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LO1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of complex business environments, contemporary challenges and problems faced in an international context impacting on global businesses.
MS7UK27O
60 Credits
Level 7
Academic Year 2024-25
Academic Partner: UKCBC
The price quoted here is for the complete dissertation which inlcudes the research proposal too.
Module overview
This module will equip students with knowledge of how to use research to critically evaluate challenges, problems, and ideas in contemporary international business management. In addition, this module will provide students with a well-structured and useful foundation to further understand and evaluate issues in international management and to augment knowledge applicable to further development of leadership and managerial competencies.
Module Aims The aim of this module is to enable students to develop an understanding of using academic research applied to business scenarios, and to acquire the skills required to manage a research project in an international business context. Students will develop skills in how to collect and analyse information and learn how to critically evaluate and apply it to solve complex international business management problems.
The module is designed for the students to undertake a 60-credit evidence-based research project where students will be carrying out applied research to a specific business issue, strategy, organization, or problem by using sound data collection and analysis methods and present the findings in a logically structured and well-argued manner.
Indicative Topics Following is an indicative list of topics. The actual content and delivery may vary.
Identifying a business problem in a contemporary global context.
An evaluative approach to key contemporary issues relating to international businesses.
Planning a problem-based research project with clear aims and objectives.
Research philosophy, approach, and methodology.
Research ethics.
Critical literature review and correct referencing.
Quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings.
Drawing up meaningful conclusions and joined up recommendations.
Carry out an options appraisal with implications to business in a global context.
Undertake a self-reflection analysis using sound theoretical approaches.
The module delivery will be done through a combination of taught content, and supervisions to provide focussed support throughout the duration of the module.
Please ensure that you refer to the Course Handbook for a detailed outline of how this module forms part of your course.
Expectations
Specific expectations students can have of tutors:
Your Module Study Guide is Available on Blackboard and is up-to-date and accurate.
Your weekly learning materials will be made available on Blackboard in advance so that you can prepare for upcoming seminars.
In case of a query, you can contact your tutor via email. If needed, a meeting can be arranged.
You will receive timely and constructive formative feedback on your assessment drafts
Specific expectations tutors will have of students:
Strive to maintain good attendance.
Actively participate in all learning activities
Behave professionally in all communication.
Study recommended materials before attending classes and come prepared.
If absent, inform the tutor by email in advance. This will not count as official leave, but you will do it as a courtesy.
Learning outcomes to be assessed LO1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of complex business environments, contemporary challenges and problems faced in an international context impacting on global businesses.
LO2. Demonstrate a good understanding of major research paradigms, methodologies, and ethical issues in research.
LO3. Ability to identify and provide joined up solutions to a complex global business problem with due consideration to concepts such as global citizenship and sustainability.
LO4. Ability to critically review relevant theories, ideas, and arguments supported by an appropriate range of literature.
LO5. Ability to undertake an evidence-based research project by using sound data collection and analysis methods and present the findings in a logically structured and well- argued manner.
LO6. Ability to develop a suite of robust strategic solutions to the chosen problem with options appraisal considering the practical implementation issues in a global context.
LO7. Ability to undertake self-reflection based on a theoretical framework and develop an action plan.
Preparing for your Assessment
A key part of your learning will be preparation for your summative assessment. You will be provided feedback on your formative assessments, and this will help you to better understand what is required of you when you submit your summative assessment. Please see below guidance on your formative assessment and how to access your feedback.
Assessment Support
Assessment
Teaching Weeks in which Assessment Support Takes Place
Outline of Type and Form of Assessment
Support to be Provided
Student Preparation Required Prior to
or After the Support Session
How will the Support Session to be Delivered
Assessment 1
Week3
Support on choosing topic.
Draft preparation with ideas of topics.
In class
Week 10-13
Support provided on structure of research proposal.
Students are expected to have a draft of a proposal
that includes all required sections.
In class
Assessment 2
Formative feedback
Students are
One to one
provided on
expected to
feedback
After the taught
introduction,
provide draft
semester and up to
literature review,
written work of the
submission date
methodology,
project to their
findings and
supervisor before
analysis,
each supervision
conclusion, and
meeting.
recommendations
from
their supervisor.
