1 Bolton Business School Assessment Brief Course / Programme: BSc (Hons) Business Management Module Code / Title: BAM5006 2016-17/1/J & K Research Methods in Business Module Leaders: Dr Martin W Smith and Martin McAreavey Assignment Number: 1 of 2 (50%) Assignment Title: Research Overview Report Assignment Type / Length: Individual Report / 2000 Words Issue Date: 30/09/16 Submission Date: 17/03/17 (11:59pm through Turnitin) This assessment satisfies the learning outcomes as specified in your module guide as follows: Learning Outcomes LO1: Identify and appraise secondary research sources LO2: Compare and contrast a range of primary research methods 2 Assignment Outline: Within this assessment you are expected to produce the first part of your research proposal in a report format of 2000 words, providing the following information:  Formulating and clarifying the research topic by outlining: o Research rationale and background; o Research aim (with explanation of relevance); o 3-5 research objectives (with explanation of relevance for each one)  Outline scope of relevant and appropriate literature through: o Identifying the main theoretical areas to be examined; o Providing a brief critical outline of academic discussion within each identified area This report should also include an appropriate title page, contents page and reference page as well as having a clear introduction and conclusions section. A consistent Harvard referencing style should be used throughout. Marking Criteria Mark Research Rationale \ Background Explain why this research is important and provide a brief background on industry / organisation being examined 20 Research Aim One clear, concise and feasible research aim in appropriate wording with explanation of relevance 10 3-5 Research Objectives Specific and measurable research objectives in appropriate wording with explanation of relevance 20 Scope of Literature Identify main theoretical areas, providing a concise critical examination of the principle academic discussions 25 Report Structure Appropriate title page, contents page and reference page; Clear introduction and conclusion sections; Appropriate use of Appendices 5 Report Format / Presentation Consistent headings, font style, font size, etc.; Appropriate paragraph spacing (no blank pages); Effective use of figures, tables and diagrams 5 Referencing Style Harvard style for both in-text citations and reference list; Quotations with page numbers; Appropriate academic sources 10 Academic Writing Style / Grammar Avoid the use of 1st / 2nd person; Use reporting words / phrases; Accurate use of tense; Appropriate word choice, punctuation, phrases and sentence structure, etc. 5 The pass mark for this module is 40%. You must achieve an overall mark of 40%, with no item of assessment having a mark below 35%. Submission Instructions: Soft (electronic) copies of assignments should be submitted through the Turnitin link which appears on the module Moodle page. DO NOT submit a hardcopy of this assessment. Note: You will be able to upload drafts of your written work into Turnitin as many times as you wish before the deadline. You will not be able to overwrite the final submission after the deadline. You can only submit a single file. Further details regarding submission can also be found in Section 11 of the Module Guide. 3 Specific Assessment Criteria: First Class: This piece of work shows evidence of wider research with reference to a number of differing academic viewpoints. The report has recognised relevantly and discussed in detail, all the required academic and practice information that defines the nature and significance of the phenomena being researched. The overall research aim is clearly defined and the research objectives have been well articulated. Several reasoned and logical arguments have been developed well and supported by a wide range of appropriately researched and relevant literature sources as part of the review. Presentation is of a high standard, and in the appropriate style. The high number of appropriate sources has been referenced accurately and to a high standard. Second Class: A clear and informative piece of work with evidence of wider research and discussion. The report has correctly recognised and discussed all the required information that defines the nature and significance of the phenomena being researched. The research aim and objectives are clearly outlined and some reasoned arguments have been developed and supported by a good number of sources as part of the review. Presentation is of a good standard, in the appropriate style. A good number of appropriate sources have been referenced well, with most complying with the Harvard style. Third Class: A reasonable attempt has been made at research but greater in depth discussion and academic debate is required. The work has recognised the information that defines the nature and significance of the phenomena being researched. However, the discussion is mostly superficial and lacking in any depth. There are references to some academic source as part of the literature review. Presentation of the report is limited. Fail: Students who do not meet the requirements of a third class grade will not successfully complete the assessment activity 4 General Assessment Criteria Level HE5