Business Research Methods Department: Leadership and Management Module Code: MOD004137 Level: 5 Academic Year: 2016/2017 Semester/Trimester/Session: SEM 2, SEM 3 Contents 1. Key information, Introduction to the Module and Learning Outcomes 1 1.1 Key Information 1 1.2 Introduction to the Module 1 1.3 Learning Outcomes 2 2. Employability Skills in this Module 2 3. Outline Delivery and Reading Lists @ Anglia 3 3.1 Outline Delivery 3 3.2 Reading List and Learning Resources 4 4. Assessment on this Module 4 Feedback 4 How to View Your Feedback in Turnitin Grademark 5 4.1 Assessment Information and Marking Criteria 7 4.1.1 Element 011 – Formative assignment 7 4.1.2 Element 010 – Summative Assignment 7 4.1.3 Marking Criteria for Element 010 – Research Proposal (100%) 8 4.2 Re-assessment Information 10 Links to Other Key Information 11 1. Key information, Introduction to the Module and Learning Outcomes 1.1 Key Information Module title: Business Research Methods Module Leader: Andrew Armitage Campus / Building / Room: Chelmsford, Lord Ashcroft Building, MAB 301 Extension: 6846 Email: [email protected] Module Tutors: External Examiners Department Assessment Panel: Leadership and Management Every module has a Module Definition Form (MDF) which is the officially validated record of the module. You can access the MDF for this module in three ways via:  the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)  the My.Anglia Module Catalogue at www.anglia.ac.uk/modulecatalogue  Anglia Ruskin’s module search engine facility at www.anglia.ac.uk/modules All modules delivered by Anglia Ruskin University at its main campuses in the UK and at Associate Colleges throughout the UK and overseas are governed by the Academic Regulations. You can view these at www.anglia.ac.uk/academicregs. An extract of the Academic Regulations, known as the Assessment Regulations, is available at this website too (all new students will have received a printed copy as part of their welcome pack). In the unlikely event of any discrepancy between the Academic Regulations and any other publication, including this module guide, the Academic Regulations, as the definitive document, take precedence over all other publications and will be applied in all cases. 1.2 Introduction to the Module The module (worth 15 credits) will introduce students to business research methods. The module will cover a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The module provides a guide to understanding the tacit and explicit processes whereby students are socialised into the field of business and management research. It is a practical module informed by theory and real-life examples, which helps students explore the philosophical debates and underlying business and management research and considers how they relate to our understanding of knowledge and business practice. The module also adopts a more specific focus on the key research skills that are involved in business and management research. Students will be introduced to the importance of research to the business world, they will learn how to review academic literature, how to construct research questions and objectives, how to write a research proposal, and how to analyse qualitative and quantitative data. It also provides opportunities for students to look further into research and support is provided in terms of managing research relationships, research ethics, gaining research access, presenting your work and getting published. The module will prepare students to conduct research independently, albeit with some supervision. 1.3 Learning Outcomes This module, like all modules at Anglia Ruskin, is taught on the basis of achieving intended learning outcomes. On successful completion of the module, the student will be expected to be able to demonstrate the following: Knowledge and understanding 1. Demonstrate understanding of the nature of research and different research methods; 2. Identify and critically review literature from a variety of sources and organise this information; 3. Demonstrate the broad methodological knowledge and practical skills required for the planning of research, data collection and analysis, with an appreciation of how methods link to topics. Intellectual, practical, affective and transferable skills 4. Communicate research effectively and in a professional manner. The assessment is based on meeting these learning outcomes, shown explicitly in section 4, where the assessment task is linked to these learning outcomes. 