You are on page 1of 12

BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT

ASSIGNMENT FRONT SHEET


Student Name:
Certification: I certify that the whole of this work is the result of my individual effort and that all
quotations from books, periodicals etc. have been acknowledged.

Student Signature:

Date:

Student Registration Number:


Student email address :

Programme : BA Business

Level : 6

Academic Year : 2015/16

Semester: YEAR 3 Term 1

Module title : Project

Assignment no. : 1

Module code: BUS602

Word guide: 1500 words

Percentage Weighting of this assignment for the module: 20%

Issue date : Oct 2015

Return date : See Moodle space

Lecturer : See Moodle space

Second marker : TBC

Notes for students :


1.
2.
3.
4.

Electronic copy of assignment must be submitted through the Turnitin software no hard copies.
This assignment will be marked electronically and results available online through Grademark in Turnitin.
10% of marks are awarded for satisfactory use of language and/or good presentation.
5% of marks are awarded for satisfactory referencing and/or presentation of a bibliography where either is
required. Note that all referenced work should be obtained from credible sources.
5. Students should ensure that they comply with Glyndwr Universitys plagiarism policy.

6. Students should make correct use of the Harvard referencing method.


Learning Outcomes Tested in this Assignment :
1. Identify, and specify the characteristics of and the variables relevant to a problem or investigative topic in
the sphere of management or business.
2. Design a coherent, logical and methodically sound research proposal as a basis for undertaking a
researchable independent project.

Overall Comment :
Mark (%)

Would students please note that achievement of the learning outcomes for this assessment is demonstrated
against the assessment criteria shown below (which are not necessarily weighted equally). All marks/grades
remain indicative until they have been considered and confirmed by the Assessment Board
Using the attached proforma, a Project Proposal must be prepared and submitted for approval before the
commencement of the Project. The proposal requires a provisional title with terms of reference, as well as
outline details of the context, rationale and proposed methodology of the project. These should be discussed
with the project supervisor prior to submission. In addition, students should agree an action plan for their
projects with their supervisors and agree the dates of their supervision meetings in advance.

BA BUSINESS PROGRAMME
PROJECT PROPOSAL GUIDANCE (PROFORMA)
Name of Student
Student ID Number
Project Supervisor (If Allocated)
Declaration of
Originality &
Authorship of the
work

By submitting this piece of work I am declaring that:


1. It is my own work;
2. I or any other person has not previously submitted this work in any other context
or for any other purpose.
3. All ideas and views incorporated in the work are my own except as otherwise
indicated by in-text citations which citations declare the origins of the ideas
reported.

PART-A
Universities develop links with industry through several avenues, one is known as Knowledge Transfer (KT).
You are a projects director in your business organisation.
Your managing director has briefed you on a pressing business problem that your organisation is facing. You
are required to prepare a call for bids, suitable for one or a group of final year undergraduate business
student(s) to conduct.
The following is the call for bids that you have prepared:
1.0 Title of Project (20 words)
This needs to be well defined, precise and clearly written. It may well contain phrases such as;
An investigation into ;
A critical analysis/appraisal of . ...
An investigation to establish/analyse the impact of
A comparison between
2.0 Terms of Reference (250 words)
We recommend three terms of reference. One which states the purpose, one which states and justifies the
method(s) and one which draws conclusions from the findings and makes recommendations.
2.1 Purpose:
Academic significance of topic area, (up to two sentences
Business context where the problem resides, (up to three sentences)
Aim of the research project, (end the purpose section with):
Therefore, the aim the proposed study is
to investigate ...,
to research ...
to analyse/evaluate/compare
to critically evaluate , or
to survey or to assess or a combination of the
above
2.2 Methods:
State and justify the data collection and data analysis methods;
Data will be collected using a quantitative questionnaire data will be analysed using SPSS v19
results
will be presented in the form of graphs and tables
Data will be collected by interviewing interview data will be analysed for major themes quotations
will be used to illustrate the findings.
2.3 Expected outcome:
State the expected outcome significantly making recommendations to the briefing organisation
Results from the study will be compared with findings contained in the literature this will enable the
research to draw conclusions from the findings and make recommendations ...
you may state the nature of the recommendations you propose to make and who to direct these at

