed research.
LO5 Analyse primary research methods and methods of analysis.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Development of a Research Plan
Identifying appropriate data sources, Academic Writing, Referencing, Accessing Library Resources, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodologies, Data Analysis, Interpretation and Presentation of data.
Conduct Independent Research
The student will undertake a detailed investigation into a topic specifically related to the tourism and hospitality industry. Students will complete a comprehensive exploration and evaluation of extant literature pertinent to the topic under proposal.
Academic Research
Thorough analysis of secondary data on chosen topic including a comprehensive search of academic and industry reports; books; journals; statistics and e-sources of data.
Research Methodologies
Analysis of research ethics and the various research methodologies and techniques employed in tourism and hospitality research, including interviews, focus groups, surveys, case studies.
Management of a Research Project
The student will submit a completed and comprehensive literature review for this project. An outline of the chosen methodology will also be required. Under supervision students will be expected to demonstrate a high level of academic writing, clearly presented theories and with the use of appropriate referencing where needed.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Students will present a proposal and rationale on their proposed topic of study. Presentation will include peer review and tutor feedback (week 3).
Development of practical skills e.g. referencing, methodology, ethics, is linked the lab class where students use knowledge developed in- class and apply to their individual piece of research. This will take the form of a portfolio relevant to their research.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 75
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Completed Literature Review and Methodology framework outline
Assessment Type Oral Examination/Interview % of Total Mark 10
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Interviews and meetings with supervisor throughout the semester
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lab Contact Managing Research Project Every Second Week 1.00 2
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Contact with assigned research supervisor Every Week 0.33 0.330000013113022
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed research Every Week 5.67 5.67000007629395
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.33
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Contact with assigned research supervisor Every Week 0.33 0.330000013113022
Lab Contact Mnaging Research project Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed research. Every Second Week 2.84 5.67000007629395
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 4.17
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.33
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Robin Nunkoo. (2020), Handbook of Research Methods for Tourism and Hospitality Management, [ISBN: 9781785366291].
  • Fevzi Okumus; S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh; Shiva Jahani. (2022), Contemporary Research Methods in Hospitality and Tourism, [ISBN: 9781801175470].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Rosamund Rhodes. (2018), The Goodness of Ethics in Research Ethics Review, Journal of Medical Ethics, vol. 44.
  • Zyphur, M.J. and Pierides, D.C.. (2017), Is quantitative resarch ethical? tools for ethically practicing, evaluating, and using quantitative research, Journal of Business Ethics, vol.143.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Magnús Haukur Ásgeirsson, Thorhallur Gudlaugsson and Gunnar Thór Jóhannesson. (2022), State and Order of Service Orientation Knowledge in Hospitality and Tourism Research: Systematic Literature Review, Administrative Sciences, vol.12.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_OHMGT_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Hospitality Management 7 Elective