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Strategic Level II
5- Research Methodology
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: STUDENT GUIDELINE

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PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION IN HUMAN RESOURCE

MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT
CONTENT
RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT PROCEDURE ...........................................................................................4
STEP 01 - COMMENCEMENT OF THE Strategic Level - II........................................................................... 4
STEP 02- SUBMISSION OF TOPIC SELECTION FORM ................................................................................. 5
STEP 03 - ALLOCATION OF SUPERVISORS ................................................................................................. 6
STEP 04 - RESEARCH PROPOSAL HARD COPY SUBMISSION ...................................................................... 6
STEP 05 - FINALIZING THE RESEARCH REPORT ......................................................................................... 7
STEP 06 - SUBMISSION OF RESEARCH REPORT TO THE BUSINESS SCHOOL ............................................. 8
STEP 07–VIVA VOCE EXAMINATION ......................................................................................................... 8
STEP 08–FINAL RESEARCH REPORT SUBMISSION ..................................................................................... 9
TOPIC SELECTION FORM – PART 01 ................................................................................................... 11
GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL ............................................................ 15
1) SCIENTIFIC METHOD ....................................................................................................................... 15
1.1 PREPARATION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO SCIENTIFIC METHOD ............................ 15
1.2 OUTLINE TO PREPARE THE PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO SCIENTIFIC METHOD ....................... 16
2) INTERPRETIVE APPROACH .................................................................................................................. 16
2.1 PREPARATION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO INTERPRETIVE APPROACH ................... 16
2.2 OUTLINE TO PREPARE THE PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO INTERPRETIVE APPROACH .............. 16
3) MIX METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................... 17
3.1 OUTLINE TO PREPARE THE PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO MIX METHODOLOGY ............................. 17
3.2 OUTLINE TO PREPARE THE PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO MIX METHODOLOGY ............................. 18
TOPIC SELECTION FORM – PART 02 ................................................................................................... 19
CONFIRMATION OF THE SUPERVISOR .................................................................................................... 19
GENERAL GUIDELINES TO PREPARE THE FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT ...................................... 20
GUIDELINES TO THE VIVA VOCE (VIVA) EXAMINATION OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT OF PQHRM STAGE
III..................................................................................................................................................... 27
1) INTRODUCTION OF VIVA ................................................................................................................. 27
2) ELIGIBILITY FOR THE VIVA ............................................................................................................... 27

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3) THE PURPOSE OF VIVA PRESENTATION .......................................................................................... 27

4) PREPARATION FOR THE VIVA VOCE PRESENTATION ...................................................................... 28
5) DURATION OF VIVA VOCE PRESENTATION ..................................................................................... 29
6) EVALUATE OF VIVA VOCE EXAMINATION ....................................................................................... 29
7) WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR VIVA PRESENTATION ......................................................................... 31
8) DRESS CODE OF THE PRESENTATION .............................................................................................. 31
9) COMPOSITION OF THE PANEL OF JUDGES...................................................................................... 31
10) THE DECISION OF THE PANEL...................................................................................................... 32
11) FINALIZATION .............................................................................................................................. 32
AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (APA) REFERENCING GUIDE ............................................ 33

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RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT PROCEDURE

STEP 01: COMMENCEMENT OF PQHRM STRATEGIC LEVEL II

STEP 02: SUBMISSION OF TOPIC SELECTION FORM

STEP 03: ALLOCATION OF SUPERVISORS BY BUSIENSS SCHOOL

STEP 04: SUBMISSION OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL TO BUSINESS SCHOOL

STEP 05: FINALIZING THE RESEARCH REPORT

STEP 06: SUBMISSION OF RESEARCH REPORT TO THE BUSINESS SCHOOL

(Spiral Bound Document)

STEP 07: VIVA VOCE EXAMINATION

FINALIZING THE RESEARCH REPORT AFTER VIVA VOCE

STEP 08:
EXAMINATION (Hard Bound Document)

STEP 01 - COMMENCEMENT OF THE Strategic Level - II

1.1 The strategic Level - II of PQHRM programme will be commenced with Pillar 5. Pillar 5 will
have thirty-six learning hours, covering the following areas of study.
 Research Design and Methods  Introduction to Quantitative Techniques
 Data Collection, Analysis and Presentation  Application of Regression and Correlation
 Writing a Research Proposal  Network Analysis
 Documentation of Research  Time Series Analysis
 Introduction to Quantitative Techniques  Revision Session (Overall)

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 Workshop on SPSS

1.1 Note:
Please note that 100% attendance is compulsory for these eleven lecture sessions. If NOT
you will have to cover the missed lectures by joining with the immediate next batch.
Covering sheets are required to be collected from the Research Coordinator/Executive. If
you do not satisfy the above conditions, supervisors will not be allocated & Research
proposal will not be accepted.

STEP 02- SUBMISSION OF TOPIC SELECTION FORM

2.1 According to instructions given in the lecture series, students are expected to select a
topic of their choice and then submit the topic to the Business School on or before the
stated deadline in the time table. (You are required to use the Topic Selection form
given on Page 09. Please note that Soft copy can be downloaded from CIPM
Website)

2.1 IMPORTANT NOTE:

Late submission will be granted for only THREE days from the deadline given originally
where there will be a deduction of one mark per day. Failing to submit within the THREE
will NOT be any acceptance of Topic selection form after SEVEN days. In this circumstance
the Student is required to follow lectures from the beginning by paying a fee of Rs. 8,000/-
.