PART-B
You are an undergraduate business student at a University that has Knowledge Transfer links with the business
organisation that has sent out the call for bids detailed in PART-A.
You are required to prepare a project proposal in answer to the call for bid. Your proposal should contain an
appropriate introduction and clearly set out the theoretical underpinning of the study and the methodology of the
study. The proposal should also include a project management plan. All evidence used to underpin the study
should be presented using the Harvard referencing format.
If at all possible include a detailed account or outline of the data collection tool you propose to use
1.0 Title of Project (20 words)
Insert the same title as given in PART-A
2.0 Background and Context (385 words)
You are advised to start with an introductory section which sketches in issues which form the background
of the topic/the organisation/ the type of problem. You can then outline the purpose of the study, what you
are seeking to investigate, why you are doing the study and why it is worth doing.
You need to justify what you are doing.
2.1 Academic topic area and general business context of the problem
An explanation of the general and specific academic areas in which the problem is situated and the
general significance and impact of the problem on business operations in general.
2.2 Specific business context of the problem (this may be a business organisation)
Background of the business/organisation and how the problem manifests and why it is important
to
find an answer to the problem this defines the type of management decision that should follow
from the research
2.3 Purpose of the proposed study
2.3.2 Research question (this is a restatement of the project title (note: Title < -- > Question < -- > Aim))
2.3.1 Research aim (state the aim of the study / this is a restatement of the research problem. This forms the
basis of the recommendations that you would make following completion of the study)
2.3.3 Subsidiary Questions and/or Objectives (1-3) (that when addressed answer the research question)
2.4 Significance of the proposed study
An explanation of why the proposed study is significant both to the current business, business in
general and may be also to academic understanding in the topic area of study
3.0 Summary of Relevant Theory (385 words)
A summary of theory, and key factors arising from theory, relating to the area of the research. It is important that
you link different areas of literature / comment showing a consistent thread of logic connecting the different
sources you use.
You need to cite a minimum number of references (between six and ten will be appropriate).
It is prudent to link defined literature to each of your subsidiary questions and/or objectives.
4.0 Methodology (400 words)
This is a critical part of the proposal ( and project report): NO DATA = NO PROJECT REPORT
You must justify your suggested methodology by reference to appropriate theory.
4.1 Introduction
Re-state the subsidiary questions and/or objectives (you may have up to 3 sections for a maximum of 3)
Then consider data collection, and data analysis and presentation of findings for each subsidiary question and/or
objective.
4.2 Research design (Quantitative (objectives) or qualitative (subsidiary questions))
This section should refer to the research design and the reasons for the research.
You should present a summary of your data collection and data analysis techniques together with how the
results will be presented.
Data collection approach and techniques will be underpinned by the research question and hence the Research
Philosophy (Positivism (objectives) or interpretivism (subsidiary questions) or a mixture)
By considering the research question and related objectives or subsidiary question you will state whether the
question will be answered using qualitative methods or quantitative methods or a mixture of the two.

interpretivism when you want to understand the feelings, perceptions or experiences of research participants
Positivism when you want to measure (and compare) aspects or characteristics of participants
Note whether and if so what type of secondary or primary data you propose to use and why.

4.3 Data collection, analysis and presentation of results


4.3.1 Objective 1 (Use actual title of objective 1)
4.3.1.1 Secondary data (if any is to be collected for the study) (note your literature review)
4.3.1.1.1 Secondary data search strategy (search terms, inclusion criteria and data sources
to search; indicate organisational sources)
4.3.1.1.2 Access for secondary data collection and research ethics
Confirm that you have/or can gain access to the required secondary data. For
confidential data/information, organisations need to give informed consent and need to be
protected from injury or harm. Where appropriate, you need to acknowledge data sources
(using the Harvard referencing system) in order to avoid plagiarism
4.3.1.1.3 Secondary data analysis (may be quantitative or qualitative) (lit.rev. is qualitative)
4.3.1.1.4 Presentation of results (may be text, images, graphs, tables, numbers etc.).
Where appropriate, you need to acknowledge data sources in order to avoid plagiarism.
Paraphrase, critique and synthesise data in order to ensure academic rigour.
4.3.1.2 Primary data (if any is to be collected for the study)
4.3.1.2.1 Primary data collection (indicate sources of survey questionnaire or
Interview questions)
Comment on why particular methods have been chosen:
you are expected to use either questionnaires or interviews although you may use both
How do you propose to eliminate bias?
Is your data reproducible, reliable?
Questionnaires
How are they to be administered?
How can you test that your results will be meaningful?
Interviews
How are they to be administered?
How can you test that your results will be meaningful?
4.3.1.2.2 Study population (indicate organisations and people)
Why have particular respondents been chosen?
4.3.1.2.3 Sampling (may be probability or non-probability)
4.3.1.2.4 Access for data collection and participant protection (Ethics) Confirm
that you have/or can gain access to the required primary data. Both organisations and people
need to give informed consent and need to be protected from injury or harm
4.3.1.2.5 Primary data analysis (may be quantitative or qualitative)
You should detail your data analysis techniques
(calculations, graphs for quantitative data, sources of comparison for qualitative comments)
4.3.1.2.6 Presentation of results/ findings (may be textual, images, graphs, tables,
numbers etc.)

