1 London School of Business & Management QCF Level 5- HND Unit Outcomes Covered: LO1 Understand how to formulate a research specification LO2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification LO3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes LO4 Be able to present the research outcomes GRADING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Outcomes/ Grade Descriptors AC 1.1 AC 1.2 AC 1.3 AC 1.4 AC 1.5 AC 2.1 AC 2.2 AC 2.3 AC 3.1 AC 3.2 AC 3.3 AC 4.1 V V V V V V V V V V V V Outcomes/ Grade Descriptors M1 M2 M3 D1 D2 D3 V V V V V V Assessor: Signature: ______________ Date: ___/___/___ Centre No 79829 Unit No & Unit Title Unit 8: Research Project Assessor’s Name Dr Knowledge Mpofu Assignment Title & Type RP Individual Assignment Date Set 17th January 2017 Due Date 10th April 2017 Semester / Academic Year January 2017 Semester2 Assignment Brief Introduction: Relevant For All Tasks 1- 4 Research is a process of inquiry about problems that do not have immediate solutions. The world is full of problems that require research-informed solutions. The purpose of research in business and management contexts is to inform action and decision-making, while enhancing knowledge on how best to address problems emerging in organisations. A systematic investigation is required through qualitative and/or quantitative methodology in order to generate results (primary or secondary data) that can help to inform actions and decision-making. The choice of appropriate methods for data collection (e.g interviews and questionnaires) and data analysis is critical in order to produce useful information and knowledge which is applicable for the organisation and other settings. High quality research findings have implications for policy, practice and further research. Publishing results from research studies in secondary sources such as books, journal articles business reports and on-line based sources make it easier for the global community to access useful information and knowledge needed for decision-making in business and management contexts (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). . Pursuing a research project will be a challenging and rewarding experience. This opportunity enables you to carry out an in-depth original study on a topic of interest. In this module, you are expected to develop skills of independent inquiry and critical analysis by undertaking a research investigation on topic of interest within a business, management or organisational context. You will be required to think about a problematic issue or problem in an organisation that you want to investigate and conduct primary and secondary research accordingly, in order to produce findings that should be analysed and clearly presented using appropriate methods. The TASKS will include the following :: Firstly: you will learn how to produce a Research Proposal for a short Research Project. Secondly: you will be expected to complete the Research Project in accordance with Research Specifications (Structure) agreed with your Tutor. Thirdly: you will be expected to analyse and present your findings (primary and/or secondary data) in a suitable format using appropriate methods, tools and techniques such as Microsoft Excel graphs, tables, diagrams etc) and Finally: You will be expected to submit your Individual Research Project, which shows evidence of evaluation of the findings from your investigation. The Research Project should clearly demonstrate your understanding of the research process.3 The following Research Project Structure is recommended: Cover/Title Page Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction/Research Background 1.1 Research Aim 1.2 Research Objectives 2.0 Literature Review 3.0 Methodology (Qualitative or Quantitative?) 3.1 Samples (sampling considerations of your data sources/ research participants) 3.2 Data collection methods (what methods are you using to collect primary data?) 3.3 Data analysis methods (what methods are you using for analysing your data?) 3.4 Ethical considerations 3.5 Research Limitations 3.6 Research Work plan (Gantt Chart) 4.0 Findings and Discussion 5. Conclusion and Recommendations 6.0 List of References 7.0 Appendices4 Tutor Notes Key Points:  You should answer ALL questions in this assignment.  Your work should be handed in by the deadline.  Your work should be presented using an appropriate project structure that is appropriate for a Research Proposal.  The assignment must be your own work and original in all answers to the tasks.  You are expected to apply Harvard referencing system to acknowledge any secondary sources of information used to support your work in the assignment.  You will be expected to check spelling mistakes and grammar before submitting your work.  The London School of Business and Management Cover sheet should be used in every submitted work.  There should be clarity of expression in your work.  Your work should demonstrate, for example, relevant factual content and understanding of the subject, critical analysis, evaluation, justifications, key arguments, correct use of appropriate models or framework.  Failure to submit assignment (Non-submission) will result in FAIL as final grade. Submission Regulations 1. “Assignment Front Cover Sheet” must accompany every submitted work [Cover sheet is available from our Virtual Learning Environment - Moodle]. 2. Assignments must be submitted on or before the due date, via Turnitin. Please refer to Moodle for detailed assignment submission instructions.5 Task 1: The Research Proposal You are expected to prepare a Research Proposal relating to a specified topic from an area of business as agreed with your tutor, and you must address the following areas: (a) Based on your chosen research problem, formulate and record possible research project outline specifications (Covers AC1.1) (Guidance: Here, you are required to create an outline (or Proposal) of your research project and you must follow the recommended research project structure) (b) You are required to demonstrate relevant knowledge of the research process by identifying the factors that contribute to the process of Research Project Selection and evaluate them. (Covers AC1.2) (Guidance: There are several factors that influence the selection of a research project e.g. 1. Your research project must meet the requirements of the examining body, making sure it is following the recommended guidelines and structure. This should be well written at the correct level, clearly demonstrating your interest in the topic. (c) You are expected to undertake a critical review of literature relevant to your chosen research problem (Covers AC1.3) Guidance: You should provide a critical review of relevant literature focusing on your research topic. All cited sources should be presented in correct Harvard format in both citations and the reference list. (d) Produce a Research Project Specification for your research. (Covers AC1.4) Guidance: Here you are expected to select your research methodology (qualitative or quantitative) and justify your selection. Explain your data sources (sampling considerations/ research participants), Data collection methods (e.g observations, action research, interviews, questionnaire surveys etc.) You should also explain your Data analysis methods (e.g using Microsoft Excel for table and graphs etc), and how you will present the findings. Research limitations and Ethical issues involved should be clearly explained.6 (e) Provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification (Covers AC1.5) Guidance: Research Project plan should include - Introduction, Aim, Objectives, Literature review , Methods, Findings/Discussion, Conclusion and recommendations, References, Appendices (f) Research requires a different set of resources and you will need to match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis chosen by you (Covers AC2.1) Guidance: You will need several resources to undertake your research project. You will have to match the resources efficiently to the research question and research objectives. Common resources include time, books, academic journals, electronic databases, peer reviewed academic papers, magazines, conference papers, trade journals and government report, computer and access to internet. In searching for relevant materials your key words will be based on the research question and research objectives or hypotheses M1 – Appropriate research methods/approaches and techniques to find appropriate resolutions have been applied. D3 - Suggested innovative solutions around research methodology have been applied. (Task 1 covers assessment criteria AC1.1, AC1.2, AC1.3, AC1.4, AC1.5, AC2.1, M1 & D3) Task 2: Implementing the Research Project You must be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to Specification to cover the following: (a) Based on your chosen research methodology, undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures (Covers AC2.2) (b) Record and collate relevant data where appropriate, by adopting systematic recording approaches and appropriate methods (Covers AC2.3) M2 - Relevant research methods/approaches/practices and techniques have been applied. (Task 2 covers assessment criteria AC2.2, AC2.3 & M2)7 Task 3: Evaluation of the Research Outcomes for the Project Having carried out the research project, you should demonstrate your understanding of the research outcomes by addressing the following: (a) Discuss the findings by using appropriate data analysis methods and techniques (Covers AC3.1) Guidance: Evaluate your results to establish how they address the research questions and objectives. Are the Data analysis methods and techniques appropriate for the type of data presented? Are the discussions and conclusions logically following through from the analysis of findings? Are these credible and free from bias? Have all ethical issues involved in the research been addressed? Research limitations have been clearly explained? (b) Based on the findings, interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification. (Covers AC3.2) Guidance: Here you have to use the findings to analyse and interpret the results with reference to the research problem, research question, research objectives (or Hypotheses). Explain to what extent you consider the findings to be a true representation of the facts (c) Based on your analysis in 3.2 above, make recommendations and justify areas for further consideration (Covers AC3.3) Guidance: Your recommendations must clearly explain what the researched organisation must do to solve the problem. Your recommendations must also include areas that require further research to strengthen your findings. Further research on your topic would be required to include the dimensions that you have not measured in your research M3 - A range of methods of presentation and correct terminology in the research project have been used. (Task 3 covers assessment criteria AC3.1, AC3.2, AC3.3 & M3)8 Task 4: Presentation of Research Findings At this final stage, you must present the outcomes of your research : Use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an audience. (Covers AC4.1) Guidance: Here you have to present your findings in an appropriate report format with headings and sub-headings in a logical manner. Your findings must be related to the research problem, research question, research objectives (or hypotheses). You should also explain any limitations of your research D1 - Conclusions for appropriate research have been reached through combination of analysis and have been justified. (Task 4 covers assessment criteria AC4.1 & D1) D2 – Project has been managed in an effective way, and evidenced independence in the research process. Harvard referencing format has been correctly used in both citations and the reference list. This should be demonstrated throughout the research project.9 Grading Criteria (Pass, Merit, Distinction) Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria for Pass LO1 Understand how to formulate a research specification AC1.1- formulate and record possible research project outline specifications AC1.2- identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection AC1.3- undertake a critical review of key references AC1.4- produce a research project specification AC1.5- provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification LO2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification AC2.1- match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis AC2.2- undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures AC2.3- record and collate relevant data where appropriate LO3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes AC3.1- use appropriate research evaluation techniques AC3.2- interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification AC3.3- make recommendations and justify areas for further consideration LO4 Be able to present the research outcomes AC4.1-use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an audience Grade Descriptors for MERIT Possible evidence M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions M1 - Various research methodologies/approaches to find appropriate resolutions have been applied (Tasks 1 and Task 2). M2 Select / design appropriate methods / techniques M2 - Relevant research approaches/practices and techniques have been applied (Tasks 2 and Task 3). M3 Present and communicate appropriate findings M3 - A range of methods of presentation and correct terminology in the research project have been used. (Tasks 3 and Task 4).10 Grade Descriptors for DISTINCTION Possible evidence D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions D1 - Conclusions for appropriate research have been reached through combination of analysis and have been justified (Task 3 and Task 4). 2 Take responsibility for managing and organising activities D2 – Project has been managed in an effective way, and evidenced independence in research. Harvard referencing format has been correctly used. This can be show throughout with regard to organisation of the project. D3 Demonstrate convergent/ lateral / creative thinking D3 - Suggested innovative solutions around research methodology. There are opportunities to show this in Task 1 and Task 2. .