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Academy Documents
Kindly access the Students' Policies & Forms by clicking on the button below. The following documents, among others, can be found there: Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, Students' Privacy Notice, Deferral, Suspension, and Cancellation Policy, Assignment Extension Policy, Re-Sit Policy, Complaints Procedure Policy, Equality Policy, and Student Disciplinary Policy.
Sessions' Venue
All sessions will be held at:
21 Academy, 21 Business Centre, No. 20., Triq in-Nutar Debono, Naxxar NXR 2525
Lecture Schedule & Notes
Lecture notes will be available during the week following the respective lecture. Schedule dates are indicative and may change. All changes, if any, may be communicated via email, SMS or telephone calls.
| Lecture | Date | Time | Presentation | Notes (If Any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture 01 | 25 September 2026 | 15:30 to 19:30 hrs. | Presentation 01 | |
| Lecture 02 | 2 October 2026 | 15:30 to 19:30 hrs. | Presentation 02 | |
| Lecture 03 | 9 October 2026 | 15:30 to 19:30 hrs. | Presentation 03 | |
| Lecture 04 | 16 October 2026 | 15:30 to 19:30 hrs. | Presentation 04 | |
| Lecture 05 | 23 October 2026 | 15:30 to 19:30 hrs. | Presentation 05 | |
| Lecture 06 | 30 October 2026 | 15:30 to 19:30 hrs. | ||
| Lecture 07 | 2 November 2026 | 12:00 to 16:00 hrs. | ||
| Lecture 08 | 6 November 2026 | 15:30 to 19:30 hrs. | ||
| Lecture 09 | 13 November 2026 | 15:30 to 19:30 hrs. | ||
| Lecture 10 | 20 November 2026 | 15:30 to 19:30 hrs. | ||
| Lecture 11 | 27 November 2026 | 15:30 to 19:30 hrs. | ||
| Lecture 12 | 4 December 2026 | 15:30 to 19:30 hrs. |
Lecturers
Ms Mary Ann Puli
Lecture Summaries & Suggested Reading
Lecture 1 - Why Research Matters in HRM
Following this session students will be able to:
- Define what is meant by Human Resource Management (HRM) and Human Resource Development (HRD) research, and how it can contribute to their employability and to HRM or HRD policy and practice
- Recognise and describe the different components of an effective research proposal and research project, and the skills needed
- Contrast different approaches to HR research and the opportunities presented by an investigation of an HRM or HRD issue
- Reflect upon the key relationships that will support and enhance their work towards a research proposal or design and plan and as they carry out a research project
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Lecture 2 - Introduction to Research Design
Following this session students will be able to:
- Develop ideas for a research project
- Develop a research aim and research objectives or questions
- Critically assess different ways to answer their research questions and reflect on how to access the data they need
- Explain and give reasons for their chosen research design in a research proposal, research report or dissertation
- Design and plan a research project
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Lecture 3 - Finding and Reviewing Literature
Following this session, students will be able to:
- Recognise and describe what they need to read and where to find it
- Establish an effective notetaking and recording system
- Read in a critically evaluative way
- Design, plan and structure their literature review
- Conduct a systematic literature review
- Reference their work in a credible way
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Lecture 4 - Ethics and Professionalism in Research
Following this session, students will be able to:
- Debate or explain the role of ethics in principles-led HR professional practice
- Reflect on the implications of sustainability principles for HR standards, expectations and professional practice
- Recognise and describe and address research ethics issues arising from big data, HR analytics and other digital information sources
- Analyse how their principles as an HR professional are linked to their ethical choices for their research project
- Recognise and describe the ethical scrutiny processes required by their organisation and/or study centre, and draft their ethical application form
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Lecture 5 - Planning the Research Process
Following this session students will be able to:
- Decide what data to gather and when
- Recognise and describe the main types of research studies in HRM research
- Point out key differences between qualitative and quantitative data
- Analyse the implications of using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods
- Explain clearly the relationship between research, theory and practice
- Critically assess the quality of their data
- Write about their research methods
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Lecture 6 - Finding and Using Documents and Organisational Evidence
Following this session students will be able to
- Recognise and describe documents or organisational evidence that will help to answer their research questions
- Critically assess the use of different types of evidence (written and visual) in designing and implementing a research project
- Distinguish between materials that can be used as part of the literature review and materials that can be used as part of the research
- Decide how to make use of data from management information systems
- Recognise and describe sources of secondary data across organisations
- Recognise and describe the most appropriate and relevant forms of organisational evidence for their research
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Lecture 7 - Qualitative Data Gathering
Following this session students will be able to:
- Reflect on how qualitative data can add value to their research
- Critically assess how different forms of data (visual, digital or textual) might help them answer their research questions
- Point out how to collect and record different forms of qualitative data
- Debate or explain the advantages and challenges of online forms of interviewing and focus groups
- Give reasons for an appropriate sampling strategy to provide trustworthy data
- Reflect on how they will analyse the qualitative data they design and plan to collect
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Lecture 8 - Qualitative Data Analysis
Following this session students will be able:
- Recognise and describe how qualitative data analysis is different from the analysis of quantitative data
- Prepare their data so that they can both explain and analyse their qualitative data to answer their research question
- Carry out a thematic analysis of their data
- Recognise and describe how data synthesis features in the qualitative analysis of both primary and secondary data sources.
