Students
POIR902 – Policy Research Project
2018 – S2 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Lloyd Cox
Contact via (02) 9850 4096
Hearing Hub Building, level 2 south wing
Tuesday 11-1 and by appointment
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
POL820 and POIR901 and admission to MPPP or MPPPMDevStud or MPPPMPASR or MPPPMIntRel
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This is a self-directed research project under supervision. Students will identify a contemporary or historical policy problem, and plan and undertake in-depth research culminating in an original dissertation.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Plan, design and execute self-directed research into a current or historical policy problem
- Critically apply key concepts, theories and methodologies in the discipline of public policy
- Analyse, integrate and synthesise complex information related to a real-world case studies
- Critically reflect on the importance and relevance of contextual factors in the development of policy arguments
- Analyse, evaluate and synthesise a range of evidence related to a chosen policy
- Effectively communicate concepts, arguments and recommendations
General Assessment Information
Late Submissions
Late Submission Penalty “Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.”
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | 20% | No | End of Week 3 |
| Literature Review | 20% | No | End of Week 6 |
| Dissertation | 60% | No | First Monday of exam period |
Research Proposal
Due: End of Week 3
Weighting: 20%
The first assessment task requires you to refine your general topic area so that it addresses a specific problem. You should do this in consultation with your project supervisor. This task involves defining some research questions which your project will answer, and developing a tentative argument in relation to the problems/issues you intend to address. Your proposal should also give an indication of the relevant research literature in your chosen area, and identify the methodology which you intend to use in conducting your research.
Your written research proposal should include the following components:
- a working title
- an abstract (maximum 150 words)
- a preliminary literature review (approximately 800 words)
- justification of your chosen research questions(s) (approximately 300 words)
- the proposed methodology (approximately 300 words)
- a preliminary annotated bibliography (at least 10 relevant scholarly sources)
- a work plan
Total word limit for the research proposal: 1500 words
A marking rubric and marking criteria are provided on the iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Plan, design and execute self-directed research into a current or historical policy problem
- Effectively communicate concepts, arguments and recommendations
Literature Review
Due: End of Week 6
Weighting: 20%
The second assessment task requires you to identify and analyse the relevant scholarly literature for your research project. You will need to do a substantial amount of reading to be able to find the most relevant books and articles. The literature review also requires you to demonstrate your reading, comprehension and analytical skills.
The literature review should do the following:
- provide a theoretical context for the research project
- demonstrate where the research project fits in the existing body of public policy knowledge
- identify flaws or gaps in the existing literature
- justify the research questions of your project, and your chosen approach
The literature review may form part of your final essay, subject to revisions in response to feedback from your supervisor.
Word limit: 1500 words
The marking criteria and rubric are posted on the iLearn site.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Plan, design and execute self-directed research into a current or historical policy problem
- Critically apply key concepts, theories and methodologies in the discipline of public policy
- Analyse, integrate and synthesise complex information related to a real-world case studies
- Analyse, evaluate and synthesise a range of evidence related to a chosen policy
- Effectively communicate concepts, arguments and recommendations
Dissertation
Due: First Monday of exam period
Weighting: 60%
The final task is the submission of the dissertation which is the end result of your research project. Your dissertation will be a piece of formal academic writing, which demonstrates mastery of the topic area, shows originality in your analysis, and presents a clear, coherent and well-substantiated argument.
Your dissertation should include:
- title page
- plagiarism (academic honesty) declaration
- abstract
- table of contents indicating section or chapter headings
- page numbers
- bibliography
Submission instructions: You should submit two hard copies of the dissertation to your supervisor on or before the due date, as well as submitting the dissertation electronically to Turnitin Assignments on the iLearn website by midnight on the due date.
Examination of dissertation: Your dissertation will be marked by two examiners from within the department.
Word limit: The dissertation has a maximum word limit of 6000 words, not including the bibliography.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Plan, design and execute self-directed research into a current or historical policy problem
- Critically apply key concepts, theories and methodologies in the discipline of public policy
- Analyse, integrate and synthesise complex information related to a real-world case studies
- Critically reflect on the importance and relevance of contextual factors in the development of policy arguments
- Analyse, evaluate and synthesise a range of evidence related to a chosen policy
- Effectively communicate concepts, arguments and recommendations
Delivery and Resources
Resources:
This unit has a unit webpage which is accessible only to currently enrolled students. Online units can be accessed at: http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
There is no text book for this unit. There are suggested readings about research practice posted on the iLearn site, and these will be available in the Macquarie University library.
There are many valuable resources within the Macquarie University Library, and the staff in the library are also able to help you to find the materials you need. The Library also runs useful sessions on You should get to know the library well during this unit, and familiarise yourself early in the session with the databases and other resources available through the Library website. Further details are available here: http://www.mq.edu.au/about/campus-services-and-facilities/library/research
Supervision:
This is an exercise in independent research, and you are expected to draw on knowledge and skills which you have developed in other units in the Master of Politics and Public Policy, and to further develop your knowledge and skills as you work independently on a topic of your choice. You will be allocated a supervisor from within the department who will be able support and guide you as you undertake your research project. You should meet or communicate by telephone with your supervisor on a regular basis during the semester. As a guide, you should meet your supervisor in the first week of the session, and then on a fortnightly basis from that point on, depending on semester breaks and the teaching schedule.
There are no timetabled classes for this unit.
Unit Schedule
I would like to touch base with students (on email is fine, but if you are near campus we can also meet in person) in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12. This will be principally to discuss the assessment tasks and what is required, and to discuss your specific research. In addition, students are welcome to make an appointment with me at any time. Finally, I will read one draft of your dissertation and return feedback in track changes, which will not be graded. This is not compulsory, but if students would like feedback they should get their draft to me no later than week 11.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Analyse, integrate and synthesise complex information related to a real-world case studies
Assessment tasks
- Literature Review
- Dissertation
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Plan, design and execute self-directed research into a current or historical policy problem
- Critically apply key concepts, theories and methodologies in the discipline of public policy
- Analyse, integrate and synthesise complex information related to a real-world case studies
- Critically reflect on the importance and relevance of contextual factors in the development of policy arguments
- Analyse, evaluate and synthesise a range of evidence related to a chosen policy
- Effectively communicate concepts, arguments and recommendations
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Literature Review
- Dissertation
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Plan, design and execute self-directed research into a current or historical policy problem
- Critically apply key concepts, theories and methodologies in the discipline of public policy
- Analyse, integrate and synthesise complex information related to a real-world case studies
- Critically reflect on the importance and relevance of contextual factors in the development of policy arguments
- Analyse, evaluate and synthesise a range of evidence related to a chosen policy
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Literature Review
- Dissertation
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Plan, design and execute self-directed research into a current or historical policy problem
- Analyse, integrate and synthesise complex information related to a real-world case studies
- Critically reflect on the importance and relevance of contextual factors in the development of policy arguments
- Analyse, evaluate and synthesise a range of evidence related to a chosen policy
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Literature Review
- Dissertation
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Analyse, evaluate and synthesise a range of evidence related to a chosen policy
- Effectively communicate concepts, arguments and recommendations
Assessment tasks
- Research Proposal
- Literature Review
- Dissertation
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Analyse, integrate and synthesise complex information related to a real-world case studies
Assessment tasks
- Literature Review
- Dissertation