This assessment has two parts: a draft submission (which requires interpretation of provided numerical data) and final submission which includes a problem-solving/critical analysis task that requires you to find real data as it relates to your chosen career aspirations.

The topic for the case study is: The value of university.

As part of this case study, students are required to critically reflect on the value of embarking on university study in the context of their own life. Students will need to consider both the investment required to complete their chosen degree and the potential return and to weigh up these elements.

Students should start by researching and collecting data on the following:

Relevant sources for this information include the Murdoch University website (e.g. course planner and fee schedule), the Australian Government, as well as other academic (peer reviewed) sources. You will be provided with a list of relevant academic articles in which you could draw from, but you are welcome to reference other academic sources from your own research too.

Part 1. Case Study Draft – Literature Review and Methods

Word count: 400-500 words (+ references)

Weighting: 10%

Due: Week 7

In this assessment submission, students will draft the first two sections to their case study report, which will enable them to understand and interpret existing data about the topic, receive feedback and further develop their ideas for their final case study submission.

In the first section (“Introduction/Literature Review”), students will be provided with some numerical information (in the format of graphs, tables, statistics etc) from relevant academic sources. Students will need to interpret the information provided and explain the main ideas conveyed and represented through the data, as well as any inconsistencies in the data as part of their literature review. Students may draw on other additional data if they wish, but they must discuss the data provided. Students should also explain the aims of the case study in this section.

In the second section (“Methods”) students should briefly explain how and where data will be collected for their case study and how they intend to analyse the data to weigh up costs vs. benefits of their chosen degree path.

Academic writing style, appropriate paragraphing structure and full referencing required. For the referencing you need to provide:

Full reference details for the reading (Chicago 17 referencing)
Check that Chicago 17 in-text referencing has been included

Part 2. Full Case Study: The value of university to you

Word count: 1000 words (+ references)

Weighting: 20%

Due: Sunday Week 14

In your submission you should:

Review your feedback on your Part 1 submission and apply changes in line with the feedback
Produce your own figure (i.e. table or graph) to include in your case study findings which shows a breakdown of the potential costs and benefits for your chosen degree/career path. You will likely need to summarise numerical data from various sources to produce this. Make sure your figure is labelled appropriately, and sources of information are indicated.
Explain and discuss the data you have collected, using words
Critically analyse this data in the context of the points discussed in your literature review and any other relevant research
Weigh up the overall costs versus benefits and arrive at a conclusion and/or recommendation from the data and research

Academic style writing, case study/report format and paragraphing conventions are required, along with use of Chicago 17 referencing.