- Recognise and describe the main features of content, narrative and discourse analysis, and critically assess their use to analyse qualitative data sources
- Critically assess the trustworthiness of their data gathering and analysis process
- Explore more about computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software in relation to their project objectives
- Develop analytical explanations arising from their data analysis and give reasons for the conclusions that they draw
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Lecture 9 - Collecting and Organising Quantitative Data
Following this session students will be able to
- Reflect on how quantitative data can contribute to their research
- Make sense of HR analytics as a feature of HR research
- Debate or explain different sources of numerical data
- Design and critically assess an effective survey instrument
- Administer a survey to an appropriate sample of respondents
- Collect, organise and store quantitative data in an effective way
- Explain and present a summary of the data they have collected
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Lecture 10 – Making Sense of Numbers (Quantitative Analysis)
Following this session students will be able to
- Make sense of basic terminology used in quantitative data analysis
- Carry out an initial analysis of their data
- Debate or explain the reliability of the data they have gathered
- Recognise and describe appropriate statistical tests to interpret their data and to either confirm or refute their hypotheses
- Draw appropriate conclusions based on their data
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Lecture 11 – Writing a Clear Research Report or Proposal
Following this session students will be able to
- Explain clearly what is required by different audiences with whom they will communicate about their research
- Draft a research proposal, a research report or a dissertation
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Lecture 12 - Sharing Your Work and Making an Impact
Following this session students will be able to
- Reflect on how to bridge the gap between research and evidence-based practice
- Design and plan how to achieve impact in practice from their research
- Be confident to ‘go public’ with their work to share their learning
- Present their research to non-academic audiences in an impactful and credible way
Core Reading List
- Anderson, V. 2020. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Research Methods in Human Resource Management. 4th ed. London: Kogan Page.
Supplementary Reading List
- List Fermin Diez, Mark Bussin, Venessa Lee (2019) Fundamentals of HR Analytics. Emerald Publishing Limited: UK
- Brian Paltridge, Sue Starfield (2019) Thesis and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors (2nd Edition). London, Routledge.
- Shet, S., Poddar, T., Wamba Samuel, F. and Dwivedi, Y., 2021. Examining the determinants of successful adoption of data analytics in human resource management – A framework for implications. Journal of Business Research, 131, pp.311-326.
- Brown, T., O’Kane, P., Mazumdar, B. and McCracken, M., 2018. Performance Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature and an Agenda for Future Research. Human Resource Development Review, 18(1), pp.47-82
Methods of Assessment
Assignment (70% of final grade)
Portfolio (30% of final grade)
Assignment
You are required to choose one of the three questions available in the Assignment Submission Form made available by clicking the button below. The assignment must be submitted no later than Wednesday, 23 December 2026, along with the Assignment Submission Form. Please ensure that you indicate the question you have addressed on the Assignment Submission Form.
Assignment Submission Form will be made available here at a later date.
For guidance on how to plan, draft, and submit your assignment, please refer to the 21 Academy presentation on Writing and Submitting Your Assignment by clicking the button below.
Writing and Submitting Your Assignment
We are also providing the 21 Academy's Assignments Rubric for your reference. This rubric is a performance-based assessment tool that tutors will use for grading, and it will help you understand the requirements of the assignment and how it will be assessed. Please note that this rubric is different from those for the other assignments in the study programme's other modules.
Research Methods' Assignment Rubric
Portfolio
A portfolio is a method of assessment that brings together different pieces of work you complete over a period of time. It allows you to show how you understand and apply what you’ve learnt and often involves combining research, analysis, reflection, and practical application.
Unlike an exam, which tests knowledge at one point in time, a portfolio gives you the chance to:
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Work independently.
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Develop your ideas in depth.
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Demonstrate your learning in a more practical and personal way.
Portfolio Template & Questions
Your portfolio will be assessed based on how well you:
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Understand the key concepts covered in the module.
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Apply your knowledge to real or realistic situations.
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Think critically and analytically about issues.
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Reflect on your own learning and experience.
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Communicate your ideas clearly and professionally.
A portfolio is your opportunity to showcase your learning, skills, and progress. Treat it as a structured project that allows you to engage deeply with the subject and produce work you can be proud of.
If you're ever unsure what to include or how to approach a section, speak to your tutor or refer to the portfolio guidelines provided for your course.