Summative Assessments
Summative Assessment 1
Assessment title
Written Research Proposal
Submission date and time
25th May 2025,11:59pm
Word Count (or equivalent)
2,500 words
Where to submit
Turn It In (Blackboard)
Feedback date
15 working days after submission
Submitting, feedback & grades online using Blackboard
Main objectives of the Assessment
This first module assessment will have the purpose of serving as a plan for the students to use to complete their final project. The assessment will include the sections of an introduction, literature review, suitable and justified research methodology, ethical considerations, and a project plan.
Students are required to write a 2500-word research proposal on a research topic of their own choice that must be related to a business problem. The research proposal must include all sections detailed in the proposed structure below and should be developed and refined in consultation with the module tutor.
No.
Learning Outcome
Marking Criteria
LO 1,
2,
4,
5
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of complex business environments and
Title
Weighting
Introduction
A clear and concise introduction to the research topic and its relevance to a larger business and/or theoretical context.
10 Marks
Contemporary challenges and problems faced in an international context impacting on global businesses
2. Demonstrate a good understanding of major research paradigms, methodologies, and ethical issues
A justified, balanced, and logical rationale for the project that is informed by literature and/or organizational needs.
A clear aim is provided along with appropriate research objectives.
Literature Review
The literature review shows awareness and critical understanding of key relevant literature and consists of up to date, contemporary literary sources that form a sound framework for researching the topic.
40 Marks
Ability to critically review the relevant theories, ideas, and arguments supported by an appropriate range of literature.
Ability to undertake an evidence-based research project by using sound data collection and analysis methods and present the findings in a logically structured and well-argued manner
The literature review is presented in a logical and coherent manner.
Research Methodology and Project Plan
A systematic and structured methodology presenting appropriate and well justified methodological choices of:
Research philosophy and approach
Research strategy
Sources of data
Methods of data collection and analysis
Ethical considerations
Project Plan
The Project Plan should be a brief estimate of time, costs (for example, travel, data processing or any other associated cost) together with chronological plan including project milestones. The plan should ideally be presented using a GANTT chart or similar.
40 Marks
References and Structuring
The proposal should be written in clear academic English language and should be structured as per the assessment brief. All sources should be cited using Harvard referencing style.
10 Marks
Marking Scheme
Section
100- 70%
69- 60%
59- 50%
49- 30%
29- 0%
Introduction 10%
Excellent introduction to
Very good introduction
Good to satisfactory
Poor introduction, and a
Insufficient, very poorly
the research topic with
to the research topic
introduction to the topic
poor attempt at a
written, and
an excellently balanced
with a very good and
with a good attempt to
rationale. Poor and
dissatisfactory
and justified rationale.
balanced rationale.
formulate arationale.
unclear aim and vague
introduction. No or
Excellent aim with
Very good research
Good to satisfactory
objectives in need of
incomplete aim and
detailed and clear
objects, aim and
aim and objectives with
much further
unsuitable objectives
research objectives
objectives.
minor need of further
development.
development.
Literature Review
Excellent literature
A very good attempt
Good to satisfactory
Poor literature review
Very poor literature
40%
review with an up to
to construct a
literature review with
with limited examples of
review with no critical
date, comprehensive
literature review with
adequate appraisal of
critical evaluation of
evaluation of very
and critical review of
very good examples
relevant literature.
relevant literature. Very
limited or irrelevant
excellently relevant
of critical appraisals of
Good indication
limited to no attempt to
literature choices with
literature and theory.
relevant literature.
analytical framework
construct an analytical
little value to the
Exceptional attempt to
Very good choices of
that meet requirements.
framework.
research.
develop an
theories that construct
appropriate analytical
a sound analytical
framework for the
framework.
research.