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STEP 03 - ALLOCATION OF SUPERVISORS

3.1 Supervisor Allocation is done based on the selected topic and it will be informed through
emails only. Supervisor allocation letter can be collected after the email is received from
the Business School. Please note that, Business School doesn’t take the responsibility for
the failure of students to collect the letter on time. Deadlines will not be extended
under any circumstances.

STEP 04 - RESEARCH PROPOSAL HARD COPY SUBMISSION

4.1 Once the supervisor is allocated, Student is required to meet the respective supervisor
along with the topic selection form.
4.2 Comprehensive research proposal should be made according to the guidelines provided
& it should be under the instructions given by supervisor.
4.3 Students will be given one month from the date of supervisor allocation to submit the
research proposal (Spiral bind) along with the following compulsory documents.
1. Topic selection form (which will be returned to the Student along with the supervisor
allocation letter)
2. Confirmation of the Supervisor for the topic selected (Use Topic Selection form –
Part 02 given on Page 17. Soft copy can be downloaded from CIPM Website).

4.3 Note:

 Business School does not take the responsibility of the misplacement of topic
selection form.
 Late submission will be granted only for SEVEN days from the originally given
deadline where there will be a deduction of one mark per day. If the submission
exceeds SEVEN days, research proposal will NOT be accepted and further will NOT be
allocated for the VIVA. In this circumstance the Student is required to follow lectures
from the beginning by paying a fee of Rs. 8,000/-.

4.4 Supervisor has the authority to amend the topic but it should be under the scope of the
initial topic submitted.

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4.5 Research Proposal Cover page should be attached according to the sample given. (Soft
copy can be downloaded from CIPM Website).

STEP 05 - FINALIZING THE RESEARCH REPORT

5.1 Students will be given exactly three months to complete the research from the
research proposal submission date.

5.2 Students have to strictly follow the three guidelines given below when handling and
finalizing the project during the period of three months.

I. Within the first month, students are required to complete the first three chapters:
Introduction, Literature Review and Methodology.
II. Within the second month students are required to complete the data collection part.
III. In the final month data analysis, presentation, conclusion and recommendations must
be completed.

5.3 Within these three months student has to maintain a log record by confirming the
number of times they have met the supervisor, work done in each step and its progress with
supervisor’s signature.

5.4 Student needs to meet the supervisor at least 4 times and has to get the log sheet signed
at every meeting. Log sheets will be provided by the Business School. (Soft copy can be
downloaded from CIPM Website).

(Students are permitted to get instructions through emails if there is any difficulty in
meeting the supervisor. In such situations all email correspondences should be copied
to the research coordinator/executive.)

5.5 Students are required to obtain the certification from their supervisors for the final
report before the submission. Research Cover page and supervisor certification page should
be prepared according to the sample provided. (Soft copies can be downloaded from CIPM
Website). Relevant documents will be sent by the Business School.

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STEP 06 - SUBMISSION OF RESEARCH REPORT TO THE BUSINESS SCHOOL

6.1 After finalizing the research report according to the guidelines and the format given, you
need to submit the report with spiral binding along with the log sheets on or before the
deadline specified by the Business School.

6.1 Note:

Late submissions

 Please note that the deadline without penalty will not be extended at all for any
reason. However, subject to the deduction of marks one week extension will be given.
Thus one mark will be deducted per day leading to loss of 07marks for the delayed
fortnight.
 Those who couldn’t submit the research on the due date or under late submission
have to attend for research lectures from the beginning and have to pay the modular
course fee Rs. 8,000/= .
 IMPORTANT – “Distinction” and “Merit” grade will NOT be granted for late
submissions and for those who are re-sitting for research methodology from
the beginning.

6.2 Students are required to e-mail their softcopies to the research coordinator/
executive for verification of the plagiarism.

STEP 07–VIVA VOCE EXAMINATION

7.1 Guidelines are provided under Page No: 26

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STEP 08–FINAL RESEARCH REPORT SUBMISSION

8.1 If the research report is directly accepted at VIVA, hard bounded copy has to be submitted
within one week.

8.2 If the research report is accepted, subject to minor corrections, hard bounded copy
should be submitted within two weeks.

8.2 If the research report is accepted, subject to major corrections, hard bounded copy
should be submitted within one month.

Note:

Late submissions

 Please note that the deadline without penalty will not be extended at all for any
reason. However, subject to the deduction of marks one week extension will be given.
Thus one mark will be deducted per day leading to loss of 07marks for the delayed
fortnight.
 Those who couldn’t submit the research on the due date or under late submission
have to attend for research lectures from the beginning and have to pay the modular
course fee Rs. 8,000/= .
 IMPORTANT – “Distinction” and “Merit” grade will NOT be granted for late
submissions and for those who are re-sitting for research methodology from
the beginning.

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HARD BINDING COVER

Cover page should be as given in the sample below.

Research Title and the Student name should be mentioned on the side bar (Sample Pictures
are shown below)

Hard bound copy should be submitted along with the following mandatory documents.

1) VIVA feedback form provided by the examiner.

2) New Supervisor Certification ( Applicable only for Major/ Minor Corrections)

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TOPIC SELECTION FORM – PART 01

To Director of Studies:

Preliminary information relating to the research project which I intend to undertake is given
below. Please be good enough to give your approval to proceed it through a relevant
supervisor.

1. Name of the Student: (Mr. / Ms.) ……………………………………………………………………………..

2. Index No.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. Postal address:

...............................................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................................................................................................................................

4. Contact Nos. Mobile : …………………………………………………

Residence : ………………………………………………….

Office : ………………………………………………….