2. Employability Skills in this Module Employability skills throughout your course which will assist you in securing employment and supporting you in your future career. During your course you will acquire a wide range of key skills. In this module, you will develop those identified below: Skill Skills acquired in this module Communication (oral) X Communication (written) X Commercial Awareness X Cultural sensitivity X Customer focus Data Handling X Decision making X Enterprising Flexibility Initiative X Interpersonal Skills X Leadership/Management of others Networking Organisational adaptability Project Management X Problem Solving and analytical skills X Responsibility Team working Time Management X Other 3. Outline Delivery and Reading Lists @ Anglia 3.1 Outline Delivery The table below indicates how the module will be delivered. However, this schedule is indicative and may be subject to change. The activities for the seminars are just suggestions and options for your seminar tutor to choose from, so do not expect to do all of them. The table also suggests options for student-managed learning. At the very least, each week you should read at least one chapter from the suggested core text for student-managed learning. Plus, in week 1, your student-managed learning must include reading this Module Guide! Your seminar tutor will advise on any additional activities he or she would like you to do for student-managed learning. Week and Lecture Topic Seminars: Indicative suggestions/options Student-managed Learning 1. Introduction to module and learning outcomes Thinking about business research: Deciding your and questions. Book review. Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2014) Chapters 1 and 2 2. Research traditions and Philosophical approaches: Research Paradigms, Traditions and Approaches Appraising research proposals. Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2014) Chapter 3, 4, 6 3. Doing Literature Reviews: Relationship between research statement, objectives and questions/hypotheses Library session 1: Preparing for the formative assessment. Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2014) Chapter 5 Bell and Waters Chapters 5, 6 4. Research Methodology 1: Relationship to research questions/hypotheses Developing our literature review 1: Where are we? Progress to date. Peer group feedback. Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2014) Chapter 4 5. Research Methodology 2: Qualitative Data Collection and analysis Research ethics: The university ethics quiz: The university ethics process and forms. Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2014) Chapter 7 Bell and Waters Chapter 3 6. Research Methodology 3: Quantitative Data Collection and analysis Conceiving Research: Looking at a research issue from a qualitative and quantitative perspective. Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2014) Chapters 8, 10, 11, 12 Bell and Waters Chapter 9 7. Research Methodology 4: Probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling Formative Assessment 800 word Literature Review Hand-in. Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2014) Chapter 10, 11, 12 8. Research Methodology 5: Secondary data collection and analysis Research Quiz: What do we know? Bell ad Waters Chapters 7, 10 9. Research Methodology 6: Mixed paradigm, methodology, and methods Library session 2: Preparing for our assignment. Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2014) Chapter 9 10. The dissertation: What is it? Types? How are they constructed? Appraising dissertations. Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2014) Chapter 13 Bell and Waters Chapters 13, 14 11. Developing our research proposals Drop-in sessions Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2014) Chapter 6 12. Module summary Drop-in sessions Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2014) Chapter 1 3.2 Reading List and Learning Resources The reading list and learning resources for this module are available on Reading Lists at Anglia, you can access the reading list for this module, via this link: http://readinglists.anglia.ac.uk/lists/C1C5AC2F-4162-D1D1-171C-66EDBCF8CA93.html The VLE contains additional resources for student-managed learning. These are organised to correspond to the lecture topic. 4. Assessment on this Module The assessment for this module consists of two elements. Final submission dates for elements of assessment vary. Element Type of assessment Word or time limit % of Total Mark Submission method Final Submission Date 011 Literature review 800 0% In class hand-in to tutor NO LATER THAN: WEEK 8 010 Research Proposal 3000 100% Quick Guide to Submitting on Turnitin®UK GradeMark Turnitin®UK Grademark NO LATER THAN: 2pm 12TH MAY 2017 Resubmission date no later than: 2pm 11 August 2017 All forms of assessment must be submitted by the published deadline which is detailed above. It is your responsibility to know when work is due to be submitted – ignorance of the deadline date will not be accepted as a reason for late or non-submission. Any late work will NOT be considered and a mark of zero will be awarded for the assessment task in question. You are requested to keep a copy of your work (excluding exams). Feedback You are entitled to feedback on your performance for all your assessed work. For all assessment tasks which are not examinations, this is accomplished by a member of academic staff providing your mark and associated comments which will relate to the achievement of the module’s intended learning outcomes and the assessment criteria you were given for the task when it was first issued. This feedback will be available on-line via Turnitin/Grademark® or may be sent directly to your Anglia Ruskin e-mail account. The marker of your assignment will include feedback on written assignments that includes answers to these three key questions: 1. What is your overall feedback? 