Your portfolio should be submitted in PDF format on Turnitin not later than Wednesday, 23 December 2026.
Note that the submitted portfolio will be scanned for plagiarism.
Referencing Style
Your assignment and portfolio should be referenced using the Harvard Referencing style. Please follow a short video, by clicking on the button below, to understand this referencing style.
Submitting Assignments - Turnitin
The Academy will notify you via email when the assignment questions become available. Shortly after, you will receive another email from Turnitin, likely on the same day, confirming your enrolment in a "class" where you can upload your assignment(s).
Please ensure that your assignments are submitted no later than 23:59 on the assignment submission deadline, as indicated on the Assignment Submission form or in the Turnitin "class."
At 21 Academy, you have the option to submit multiple drafts before the final submission deadline. The version uploaded at the deadline will be treated as your final submission for assessment.
Assignment Preparation and Submission Instructions
All students must follow the procedure below when preparing and submitting assignments. Please read these instructions carefully to ensure that your assignment is completed, formatted and submitted correctly.
1. Write Your Assignment Using Turnitin Clarity
You must write and complete your assignment using Turnitin Clarity. All drafting and development of your assignment must take place within this platform.
For guidance, watch the following video:
Ensure that you click Submit to complete the required submission process.
2. Transfer Your Completed Assignment to Microsoft Word
Once you have finalised your assignment in Turnitin Clarity:
- Copy the complete text of your final draft.
- Paste it into a Microsoft Word document.
3. Format Your Assignment in Microsoft Word
Use Microsoft Word to only format your assignment in accordance with the official Assignment Guidelines.
Ensure that you include the following, where applicable:
- Submission form: Complete the submission form and tick the question you are answering.
- Cover page: Add the required cover page.
- Table of contents: Include a contents page where required.
- Headings and subheadings: Format these appropriately.
- Document layout: Apply the required font, font size, line spacing and margins.
- Page numbering and referencing: Ensure that these are correct and consistent.
- Refernce List on a fresh page
- Final checks: Verify that the assignment meets all the requirements specified in the Assignment Guidelines.
Refer to the official guidelines here:
Assignment Submission Guidelines
Important: Microsoft Word should be used for formatting and presentation purposes only. Do not add, remove or substantively change any assignment content after completing your work in Turnitin Clarity. If you do please make sure that these changes are also made on Turnitin Clarity and resubmit.
4. Submit Your Assignment Through Turnitin Standard As Well
Once you have completed the formatting, upload your final document to the relevant Turnitin Standard assignment submission area.
This is the formally submitted version that will be forwarded to the assessor.
File naming convention
Your file must be named using your full name followed by the question number answered.
For example: Joseph Borg Q3
Before uploading, check that your document is complete, correctly formatted and saved under the required file name.
5. Important Rules for Turnitin Standard Submissions
Please observe the following submission rules:
- Multiple drafts: You may submit multiple drafts before the final submission deadline.
- Final submission: The version uploaded at the submission deadline will be treated as your final assignment for assessment.
- 24-hour restriction: Turnitin evaluates the same assignment twice within a 24-hour period. Any additional submission made during this period will not be reviewed until the 24-hour period has elapsed. Plan your submissions accordingly.
- Similarity threshold: Your final submission must not exceed 20% similarity. Pay particular attention to the use of direct quotations and ensure that all sources are properly acknowledged.
6. Consistency Between Turnitin Clarity and Turnitin Standard
Both the version in Turnitin Clarity and the version uploaded to Turnitin Standard will be used for assessment purposes.
It is therefore essential that the assignment text in both versions is identical.
The only differences should relate to formatting and presentation, such as the submission form, cover page, table of contents, headings, page numbering and overall document layout.
Do not introduce new content, remove existing content or make substantive changes to the assignment in Microsoft Word after completing it in Turnitin Clarity. If you do, please update the version on Turnitin Clarity and resubmjit from there too.
Final Checklist
Before considering your assignment complete, ensure that you have:
- Written and completed the assignment in Turnitin Clarity.
- Clicked Submit in Turnitin Clarity.
- Copied the final assignment into Microsoft Word.
- Formatted the document in accordance with the Assignment Guidelines.
- Completed the submission form and ticked the relevant question.
- Checked the assignment's content against the version in Turnitin Clarity.
- Confirmed that the similarity score does not exceed 20%.
- Saved the file using the correct naming convention.
- Uploaded the final, formatted document to Turnitin Standard before the deadline.
Please note: Failure to follow these instructions may affect the assessment process. Students are responsible for ensuring that both versions are consistent and that the final assignment is submitted correctly and on time.
Follow this very short video to understand how to submit your assignment through Turnitin - Submitting a Paper
To understand the similarity report generated by Turnitin follow this 1 minute video - Understanding the Similarity Report