5. E-mail address: …………………………………………………………………………………………………..

6. Proposed topic of the research:

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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7. Ethical clearance for the research project:

7.1 Have you got the permission from the relevant company to conduct this research?

7.2 Have you had the preliminary discussions with the relevant parties?

7.3 Can you meet the relevant parties so that your problem could be handled well?

7.4 Have you faced any problems in your preliminary discussions?

7.5 If yes, mention

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8. Point out the problems by which you were guided to select this kind of research:

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9. Main research questions that you are going to address:

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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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10. The objectives of your research:

10.1 General Objective:………………………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

10.2 Specific objectives:

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11. In your methodology what data gathering techniques that you are going to use in
achieving your objectives (Must perfectly be matched to your objectives):

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12. Any other related information like clarifications and justifications (If only necessary)

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Signature of the Student Date

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GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL

Three main outlines to prepare your project proposal are given below. The first outline is
based on the scientific method and the second one focuses on qualitative interpretive
approach. The third one follows mix methodology. For the preparation of your project
proposal either you can follow scientific method or interpretive approach but to
follow mix methodology majorly with scientific method is strongly recommended.

1) SCIENTIFIC METHOD

1.1 PREPARATION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Students are mainly advised to follow the scientific method as it is the method
commonly emphasized at the initial stage of learning research. Main justifications to
emphasize this method, particularly by professional institutions, are given below.

 The CIPM is a professional body, not an academic body like a university. Therefore,
its main role is to apply and practice the knowledge. For this matter scientific method
provides the basis.
 Interpretive approach opposed to scientific method is more suitable for the
generation of knowledge, mainly used by academic institutions, and it is emphasized
for higher level research degrees like M.Phil. and Ph.D.s.
 Research can simply be defined as doing something systematically and accordingly
any qualitative description cannot be considered as a research. A research must
have a logical, meaningful and productive output that must necessarily be generated
systematically.
 Interpretive approach is highly philosophical and the researcher should have
interpretive capability and knowledge to generate the variables at ground level. That
is practically impossible to conduct within a short period of time like three months.

According to the above justifications scientific method is strongly and majorly recommended
at this stage and the outline to prepare your proposal based on scientific method is as
follows. Further detailed instructions in this regard will be given at your lectures.

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1.2 OUTLINE TO PREPARE THE PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO SCIENTIFIC METHOD

1. Introduction to the topic

2. Statement of the problem
3. Practical relevance of the study
4. Objectives of the study
i. General objective
ii. Specific objectives
5. Literature survey (better if reviewed in brief)
6. Methodology
i. Conceptual frame of the study
ii. Hypothesis due to be tested
iii. Population, sample and probabilistic sampling technique/s
iv. Methods of data collection
v. Methods of data analysis (recall your memory in Business Statistics)
7. Time frame (Network Analysis is strongly recommended as it is taught in
Business Statistics)
8. List of references according to APA referencing

2) INTERPRETIVE APPROACH
2.1 PREPARATION OF PROJECT PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO INTERPRETIVE APPROACH

If needed, you can also follow the interpretive approach to prepare your proposal. Once
again please kindly note that any qualitative description is not considered as a
qualitative research, if it is not systematically done. Therefore, you have to be so careful
when following this approach. If you do not have sufficient time and philosophical
knowledge about this approach this is not recommended. Further detailed guidelines in this
regard will also be given at your lectures.

2.2 OUTLINE TO PREPARE THE PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO INTERPRETIVE APPROACH

1. Introduction to the topic

2. Statement of the problem

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3. Practical relevance of the study

4. Objectives of the study
i. General objective
ii. Specific objectives
5. Methodology
i. Sampling technique (Theoretical sampling should be followed)
ii. The way of identifying signs at ground level
iii. The way of converting signs into objects
iv. The way of converting objects into concepts/variables
v. Hypothetic induction
vi. Conceptualization and comparison by relating to current literature
6. Available literature (should be related later by reviewing but not at the beginning)
7. Time frame (should be considerable time, spending in the field/company ground
level and also Network Analysis is strongly recommended as it is taught in Business
Statistics)
8. List of references according to APA referencing (Expected to relate later)

3) MIX METHODOLOGY
3.1 OUTLINE TO PREPARE THE PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO MIX METHODOLOGY

Mix methodology is, in general, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. To

follow mix methodology well a researcher should have a thorough understanding of
scientific, interpretive and other philosophies and methodologies. As the interpretive
approach is highly philosophical we are not expecting from you to be a real researcher
applying mix methodology in-depth. That is practically impossible within a short period of
time like three months.

However, at this level we expect that you could manage your research at least by
understanding basic research concepts and how to apply mix methodology to a certain level.
The following outline to prepare your research proposal is recommended according to the
level that we are expecting. Further detailed guidelines will be given at your lectures.

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3.2 OUTLINE TO PREPARE THE PROPOSAL ACCORDING TO MIX METHODOLOGY

1. Introduction to the topic

2. Statement of the problem
3. Practical relevance of the study
4. Objectives
i. General objective
ii. Specific objectives
5. Literature survey (better if reviewed in brief)
6. Mix methodology
i. Conceptual frame (according to scientific method)
ii. Hypothesis (Hypothetical deduction but hypothetical induction is not
recommended to this level)
iii. Population, sample and sampling (must be probabilistic and non-probabilistic
sampling methods)
iv. Methods of data collection (should be questionnaire and other qualitative data
gathering techniques like in-depth interviews, focus group discussion etc.)
v. Methods of data analysis (must be quantitative by recalling your memory in
Business Statistics as well as qualitative analysis like narrative, content,
discourse analysis etc.)
7. Time frame (Network analysis is strongly recommended as it is taught in
Business Statistics)
8. List of references (should be according APA referencing)

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TOPIC SELECTION FORM – PART 02

CONFIRMATION OF THE SUPERVISOR

New Topic: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

The above topic is approved / approved subject to the conditions/ not approved.