Research
Excellent research
Very good research
Good research
Poor research
Very poor and
Methodology and
methodology
methodology with very
methodology with good
methodology with
incomplete research
Projectplan 40%
identifying and
good choices of
choices and justification
limited, unsuitable, or
methodology with
justified excellent
research philosophy,
of research philosophy,
incompatible choices of
unclear, unsuitable or
choices of research
research strategy,
research strategy, data
research philosophy,
missing choices of
philosophy, research
sources, data sources,
sources, methods of
research strategy, data
research philosophy,
strategy, data
methods of data
data collection, and
sources, methods of
research strategy,
sources, methods of
collection and analysis
techniques of data
data collection and
data sources,
data collection, and
techniques. Very good
analysis. Good ethical
analysis techniques.
methods of data
analysis. Excellent
ethical considerations
considerations and
There is confusion
collection and
ethical considerations
and a very good project
project plan.
and/or omissions.
analysis techniques.
and an exceptionally
plan have been
Ethical considerations
Very poor or no
well-presented project
included.
insufficient and
evidence of ethical
plan has been
inadequate research
considerations and
included.
plan.
research project plan.
References and
Exceptionally good
Very good academic
Good academic writing.
Poor/unsatisfactory
Very poor academic
structure 10%
academic writing with
writing. Very good
Organization of texts,
academic writing. Poor
writing. Very poor
perfect organization of
organization of texts
paragraph, and Harvard
organization of texts
organization of texts
paragraphs.
and paragraphs.
reference are
and paragraphs.
and paragraphs and
Excellent
Overall, very good use
adequate.
Insufficient knowledge
inaccurate or no use
presentation and use
of referencing using
of Harvard referencing
of Harvard
of references using
Harvard reference
with several and or
referencing.
Harvard referencing.
style.
major errors.
Summative Assessment 2
Assessment title
Written Project Report
Submission date and time
26th September 2025, 11:59pm
Word Count (or equivalent)
12,500 words
Where to submit
Turn It In (Blackboard)
Feedback date
15 working days after submission
Main objectives of the Assessment
This assessment involves a business research project report of 10,000 words demonstrating the knowledge and skills required for identifying implementable solutions for an international business problem with due consideration to robust research processes.
There will also be a 2,500 words self-reflection account to be included as an appendix to the project report. The self-reflection account will enable students to reflect on their learning journey in completing the research project. They would choose a suitable self-reflection theory and identify the enablers and barriers encountered, how they overcome challenges, lessons learned from the experience and an action plan
No.
Learning Outcome
Marking Criteria
LO 1-7
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of complex business environments and contemporary challenges and problems faced in an international context impacting on global businesses
Content:
Weighti ng:
Introduction, aims and objectives:
A clear introduction that succinctly introduces a relevant research problem.
A justified and balanced rationale. A research aim, and objectives
10%
Literature review:
Comprehensively and critically review relevant literature. Theory has been used to create an analytical framework.
Paragraphs are clear and follow a logical flow. Text is well arranged.
The literature review is well structured and formulated and use of high standard academic language is evident.
25%
2. Demonstrate a good understanding of major research paradigms, methodologies, and ethical issues
3. Ability to identify and provide joined up solutions to a complex global business problem with due consideration to concepts such as global citizenship and sustainability
Research methodology:
The research methodology section outlines a sound identification and justification of the following methodological choices:
Philosophy
Approach
Strategy
Data collection methods and analysis techniques
15%
Data collection and analysis:
A clear presentation of the data collected for the research, and sound and logical analysis of the data using appropriate data analysis methods.
20%
4. Ability to critically review the relevant theories, ideas, and arguments supported by an appropriate range of literature.
Conclusion and recommendations:
Relevant and logical conclusions that summarise the findings of the research and engage with literature.
10%
Ability to undertake an evidence-based research project by using sound data collection and analysis methods and present the findings in a logically structured and well-argued manner
Ability to develop a suite of robust strategic solutions to the chosen problem with options appraisal considering the practical implementation issues in a global context
Ability to undertake self- reflection based on a theoretical framework and develop an action plan
High quality and relevant recommendations logically derived from the findings of the research that can be implemented or applied in the relevant field of business.
Self-reflection:
A reflective summary of personal independent learning which summarises learning achievements and personal development made throughout the course of the module.
