Escolar Documentos
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Faculty of Agriculture
REQUIREMENTS
with
PLEASE NOTE:
1. These requirements shall be observed by all students. Any deviation from these must be sought in writing from the
Chairperson of the relevant Department. Students who fail to comply with any of these requirements risked being penalized.
2. The indicated timelines may be varied by the Department usually by not more than a week and in such cases students
shall be notified in writing in sufficient time. A penalty of 2% per day but not exceeding 15% shall be levied for late
submission for any aspect of the research project.
4. Students should devote adequate effort, which reflects that the research project is double course offered over two
semesters.
5. Continuous assessment accounts for 30% while the final report accounts for 70 % of the final mark. Assessment of the
Project file accounts for 10% of the continuous assessment mark. The profile file is assessed by the supervisor.
6. Two markers shall independently assess most aspects of the course. Marks that differ by 10 marks or less shall be
averaged. Differences larger than 10 marks shall be discussed between the two markers to find common ground failure of
which shall be referred to third marker whose mark shall be final and binding.
7. Assessment is in accordance with the various Appendices, which are attached to this document.
3. Methodology
11. Margins: 40 mm on the left hand of the pate (to allow for binding); 10 mm on the right side; 20 mm at the top and
bottom of page.
Page 1 of 22
RESEARCH PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
ACTIVITY TIMELINE
FIRST SEMESTER
Developing Research Concept Note, 1 500 words long, 2 stapled copies Submit end of Wk 4,
Feedback by Wk 5
15 hours of lectures and 3 hours of assessment (tests, assignment etc) –Page 2 of Completed by Wk 6
this document
Write up of Research Proposal, 3 000 words long, 2 stapled copies Submit by end of Wk 9,
Feedback by Wk 11
First inspection of Project File for Research Concept Note and Research Proposal. Wk 12
Final write up of Chapter 1 (Introduction ) and Chapter 2 (Literature Submit end of Wk 13,
Review) Return of corrected
scripts in the first week of
beginning of second
semester. No marks are
released to students
SECOND SEMESTER
Second inspection of Project File organised as follows: A) Diary, B) Data Submit end of Wk 2,
collected so far and C) Preliminary data analysis (e..g summary of means etc) Feedback by end of Wk 3
Third inspection of Project File containing as above but Data Collected section is Submit end of Wk 6,
completed and Data Analysis section is at least 50% complete. Feedback by end of Wk 6,
Second Semester
Submit soft copy for anti-plagiarism check of final project write-up, Length: 5 Wk 11
000 and 12 000 words long inclusive of references but excluding appendices
Submit 3 spiral bound hard copies of final project write up and 1 soft copy Wk 12
version of same length. Include signed computer-generated anti-plagiarism check
as an appendix.
Page 2 of 22
LECTURE TOPICS TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR UNDERTAKING RESEARCH
Topics Content Time (hrs)
1. Introduction to Research Definition of research (project), Types of research, Reasons 1
for doing research
2. Time Management Why manage time? Techniques of managing time, Important 1
timelines in research
3. Introduction - Definitions, Techniques and formulation of research
problem/problem statement
- Background to research problem (Situational analysis, 2
literature search, document review)
- Hypotheses and objectives
- Links between hypotheses and objectives
- Justification of research
Page 3 of 22
LIST OF APPENDICES
Page 4 of 22
APPENDIX I. STRUCTURE OF A RESEARCH CONCEPT NOTE (max. 1 500 words)
Title of research: Capture the main focus of the research (20 words or under)
Research problem/Problem statement: What problem is being addressed, and which groups of people are being affected by the problem?