If approved subject to the conditions, conditions must be mentioned below by the

supervisor.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………

Name of the Supervisor

………………………………………………………..

Signature of the Supervisor Date

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GENERAL GUIDELINES TO PREPARE THE FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT

REPORT

Note: If interpretive methodology is followed please use the guidelines given in Page
23. Such guidelines relating to the interpretive approach are only for the preparation
of chapter structure and the content of your final project. All other guidelines are also
same to the interpretive approach as mentioned here.

It has been experienced that the Students have used various formats in finalizing their
research projects. Therefore, to be consistent and uniform the Students are strictly advised
to follow the following common guidelines when finalizing their research project report.

Your final project must be prepared according to the following format in order.

1. Title/ Front page of the project – Project title must clearly be written on the front page.
It should be in Times New Roman 16 font size, centered and bold. By keeping three line
spaces (1.5) below the title the following statement must be written.
‘This research project is submitted as a partial fulfillment of the Professional
Qualification in Human Resource Management in the Institute of Personnel
Management, Sri Lanka’.
That statement should be in Times New Roman 14 font size, centered and bold. Your
name, index number and the research project number must be written on the front
page. Date of submission is also required to be written on the bottom right corner on
the front page. Those must be in Times New Roman 14 font size.

2. Table of Content/ Chapterization – Next page/s after the front page should be allocated
to include Table of Content/ Chapterization. To be consistent the following chapter
structure needs to be followed.
Chapter 1 – Introduction, Chapter 2 – Literature Review, Chapter 3 – Methodology,
Chapter 4 – Analysis (Must be titled according to the objectives), Chapter 5 –
Conclusions and Recommendations and finally References/Bibliography and
Appendices

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Note that Analytical Part may consist in one or two chapters. In such situation you
may have two analytical chapters: Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. Then your conclusion and
Recommendations would become Chapter 6.

Also note that your analytical chapter/s must properly be titled according to the
objectives, as it indicates your documentation capability and skills. Thus, such
capability and skills will be evaluated in the marking process. Your relevant
lecturer/supervisor will guide you the way of titling the analytical chapter/s.

All main chapters must be numbered as Chapter 1, Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 and so
on. All sub-titles (considered them as sub chapters) coming under each main chapter
should also be numbered. For example, all sub titles coming under Chapter 1 should
be numbered as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and so on. If sub titles relate to Chapter 2 those should be
numbered as 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and so on. How to prepare sub titles of each chapter will also
be guided by your relevant lecturer. Within chapter structure the relevant page
numbers should also be given. Thus, Table of Content consists in three columns: No.
of the main/sub chapters, Title of the chapter/ sub chapter and the Page No. Further
guidelines in this regard will be given by the relevant lecturer/supervisor.

Note that Arabic numbers must be used for page numbering of each chapter including
references. But the Appendix should be numbered according to Roman Numbering
System. Numbering should start from the 1st chapter NOT from the executive
summary or before that.

3. List of Tables and List of Figures – After the chapter structure List of Tables and List of
Figures should be given. List of Tables and Figures should also be numbered following
chapter number. For example, if there are three tables in Chapter 1 those should be
numbered as Table 1.1, Table 1.2, Table 1.3. Likewise if there are two Figures in Chapter
1 those should also be numbered as Figure 1.1, Figure 1.2.

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List of Tables and Figures should be prepared in three columns. The first column is
for Table/Figure No., the second is for Title of the Table/Figure and the third is for
the page where the Table/Figure appears.

4. Acknowledgement – In the acknowledgement you can mention the thanks and gratitude
to different persons who assisted particularly to the funding agency or organization if
available.

5. Abstract – It is similar to abstract and a brief summary of your entire project. It often
helps the reader quickly ascertain the project report’s purpose.

The following major components should be in your executive summary.

• Name of the author with institutional affiliation

• Very short introduction about the project including problem statement

• Objectives of the project

• A brief description of the methods used (Scientific, interpretive or mix method)

• Hypothesis tested if there are according to scientific method/ hypothetical induction

made according to interpretive approach.

• The conclusions reached

Note that the Your Executive Summary should not exceed one page.

6. Content based on the Table of Content – After the executive summary content of each
chapter should be in order. The following font sizes and page settings are important to
follow.
Main title of the chapter – 16 Font size in Times New Roman, should be bold and
underlined.
Sub titles – 14 Font size in Times New Roman, should be bold and underlined.
All text – 12 Font size in Times New Roman
Line space – 1.5

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Page numbering –Bottom centered

Page margins – 2.5cm (1 inch) for all sides according to APA guide

7. List of References/ Bibliography – Either the term List of References or Bibliography

should be used. But note that APA mainly uses List of References. The difference between
these two terms will be explained by the relevant lecturer. The way of preparing the List
of References/Bibliography according to APA system will clearly be discussed by the
respective lecturer.

Note – You have to be so careful of the cross checking of the in-text citations with the
list of references. How to cite in text and prepare the list of references with the same
Author and Date (Author-date) will be taught by the relevant lecturer.

8. Appendix - Appendix is a supplementary material that is collected and appended at the

back of project report. The following are some of the examples included in an appendix.
• Questionnaire or the format used
• Explanations and other information that author has decided not to make part
of the text.
• Definitions of words, concepts, techniques followed in the publication.
• Maps, photographs, charts etc. not directly supported to the content.
Note that the appendices should also be numbered clearly according to Roman
Numbering System.