A reflect on the learning journey in completing the research project, using suitable self- reflection theory.
Identify the enablers and barriers encountered, how challenges were overcome, lessons learned from the experience and an action plan.
20%
Marking scheme
100- 70%
69- 60%
59- 50%
49- 30%
29- 0%
Introduction, rationale, research aims, and objectives
Exceptionally well written introduction that captures a highly relevant and original research problem.
Excellently justified and clear rationale. Aim and objectives are exceptionally well formulated.
Very good introduction and a very good research rationale. Aim and objectives are well formulated and clearly explain the purpose of the research.
Good introduction, with a reasonably justified rationale. Aim and objectives are sufficiently clear.
Inadequate introduction, aims and objectives poorly formulated.
Insufficiently justified rationale.
Very poor introduction. Rationale confused, not included, and/or difficult to understand. Aim and objectives unsuitable and/or irrelevant.
Literature review
Exceptionally well formulated with a use of exceptional academic writing. Comprehensive literature review with excellent criticality.
Identified literature forms a highly suitable and useful analytical framework. Flow is smooth, logical and convincing.
Very good literature review with reasonable criticality and includes a reasonably wide range of relevant literature. Very good structure that flows logically.
Adequate review of relevant literature with some criticality.
Reasonable structure that flows.
Limited relevant literature review. Limited or no criticality. Range of literature review is inadequate. Poor and confused structure with little logic in flow.
Very poorly written literature review. No evidence of critical reasoning. Poor structure and offers very limited or hardly any value to the research project and research project on hand.
Research methodology
Excellent understanding and application of methodological choices. Exceptionally clear and relevant with outstandingly persuasive rational for research approach.
Very good theoretical basis, with useful and appropriate methodological choices.
Very good attempt to identify a useful methodology.
Reasonable attempt to demonstrate a theoretical understanding and identification of methodological choices. Suitably explained and justified research methods.
Poor theoretical understanding of methodology. Confusion when attempting to identify methodological choices.
No theoretical basis, lack of methodological choices or justification of approach, very confused, insufficient or no evidence of understanding of research methodology
Presentation of data collected and their analysis
Exceptional analytical techniques and approaches.
Outstandingly rigorous analysis, exceptionally well justified and presented.
A very good approach and understanding of data collection, and validity. Very good
analysis techniques used.
Reasonable data collection and analysis.
Poor data collection with poor or confused analysis.
Very limited or no collection of data and hardly any evidence of data analysis or understanding of data
analysis.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Outstanding and critical conclusion that perfectly
refers to findings, critical
analysis and applied theory, Exceptional reflection with very strong practical recommendations that could serve as basis for real life consultancy work.
Very good conclusion derived very logically from the findings.
Evidence of criticality. Useful recommendations that are of good value to businesses/industry.
Reasonable conclusion that derive from research findings.
Recommendations reasonably follow from research findings but needs further consideration if they are to be of
implementation value to businesses/industry
Poor conclusion that does not flow logically from data analysis. Poor or unsuitable recommendations.
Hardly an attempt to summarise findings or offer any recommendations.
Written Self reflection
Outstanding reflective summary of personal independent learning, excellently summarising learning achievements and personal development made throughout the course of
the module. Excellent critical self-appraisal of the learning and/or practical applicable learning from the module.
Very good reflective summary of personal independent learning. Very good summaries of learning achievements and personal development made throughout the course of the module. Very good critical self-appraisal of the learning and/or practical applicable learning from the module.
Good reflective summary of personal independent learning. Good ability to summarise learning achievements and personal development from the module. Good critical self-appraisal of the learning and/or practical applicable learning from the module.
Poor reflective summary of personal independent learning. Poor ability to summarise learning achievements and refer to personal development from the module. Poor ability to apply critical self-evaluation, learning and or practical applicable learning from the module.
Very poor reflective summary of personal independent learning. Very little or no attempt to summarise learning achievements and refer to any personal development from the module. Very poor or no attempt to apply critical self-evaluation, learning and or practical applicable learning from the module.