(200 words)
Background to the research problem: Provide information about the context of the problem (300 words)
Goal of the research: What benefits will the research generate for society or what positive change will the research bring about? (30 words)
Hypotheses: What factors contribute to the problem/ what is the suggested explanation what are the research propositions? (60 words)
Objectives (minimum 2 maximum 5): What will be studied and measured in order to answer the hypotheses. These should be in logical
order and should generally start with what will be studied and then why? (100 words)
Research Methodology: Describe how the study will be designed and implemented, including data collection and analysis. (600 words)
Page 5 of 22
APPENDIX II. MARKING GUIDE FOR RESEARCH CONCEPT NOTE
Title 5
Research Problem 20
Hypotheses 10
Objectives 10
Research Methodology 20
Main References 5
Title of research
Name of author and registration number
University logo
University of Zimbabwe
Faculty of Agriculture
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension/Animal Science/Crop Science/Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering
A research project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the BSc Honours Degree in Agriculture/Agricultural
Engineering/Applied Environmental Science
Month/year
Page 6 of 22
APPENDIX IV. MARKING GUIDE FOR ORAL PRESENTATION OF THE PROPOSAL
Name and Registration Number of student
Name and code of course
Programme and Level
Name of supervisor(s)
Name of assessor
Date of assessment
Introduction 15
-Background
-Justification/problem statement
-Clear hypotheses
Reference to Literature 15
-Is there an understanding of what exists and what knowledge gaps are
there in the literature?
Methodology 25
-Statistical procedures/appropriateness
-Are all components of the analysis captured and clearly and logically
presented?
Presentation Skills 15
-Quality of slides/overheads
-Clarity of expression
-Audibility
-Time keeping
-Mannerisms/dressing
-Confidence
-Facing audience
Student Response 15
-Quality of responses
Page 7 of 22
Total Score 100
Title 5
-Is the title short, clear and concise.
-Does the title enable readers to understand the concepts, methodologies
and output of the research?
-Does it reflect the content of the research proposal?
Introduction/ Background 10
- Is it a concise, descriptive, informative, and climate-building
preamble culminating in a statement of the problem being
addressed?
- Is the background a logical and balanced statement that helps to
portray a researcher’s vision of topical issues to be investigated?
- Does the background indicate the gains likely to accrue from the
findings in relation to what has been done i.e. bridging gaps?
- Does the review of previous work reveal what is known on the
subject, gaps in knowledge, current trends and what are perceived
as flaws in current practice?
Research Problem/Problem Statement 10
Does the problem state why the proposed investigation is conceived in
light of the information available?
Justification 5
- Does the researcher justify why resources should be committed to
the proposed work?
Hypotheses 5
Questions for assessment include the following:
Are the hypotheses testable?
Why are the hypotheses valid?
To whom is the problem relevant?
Will the results solve the problem?
What are the potential outputs and impacts (intended and
unintended?)
Are there alternative solutions to the problem?
Objectives 5
Assess whether the objectives are stated plainly and concisely, and that
they are:
Cohesive and logically arranged;
Specified in long and short term parameters;
Relevant to the problem statement;
Stated in a form which shows the relations between variables;
and
Not too many (5).
Literature Review 15
Should be exhaustive and comprehensive, and follow all ethical rules
such as acknowledging all sources.
Materials and Methods 25
Assess whether the materials and methods are appropriate and cost
effective in tackling the given research problem.
Methodological limitations 5
Various practical and theoretical drawbacks that must be taken into
account should be clearly stated.
Page 8 of 22
Ethical issues 5
Assess whether issues such as confidentiality, moral issues, consent and
integrity in conducting the research have been taken into account in the
design of the research or scientific experimentation.
Budget 2.5
How much will it cost in terms of time and money to do the study?
Assess the financial resources required for implementation of the project,
and ensure the necessary personnel, equipment and materials required
will be available.
References 5
Assess whether the recommended Harvard style has been consistently
used for in-text and listing of references, and do all citations have
corresponding entries in the list?
Page 9 of 22
APPENDIX Vb: MARKING SCHEDULE FOR DESIGN PROJECT PROPOSAL
1. Title 5
-Is the title short & precise, but meaningful & specific
- Is there correct use of English in terms of consistency, tense, word use, clarity, precision and
brevity?
3.Introduction
- Have the main points of research/design focus & extent of coverage enquiry been covered?
- Have research/design novelty, uniqueness & benefits + previous efforts been given?
- Are the push/pull factors for research/design evident? How serious is the problem – evidence?
- How will research/design in that area close knowledge gap/bring change/address problem?
- Are they specific, measurable, achievable, realistic & clear? i.e. are they SMART?
4.Literature Review 20
- Has the foundation of study/design been laid? Is literature review guided by the research/design
questions?
- How comprehensive & focused are the identified gaps in knowledge/current engineering solutions?
- Is there a synthesis & critical analyses of large data masses/current engineering solutions?
