HPCOS81/101/0/2023

Tutorial Letter 101/0/2023

Research Methods and Proposal

HPCOS81

Year Module(s)

School of Computing

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please register on myUnisa, activate your myLife e-mail account and
make sure that you have regular access to the myUnisa module
website, HPCOS81-2023-Y, as well as your group website.

Note: This is a fully online module. It is, therefore, only available on myUnisa.

BARCODE
 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Getting started .............................................................................................................................. 3
2 OVERVIEW OF [insert module code] ......................................................................................... 3
2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 4
3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ........................................................................................... 4
4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................... 4
4.1 Lecturer(s) .................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2 Department ................................................................................................................................... 4
4.3 University ...................................................................................................................................... 5
5 RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 5
5.1 Joining myUnisa ........................................................................................................................... 5
5.2 Prescribed book(s) ........................................................................................................................ 5
5.3 Recommended book(s) ................................................................................................................. 5
5.4 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ................................................................................................... 5
5.5 Library services and resources ..................................................................................................... 6
6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................ 7
6.1 First-Year Experience Programme @ Unisa ................................................................................... 7
7. HOW TO STUDY ONLINE ............................................................................................................ 7
7.1 What does it mean to study fully online? ....................................................................................... 7
7.2 myUnisa tools ............................................................................................................................... 8
8. ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................. 8
8.1 Assessment plan .......................................................................................................................... 8
8.2 Year mark and final examination/other options ............................................................................. 9
9. CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................. 9

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1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student

Welcome to the module Research Methods and Proposal (HPCOS81). In this module, you will
have the opportunity to learn how to prepare a research proposal and discover all the research
building blocks contributing to a research project.

Because this is a fully online module, you need to use myUnisa to study and complete the
learning activities for this course. You therefore need to access the HPCOS81 website on
myUnisa and your myLife e-mail account on a regular basis.

We sincerely hope that you find this module, as well as your online learning experience
interesting and rewarding, and trust that you will complete the module successfully.

1.1 Getting started

Owing to the nature of this module, you can read about the module and find your study material
online. Go to the website at https://my.unisa.ac.za and log in using your student number and
password. Click on "myModules" at the top of the web page and then on "Sites" in the top right
corner. In the new window, click on the grey Star icon next to the modules you want displayed
on your navigation bar. Close the window in the top right corner. Then select the option
"Reload to see your updated favourite sites". Now go to your navigation bar and click on the
module you want to open.

We wish you every success with your studies!

2 OVERVIEW OF HPCOS81
2.1 Purpose

This module serves as a fundamental building block in equipping students with the knowledge
and competencies to conduct research in the computing field. Students who have successfully
completed this module will be able to have an appreciation of the research process and the
reason for conducting research according to a specific research paradigm, a methodological
approach and research questions, to ultimately solve a problem. They will be able to determine
appropriate sources to consult for a literature review, and apply appropriate research strategies,
data gathering and analysis techniques, and both qualitative and quantitative data analysis tools
to obtain answers to the stated research problem. Students will also be able to use an academic
writing style and recognised referencing techniques to complete an acceptable written research
proposal.

This module is delivered using myUnisa and the internet as well as peer group interaction. For
more information regarding this module, visit the HPCOS81-23-Y site.

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2.2 Outcomes

For this module, you will have to master several outcomes:

Specific outcome 1: Understand the building blocks for conducting research.
Specific outcome 2: Choose an appropriate research strategy with an argument
according to a research paradigm.
Specific outcome 3: Solve problems by applying research strategies within the
appropriate research paradigm.
Specific outcome 4: Understand the fundamental principles of research.
Specific outcome 5: Produce a written research proposal using an academic writing style
and recognised referencing technique.

3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION
Unisa has implemented a transformation charter based on five pillars and eight dimensions. In
response to this charter, we have placed curriculum transformation high on the teaching and
learning agenda. Curriculum transformation includes the following pillars: student-centred
scholarship, the pedagogical renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of
teaching and learning, and the infusion of African epistemologies and philosophies. These
pillars and their principles will be integrated at both programme and module levels as a phased-
in approach. You will notice a marked change in the teaching and learning strategy
implemented by Unisa, together with how the content is conceptualised in your modules. We
encourage you to embrace these changes during your studies at Unisa in a responsive way
within the framework of transformation.

4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

4.1 Lecturer(s)

The contact number of your module leader will be displayed in the Welcome message on the
HPCOS81 site.

E-mail is the preferred contact method.

4.2 Department

You can contact the School of Computing as follows:

Telephone number: +27 11 670 9200

E-mail: [email protected]

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4.3 University

To contact the University, follow the instructions on the Contact us page on the Unisa website.
Remember to have your student number available whenever you contact the University.

Whenever you contact a lecturer via e-mail, please include your student number in the subject
line to enable the lecturer to help you more effectively.

5 RESOURCES
5.1 Joining myUnisa

The myUnisa learning management system is the University's online campus which will help
you communicate with your lecturers, other students, and the administrative departments within
Unisa. To claim your myUnisa account, please follow the steps below:

1. Visit the myUnisa website at https://my.unisa.ac.za/portal

2. Click on the "Claim Unisa login" link on the top of the screen under the orange user ID box.
3. A new screen will load, prompting you to enter your student number. Please enter your
student number and click "continue".
4. Enter your surname, your full name, your date of birth and, finally, your South African ID
number (for South African citizens) OR your passport number (for foreign students). Then
click "continue". Remember to enter either an ID number or a passport number, NOT
both.
5. Please read through the guidelines and click all the check boxes to acknowledge that you
have read all the information provided. Once you are done, click the "Acknowledge" button
to redirect you to the final page in the process.
6. The final page will display your myLife e-mail address, and your myLife AND myUnisa
password. This password will also be sent to the cellphone number displayed on the page
for safekeeping.
7. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours for your myLife e-mail account to be created.

