Identify a pertinent topic within your field of study that possesses the potential to be developed into a comprehensive dissertation.

Module code and title:

BM631 Research Methods

Module leader:

Assignm ent No. and type:

CW1: Written Assignment: Initial proposal including methodology design and justification of research approach, 1,500 words.

Assessm ent weighting:

70%

Submission time and date:

Target feedback time and date:

Assignment task

Business research methods constitute a fundamental aspect of the graduate skill set. With the continuous advancement of technology, it is imperative for graduates to grasp the design, application, analysis, and evaluation of appropriate research methodologies.

This assessment aims to evaluate the students` proficiency in meeting the following module learning outcomes, which necessitate the ability to:

• Engage in identifying a relevant topic appropriate to the student’s area of study from which a suitable research project can be developed.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to conduct a literature review, including searching for and critically engaging with the ideas of contributing authors to the particular topic.
• Critically evaluate and design a range of research methods and appropriate research techniques for the collection and analysis of data using quantitative, qualitative or joint methods in order to address the research aim, question and objectives.
• Demonstrate transferable skills, including time management, project management, listening, negotiation, written communication skills, independent learning and advanced research skills.

You are required to:

Identify a pertinent topic within your field of study that possesses the potential to be developed into a comprehensive dissertation. This topic should be strategically selected to serve as a self-promotion tool, enhancing your professional profile. The objective is to demonstrate to graduate recruiters how your knowledge and skills can add significant value to their organization, industry, or sector.

• Identify a clear problem impacting the organization, industry, or sector. Outline the problem`s impact, justify the need for research, and highlight the originality of your work in providing a solution. Present a title for your work, an aim statement, and research objective(s).
• Present a theoretical or conceptual framework to serve as the foundation for the design of the primary and any secondary research methodology. This should be based on a critical literature review, to be presented in draft format in the appendices. The literature review, submitted as a draft in the appendix, should be between 3,500 and 4,000 words (+/-10%). Formative feedback will be provided for the draft literature review only at this stage and will not be marked.
• Using the theoretical or conceptual framework presented, identify two to three primary research techniques to assist in answering your research aim and objectives.
• You will:
• Argue and justify the research techniques selected, such as e-survey, interviews, focus groups, observation, archival, e-observation, survey, etc.
• Justify and explain how the research data will be analysed: quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods.
• Explain how the primary research will be conducted/distributed.
• Identify who the research participants will be, the proposed/required sample sizes, and how you propose to recruit participants/organisations.

Practicalities: Referencing, presenting and submitting your work

Please see your programme handbook for information on the standard referencing style, presentational requirements and process for submitting your work.

Please  reference  your  work  using  the  Harvard  style  as  defined  in     Cite  Them  Right  Online

(http://www.citethemrightonline.com).

• Follow the course guidelines regarding submitting work, as below (e.g. electronic or paper copies).
• Pages should be numbered.
• All work to be submitted as Arial 11 font with line and a half spacing.
• All writing should be in the third person passive.
• Front cover, executive summaries, if used, contents pages, reference lists, all words in tables charts and diagrams are not included in the word count.
• Written work must be word-processed.
• The module title and code number must be clearly marked on the front cover.
• There should be a minimum of 10 references from reputable sources and referenced using the Harvard system used to support your work
• The work should be professionally formatted and presentable to a business manager.
• Work you submit for assessment must be properly referenced – a guide to the Harvard system of referencing can be found on the Bucks website at bucks.ac.uk/referencing.
• You may seek clarification from the module tutor at any time.
• There is no excuse for failing to submit your work in accordance with the guidance, work that does not meet the necessary standards in that respect will be marked accordingly.
• No collaboration is allowed.
• You are required to submit your work electronically. Please use the relevant submission point in the

Academic integrity

Academic integrity means taking responsibility for your own work.

When you submit an assignment, you are making a declaration that it is your own work and that you have acknowledged the contribution of others and their ideas in its development (for example, by referencing them appropriately).

For further information and guidance, please see the University website: https://www.bnu.ac.uk/current- students/registry-helpdesk-and-academic-advice/academic-integrity-and-misconduct

You are also expected to take responsibility for maintaining and managing confidentiality issues in your work. You should maintain and respect confidentiality in relation to the protection of personal, technical and/or commercial information of a sensitive nature in their assessed work, whatever the format.

0-34 (F) –

Fail

Not successful

35-39 E –

Marginal fail Below required standard

40-49 (D)

Pass Satisfactory

50-59 (C)

Pass Good

60-69 (B)

Pass Very Good

70-79 (A)

Pass Excellent

80-100 (A+)

Pass Outstanding

Criterion 1 (LO1) Engage in identifying a relevant topic appropriate to the student’s area of study from which a suitable research project can be developed.

This should include evidence of:

Knowledge and understanding

25%

• Depth of knowledge and understanding to identify a suitable and realistic research topic.

• Engagement with subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts, and principles.

• Background investigation, analysis, research, enquiry and/or study.