5. Methodology
- Has the student given the detailed functional analysis of the proposed design? 10
Page 10 of 22
- Has student adequately reviewed possible solution options to engineering challenge?
- How adequate are the material selection considerations, drawings, bills of quantities (BOQs)?
-has the student exposed ways of representing designs e.g. drawings and simulations
- How adequate are fabrication/system development, control, evaluation & testing processes 10
proposed?
- How adequately justified are the environmental test conditions, key performance indicators, e.g.
efficiency, proposed?
- How adequate are the health and safety issues/concerns associated with the implementation of the
design (e.g. fabrication) articulated?
7. References 5
Page 11 of 22
APPENDIX VI. RECORD OF CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN STUDENT AND PROJECT
SUPERVISOR
Name of student
Registration number of student
Name and code of course
Programme and Level
Name of assessor
Date of meeting
Details of
Discussions...................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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Agreed Action
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Suggested date of next meeting...................................................................................................................
Signature of student....................................................................................................................
Signature of supervisor................................................................................................................
Page 12 of 22
APPENDIX VII. MARKING GUIDE FOR THE PROJECT FILE
Remarks/Comments
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Page 13 of 22
APPENDIX VIII. MARKING GUIDE FOR ORAL PRESENTATION OF FINAL RESULTS
Name and Registration number of student
Name and code of course
Programme and Level
Name of supervisor(s)
Name of assessor
Date of assessment
Introduction 10
-Background
-Problem statement
-Clear hypothesis
-Justification of research
Methodology 20
-Statistical procedures/appropriateness
Results 20
Discussion 20
Conclusions/Recommendations 10
-How realistic
Presentation 10
-Quality of slides/overheads
-Clarity of expression
-Audibility
-Time keeping
-Mannerisms/dressing
-Confidence
-Facing audience
Page 14 of 22
Question Time 10
-Quality of responses
Page 15 of 22
APPENDIX. IXa. MARKING GUIDE FOR THE WRITTEN REPORT OF RESEARCH PROJECTS
Name and Registration Number of student
Name and code of course
Programme and Level
Name of supervisor(s)
Name of assessor
Date of assessment
Literature Review 15
1. How relevant is the literature reviewed to the study? Did the student cover sufficient
breadth in the review of theoretical and empirical studies?
2. To what extent has this literature been presented in an interesting and logical
manner?
3. Has there been synthesis of the literature or is it just a mass of material
extracted from texts? That is, did the student demonstrate academic maturity
in understanding and providing a critical but balanced commentary of the
literature reviewed?
4. Are all references cited in the text using an accepted standard format?
Materials and Methods (or for Agricultural Economics – Research Methods) 15
1. Has the student presented a clear, concise, accurate and sequential description
of the research/ experimental design and procedures used?
2. Does the outline of the given procedures allow one to repeat the experiment without
having to ask the investigator for some clarifications?
3. Is the data collection method and/or source of secondary data clearly explained?
4. Is there evidence of application of scientific methods of data collection and
management?
5. Is there evidence of logical conceptual or analytical framework translating project
objectives and set of hypotheses into a consistent analytical framework?
6. Are the analytical approaches for testing each hypothesis and data requirements
(data analysis) clearly spelt out (often by way of table or summary of key variables
or types of data)?
Results 15
1. Is the format of presentation appropriate and effective?
2. How appropriate are the tables, graphs, pictures, diagrams, maps, etc. that
are presented in the results?
3. Are the appropriate statistical notations (e.g. significance), units, etc.
presented consistently?
4. What is the quality of tables, graphs, figures, pictures? Are there stand alone
diagrams?
5. Are the results organized logically into subsections around common themes,
objectives or sets of hypotheses?
Page 16 of 22
6. Do the empirical models or approaches demonstrate understanding of the logical
sense of economic analysis (model specification, assumptions clearly spelt out and
tests)?
Discussion 15
1. Is there a logical interpretation of the findings on the basis of the facts presented
and in the light of known information/literature?
2. Are the results discussed in sufficient depth demonstrating ability to synthesize
contrasting evidence and balanced analysis of findings?
3. How logical and sound are the explanations for the findings in
relation to expectations as specified in the objectives?