Remember, the password provided is your myUnisa AND myLife password.

5.2 Prescribed book(s)

There are no prescribed books for this module.

5.3 Recommended book(s)

Recommended books and readings will be shared in due time as study unit content are made
available.

Recommended books can be requested online, via the Library catalogue.

5.4 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

E-reserves can be downloaded from the Library catalogue. More information is available at:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request

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5.5 Library services and resources

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources:

 For a general Library overview, go to

https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/About-the-Library
Library @ a glance
 For detailed Library information, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
 For research support and services (e.g., personal librarians and literature search services),
go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Research-support

The Library has created numerous Library guides to assist you: http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

 Request recommended books and access e-reserve material:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request
 Requesting and finding library material: Postgraduate services:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
 Finding and using library resources and tools (Research Support):
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/research-support
 Frequently asked questions about the Library:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask
 Services to students living with disabilities:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/disability
 A-Z databases:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/az.php
 Subject-specific guides:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/?b=s
 Information on fines & payments:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/fines

Assistance with technical problems accessing the Unisa Library or resources:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport

[email protected] (insert your student number in the subject line please)

General library enquiries can be directed to [email protected]

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6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study @ Unisa website is available on myUnisa: www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

This website has all the tips and information you need to succeed at Unisa.

6.1 First-Year Experience Programme @ Unisa

For many students, the transition from school education to tertiary education is beset with
anxiety. This is also true for first-time students to Unisa. Unisa is a dedicated open distance and
e-learning institution. Unlike face-to-face/contact institutions, Unisa is somewhat different. It is a
mega university and all our programmes are offered through a blended learning mode or fully
online learning mode. It is for this reason that we thought it necessary to offer first-time students
additional/extended support so that you can seamlessly navigate the Unisa teaching and
learning journey with little difficulty and few barriers. In this regard we offer a specialised student
support programme to students entering Unisa for the first time. We refer to this programme as
Unisa’s First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme. The FYE is designed to provide you with
prompt and helpful information about services that the institution offers and how you can access
information. The following FYE programmes are currently offered:

 FYE website: All the guides and resources you need to navigate through your first year at
Unisa can be accessed using the following link: www.unisa.ac.za/FYE

 FYE e-mails: You will receive regular e-mails to help you stay focused and motivated.

 FYE broadcasts: You will receive e-mails with links to broadcasts on various topics related to
your first-year studies (eg videos on how to submit assignments online).

 FYE mailbox: For assistance with queries related to your first year of study, send an e-mail
to [email protected]

7. HOW TO STUDY ONLINE

7.1 What does it mean to study fully online?

Studying fully online modules differs completely from studying some of your other modules at
Unisa.

 All your study material and learning activities for online modules are designed to be
delivered online on myUnisa.
 All your assignments must be submitted online. This means that you will do all your
activities and submit all your assignments on myUnisa. In other words, you may NOT post
your assignments to Unisa using the South African Post Office.
 All communication between you and the University happens online. Lecturers will
communicate with you via e-mail and SMS, and use the Announcements, the Discussion
Forums and the Questions and Answers tools. You can also use all of these platforms to
ask questions and contact your lecturers.

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7.2 myUnisa tools

The main tools that we will use are the Lessons tool, Announcements, and Additional
Resources. The Lessons tool will provide the content of and the assessments for your module.
At times you will be directed to join discussions with fellow students and complete activities and
assessments before you can continue with the module.

It is very important that you log in to myUnisa regularly. We recommend that you log in at least
once a week to do the following:

 Check for new announcements. You can also set your myLife e-mail account so that you
receive the announcement e-mails on your cellphone.
 Do the Discussion Forum activities. When you do the activities for each learning unit, we
want you to share your answers with the other students in your group. You can read the
instructions and even prepare your answers offline, but you will need to go online to post
your messages.
 Do other online activities. For some of the learning unit activities you might need to post
something on the Blog tool, take a quiz or complete a survey under the Self-Assessment
tool. Do not skip these activities because they will help you complete the assignments and
the activities for the module.

We hope that by giving you extra ways to study the material and practise all the activities, this
will help you succeed in the online module. To get the most out of the online module, you MUST
go online regularly to complete the activities and assignments on time.

8. ASSESSMENT
8.1 Assessment plan

The assessment details of the HPCOS81 module are explained in detail on the HPCOS81-23-Y
site.
Throughout the year you will be given 6 assignments:

Assignment 1 (MCQ)
Assignment 2 (MCQ)
Assignment 3 (Written)
Assignment 4 (MCQ)
Assignment 5 (MCQ)
Assignment 6 – Final Research Proposal Portfolio

Because this is an online module, the assignments and deadlines are not provided in this
tutorial letter. Instead, the assignments and details are provided online as they become due.
You will see them when you go online.

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8.2 Year mark and final examination/other options

 The Portfolio (Assignment 6) will be your Examination for the module.

 There is no supplementary examination (portfolio) for this module.

 Year mark will be 49% of your final mark and consists of:
o Assignment 1: 15%
o Assignment 2: 15%
o Assignment 3: 40%
o Assignment 4: 15%
o Assignment 5: 15%

 Portfolio mark will be 51% of your final mark and consists of:
o Assignment 6: 100%

9. CONCLUSION
Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail if you are experiencing problems with the content of this
tutorial letter or with any academic aspect of the module.
We wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey through the learning material and trust that
you will complete the module successfully.
Enjoy the journey!
HPCOS81 Module Team
©
Unisa 2023