9. Length of the Final Research Project Report – The length of your final research project
report should be minimum 10,000 words if scientific or mix method is followed. If
interpretive approach is followed it should have at least 12,000 words.

By following above guidelines well you will be able to prepare a standard research project
report according to the principle of consistency and uniformity. If your final project report
is not up to the above standard and format CIPM has the right to reject it at any time or deduct
your marks in the evaluation process.

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CHAPTERIZATION TO PREPARE THE FINAL PROJECT ACCORDING TO INTERPRETIVE

APPROACH

(This is the second method highlighted in the outlines of project proposal preparation)

Please note that these particular guidelines only refer to the chapter structure and the
content of your final project if you follow qualitative interpretive approach. All other
guidelines as mentioned in Page 19 should be applied as it is. Accordingly, if interpretive
methodology is followed your chapter structure and the content of the project should be as
follows.

Chapter 1 – Introduction: within this chapter you have to explain Introduction to the topic,
Statement of the problem, Practical importance of the study, Objectives of the study,
Problems and limitations. These sub titles should be numbered as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 as guided in
BSEO 121. In writing the content you have to emphasize only the inductive interpretive
approach. Further guidelines in this regard will be given at your lectures.

Chapter 2 – Methodology: The inductive interpretive methodology that you have followed
in your research should be written here. Its sub chapters are as follows.

2.1 Sampling technique/s – The way you selected the sample should be explained here. It
should be theoretical non-probabilistic sampling technique/s. What is theoretical sampling
and what are the non-probabilistic sampling techniques will be taught at your lectures.

2.2 Identification of signs at ground level – Methods you applied for the identification of signs
at ground level should clearly be explained here. Subject knowledge on the Grounded Theory
(Glaser and Strauss, 1967) and Social Semiotics is essential in this regard. To develop theory,
model, concept etc. how you would identify active students’ cognitive perceptions, images,
signs etc. should clearly be justified.

2.3 Conversion of signs into objects – How to convert signs into objects and what methods
that you have used in this regard should be explained within this section. The process of
labeling data and information should also be explained.

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2.4 Conversion of objects into variables/concepts – How to convert signs into objects and
what methods that you have used in this regard should also be explained within this section.

2.5 Hypothetic induction and conceptualization – How to conceptualize from hypothetic

induction and how the final model is developed should be explained. How to compare and
relate with existing knowledge should also be well explained here.

Chapter 3 – The Conceptualization – Identified signs, objects, concepts, variables and final
conceptualization should be explained and presented with the concepts and models
developed. The analysis should be highly qualitative and you have to be so careful of the
identification and the analysis of signs and the use of language.

Note that conceptualization chapter may consist in one or two chapters. In such situation
you may have two analytically conceptualized chapters: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. Then your
conclusions and recommendations would become Chapter 6.

Also note that your analytical conceptualized chapter/s (chapter 3 or/and 4) must properly
be titled according to the objectives, as it indicates your documentation capability and skills.
Thus, such capability and skills will be evaluated in the marking process. Your relevant
lecturer/supervisor will guide you the way of titling the analytical conceptualized chapters.

Recommended Readings for chapter 3:

Glaser, B. and Strauss, A. (1967), Discovery of Grounded Theory: The Strategies for
Qualitative Research. New York: Aldine Transaction

Strauss, A. and Corbin, J. (1990), Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory

Procedures and Techniques. Newbury Park, CA: Sage

Van Leeuwen, T. (2005), Introducing Social Semiotics: An Introductory Textbook. Rutledge

Wijesinghe, M. A. S. (2012) ‘Conceptualizing Leadership through Semiotics: An Essential

Methodological Approach to the Human Resource Management (HRM) Sector in Sri Lanka.
Managing Business, Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century of Human Resource

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Management, International Conference on Business and Information, Faculty of Commerce

and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

Chapter 4 – Relationship to the literature – Review, compare and relate are the main
components of this chapter. Where your findings are among exiting literature, whether it is
new or not, how it is new, how it accepts or rejects current literature need to be explained
here. For this matter, ins and outs of the literature relating to your topic must be reviewed
by the researcher. It means that your literature review must be a complete and
comprehensive one. Otherwise it is so unfair to make conclusions, as factor controlling
methods are not allowed by the inductive approach.

Chapter 5 – Conclusion and Recommendations – Whether your objectives according to

inductive approach are achieved or not, the conclusions on the hypothetical induction and
what was conceptualized finally need to be concluded. Recommendations must also be given
accordingly by opening the avenues for other researchers as well.

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GUIDELINES TO THE VIVA VOCE (VIVA) EXAMINATION OF THE

RESEARCH PROJECT OF PQHRM STAGE III

1) INTRODUCTION OF VIVA

VIVA VOCE examination for the research projects of the Students in strategic level II has been
implemented with effect from PQHRM Batch 77.

Literally, “viva voce” means by or with the living voice. It is given by word of mouth as
opposed to writing. So the viva voce exam is where you will give a verbal defense of your
written research project. It is the culmination of your research work.

Your research project report demonstrates your skill, capability and the strength of handling
a problem. Report is presented in writing but in the viva voce examination, you will
demonstrate your ability and strength to participate in academic and professional discussion
with a panel of judges.

2) ELIGIBILITY FOR THE VIVA

To be eligible for the viva voce examination Students should complete their research project
under a supervisor appointed by the CIPM and submit the research report in spiral binding
to the Business School on or before the given deadline. After that the submitted report is
evaluated by an independent examiner (Not by the supervisor) according to the marking
scheme of 100. Then after the candidate will be called for the viva voce examination for
which another 100 marks are given for its evaluation.