Learning materials
The reading list for this module is available on Blackboard in the module area and online by searching reading list. This shows real-time availability of books in the library and provides direct links to digital items, recommended by your lecturer.
Remember to log into Blackboard daily to receive all the latest news and support available at your module information sites!
Subject guides are also available to help you find relevant information for assignments, with contact details of the Librarian for your School.
Bell, E., Harley, B., & Bryman, A. (2022). Business Research Methods. 6th Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Bolton, G., and Delderfield, R. (2018). Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development, 5th edition, London: Sage Publications Ltd
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students, 7th Edition, Pearson.
Winter, H. (2019). The Business Analysis Handbook: Techniques and Questions to Deliver Better Business Outcomes, London: Kogan Page.
Recommended Reading:
Fink, A., (2014). Conducting research literature reviews: from the Internet to paper. 4th Edition. Los Angeles: Sage
Lee, N and Lings. I. (2008). Doing Business Research: A guide to theory and practice. Los Angeles: Sage
Machi, L.A. and McEvoy, B.T., (2016). The literature review: six steps to success. 3 Edition. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin.
Paul, J. and Criado, AR., (2020) The art of writing literature review: What do we know and what do we need to know? International Business Review, Vol 29(4), P101717
Snyder, H., (2019) Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines, Journal of Business Research, Vol 104, P 333-339
Maintaining Academic Honesty and Integrity
Academic Integrity means avoiding plagiarism and cheating and owning your own work, the use of essay mills and AI content is also considered academic misconduct. This is when you submit a piece of work which is not completely your own, but which you are presenting as your own without acknowledging the author or properly referencing the original source. All your work must demonstrate Academic Integrity; it must be an honest and fair submission, complying with all the requirements of the assessment. Failure to meet these standards of behaviour and practice is academic misconduct, which can result in penalties being applied under the Academic Offences Regulations. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of complex business environments, contemporary challenges and problems faced in an international context impacting on global businesses. You can get support with your academic writing by contacting us through https://evision.ukcbc.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_lgn page.
Meeting Deadlines
You should always try your best to submit your work on time. If your circumstances mean that you are not able to submit on time or are unable to attend an in-person assessment like an exam or in- class test, then you can request Exceptional circumstances for the assessment. An extension allows you to submit coursework up to 10 calendar days late without penalty, (calendar days include all weekends and bank holidays where the University is open). Without an extension, the maximum mark you will be able to get for that work will be the pass mark. Mitigation allows you a further attempt without penalty if you fail an assessment or do not submit. If you require an extensiongo to https://evision.ukcbc.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_lgn before the submission deadline. You can request mitigation through https://evision.ukcbc.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_lgn
You can apply for an extension or mitigation by self-certifying that you have exceptional circumstances which affected your ability to undertake the assessment. Self-certifying means that evidence does not have to be provided, although the University reserves the right to request evidence. All self-certified requests must be made before the deadline and detail the exceptional circumstances that have prevented you from submitting by the original submission deadline. You can only self-certify three assessments per academic year. If you have used all your self- certification opportunities, or requested mitigation after the deadline, you will need to provide evidence of your exceptional circumstances for your request through https://evision.ukcbc.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_lgn for your request to be granted.
Getting Support
There may be may be times when you experience circumstances outside of your control and talking to your Module Leader and other support services available to you in the college will help keep you on track with your studies. You can access information on support services and further guidance at UKCBC through https://evision.ukcbc.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_lgn page. You can access support and guidance and confidential help at https://ulearn.ukcbc.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2145
It is equally important to consider your safety and the safety of others around you, especially how to stay safe online and ensure your communications are secure and appropriate. You should also familiarise yourself with the UKCBC Safeguarding Policy, process, and procedure.
Your Student Representative can help you to obtain the right support.
Glossary and Acronyms
Terms and definitions
IBM Project- International Business Management Project BB- Blackboard
MSG- Module Study Guide
Appendix – Research ethics and integrity
Research ethics guidance for students
What are ethics in research? Why does it matter?
