GE1101E Project Guide 2016
GE1101E Project Guide 2016
GE1101E Project Guide 2016
Writing Format
Title page: With module code and title, your project title (use your imagiation!),
names of group members and tutorial group. You may wish to include a picture(s)
related to your research topic or of your group members.
Introduction: Background to commodity chains or globalisation of
cultures/communities etc. and a brief description of your chosen research topic. You
should demonstrate a sound and convincing connection between your chosen theme
(which may be quite specific) and the Group Project Topic.
Definitions: Your project should make use of specific concepts and key terms as
covered in lectures or readings (please use academic and geographical sources as
far as possible). You are expected to define them and explain how they relate to your
specific topic. Remember to make use of references if you are using ideas or quotes
from particular authors.
Methodology: A brief account of your data collection methods, and describe the
types of primary and/or secondary data sources you have used.
Analysis of findings: Explain and analyse how your research topic relates to
commodity chains or landscapes of globalisation by making use of the data you have
collected. You can offer quotes from interviewees, photographs, personal
observations and secondary data to support your case. Note: this constitutes the
main part of your essay and should therefore be the most substantive. Use subheadings as appropriate.
Conclusion: A short summary of what you have learned about the concept of
commodity chains or globalisation in light of your research topic. You may also
include some personal reflection on how the project has changed your views about
production, consumption, migration, consumption and/or globalisation (whichever is
appropriate for your topic).
References: List all sources that you have referred to in the main body of your
writing. Follow the format given in this Group Project Guide.
Appendix: This part is optional and relevant only if you have conducted field work.
You may list interview questions, provide some background information of the
interviewees and date(s) of interview(s). There is no need to present the entire
interview transcript. You can also include field notes or photographs taken during any
observations/field visits that are not presented within the main write-up.
Notes:
GE1101E/GEK1001
Semester 2, 2015/2016
II)
Your group project essay should not exceed 2,500 words (excluding references,
footnotes, figures, tables, appendix).
Essays should be of minimum font size 12, with double spacing, leaving generous
margins for comments to be written. Please print double sided.
The deadline for Topic 1 The Commodity Chain Of is on Monday 7 March
2016, 5pm. The deadline for Topic 2 Landscapes of Globalisation is on Monday
28 March 2016, 5pm.
All projects should be deposited into a mailbox labeled GE1101E/GEK1001 opposite
the Department of Geography General Office (AS2 #03-01).
The penalty of late submission is one sub-grade per day (i.e. from A to A- for being
one day late, from A to B+ for being 2 days late etc.).
Your research project is based on the analysis of data on your chosen topic. This could be in
the form of primary or secondary data.
Primary data (optional): This refers to data that you have collected personally from the field.
It is not compulsory for you to conduct field work and collect primary data for this group
project, although you are encouraged to do so where feasible. Primary data collection could
take the form of:
Questionnaire surveys
Interviews (in person, telephone or email)
Focus groups
Participant or non-participant observation
Secondary data: This refers to data or findings that have been published or reported by
someone else. Sources of secondary data include:
Academic journal articles and books
Official statistics (published by national departments, programmes of United Nations
e.g. UNCTAD, UNHCR, UNICEF, World Trade Organisation, International Labour
Organisation, or other official bodies)
Trade and industry reports or press releases (e.g. annual reports of corporations,
regular or ad-hoc reports from firms and NGOs)
Archival data (from the National Archives or other archival bodies)
Mass media (newspapers, magazines, television programmes, films)
Note: Be aware and selective when using sources from the Internet. The Internet is a
wonderful resource but needs to be used with care. Wikipedia (and other similar usergenerated content) could be a convenient place to start your initial search and for some
ideas, but should NOT be your sole source of research information. (Please do not cite
Wikipedia follow the source!) Web content published by established and reputable
agencies and organisations are usually more reliable than personal websites or social media
websites (again, apply the rule of reputation and credentials).
Some useful resources
Databases (via NUS Library Portal http://libportal.nus.edu.sg/):
JSTOR
GE1101E/GEK1001
Semester 2, 2015/2016
Web of Science
Science Direct
FACTIVA (for current and old newspaper articles)
Google Scholar
III)
GE1101E/GEK1001
Semester 2, 2015/2016
IV)
Plagiarism
GE1101E/GEK1001