University of New South Wales - UNSW - AVIA5020 Research Project UNSW Aviation

The Aviation Supervised Research Project is a compulsory subject of the MScTech (Aviation) program.

The aim of AVIA5020 Research Project is to allow students to conduct an empirical investigation into a particular area of interest. With that in mind, and given the number of variables that can impact on a student’s ability to conduct this research, students are provided the option to answer a predetermined research question or complete research into a particular area of interest. Students are required to make their selection on the AVIA5020 Aviation Research Proposal Form.

In the case of the latter, elect to ‘complete research into a particular area of interest’, this can be undertaken through two different means (first component compulsory and second component optional).

The first (compulsory) component involves conducting a literature analysis, where a student must compare and contrast literature or secondary data relating to a particular area of interest. This approach extends far beyond a typical essay which just reviews material. Moreover, a literature analysis includes the empirical examination and contrast of theories, models and/or data in an attempt to argue a particular perspective. A typical report structure for a literature analysis includes: Abstract, Introduction, Discussion, Evaluation, Conclusion and References.
The second is optional, and if chosen directly follows from the first and involves the conduct of primary research. Primary research involves students performing a scientific investigation into a particular area of interest. This process involves proposing a hypothesis or research question and conducting a scientific piece of research to empirically examine this. A typical report structure following this examination includes; Abstract, Introduction (this component is the literature analysis), Methodology, Results, Discussion, and References.

Lecturer

Dr. Brett Molesworth

Location

This course runs for twelve weeks.
It is delivered entirely in Distance Learning format and is therefore accessible from any location.

Enrolment

The student can enrol in either Session 1 or Session 2, and the work should be completed within that session. Students must complete the ‘AVIA5020 Aviation Research Proposal Form’ form prior to commencing project. Each session is a total of 13 weeks, which includes a one (1) week break. Extensions beyond a single session are not automatically given, and must be applied for in writing by completing the ‘Request for Extension of Assignment’ form (available on WebCT Vista). Failure to meet submission deadlines will result in late submission penalties equalling 10% per day, including weekend and public holidays.

Proposed Research Topic

No earlier than one (1) week prior to the commencement of semester, students should provide Dr Brett Molesworth a completed version of the ‘AVIA5020 Aviation Research Proposal Form’ form. This form should only be sent once the student has sufficiently researched the area of interest and ascertained that sufficient data and/or information is available to support the project.

If students elect to conduct research in their chosen area of interest, Dr Molesworth will review the proposed research topic and assign a supervisor within the Department of Aviation who is familiar with the chosen area. The appointed supervisor will provide comments on the proposed research topic, and approve the project and research topic for enrolment to proceed.

Research Report

Once enrolled, the student’s responsibilities are two-fold.

Firstly the student should follow the proposed course structure and complete the required readings (see Structure section).
Secondly, the student should be in regular contact with the supervisor (typically once each week), ensuring the planned work proceeds successfully and at an appropriate pace.

Report Length

10,000 words

Submitting Research Report

It is a course requirement that a draft Research Report be submitted to the supervisor for comment, no later than the last business day (Friday) in week 11. Failure to submit a draft, irrespective if a final research report is submitted by the due date, will result in a course failure. Official submission date for the final report is midnight on 1 June for Session 1 and 19 October for Session 2.

Failure to submit a final report by the due date will result in a course failure, unless an extension has been granted prior to the due date. If students are unable to submit their final report by the due date, they must apply for an extension in writing by completing the ‘Request for Extension of Assignment’ form. **

**Please note, report extensions are not automatically granted and each application will be assessed on its merit. A 10% per day (including weekends and public holidays) late submission penalty will apply to all reports submitted post due date.

Marking Research Report

The Research Report will be marked by a minimum of two assessors, one of who will be the official supervisor. The Department of Aviation will approve the final mark.

Reference Book/s

The primary reference book for this course is:

Hart, C. (1998). Doing a literature review: Releasing the social science imagination. London: Sage Publications.

It is strongly recommended that students undertaking the optional second component to this course (primary research) reference the following text.

Wiggins, M. W., & Stevens, C. (1999). Aviation social science: Research methods in practice. Aldershot, UK: Ashgate.

The recommended texts are available for short term loan from the UNSW Library or for purchase from;

Learning Resources

The University of New South Wales provides a range of resources to help students develop their skills and to realise their full potential. The Learning Centre, located at the entrance to the Library provides guidance material, which is also available on-line.

In particular, students may wish to access the following:

Note-Taking Skills
The Basics of Essay Writing
Answering Assignment Questions
Report Writing FAQs
The Basics of Studying for Exams
Surviving Exams
Exam Skills
Plagiarism
The American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing System