Management & Marketing
of Textiles
Research Project
September 2003
The research
project is a two-semester activity, to investigate some aspect of textiles,
management, markets, marketing or retailing.
The
product of this project is a research-paper style piece of work which could be
published in either the commercial press or in the departmental journal.
The paper to be
produced is NOT an essay, it is to be in the style of an article for a journal,
to be recommended by you.
Hints on Subject Choice
When choosing your subject, DO NOT simply choose a subject based on one of your
options, this is a recipe for failure. Try to choose a subject which both
interests you and of which you have some knowledge. Case studies of companies
and organisations are acceptable but only if you have some method of obtaining
the necessary information. Try to avoid subjects which are particularly
fast-moving, as this can cause problems with the time-scale of the module.
Ensure that you liaise with your
supervisor on the subject choice.
Assessment
will be by means of :-
a) a plan (5%)
b) a reference list and suggested outlets (5%)
c) first draft (10%) - A short list describing
the contents of the 1st draft is available here.
d) a research-paper style piece of work suitable for publishing. (80%)
The
individual is expected to submit a plan, which will contain details of the
research area, and a list of initial reference texts and prospective journals
for publishing. It is the responsibility of the individual to update the
project plan throughout the life of the project.
The
use of a market survey to assess some aspect of the market may be a necessary part of the project. The design of any survey questionnaire should
discussed with the tutor BEFORE printing and circulation.
Structure of Final Article
The final article should contain all items in column A, and
may contain items from column B as alternatives or in addition. Consult your
supervisor if in doubt.
|
Column A |
Column B |
|
Title and Author |
|
|
Abstract |
plus any acknowledgements |
|
Introduction |
|
|
Review of Literature |
or a Theoretical Framework |
|
Methodology |
Research methods |
|
Results Analysis |
|
|
Conclusions / implications |
Discussion / forecasts |
|
References - Harvard style |
Bibliography |
|
Appendices |
|
References
All information in
your work should be referenced.
Avoid use of textbooks
Avoid use of Mintel tables and figures.
References in the text should be clear and inserted as (Abercromby, 1997).
Your
list of references should be organised as
NAME, DATE, TITLE OF ARTICLE, JOURNAL, VOLUME, MONTH
or issue NUMBER, PAGE NUMBERS
e.g. Abercromby AJ, 1997, "The Technologist as a Consumer", Journal
of Shopping, Vol. 5, No. 7, Pp. 27-38.
Submission
The final research paper must be handed in on time, in printed form AND as a file on a disc or a CD-Rom. All results must be included in the paper and/or in
appendices.
Results - All results must be included on the disc/CD-ROM (that is all data,
raw and processed).
If a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel) has been used to prepare graphs for import, the
spreadsheet files must be included also (not simply the imported version in
Word).
If qualitative data is included, all completed questionnaires need to be
attached.
References - Copies of ALL references must be included in the submission. Long
references only,(over 15 pages) should include title page and specific pages
used only.
*********************
Project
Timetable
(This is a
timetable designed to guide you in your project plan. )
September
Discussion
and choice of subject.
Choice of working plan, (individual or pair)
October - Final choice of
subject material
November
Submission of Reference List & Prospective Journals
This is a short list of articles/topics, from journals, that you intend to use
as references for your article. This is not a FINAL list, nor must ALL the
items listed be used in your final draft. (It is simply a working list of your
current information). In addition you will need to include:
the titles of journals which might accept the final
paper.
a framework
and a working title
December 20th - Submission of First Draft
January - Return of First Draft
February - Submission of Second Draft (if applicable)
End of 2nd Term Submission of Final Copy of Paper
Beginning of 3rd Term -
Check whether
you need to do any remedial work.
End of April - Any returned work must be completed.
These deadlines are not
negotiable.
(All
submissions, memos etc. must be delivered to Mr. J.M. Bailey - Room C58D Main
Building - or through the departmental post.