2. How does your assignment compare to the marking criteria? 3. How can you improve in the future? Examination scripts are retained by Anglia Ruskin and are not returned to students. However, you are entitled to feedback on your performance in an examination and may request a meeting with the Module Leader or Tutor to see your examination script and to discuss your performance. Anglia Ruskin is committed to providing you with feedback on all assessed work within 20 working days of the submission deadline or the date of an examination. This is extended to 30 days for feedback for a Major Project module (please note that working days excludes those days when Anglia Ruskin University is officially closed; e.g.: between Christmas and New Year). Personal tutors will offer to read feedback from several modules and help you to address any common themes that may be emerging. On occasion, you will receive feedback and marks for pieces of work that you completed in the earlier stages of the module. We provide you with this feedback as part of the learning experience and to help you prepare for other assessment tasks that you have still to complete. It is important to note that, in these cases, the marks for these pieces of work are unconfirmed. This means that, potentially, marks can change, in either direction! Marks for modules and individual pieces of work become confirmed on the Dates for the Official Publication of Results which can be checked at www.anglia.ac.uk/results. How to View Your Feedback in Turnitin Grademark Click on the class that you wish to view and then you will see the assignments for the module listed. Click the blue view button to open up the document viewer. The Document Viewer will open and the main feedback on your work is shown in the General Comments: There may also be Quick Marks on your assignment or a Grading Form/Rubric to show how you performed against the marking criteria, click on the tabs to open them.   Comments List Rubric/Grading Form 4.1 Assessment Information and Marking Criteria When writing your report, please pay very close attention to all of the assessment information and marking criteria provided in the Module Guide. You have been asked by the Head of Human Resources of International Conglomerates (IC) to conduct a research project concerning performance management. Over the last 5 years it has been noticed that absence rates across their sales divisions have been markedly above the industry average; the organisation operates sales teams across three sites in France, India, and Brazil. The number of employees in each team are as follows: France 55; India 123; Brazil 35. Each team is led by a regional sales manager who reports directly to the Head of Sales in each country. You have been tasked to investigate why absence rates are above the industry average. The Head of Human Resources has requested that you submit a research proposal to investigate absence rates using either a quantitative, qualitative, or a mixed methods research design (for example, a concurrent or sequential data collection strategy). You are to produce a research proposal that shows how you intend to conduct this investigation, and it should contain the following sections: Introduction (300 words) • Research purpose statement, aims, and objectives Literature review (900 words) Research Design and Methodology (1500 words) • Paradigm of Enquiry • Research Methodology • Data Collection Methods • Data Analysis procedures/techniques • Ethical Issues Research Timeline (300 words) • Rationale and schedule 4.1.1 Element 011 – Formative Assignment Literature Review In Week 8 you are invited to submit an 800 word literature review. You will receive in class feedback that should then be used to develop and inform your end of semester 3000 word assignment. As this is a formative assessment no marks will be awarded for this assessment. However, it is strongly advised that you complete and submit your literature review as this is central to your learning process. You are therefore advised to follow the instructions of your tutor in regard to the submission of this formative assessment. In some instances, an equivalent formative assessment may be undertaken to meet local demands and/or requirements of particular student cohorts, for example, but not exclusively, an individual presentation or poster, or an in-class quiz, in order to develop and inform students’ end of semester 3000 word research proposal. 