4. Is there a presentation of logical implications of the results in the area under study?
5. Overall Discussion.
Conclusions 5
1.
2. Does the student provide a summary of key findings around each objective,
hypothesis/research question stated in the introductory chapter? That is, Does the
conclusion answer the objectives and hypothesis/research questions?
3. Is the conclusion focused to the results and the statistical procedures
used? That is, does the student provide sufficient evidence to
conclude on the basis of hypothesis/research questions presented?
4. Is the conclusion logical considering the results presented? That is, are the
conclusions based on and informed primarily by the research findings?
Recommendations 5
References 5
1. To what extent have valid references been cited and listed in the reference section (all
cited, consistently in text and listed)?
2. Have all the references cited been accurately listed (using an accepted ,
recommended and appropriate format)?
Layout, Presentation, Arrangement and Editorial Assessment 5
1. Academic writing skills.
2. Is there continuity in the style of writing? (editing) .
3.Is there correct use of English in terms of consistency, tense, spelling,
clarity and brevity?
TOTAL MARK ALLOCATED 100
PLEASE USE THE BACK OF THIS SCORE SHEET FOR COMMENTS
Page 17 of 22
APPENDIX. IXb. MARKING GUIDE FOR FINAL WRITTEN REPORT OF DESIGN PROJECTS
Name and Registration Number of student
Name and code of course
Programme and Level
Name of supervisor(s)
Name of assessor
1. Introduction 10
2.Literature Review 10
- Has the foundation of study/design been laid? Is literature review guided by the research/design
questions?
- How comprehensive & focused are the identified gaps in knowledge/current engineering solutions?
- Is there a synthesis & critical analyses of large data masses/current engineering solutions?
3. Methodology
- Design analysis:
- Has the student given the detailed functional analysis of the proposed design?
- How adequate are the health and safety issues/concerns associated with the implementation of the
design (e.g. fabrication) articulated?
- Evaluation/Testing: 5
- How adequate are the environmental test conditions, methods, key performance indicators, (e.g.
standards, efficiency) adopted as measures for evaluation/ testing used?
4. Results 30
Page 18 of 22
- Is the format of presentation appropriate and effective?
- How appropriate are the tables, graphs, pictures, diagrams, maps etc presented in results?
- Are the appropriate statistical notations (e.g. significance), units, etc presented consistently?
- How adequate are the evaluation/testing results compared to key performance indicators?
5 Discussion of Results 20
- How logical and sound are the explanations for the findings in relation to expectations?
- Is there a presentation of logical implications of the results in the area under study
7. References 5
Page 19 of 22
APPENDIX X. OUTPUTS FROM ANTI-PLAGIARISM CHECK
Details of Theses
1. Title of Thesis: Effects of biochar on nutrient and heavy metal leaching on municipal sludge amended soils
2. Author: Cynthia Mandoreba
3. Program: HAES
4. Faculty: Agriculture
5. Supervisor: W. Gwenzi, F. Mapanda & P. Nyamugafata
Interpretation of report
OK
Conclusion
No evidence of plagiarism.
Signatures
6. Supervisor
8. Projects Coordinator
Page 20 of 22
Anti-plagiarism report on dissertation
Details of Theses
1. Title of Thesis: NUTRIENT AND HEAVY METAL LEACHING IN A BIOCHAR AMENDED SANDY SOIL.
2. Author: Tendai N Chipere
3. Program: HAES
4. Faculty: Agriculture
5. Supervisor: W. Gwenzi, F. Mapanda & P. Nyamugafata
Interpretation of report
None observed.
Conclusion
Free of plagiarism. The 9% arose from the literature list under references.
Signatures
6. Supervisor
8. Projects Coordinator
Page 21 of 22
Anti-plagiarism report on dissertation
Details of Theses
1. Title of Thesis: Effects of combining biochar and three organic amendments on nitrogen transformation potential of
sandy soils
2. Author: Jotham Mupunga
3. Program: HAG
4. Faculty: Agriculture
5. Supervisor: F. Mapanda, F. Mtambanengwe & S. Taurayi
Interpretation of report
Part of the Literature Review and Materials and Methods Chapters were not properly cited. No report initially submitted
Conclusion
Signatures
6. Supervisor
8. Projects Coordinator
Page 22 of 22