20 16 12 8 4 The research objectives are well-defined, concisely stated, jargon free and the link to a theoretical model is clear. All the objectives are aligned to the research question and are focused on the independent variables. The research objectives are concisely stated, jargon free and shows some links to the theoretical model. Most of the objectives are aligned to the research question and contains some of the independent variables. Some of the research objectives are well stated, contains some jargon and has a moderate relation to a theoretical model. Some of the objectives are aligned to the research question and contains a few of the independent variables. The research objectives are vague, contains jargon with limited relation to a theoretical model. The objectives are not aligned to the research question and only contains one independent variable. The research objectives are poorly stated has a no relation to a theoretical model. The objectives are not aligned to the research question and contains no independent variables.

Definition of research question: The research problem is clearly stated as one question and contains descriptor variables. It focuses on the information needed to make the management decision. Theoretical frameworks are evident. (20) 20 16 12 8 4 The research problem is concisely stated as one question and it includes descriptor variables, informing the reader of the exact purpose of the study. It is evident that the information needed to make the management decision will be provided by addressing the research problem. Theoretical frameworks are logically aligned and evident. The research problem is stated as one question and it includes most of the descriptor variables, informing the reader of the exact purpose of the study. It focuses on information needed to make the management decision. Theoretical frameworks are evident.

Definition of the management problem: The problem is stated in a question form and focuses on a management decision, stated in terms the organisation can take further. It requires primary research, not just financial analysis or strategic planning. (25) 25 20 15 The problem is succinctly formulated in a question form and is clearly focused on a management decision, stated in terms the organisation can take further. The problem and decision are well-suited to requires primary research. The problem is stated in a question form and focuses on a management decision, stated in terms the organisation can take further. It requires primary research, not just financial analysis or strategic planning A few problems one problem areoutlined, and it is somewhat related to a management decision, but it is not clear how the information collected will help the organisation take further. It is not clear what type of research is required to address the research problem.

Background to problem definition: Background starts with general issues, then become focused, with the subject area and theoretical frameworks evident. Terms are specific and clear, the reader with no knowledge of the research can identify the research problem and management decision to be made. (25) 25 20 15 10 5 The background to the problem definition is clearly articulated, with an appropriate background starting generally, then becoming focused, with the subject area and theoretical frameworks obvious and logical. Terminology is informed, and the research problem and management decision are obvious. The background to the problem definition start with general issues, and becomes more focussed, with the subject area and theoretical frameworks evident. Terms are specific and clear and a reader with no knowledge of the research can identify the research problem and management decision to be made. The background to the problem definition is somewhat vague, with the subject area and theoretical frameworks indefinite. Terms are specific, but the research problem and management decision to be made, not obvious.

Communication skills: Spelling, word choice, grammar expression and adherence to word count. (10) 10 8 6 4 2 Excellent, well-written document with no spelling or grammatical errors, appropriate choice of words, with no ambiguity in meaning, and adherence to word count Good organisation of document, with minimal spelling or grammatical errors, generally correct choice of words, with limited ambiguity in meaning and adherence to word count. The document has a number of spelling and grammar errors and some sections are not well-expressed, making misunderstandings possible for the reader. The document and explanations are disorganised, with several spelling and grammatical errors, with ambiguous statements making it hard to understand. The document is poorly written, with several spelling and grammatical errors, with many ambiguous statements making it hard to understand.