303734 (v.3) Agribusiness Project Design 401

Area:

Muresk Institute

Credits:

75.0

Contact Hours:

20.0

Individual Study:

1 x 15 Hours Weekly

Seminar:

1 x 5 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

First stage of project work in the honours degree providing students with a substantial background in research methodology, define a project or carry out a project in the graduate degree, to also undertake a preliminary literature review of the area or topic, determine the appropriate methodology for the work, prepare a detailed project proposal that may be helpful in obtaining funding, and where appropriate begin work on the project. The project is completed under the guidance of the Unit Controller and a nominated supervisor.

Unit Outcomes:

On completion of this unit students will have compared and contrasted alternative research methodologies. Clearly defined the underlying problem for their project. Competently reviewed research articles. Written a clear and comprehensive literature review for their project. Prepared a detailed research proposal. Independently written clear, readable, informative and imaginative exercises and assignments. Enhanced their skills as reflective learners. Developed problem solving techniques. Demonstrated theyare able to analyse data gathered using approproiate statistical methodology. Demonstrated an ability to carry out a research project and prepared a suitable report on the project. Delivered verbal presentations that are clear, concise, interesting and informative.

Texts and references listed below are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Some units taught offshore are modified at selected locations. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information and approved offshore variations to unit information before finalising study and textbook purchases.

Unit References:

Anderson, J. and Poole, M., (1994), Thesis and Assignment Writing, 2nd ed, Queensland, Jacaranda Wiley Ltd. Andrew, C.O. and Hildebrand, P.E., (1993), Applied Agricultural Research: Foundations and Methodology, Boulder, Colorado, Westview Press. Australian Government Publishing Service., (1994), Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers, 5th ed, Canberra, AGPS. Bausell, R. B., (1986), A Practical Guide to Conducting Empirical Research, New York, Harper and Row. Emory, C.W. and Cooper, D.R., (1994), Business Research Methods, 4th ed, Homewood, Irwin. Hedrick. T.E, Bickman, L. and Rog, D.J., (1993), A Practical Guide, London, Sage. Kumar, R., (1996), Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners, Melbourne, Longman. Lindsay, D., (1994), A Guide to Scientific Writing, 2nd ed, Melbourne, Longman Cheshire. Sproull, N.L., (1988), Handbook of Research Methods: A Guide for Practitioners and Students in the Social Sciences, New Jersey, Scarecrow Press. Steel, R.G.D. and Torrie, J.H., (1981), Principles and Procedures of Statistics: A Biometrical Approach, 2nd ed, McGraw-Hill.

Unit Texts:

Leedy, P.D. and Ormrod, J.E. (1997). Practical Research: Planning and Design, 7th ed. New Jersey, Merril Prentice Hall.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Continuous Assessment 30%. Literature Review 30%. Research Proposal 30%. Seminar 10%. This is by grade/mark assessment.

Field of Education:

50199 Agriculture not elsewhere classified

HECS Band (if applicable):

Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information:

Supplemental

Result Type:

Grade/Mark

Availability

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y	Y
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y
2004	Northam Campus	Semester 1	Y	Y
2004	Northam Campus	Semester 2	Y

Area External	refers to external course/units run by the School or Department, offered online or through Web CT, or offered by research.
Central External	refers to external course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area

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