Description

        The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across the Exit Level Outcomes:

Display adequate understanding the foundations, paradigms and nature of research relevant to the academic discipline, the field of study and professional practice.
Apply critical aspects of research design, such as exploration, description and explanation, and the research process to plan and execute a research project.
Locate, analyse, critically appraise and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources to compile the literature review of the research proposal and to make informed decisions regarding research design and methodology.
Select a research topic and evaluate the suitability of the research topic using criteria relevant to the field of study such as scope, relevance, significance, feasibility, ethics, objectivity, originality, etc. in consultation with the supervisor(s).
Formulate a clear and concise research problem statement and sub-problems using appropriate criteria and guidelines relevant to the field of study and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
Generate research question(s), aims and objectives of the research and hypotheses (if applicable) based on relevant criteria and guidelines pertinent to the field of study and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
Demonstrate understanding of the use of appropriate research methods and techniques relevant to the area of study including aspects such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research methods, sampling techniques, data generation and data analysis, including statistical purposes (if relevant to a field of study).
Compile a research proposal based on institutional and faculty criteria, procedures and guidelines pertinent to the area of research and in consultation with the supervisor(s).
Demonstrate the ability to use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to the field of study, discipline and professional practice to present the research proposal in written and oral format to a range of audiences, including peers and examiners.
Demonstrate the ability to operate independently and to take full responsibility for his/her work while managing resources (e.g. time, budget, technology, equipment, etc.) in compiling the research proposal.
Demonstrate the ability to work within the ethical framework as defined in institutional criteria, procedures and guidelines in terms of plagiarism and copyright, confidentiality, ownership and professionalism and obtain permission and ethical clearance from relevant authorities to execute the research project.
With a high level of personal autonomy and accountability, plan, manage and execute a substantial research project using available resources assigned to the task (e.g. funding, infrastructure, academic, technical and administrative staff and or assistants, etc.) and within the timeframe allocated to the project.
Demonstrate the ability to apply, integrate and contextualise advanced knowledge and skills in executing the research project against acceptable academic requirements.
Consult with supervisor(s) and act on feedback received in a manner that shows improvement.
Demonstrate an ability to select relevant sources drawing on the work of leading scholars in the field of study or discipline and to produce a comprehensive literature review on different perspectives in the field of research or discipline that shows originality.
Use written communication and technical skills relevant to the discourse of the discipline and choose an appropriate genre to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Use the prescribed referencing technique of the institution correctly and accurately.
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of a range of research methods and techniques, critically evaluate these and apply them appropriately to investigate the research problem.
Assimilate data using different data collection methods (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, experimental and simulation methods) to present a coherent representation of data analysis.
Analyse, interpret and synthesise data using the appropriate computer software programme(s), (if relevant to the chosen research problem).
Demonstrate the ability to compile a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by research results and conclusions in the research report.
Demonstrate the ability to present in verbal, written or visual form, the research results and findings of the study to specialist audiences emphasising the contribution to knowledge production in the field of study, discipline and profession.
Demonstrate the ability to present in verbal, written or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the research project to non-specialist audiences emphasising the contribution the study makes to society/community in general.
Consider issues of confidentiality (if applicable) and adhere to institutional/professional requirements in this regard.
Identify a range of channels relevant to the field of study used in disseminating the research results and conclusions (e.g. conference poster, conference paper, journal article, etc.)
Prepare a report for publication in a nationally accredited journal or peer-reviewed conference paper in consultation with the supervisor(s) based on relevant criteria.
Adhere to institutional policies and requirements in terms of plagiarism.
Exercise informed judgement to ethical, cultural, research and professional issues pertinent to the chosen research problem.
Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions related to the research project which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational and professional issues.
Demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context (where applicable in terms of the research project).
Demonstrate the use of the full range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of study and relevant to the research project and show an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context.

Integrated Assessment:
The integrated assessment aims to assess the learner holistically and contributes to the learner’s personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive competence. The execution of the research project and production and acceptance of the dissertation constitute the total of a combination of formative, summative and integrated assessment methods at this level of study.

In executing the research project and dissertation, learners will:
Compile a scientific research proposal through integration and application of knowledge and skills within the area of specialisation in the field of study.
Demonstrate in-depth learning with abstraction and understanding knowledge of the field/area of investigation using a well-structured literature review.
Develop critical research skills and attributes in planning and research in the field of horticulture by applying knowledge, research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly.
Dealing with unpredictability in problem-solving, extracting, interpreting and analysing research results accurately.
Taking responsibility and autonomy in the research process in drawing conclusions and reporting research results in both scientific article and dissertation formats.
Display a professional attitude, ethical behaviour and values in presenting results to a scientific audience in reflecting on professional practice.