3) THE PURPOSE OF VIVA PRESENTATION

The purpose of viva voce examination is to validate your research project and to:

 demonstrate that the research project is your own work

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 confirm that you understand what you have written and can defend it verbally
 ensure that you are thoroughly familiar with the content of your research project
 investigate your awareness of where your original work sits in relation to the wider
research field
 confirm whether the report is of sufficiently standard to pass or of high standard to
merit the award of PQHRM
 Allow you to clarify and develop the written thesis in response to the panel of judges'
questions.

4) PREPARATION FOR THE VIVA VOCE PRESENTATION

Viva voce exam is the final hurdle of your research project and therefore you need to prepare
for this crucial occasion by yourself.

At the viva-voce examination the panel of judges may

 ask you to justify your arguments

 ask you to justify not only things which you have included in your report but also
things which you may have left out
 ask you questions about the wider research context in which the work has been
undertaken
 argue certain points with you
 expect you to discuss any developments which may flow from your work in the future

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you ask your supervisor to arrange for you
to have a practice/mock viva well in advance of the real exam. This will help you to
prepare for answering questions on your research project and give you some experience of
what a viva interview will be.

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5) DURATION OF VIVA VOCE PRESENTATION

For the power point presentation 20 minutes will be given and another 10 minutes are
allocated to defend the questions and clarifications asked by the panel of judges. Altogether
each presentation is composed of 30 minutes.

Please note:

Inevitably, your research project will have strengths and weaknesses and the panel of judges
want to discuss them clearly with you. It is considered a positive thing, indeed an essential
thing, that you can discuss both the strengths and the weaknesses. You can think of the
weaknesses as an opportunity to demonstrate your skill at critical appraisal. Remember that
examiners seek to find and discuss weaknesses in all research projects. You should not
interpret criticism as an indication that the examination will not end successfully. It is
strongly believed that your supervisor will also strictly understand this point.

6) EVALUATE OF VIVA VOCE EXAMINATION

The evaluation is done on the basis of following criteria.

You are required to prepare a power point presentation accordingly to demonstrate and
justify the matters. The number of slides that should be included in your power point
presentation is mentioned within brackets in each section.

1. Your ability to clarify your research statement – You must be capable of explaining
your research problem clearly. That should be specific with proper justification. What
research questions you addressed in your research statement should clearly be
explained to the panel of judges. (Maximum 02 slides)

2. Explanation of research objectives – As the research should be systematically done

your objectives should clearly be explained by matching to the research statement
and research questions. (Only 01 slide)

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3. Demonstrate your capability of literature reviewing – Some time the panel may
question you the relevance of your literature. So you must be careful of justifying your
literature according to the objectives designed. You are also required to justify your
project by confirming the extent to which it has contributed to generate new
knowledge to field you touched. (Slides are not necessary – enough just to explain)

4. Capability of justifying your methodology – Your research design and methods

should clearly be explained. Designed methodology must perfectly suit to the
objectives, as you need to explain the methodology that you used in achieving
research objectives. Variables, developed concepts and the research design,
hypothesis, population and sample, data gathering and analytical methods should
perfectly be explained by relating them to the objectives. The problems faced in the
process of data collection and analysis, ethical issues you faced, how you established
the limits around the scope of your data collection should clearly be explained by
confirming the extent to which you were capable of minimizing or overcoming such
problems and issues. (Maximum 04 slides)

5. Your capability of analysis and presentation - Analysis should focus on the

objectives. It may be quantitative or qualitative or following mix methodology. If the
scientific methodology is followed how to test the constructed hypothesis should be
justified. Whatever the methodology is followed how to relate variables to identify
various relationships should clearly be justified because your analysis should be
meaningful and logical. The way of presenting data and information so that the
relationships among variables can clearly be identified is also taken into
consideration. Proper organization of the project report by developing titles and sub
titles well is also examined. (Maximum 05 slides)

6. Findings/conclusions and recommendations – Whether the objectives are

achieved or not and whether hypothesis are rejected or accepted, if scientific method
is followed, must be explained well. As the recommendations, respondents’
suggestions, the points in literature and the researcher’s perception should be

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presented. How to open avenues for other researchers should also be explained.
(Maximum 03 slides)

7. Citations and References – Everywhere of the project report the in-text citations
should be matched with the list of references. As the panel of judges is so serious of
checking your in-text citations matching with the list of references you have to strictly
follow APA writing standards recommended by the CIPM. (Slides: No need)

8. Neatness – As a whole, whether your report is precisely done or not is also evaluated.
Proper organization of chapters and sub chapters, line spacing, title setting, page
settings, their cleanliness etc. are also taken into consideration.

7) WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR VIVA PRESENTATION

 Soft copy of your power point presentation (PPT)

 Note book and pen to note down the comments given by the panel

8) DRESS CODE OF THE PRESENTATION

 Should be in smart dress –

Gents – Be in smart formally dressed with a tie
Ladies – Formally dressed in a Saree

9) COMPOSITION OF THE PANEL OF JUDGES

Composition of the panel of judges is as follows.

i. Supervisor – But should be a silent observer.

ii. An External Examiner
iii. Director of Studies – As the in charge of the administration

(Mainly the viva voce exam is handled and conducted by the external examiner)

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10) THE DECISION OF THE PANEL

The following three main decisions can be given by the panel of judges at the viva voce
examination.

i. Direct acceptance – If your research report and viva presentation is outstanding it

is directly accepted without any revisions. You can submit hard bound copy within
one week from the date of viva presentation.

ii. Accepted subject to minor corrections – If the panel suggests only minor revisions
two weeks will be given to submit the hard bound copy.

iii. Accepted subject to major correction – If it is with major revisions one month will
be given to make the amendments as suggested by the panel.

