2023 CMHT Research Showcase and Competition

Call for Proposals

Purpose:

The College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism (CMHT) Research Showcase and Competition aims to: (1) showcase research projects conducted by CMHT students; and (2) reinforce CMHT’s research and innovative culture among students and faculty.

Eligibility:

To qualify for the competition: 1) a CMHT graduate and/or undergraduate student must be the lead author of the submission; and 2) the research must have been conducted under CMHT faculty supervision.

Scope:

The 2023 CMHT Research Showcase and Competition welcomes submissions in the three categories:

Category I       Completed Graduate Research

                        Completed research projects conducted by current graduate students, especially those completing a Thesis or Problem-in-Lieu of Thesis. Works completed by graduate students in Summer 2022, Fall 2022, and Spring 2023 are eligible.

Category II     Graduate Research Proposals

                        Work-in-progress and research proposals conducted by current graduate students.

Category III    Upper-Level Course Projects

Undergraduate research fellow projects and faculty-mentored undergraduate independent research projects.

Awards:

Category I: Best Graduate Research Award

Category II: Best Graduate Proposal Award

Category III: Best Undergraduate Project Award

Application/Submission Procedures – All Categories:

1. Students are required to submit an application form and a PPT file of the research poster. The application materials should be submitted to Dr. Jihye Min at Jihye.min@unt.edu for HMGT students & Dr. Iva Jestratijevic at Iva.Jestratijevic@unt.edu for MDR students by 5:00 p.m. CST, April 7, 2023.
2. Each submission should include the following two documents:
   1. A completed application form; and,
   2. A PPT file of the research poster using a tri-fold poster template provided by the Research Committee. The poster must include at least the following:
      1. Research Title
      2. Name of Student
      3. Clearly defined purpose, rationale, etc.
      4. Contribution of the research
      5. Procedure/methodology
      6. Findings
      7. Implications (i.e., industry and/or academic)
      8. At least three images (e.g., table, graph, conceptual framework). Illustrative material should be simple and readable from a distance of two feet.

Important Dates:

Friday, April 7 – Submissions are due no later than 5:00 pm for blind review.

Friday, April 13 – Notifications sent to students and faculty mentors.  Accepted submissions are sent to Design Works.

Friday, April 21 – Students pick up posters from Design Works (There is no cost for students to print out the posters.)

Thursday, April 27

• 3:20pm – Students set up posters.
• 3:30pm – 4:00pm: Students stay with the poster during the showcase time. Poster Boards: The poster format is trifold (self-supported) and fits within a three-foot table space.  Students should place the poster on the pre-assigned table and stand by the poster until CMHT Celebrates begins. 
• 4:00pm – 5:30pm: Awards announced at CMHT Celebrates.

Tips for Poster Presentations

• Poster presentations provide the opportunity for the presenter and the audience to talk with one another. A physical arrangement similar to an exhibit area is used for this interaction.  A space for displaying the poster is assigned to each presenter. During the designated period, the audience can review poster displays and interact with students.
• Poster presentation recommendations:
  • Construct the poster to include the title, student’s name, and a description of the research, highlighting the major elements of the project.
  • Minimize detail and try to use simple, jargon-free statements.
  • Remember that pictures, tables, and figures are amenable to poster display.
  • Use colors in your visuals.
  • Make sure lettering is neatly done and is large enough to be read from a distance.
  • Consider using a flow chart or graphic to provide a viewer with a guide to your poster.
  • Avoid overwhelming viewers with excessive amounts of information; rather, construct a poster display that enhances conversation.
  • Posters must be professionally prepared (e.g., UNT Design Works).
  • It is an honor to present at a research competition. You should prepare a neat, well-organized display and to be present at your display for the entire poster session period.

Judging Criteria:

Contact:

Questions regarding competition eligibility, rules, and submission of applications should be directed to the research committee chairs Dr. Jihye Min at Jihye.min@unt.edu or Dr. Iva Jestratijevic at Iva.Jestratijevic@unt.edu.