Computer and Information Sciences Assessment
Course Name Research methods
Course Code CS957
Coursework Research proposal
Deadline 31st March 2022 by 4pm UK time
Weighting 100%
Individual or Group
Assessment
Individual
Feedback Type Written ☒
Feedback Format Structured feedback form.
Class wide Feedback Format n/a
Feedback Return By 29th April 2022
Marking Criteria As per marking scheme indicated in the Assignment specifications.
Relevant University Policies It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the university policies
below.
The University policies on late submission of coursework and extension
requests can be found here:
https://www.strath.ac.uk/media/ps/cs/gmap/academicaffairs/policies/Poli
cy_and_Procedure_for_the_Late_Submission_of_Coursework.pdf
https://www.strath.ac.uk/media/ps/cs/gmap/academicaffairs/policies/Poli
cy_and_Procedure_on_Extensions_to_Submissions_of_Coursework.pdf
The University take plagiarism (including self-plagiarism) seriously,
please see the University guidelines on this here:
https://www.strath.ac.uk/media/ps/cs/gmap/plagiarism/plagiarism_stude
nt_booklet.pdf


1
CS957 Assignment specifications 2022
Academic Session 2021/2022 - CS957 Research Methods

MSc Advanced Computer Science
MSc Advanced Computer Science with Big Data
MSc Advanced Software Engineering
MSc Digital Health Systems
MSc Information and Library Studies
MSc Information Management (with Placement)
FUSE Future Ultrasonic Engineering CDT


There is one assessment for CS957 Research Methods: a research proposal worth 100% of the marks
for the class.

The aim of this assignment is to provide practical experience in the preparation of a research proposal
leading towards undertaking the dissertation component of your 2021/2022 course.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this assignment, you will have experience of:
• Defining a research problem based on reading relevant literature.
• Identifying and defining research questions which address the research problem.
• Setting objectives and defining deliverables which address the research questions, and producing a
project plan.
• Selecting appropriate research method(s) for undertaking the research.

Brief
You are required to prepare a structured proposal for a three-month research topic. The research topic
may be based on the research interests indicated in the topics list on MyPlace CS958, or on a
personal interest related to content of your program.
Your proposal should introduce the research problem based on a review of a minimum of fifteen
relevant and authoritative published references to provide the background research context. It should
specify the research questions that will be explored, and the associated research objectives and
deliverables.
The proposal should also identify the research method(s) that you think could be used, together with
an explanation of why you think they are appropriate, supported by a minimum of three relevant
references from the research methods literature.
Finally, the proposal should include a high-level plan (key stages and milestones) and an indicative
schedule for the research.

Marking criteria
The following criteria will be used when marking your assignment:

MARKING CRITERIA MARK
Literature review: description and critical discussion of research context and
research questions based on an indicative literature review (a minimum of fifteen
relevant and authoritative published references)
25%
Research questions, objectives, and deliverables: selection of, and justification for,
the research questions, objectives, and deliverables
20%
Research methods: selection, and justification for, the research methods that will be
used to undertake the research, supported by a minimum of three relevant research
methods references
25%
Appropriate research plan and time scale: including a risk analysis, appropriate
contingency plans, and ethics considerations
20%
Overall presentation: including correct form of citation and layout of references 10%

2
CS957 Assignment specifications 2022

Word count
Your proposal must be 3000 words long (± 10% excluding title page, table of contents, and references);
you must provide a word count on the assignment cover. Five marks will be deducted for every 100
words above or below the required word count.

References
Your proposal should introduce the research problem based on a review of a minimum of fifteen
relevant and authoritative published references, and justify your chosen research methods using a
minimum of three relevant references from the research methods literature. You can choose a suitable
referencing style in your own discipline; references must be formatted consistently.
Two marks will be deducted for every missing reference from the required minimum.

Format
This is an individual assignment and should take the form of a structured report (title page including
your name and registration number, MSc Programme, table of contents, clear structure, numbered
headings, page numbers, professional presentation).
Your assignment must be submitted electronically as one single file in Word or PDF to MyPlace,
using the file name: surname_CS957, e.g. Smith_CS957. There is no requirement to submit a physical
copy.
Submission via MyPlace will also run your assignment through Turnitin. You can submit multiple draft
copies to check your Turnitin report before submitting the final version. The assignment will be subject
to the University’s late policy and plagiarism policy.
Using Myplace you must press submit to send the final version of your report.

Any deviation from these CS957 assignment specifications may incur in mark detractions.


Due date:
31st March 2022 4pm UK time, submitted through MyPlace.

Feedback will be provided through MyPlace by 29th April 2022.