All submissions with minor or major corrections are due to be reconfirmed by one of
the members of the panel to justify whether the candidate has made necessary
amendments according to the given comments by the panel.

11) FINALIZATION

Finally the marks given by the examiner at the first phase and the marks given for the viva
voce presentation at the second phase will be averaged and the final result will be declared
as follows.

80 or above A DISTINCTION

60-79 B MERIT

40-59 C PASS

>40 F FAIL

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AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (APA) REFERENCING GUIDE

Introduction:

Explicit indication of the sources of information and ideas is one of the characteristics of academic and
professional writing. Explicit referencing of sources distinguishes academic and professional writing from
other types of writing. Academic and professional writers show where they got the information or ideas
for their texts through internationally accepted referencing system such as APA and Harvard.

The “APA style” is a generic author-date style for citing and referencing information in assignments,
project reports, thesis, dissertations and other publications. There are many styles which follow the
author-date convention, including the Harvard style and the Chicago Manual of Style. This guide is based
on the American Psychological Association’s Publication Manual which is recommended to follow by the
CIPM.

What is referencing?

Referencing is a standardized way of acknowledging the sources of information and ideas that you have
used in your assignments, project thesis, dissertations and other publications which allows the sources to
be identified.

Why referencing?

Referencing is important to avoid plagiarism, to verify quotations and to enable readers to follow up what
you have written and more fully understand the cited author’s work. Accordingly referencing is important
due to the following reasons.

 To respect intellectual property

 To strengthen arguments by indicating the source of ideas
 To demonstrate knowledge of the field in which you are writing
 To establish your voice in your academic writing
 To meet marking criteria
 To avoid the accusation of plagiarism

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Please Note that APA emphasizes to prepare your list according to the concept of references not to the
concept of bibliography. The difference between these two concepts will be taught to you by the relevant
lecturer in charge. Thus, the following two are the most important matters to be concerned.

1. In-text citations – That is to insert citations at the appropriate place in the text of your document
and that should be according to author-date style. Page numbers must also be included if you
directly quote, paraphrase a passage or if you want to direct the reader to a specific page. What
is a quotation and paraphrasing will be taught by your relevant lecturer.
2. List of References – That is to include a reference list which includes all in-text citations at the end
of your research project report.

The following matters are important in preparing your list of references. Further explanations regarding
the following points will be given by your lecturer.

 It should be arranged alphabetically by author.

 If you have more items (articles, books, chapters etc.) published by the same author, list the items
chronologically, starting with the earliest publication.
 Each reference should appear on a new line.
 It should be indented so that the author can clearly stand out.
 References should not be numbered.

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The following tables indicate how to put in-text citations and prepare the list of reference for the
most common types among different types of sources you find.

In-text and References relating to book: (Further guidelines will be given by your lecturer)

Type In-text Reference

One author Stone (1991) or Stone, J. R. (1991). Human resource management. Australia:
Stone (1991, P.44) John Wiley & Sons.
confirmed that
Two to five (Torrington & Tan, Torrinton, D. & Tan, C. H. (1994). Human resource
authors 1994) or Torrington & management for South East Asia. Singapore: Prentice
Tan (1994) stated that Hall.
Six or more (Bannister et al., Bannister, B. J., Chan, A. W., Mak, W. M., Ng, C. W., Bennett,
authors 2005) or R. & Stone, R. J. et al. (1995). Managing human resources
Bannister et al. (2005) In Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Pitman.
explains …….
Multiple (Willmott, 2004, Willmott, W.F . (2004). Rocks and landscapes of the national
work by the 2006) parks of Southern Queensland. Brisbane: Geological
same author Society of Australia, Queensland Division.
Willmott, W.F. (2006). Rocks and landscapes of the national
parks of Central Queensland. Brisbane: Geological Society
of Australia, Queensland Division.
(Order chronologically from earliest in the reference list)
Multiple (Patel, 2002a, 2002b) Patel, J. (2002a). Learning Styles and Reflective Practice: The
works by the Pedagogy of Individualized Instruction. Oxford: Oxford
same author, University Press.
published in Patel, J. (2002b). Signification and Psychology in
the same Education: A Case Study of Theory in Practice.
year London: Rutledge.
(Order alphabetically by title in the Reference list)

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Book by an (Queensland Health, Queensland Health. (2002). Best practice guidelines for the
organization 2002) or management of type 1 diabetes in children and
or institution Queensland Health adolescents. Brisbane: Queensland Health
(2002) recommends
that….
Editions (Clark, 1992) or Clark, R. (1992). Australian human resources management:
Clark (1992) stated Framework and practice (2nd ed.). Sydney: McGraw Hill.
that........
Edited book (O’Neill & Kramar, O’Neill, G. L. & Kramar, R. (Eds.). (1995). Australian human
1995) resources management. Melbourne: Pitman.
or O’Neill & Kramar
mentioned that………
Electronic (Pettinger, 2002) Pettinger, R. (2002). Global organizations. Oxford: Capston
book Publishing. Available from NetLibrary database.
Book (Helber, 1995) or Helber, L. E. (1995). Redeveloping mature resorts for new
Chapter in Helber (1995) markets. In M. V. Conlin & T. Baum (Eds.), Island tourism:
an edited compares Management principles and practice (pp. 105-113).
book Chichester, England: John Wiley.
Chapter (Scott, 2005) Scott, D. (2005). Colonial governmentality. In J. X. Inda (Ed.)
from an Anthropologies of modernity (pp.21-49). Retrieved from
electronic Wiley Inter Science database.
book
Dictionary or (Wolman, 1989) Wolman, B.B. (1989). Dictionary of behavioral science
Encyclopedia (2nd ed.). San Diego: Academic Press.