4.1.2 Element 010 – Summative Assignment Research Proposal Mark Learning Outcome Introduction Research Statement/Aims Research objectives Research questions 10% 1 Literature review Research Design and Methodology Paradigm of enquiry Methodology Data collection methods Data analysis procedures/techniques Ethical issues 30% 50% 2,3 Timeline Rationale and schedule 10% 4 Your assignment should be well structured and presented and clearly include academic sources and supporting references, indicated in the assignment and listed in the references section. N/A Turnitin®UK Grademark assignments This assignment is submitted online via Turnitin® Grademark, there is information on preparing your assignment at: https://vle.anglia.ac.uk/sites/LTA/Grademark/Content/Preparing%20my%20Assignment.aspx. Information on submitting your assignment must be read and guidelines adhered to, please ensure you read: https://vle.anglia.ac.uk/sites/LTA/Grademark/Content/Quick-Start.aspx. The direct link to Turnitin® UK Grademark is: http://www.submit.ac.uk 4.1.3 Marking Criteria for Element 010 – Research Proposal (100%) A++ = 90-100 A+ = 80-89% A = 70-79% B = 60-69% C = 50-59% D = 40-49% F = 30-39% F- = 20-29% F— = 10 -19% F---- = 0-9% INRODUCTION – 10/100 An exceptionally well-written introduction that outlines what the assignment will cover, why it is important and how it is going to be covered. It also highlights the unique contribution to the research field. An outstanding introduction that is well-focused and considered. It explains well what the assignment will cover, why it is important and how it is going to be covered. An excellent introduction that is clear and succinct. It outlines what the assignment will cover, why it is important and how it is going to be covered. A very good introduction that highlights the main points of the assignment. The introduction highlighted the major points in the assignment, however, some aspects are missing. There is the beginnings of an introduction. You really needed to outline the assignment in terms of what it covers, why it is important and how it is going to be covered. Your introduction is unclear – make sure to focus on what the assignment is about, why it is important to cover it and how it is going to be covered. You have misunderstood the purpose of the introduction. You needed to focus on what the assignment is about, why it is important to cover it and how it is going to be covered. There is some attempt to explain the assignment – but this is not really an introduction. The introduction should give an overview on what the assignment is about. NO INTRODUCTION An introduction is needed as readers need to get an idea what the assignment is about and why it is worthwhile reading it. MAIN BODY – 70/100 Exceptionally well structured and written main body, with intellectual originality and imagination in terms of inclusion and analysis of academic literature that demonstrate your theoretical analysis and support your argument. Sophisticated and well-considered theoretical analysis based on an excellent base of academic literature. An outstanding argument is outlined. You demonstrate excellent understanding and analysis of the relevant academic literature. Your ideas are well linked to the theory, whilst at the same time, being focused on the assignment task. There is some good analysis of theoretical analysis. A good basis of reviewed academic literature is provided. In some places you needed to explain more fully how the theoretical analysis supports your argument. Satisfactory use of academic literature as basis of an acceptable analysis that supports your argument. You should try to go beyond description of the literature and build a stronger argument. The main body largely imitates and describes academic literature. A weak argument is formed. Some difficulty with structure and accuracy in expression. The main body is not well-focused. Evidence of only limited use of academic literature is given in addition to no evidence of theoretical analysis. A very weak argument is formed. General difficulty with structure and accuracy in expression. Little evidence of engagement with academic literature and no theoretical analysis or formulation of an argument. Structure and accuracy of statements are in the majority of the main body. Inadequate information base was used. No real focus of the main body is given, however a vague notion of understanding of the assignment is present. NO MAIN BODY Your assignment needs to be appropriately structured, with the inclusion of academic literature to demonstrate your theoretical analysis. The argument must be sustained and supported with evidence. CONCLUSION – 10/100 Exceptional discussion of the argument that is clearly built upon the theoretical analysis. Exceptionally innovative and original recommendations for future research and practice. A significant contribution to the research/practice field exists. Sophisticated and well-considered conclusion that is built upon the theoretical analysis. Outstanding recommendations for future research and practice are outlined. A potential contribution to the research/practice field exists. An excellent conclusion that is presented thoroughly and clearly based on the theoretical analysis. Contributions to future research and practice are outlined well. A good conclusion with