15623 Local Government Research Planning
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 15621 Research Methods for Local Government
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject requires that students prepare a research proposal covering their chosen topic. The research proposal is constituted by the rationale for the research and setting, research questions and aims, the methodology and literature review. The research proposal prepares students for 15624 - the mini dissertation.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
| 1. | Explain the context and rationale for the study - why the study is important |
|---|---|
| 2. | Design appropriate research aims and questions that will guide the project |
| 3. | Construct an appropriate methodology for the study |
| 4. | Review current literature pertaining to their chosen topic |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
- Apply an advanced understanding of theories and debates in local government and intergovernmental relations, including Indigenous perspectives, and articulate this understanding across a range of organisational types (P.3)
- Research and critique (R.0)
- Conduct independent applied research to develop a deep understanding of complex policy problems and innovative, cross-disciplinary solutions pertaining to government and its stakeholders (R.3)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:
C = communication and groupwork
A = attitudes and values
P = practical and professional
R = research and critique
I = innovation and creativity.
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).
Teaching and learning strategies
The teaching and learning approaches adopted in this applied research subject are based on adult education and practitioner researcher principles. They include the following:
- Individual consultation and discussion by the subject coordinator with the students at the outset of their research journeys, in order to help them define the scope and purpose of their proposed research.
- Linkage is made with their research supervisors, who provide mentoring, administrative and expert support throughout the research process.
Content (topics)
Topic 1: Rationale for the research
Topic 2: Research aims and questions
Topic 3: Methodology
Topic 4: Literature review
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Rationale for the study and research questions
| Intent: | This submission covers the title of the study, the context/setting, rationale for the study and research aims and questions |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1 and 2 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): R.0 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | 1500 - 2000 words |
Assessment task 2: Research Design and Methodology
| Intent: | This assignment requires students to outline their research design and methodology and develop research instruments if appropriate. The latter could be an interview guide, questionnair, questions for a focus group, etc or a combination of thereof. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 3 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): R.3 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Length: | 1000-1500 words |
Assessment task 3: Literature Review and ethics application
| Intent: | Students complete a literature review in connection with their chosen topic. The review of the literature is informed by your research question/s. While the literature review is presented as a stand-alone document, an updated and edited version of it will form a key part of the dissertation. Through completing this first phase of their research study, students demonstrate skill in achieving a key objective of the subject, namely ‘Reviewing current literature pertaining to the chosen topic’. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 4 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): P.3 |
| Type: | Literature review |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 50% |
Minimum requirements
The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.
Students must meet attendance requirements and overall must obtain at least 50% of the total marks.
Required texts
There are no textbooks for this subject. Reading widely on the chosen topic, as well as reading relevant research design and methodology literature, is integral to the student being equipped to produce a dissertation of high scholarly standards. Subject guidelines and relevant resources will be made available online to students, as will an online facility for communicating with peers and supervisors.