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In-text and references relating to journal articles: (Further guidelines will be given by your lecturer)

Type In-text Reference

One author (Sweeney, 1979) or Sweeney, J.H. (1979). A new look at promotion from within.
Sweeney (1979) stated Personnel Journal, 58(08), 531-535.
that………
Two authors Schafer & Kang (2008) Schafer, J.L. & Kang, J. (2008). Average causal effects from
nonrandomized studies: A practical guide and simulated
example. Psychological Methods. 13, 279-313.
Three to six (Skenderian, Siegel, Skenderian, J, Siegel, J. T., Crano, W.D., Alvaro, E.E. & Lac, A.
authors Crano, Alvaro, & Lac, (2008). Expectancy change and adolescents' intentions
2008) to
use marijuana. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. 22,
563-569.
More than (Galea et al., 2008) Galea, L.A., Uban, K. A., Epp, J.R., Brummelte, S., Barha, C.K.,
six authors Wilson, W. L. et al. (2008). Endocrine regulation of
cognition and neuroplasticity: Our pursuit to unveil the
complex interaction between hormones, the brain, and
behaviour. Canadian Journal of Experimental
Psychology/Revue canadienne de psychologie
expérimentale. 62, 247-260.
Article from (Wharton, 1996) Wharton, N. (1996). Health and safety in outdoor activity
electronic centres. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor
data base Leadership, 12(4), 8-9. Retrieved November 10, 2007,
from ABI/INFORM Global database.

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In-text and references to web pages: (Further guidelines will be given by your lecturer)

Type In-text Reference

With one (Atherton, 2005) Atherton, J. (2005). Behaviour Modification. Retrieved
author February 5, 2009, from
http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/
behaviour_mod.htm

No author (Behaviour Behaviour modification. (2007). Retrieved February 5, 2009,

modification, 2007) from http://www.educational-
psychologist.org.uk/behaviour.html
No date (Society of Clinical Society of Clinical Psychology. (n.d.) About Clinical Psychology.
Psychology, n.d.) Retrieved January 28, 2009, from
http://www.apa.org/divisions/div12/aboutcp.html
Cooperate (Queensland Health, Queensland Health. (2008). Healthy start in life. Retrieved
author 2008) or March 10, 2009, from
As stated by http://www.health.qld.gov.au/ph/documents/
Queensland Health saphs/hsil_full_doc.pdf.
(2008)……….

In-text and references relating to lecture notes: (Further guidelines will be given by your lecturer)

Type In-text Reference

Course (Johnson, 2008) Johnson, A. (2008). Week three: Foucault [Powerpoint
handouts/Lecture slides]. Unpublished manuscript, BESC1001,
notes – print University
of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
Lecture notes – (Johnson, 2008) Johnson, A. (2008). Week three: Foucault [Powerpoint
Online slides]. Retrieved from BESC1001, University of
Queensland Blackboard Online:
http://www.elearning.uq.edu.a

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In-text and references relating to thesis: (Further guidelines will be given by your lecturer)

Type In-text Reference

Retrieved from (Axford, 2007) Axford, J.C. (2007). What constitutes success in Pacific
personal or island community conserved areas? (Doctoral
institutional dissertation, University of Queensland, 2007).
website Retrieved from
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:158747
Retrieved from (Sheehan, 2007) Sheehan, L. R. (2007). Destination management
data base organizations: A stakeholder perspective. Retrieved
from Proquest Digital Dissertations. (AAT NR25719)

In-text and references relating to conference papers: (Further guidelines will be given by your lecturer)

Type In-text Reference

Published paper (Bohrer, Zielke & Bohrer, S., Zielke, T., & Freiburg, V. (1995). Integrated
Freiburg, 1995) obstacle detection framework for intelligent cruise
control on motorways. Paper presented at IEEE
Intelligent Vehicles Symposium. Detroit, MI:
Piscataway.
Unpublished (Bowden & Fairley, Bowden, F.J. & Fairley, C.K. (1996, June). Endemic STDs in
paper 1996) the Northern Territory: estimations of effective rates
of partner change. Paper presented at the scientific
meeting of the Royal Australian College of
Physicians, Darwin.

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In-text and References relating to Newspapers and Magazines: (Further guidelines will be given by your
lecturer)

Type In-text Reference

Newspaper (Cook, 2002) Cook, D. (2002, January 28). All in the mind. The Age, p. 8.
article with
Author
Newspaper (Meeting the needs, Meeting the needs of counselors. (2001, May 5). The
article without 2001) Courier Mail, p. 22.
author
Magazine article (Marano, 2008) Marano, H.E. (2008, March-April). Making of
aperfectionist. Psychology Today, 41, 80-86.
Electronic (Sandy, 2009) Sandy, A. (2009, January 22).Cheaper to fly than hire a bike
newspaper or in Brisbane. The Courier Mail. Retrieved from
magazine article http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/
0,23739,24949645-952,00.html

In-text and References relating to indirect citation: (Further guidelines will be given by your lecturer)

Type In-text Reference

Indirect citation Miller (cited in Agrios Agrios, G.N. (2005). Plant pathology (5th ed.) Burlington,
or 2005) found … Massachusetts: Elsevier Academic Press.
secondary source … it was found (Miller, (Cite the source where you found the citation)
cited in Agrios 2005).

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