considerable contributions for future research and practice. However, there needs to be a bit more careful explanation of how conclusions were reached. Contributions to future research/practice could be extended. A satisfactory conclusion that sometimes goes beyond summarising the main findings of the theoretical analysis. More depth of understanding of how the findings contribute to future research/practice is desired. There is a little discussion the conclusion of the assignment and of recommendations for future research and practice. A basic conclusion and recommendations for future research or practice are formed however. A limited understanding of what to conclude from the theoretical analysis is demonstrated. This section is mainly imitative of the main body and descriptive. No contributions to future research/ practice are outlined. A weak conclusion is drawn that is based only to a limited extent on the theoretical analysis outlined in the main body. The conclusion is mainly descriptive. No contributions to future research/ practice are outlined An inadequate conclusion is formed with no real focus and lack of structure. An inadequate understanding of the assignment is shown. NO CONCLUSION You need to provide a concluding summary that links to previous sections in your assignment. No new material should be included, but some consideration of future recommendations may be considered. REPORT STYLE AND ACADEMIC RIGOUR – 10/100 This assignment was exceptional in the way it was written and presented. Some indicators of an A++ grade: • Exceptional presentation • Exceptionally well-written and expressed • Exceptional conceptualised use of diagrams and figures • Range and use of references is extraordinarily rigorous An outstandingly written and presented assignment. The presentation; expression; layout and use of diagrams was consistently outstanding. Some indicators of an A+ grade: • Impeccable presentation • Outstanding structure • Well-written and expressed • Innovative use of diagrams and figures • Outstanding range and use of references Extremely professional layout and formatting of your assignment. It is well-written and makes good use of diagrams and figures. Some indicators of an A grade: • Professional presentation • Clear focused structure • Uses headings and sub-headings well with a table of contents • Written in the right tone • Great use of diagrams and figures • References used to good effect and Harvard referencing consistently applied Your assignment is well written and well-presented. In the main it has a clear structure and the layout and presentation is good. Some indicators of an B grade: • Mostly professional presentation • Mostly clear structure that uses headings and sub-headings well with a table of contents for report navigation • Mostly written in the right tone • Good use of diagrams and figures • References used to good effect and Harvard referencing applied for the most part Your assignment is clear and there has been some attempts to make it professional. Some indicators of an C grade: • An effort has been made for professional presentation – but could be more polished • Structure is clear • Could have used more headings and sub-headings • Needed to improve the tone • Some good diagrams and figures • References used to good effect but could improve the use of Harvard referencing The presentation of your assignment was average and there was an effort made to structure your report. Some indicators of an D grade: • Much more effort needed for professional presentation • Structure is not clear enough • Needed to use far more headings and sub-headings • Needed to improve the tone • Not enough diagrams and figures • Not enough references used and needed to apply Harvard referencing more fully Your assignment needed a lot more work to improve its presentation and structure. You needed to clearly indicate the sections. Some indicators of an unsuccessful attempt: • Presentation was not at all professional • The structure was non-existent • No headings and sub-headings used • Inappropriate and/or disrespectful tone • None or one/two diagrams and figures • None or one/two references used and needed to apply Harvard referencing more fully Your assignment was weak in the way it was written and presented. You needed to put more thought and care into structuring your work and presenting it. Some indicators of a F- attempt: • Presentation was weak • The structure was confusing • No headings and sub-headings used • Inappropriate and/or disrespectful tone • None or one/two diagrams and figures • None or one/two references used and needed to apply Harvard referencing more fully The assignment was difficult to follow as there was no structure to it and it was poorly written. Some indicators of a F-- attempt: • Very weak presentation • Unstructured • Inappropriate and/or disrespectful tone with poor use of language • None or one/two diagrams and figures • None or one/two references used and needed to apply Harvard referencing more fully NO ATTEMPT No attempt was made to put the work together into a structure. It was difficult to make sense of the work as it was poorly written. 