All researchers, across all disciplines, should be mindful of ethical issues when planning, conducting, and reporting on their work. Doing so will ensure that the researcher respects the interests of all parties, mitigates risks to both participants and themself, and delivers research outcomes that are robust. To guide this, the University sets out principles of good research, and to better understand them, you should consult – and then adhere to – the six ‘University Research Integrity’ documents linked at uwloffice365live.sharepoint.com/Pages/Research.aspx
‘Ethical approval’ is required for all research, whether that is a short questionnaire devised by an undergraduate student or a multi-million-pound project carried out by a group of professional researchers – read on…
vulnerable individuals or groups
any personal data
any type of clinical/physical intervention
work conducted in a sensitive or potentially dangerous location
security-sensitive information
Accordingly, associated ethical issues require appropriate planning. Even interviewing people (including your peers or friends) or collecting their data can incur ethical issues, and you must ensure that you have appropriate safeguards in place to protect both their welfare and data.
You must also ensure that you will be protected if your research (even potentially) places you in a dangerous or stressful place or situation. ‘Desk-based’ research centred on journal articles and books is unlikely to pose acute ethical issues, but even then, the way that the researcher might select the articles and report outcomes require care and consideration.
How will UWL help me to understand and apply research ethics?
First and foremost, the topic of research ethics will be addressed by your tutor or supervisor as part of your module. It may also be part of your recommended reading. Different disciplines conduct a range of research using a variety of approaches, so your teaching will cover the ethical issues that are most likely to apply to your subject. If you have any questions about the design or conduct of research that you are planning, then you should seek guidance from the tutor or supervisor.
Secondly, UWL operates a risk-assessment system, employing the easy-to-complete ‘Research ethics and integrity risk assessment’ form. You are required to complete a copy of the form before commencing your project. This helps the University to identify and improve research projects that might raise ethical issues. Just as importantly, it will help you work through the potential ethical dimensions of your research in a structured and step-by-step manner and to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place.
My research does NOT involve any of the above areas
Easy steps to ethical approval
Top tips
Discuss the ethical issues around your research plans with your supervisor at the earliest possible stage, and certainly in advance of filling in the form. Try to find an approach that will not incur any issues in the first place. If you form a proposal and only discover that there are issues close to the submission deadline, you will be required to reframe your work and this will take extra time, or possibly even compromise your grades.
Which types of research might raise ethical issues?
Typically, ethical issues would be raised by research that involves the following:
Submit the form
To apply for ethics approval, you need to complete and submit the ‘Research ethics and integrity risk assessment form’ which can be found at tinyurl.com/u8zteb2f. This form is read- only, so click ‘Edit Document>Open in Desktop App’, then save a copy that you can edit for submission.
You should send the completed form along with relevant complimentary documents to your Supervisor/Module Leader/Tutor, who then needs to approve and sign it off.
Remember, the ethics application form must be submitted and approved before any research project starts and before any potential participants are approached. Failure to gain prior ethical approval is considered an academic offence.
At various points you will be asked to provide complementary documents. Your application cannot be processed without these. You are advised to first complete the project outline.
Make sure you include the following where your project utilises these research methods and instruments:
The completed ‘Research ethics and risk assessment’ form
A completed Project Proposal
A participant-information sheet
An informed-consent form
A copy of interview questions and/or the questionnaires/data-collection-instruments you intend to use or, if you are not using such approaches, a statement of what will be used (as a Microsoft Word document, with your Application ID at the top)
A data management statement (the template for this is available at uwloffice365live.sharepoint.com/Pages/Research.aspx – simply add your name and Application ID at the end
How it works
The School/College Ethics Panel (SCREP) will review your application – normally within two weeks of submission
You and your supervisor will be informed of the outcome by email
Outcomes will be one of the following categories:
Conditional approval subject to review and re-submission (you must make the changes specified by the panel before you can start)
Provisional approval subject to additional information and re-submission (you can start your project, but you will need to provide further information at a date determined by the School/College Ethics Panel)
Final approval (the approval is final, and you do not need to re-submit unless you make subsequent changes to the project)
Rejection (you must discuss issues raised with your supervisor)
Referral to University Research Ethics Committee where risk is identified that requires such referral.
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