Assessment Task

The focus of this assessed element is on the identification of a research question and the investigation of a chosen topic using appropriate theories and methods for exploring it.

Students are encouraged to develop a systematic understanding and critical awareness of key debates in the relevant literature. By adopting an analytical approach to their writing, they will provide a critical justification of their methodologies for the proposed study.

The purpose of this proposal is to enable students to consider in-depth their individual research topic within the realms of level 7 studies. It is envisaged that students will elaborate a proposal that will be developed into a MA thesis. In this way, students will spend time developing a personal research topic, one that looks towards relevant issues within the area of fashion merchandise management, and contextualise them also in social, cultural, technological, political and economic terms.

Research forms an important part of developing critical understanding. Therefore, in this proposal, students are expected to draw on independently sourced research and start outlining plans for their primary research. Adopting a writing style that is coherent, objective and supported by theoretical and specialist sources, students will present arguments for how their study might contribute to the current research, as well as the limitations of their methodology. It is expected that students will use the library in their own time in order to continue making use of theoretical and non-theoretical books, journals, magazines and newspapers.

Learning Outcomes

This assessment will enable students to demonstrate in full or in part the learning outcomes identified in the unit descriptor for FMM107:

Knowledge and Understanding

Develop an in-depth critical awareness of a comprehensive range of information, and formulate critical insights of a specialist area drawn from a theoretical body of research.

Cognitive Skills

Examine and extend established techniques of enquiry and research and present a systematic understanding of research methods and strategies.

Evaluate the appropriateness of methods applied, identifying opportunities for further research and innovation.

Transferable and Key Skills

Demonstrate independent learning ability and written communication skills through the discussion of relevant major issues surrounding fashion retail within an international context.

Unit Submission Requirements

Please download and complete a University assessment cover sheet. This can be downloaded from the MyCourse unit page. This form must be filled in with your personal details and uploaded as part of your submission files.Your submission is not complete without it.

The proposal must normally be presented in the following way (any variation from the points listed below must be discussed and agreed with your tutor).

• A4 page size
• Word processed, 12 point, Arial
• Lines of text MUST be at least 1.5 spaced(other than quotations of more than 2 lines which must be single line spaced and indented).
• Align the type to the left of the margin; normally 3.5cms
• All pages of work should be numbered sequentially

Submission Checklist

Reading List

There will be no prescribed texts for this unit, but students will be expected to consult a wide range of information, both concepts and materials, including current press, specialist journals, relevant conferences and exhibitions.

Suggested readings include:

• Cottrell, S. (2005).Critical thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Davis, M. B, (2007).Doing a successful Research Project using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Dolowitz, D. P. et al, (2008). Researching Online. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Kumar, R. (2005). Research Methodology: a Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. London: Sage Publications.
• Lawler, G. (2006) .Your Masters Thesis: How to Plan, Draft, Write and Revise. Studymates
• Olma, E. (2009).Managing Information for Research: Practical Help in Researching, Writing and Designing Dissertations. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill/Open University Press
• Thody, A. (2006). Writing and Presenting Research. London: Sage
• Thomas, G. (2011). Doing Research. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Wisker, G. (2007). The Postgraduate Research Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Learning Outcomes

This assessment will enable students to demonstrate in full or in part the learning outcomes identified in the unit descriptors.

Extenuating Circumstances

The University’s Extenuating Circumstances procedures are in place if there are genuine circumstances that may have affected your academic performance. Remember however you need to be ‘fit to study’, this means that you can either submit your assessed work or declare extenuating circumstances, but you cannot do both.

Academic Misconduct

Any submissions must be your own work and, where facts or ideas have been used from other sources, these sources must be appropriately referenced. The University’s Academic Handbook, includes the definitions of all practices that will be deemed to constitute academic misconduct. You should check this link before submitting your work.