4.2 Re-assessment Information Assignment Research Proposal Element 010 Research Proposal You are required to amend your original research proposal using the feedback you received from your first assessment. You must contact your module tutor to seek further advice to complete the re-submission successfully. Mark Learning Outcome Introduction Research Statement/Aims Research objectives Research questions 10% 1 Literature review Research Design and Methodology Paradigm of enquiry Methodology Data collection methods Data analysis procedures Ethical issues 30% 50% 2,3 Timeline Rationale and “Plan B” 10% 4 Your assignment should be well structured and presented and clearly include academic sources and supporting references, indicated in the assignment and listed in the references section. N/A The resit period for UK students is: TBC. Check E-vision for specific date. The resit period for students of international partners TBC Turnitin®UK Grademark assignments This assignment is submitted online via Turnitin® Grademark, there is information on preparing your assignment at: https://vle.anglia.ac.uk/sites/LTA/Grademark/Content/Preparing%20my%20Assignment.aspx Information on submitting your assignment must be read and guidelines adhered to, please ensure you read: https://vle.anglia.ac.uk/sites/LTA/Grademark/Content/Quick-Start.aspx The direct link to Turnitin® UK Grademark is: http://www.submit.ac.uk   Links to Other Key Information Assessment Offences: As an academic community, we recognise that the principles of truth, honesty and mutual respect are central to the pursuit of knowledge. Behaviour that undermines those principles weakens the community, both individually and collectively, and diminishes our values. There is more information on these principles and the types of Assessment Offences here: http://www.anglia.ac.uk/modguide4.aspx Penalties for poor academic practice can be severe so ensure you are aware of what is expected and how to reference correctly. There is a guide to Good Academic Practice here: http://anglia.libguides.com/plagiarism Attendance Information: Attending all your classes is very important and one of the best ways to help you succeed in this module. Link to more details on the Attendance Requirements here: http://www.anglia.ac.uk/modguide1.aspx Assessments and TurnitinUK: TurnitinUK is used for submitting the majority of your assessments, it is important that you read the information on preparing your assignment at: https://vle.anglia.ac.uk/sites/LTA/Grademark/Content/Preparing%20my%20Assignment.aspx Information on submitting your assignment must be read and guidelines adhered to, please ensure you read: https://vle.anglia.ac.uk/sites/LTA/Grademark/Content/Quick-Start.aspx The direct link to TurnitinUK is: http://www.turnitinuk.com Examinations: Examinations are held in January (semester/trimester 1), May (semester/trimester 2) and in August (trimester 3). All examinations are scheduled by the Examinations Unit, the dates and locations will be posted on the following website: http://web.anglia.ac.uk/anet/students/exams/ External Examiners: An up-to-date list of external examiners is available to students and staff at http://www.anglia.ac.uk/eeinfo The external examiner for this module is in the Leadership and Management department. These are academic examiners from other institutions who independently approve and confirm the quality and standard of our modules and assessments. Feedback in TurnitinUK: Link to more details on the viewing feedback is here: https://vle.anglia.ac.uk/sites/LTA/Grademark/Content/Feedback.aspx How is My Work Marked and Flowchart of Anglia Ruskin’s Marking Process: After you have handed your work in or you have completed an examination, Anglia Ruskin undertakes a series of activities to assure that our marking processes are comparable with those employed at other universities in the UK and that your work has been marked fairly, honestly and consistently. More information about this is given here: http://www.anglia.ac.uk/modguide5.aspx Module Evaluation: During the second half of the delivery of this module, you will be asked to complete a module evaluation questionnaire to help us obtain your views on all aspects of the module, more about this process is included here: http://www.anglia.ac.uk/modguide6.aspx Reading Lists: These are now all available online: http://readinglists.anglia.ac.uk Re-assessments: Re-assessment dates will be stated on e-vision, you can check the specific date your re-assessment assignment is due in on: http://e-vision.anglia.ac.uk or alternatively, if it is an examination, these are scheduled by the Examinations Unit, the dates and locations will be posted on the following website: http://web.anglia.ac.uk/anet/students/exams/ University Generic Assessment Criteria: This module is at level 5, information on the criteria that the university uses to mark your work can be found here: http://www.anglia.ac.uk/criteria