The work demonstrates a limited and/or substantially inaccurate or no understanding of key aspects of the subject, with few if any examples of coherent and detailed knowledge, which is unlikely to be at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates insufficient understanding of key aspects of the subject, including some coherent and detailed knowledge, little of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates a basic yet systematic understanding of key aspects of the subject, including some coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates a sound breadth and depth of systematic understanding of key aspects of the subject, including some coherent and detailed knowledge, some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates a sophisticated and critical systematic understanding of key aspects of the subject, including coherent and detailed knowledge, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates a highly accomplished systematic understanding of key aspects of the subject beyond what has been taught, including coherent and detailed knowledge, most of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates an exceptional systematic understanding of key aspects of the subject, including coherent and detailed knowledge well beyond what has been taught, all of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

Criterion 2 (LO2) Demonstrate an understanding of how to conduct a literature review including searching for, and critically engaging with, the ideas of contributing authors to the particular topic.

Analysis and criticality 25%

This should include evidence of:

• Logic and argument.
• Use and range of independently selected sources.
• Analysis and synthesis of literature to produce either a conceptual or theoretical framework to base the primary research tools on.
• Organisation and communication of ideas and evidence

The work demonstrates a limited or no ability to work independently and deploy relevant techniques of analysis and enquiry accurately;

A poor/inappropriate research title and topic selection: An unclear and logical argument for the research, not supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; an incoherent and poorly organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a non- professional format.

An unsuccessful attempt at producing conceptual or theoretical framework has been provided that provides no confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.

Draft literature review has not been produced and/or is at an unsuccessful standard.

The work demonstrates an insufficient ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

A poorly constructed

/inappropriate research title and topic selection: A vague/unclear logical argument for the research not supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; an incoherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a non- professional format.

A below standard conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides limited confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.

The work demonstrates a sufficient ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

A satisfactory conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides some confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.

Draft literature review has been completed to a satisfactory standard.

The work demonstrates a sound ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

A good conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.

Draft literature review has been completed to a good standard.

The work demonstrates a sophisticated ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline.

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

A very good and sophisticated conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.

Draft literature review has been completed to a very good standard.

The work demonstrates a highly accomplished ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

An excellent and highly sophisticated conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.

Draft literature review has been completed to an excellent standard.

The work demonstrates a highly accomplished ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

An outstanding and highly sophisticated conceptual or theoretical framework has been produced that provides confidence that the research will accomplish the research aim and objectives.

Draft literature review has been completed to an outstanding standard.

0-34 (F) –

Fail

Not successful

35-39 E –

Marginal fail Below required

standard

40-49 (D)

Pass Satisfactory

50-59 (C)

Pass Good

60-69 (B)

Pass Very Good

70-79 (A)

Pass Excellent

80-100 (A+)

Pass Outstanding

Draft literature review has been completed to a below standard.

Criterion 3 (LO3) Critically evaluate and design a range of research methods and appropriate research techniques for the collection and analysis of data using quantitative, qualitative or joint methods in order to address the research aim, question and objectives.

Application and practice

25%

This should include evidence of:

• Development and/or application discipline- specific specialist skills

• Accuracy, coordination, and proficiency in completion of practical tasks/processes.

Work demonstrates a limited or no ability to select and apply appropriate, discipline- specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is not evident within the work.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is clearly missing and/or inappropriate for the standard required as a manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is clearly absent with no evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

The work fails to address all the required elements set out in the briefing.

Work demonstrates an insufficient ability to select and apply appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is weak within the work.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is clearly missing and/or inappropriate for the standard required as a manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is clearly absent with no evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

The work fails to address all the required elements set out in the briefing.

Work demonstrates a sufficient ability to select and apply appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is acceptable within the work.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident but this is acceptable and mostly appropriate for the standard required as a manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is acceptable with some evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

The work mostly addresses the required

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a consistent and informed manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is good.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to a good standard and appropriate for the standard required as a manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is good with some evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a capable and effective manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is very good.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to a very good standard and appropriate for the standard required as a manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is very good with clear evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a highly accomplished manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is excellent.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to an excellent standard and appropriate for the standard required as a middle manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is excellent with clear evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a highly accomplished and innovative manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is outstanding.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to an outstanding standard and appropriate for the standard required as a senior manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is outstanding with clear evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and integrated into the work.

0-34 (F) –

Fail

Not successful

35-39 E –

Marginal fail Below required

standard

40-49 (D)

Pass Satisfactory

50-59 (C)

Pass Good

60-69 (B)

Pass Very Good

70-79 (A)

Pass Excellent

80-100 (A+)

Pass Outstanding

elements set out in the briefing.

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

0-34 (F) –

Fail

Not successful

35-39 E –

Marginal fail Below required standard

40-49 (D)

Pass Satisfactory

50-59 (C)

Pass Good

60-69 (B)

Pass Very Good

70-79 (A)

Pass Excellent

80-100 (A+)

Pass Outstanding

Criterion 4: (LO5) Demonstrate transferable skills including time management, project management, listening, negotiation, written communication skills, independent learning and advanced research skills.

Transferable skills 15%

This should include evidence of:

• Written, verbal and

electronic communication

• Numeracy and digital

literacy

• Personal motivation, organisation, and time- management

Work demonstrates limited or no ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

- an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates insufficient ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates a sufficient ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates a good ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs

Work demonstrates very good ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates excellent and highly accomplished ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates an outstanding ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

- consideration of sustainability (environmental, economic, and personal) and social and ethical matters in their work/solutions.