This module should be studied concurrently with other Advanced Diploma Modules over the same period.

It offers the opportunity for students to carry out a research report that involves analysing and interpreting data and making recommendations for future action.

It has a secondary aim of developing independent research and study skills that students will require when following a further period of study or working in the industry.

Summary of Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to;

• Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent research
• Collect relevant data
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret data
• Present the information in an agreed format

Content

Students must submit a research report in order to complete their Advanced Diploma.

A Research Report is an argument. It must start with a question, possibly broken down into component parts, put forward arguments, present evidence, critically examine the arguments and the evidence and reach a conclusion and make one or more recommendations for future action.

 

The report title must be agreed between the student and the module tutor and should consider a management aspect of hospitality. This report is to be around 5,000 words, plus or minus 10%, plus references, and must follow an acknowledged report format.

 

Examples of topics to be considered include;

• The use of brand names
• The introduction of new working practices
• Operational change
• Recruitment policies
• Marketing campaigns
• New technology
• Product changes
• Government policy and their effect on the industry

 

This list is far from exhaustive and it is expected that students will produce their own title in an area which they are interested in and where they will be able to carry out sufficient research.

 

It is expected that full use will be made of the hospitality industry either in the UK or the student’s home country.

 

Stages in the Report

 

1. Report Outline Summary

Students should complete the document titled ‘MRR Proposal Form’. The proposal should be submitted to the course tutor for approval and then submitted to CTH by week 4 of the Advanced Diploma programme for authorisation.

 

2. Progress Tutorials

Students and their module tutor must arrange a minimum of two progress tutorials over the period of the Advanced Diploma programme. This is an opportunity for discussion to take place and advice and guidance to be given. These tutorials must be documented and copies of these documents must be included as part of the report. Failure to arrange or attend these tutorials will result in failure of this module.

 

3. Presentation of the report

The Font is to be Times New Roman, size 12 with 1.5 line spacing. The report must follow an accepted style for a report and clearly indicate the sections as shown on the marking sheet. The front cover of the report must include the student’s full name, the title of the report and their CTH student number.  

 

Management Research Reports will be marked by CTH. All reports must be accompanied by evidence of two progress tutorials held with the student and a checklist , completed by the tutor giving feedback on the students performance. Reports will be marked according to the criteria detailed below.

 

Marking and Grading Criteria

1. The choice of subject and suitability of the Management Research Report subject area: Some subjects make greater demands on the student in terms of the necessary level of theoretical analysis, the breadth of reading required and the engagement with available secondary literature; some subjects may be more difficult as they deal with contemporary issues on which literature is relatively scarce. Such variations in relation to the demands of the task should be taken into account and comment made where necessary. However all students are expected to demonstrate a focused approach and address a specific research question.
2. Level of discussion: This will include aspects such as coverage of material, depth of analysis, understanding of central issues, relevance, breadth of reference to the available literature, level of expression and personal engagement with the problems and the amount of independent thinking.
3. Organisation of material: The logic of the structural division between factual coverage and analytical parts. There must be clear development of an argument with introduction and conclusion and some assessment of results. Also, stylistic aspects such as clear expression and a coherent argument will figure here.
4. Presentation: Adherence to the guidelines on presentation is expected. General neatness in typing and use of any illustrations, careful checking for typing errors and correction, page numbering, chapter heading layout.