You should have a maximum of three subsidiary questions and/or objectives and have a heading for each; i.e.
4.3.2 &/or 4.3.3.
If possible, you need to limit yourself to using one research approach; i.e. either Quantitative or Qualitative
4.4 Conclusion to the methodology section
5.0 Project Management (75 words)
5.1 Introduction
You need a realistic and achievable schedule; this may commence as early as the close of the Project Proposal
semester and conclude with submission of the final project report at the close of the Project semester.
You may wish to include a Gantt chart as an appendix to the proposal
5.2 Time management plan: Timing of major project events and processes
A Gantt chart for the proposed study may be included as an Appendix.
5.3 Cost management plan: Costing of major project events and processes
A costing of materials and activities may be included in a Table
5.4 Risk management plan: Contingency plan

A contingency plan outlining how you propose to mitigate/ account for risks to successful conduct and completion
of the research project.
5.5 Conclusion to the project management section
References
You need to include some evidence of preliminary reading for this proposal although it is expected that this will
be extended for the literature review within the Project Report.
Cited works should be flagged and listed using the Harvard style of referencing
Appendices
You may want to include appendices such as the Gantt chart/ timeline and the proposed data collection tool viz.
survey questionnaire or semi-structured interview schedule

BA BUSINESS PROGRAMME
BUS602 ASSIGNMENT 1: PROJECT PROPOSAL
Name of Student
Student ID Number
Project Supervisor (If Allocated)
Declaration of
Originality &
Authorship of the
work

By submitting this piece of work I am declaring that:


4. It is my own work;
5. I or any other person has not previously submitted this work in any other context
or for any other purpose.
6. All ideas and views incorporated in the work are my own except as otherwise
indicated by in-text citations which citations declare the origins of the ideas
reported.

PART-A: Call for bids / proposals to conduct a Knowledge Transfer project


Case Study organisation or Business Context:
1.0 Title of Project (20 words)
2.0 Terms of Reference (250 words)
2.1 Purpose:
2.2 Methods:
2.3 Expected Outcomes:

PART-B: Proposal (Bid for the Knowledge Transfer project with ToRs given in PART-A)
1.0 Title of Project (20 words (Same as PART-A))

2.0 Background and Context (400 words)


2.1 Academic area and general business context of the problem
2.2 Specific business context of the problem
2.3 Purpose of the proposed study
2.3.1
Research question
2.3.2

Research aim

2.3.3 Subsidiary research questions (for Qualitative research) and/or


(SMART) Research objectives (for Quantitative research)
2.4 Significance of the proposed study
3.0 Summary of Relevant Theory (385)

4.0 Methodology (400 words)


4.1 Introduction
4.2 Research design
4.3 Data collection, analysis and presentation of results
4.3.1 Objective 1 (Use actual title of objective 1)
4.3.1.1 Secondary data (to address objective 1) (if you will use secondary data)
4.3.1.1.1 Secondary data collection
4.3.1.1.2 Access for secondary data collection and research ethics
4.3.1.1.3 Secondary data analysis
4.3.1.1.4 Presentation of results
4.3.1.2 Primary data (to address objective 1) (if you will use primary data)
4.3.1.2.1 Data collection
4.3..1.2.2 Population
4.3.1.2.3 Sampling

4.3.1.2.4 Access for data collection and participant protection (Ethics)


4.3.1.2.5 Data analysis
4.3.1.2.6 Presentation of results and/or findings

4.3.2 Objective 2 if any (Use actual title of objective 2); repeat process as for objective 1
4.3.3 Objective 3 if any (Use actual title of objective 3); repeat process as for objective 1
4.4 Conclusion to the methodology section
5.0 Project Management (75 words)
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Time management plan: Timing of major project events and processes
5.3 Cost management plan: Costing of major project events and processes
5.4 Risk management plan: Contingency plan
References

Appendices (if any)

Agreed Mark

BA/BSc Research Proposal: Internal Readers Appraisal

(2014-15)

Student Name
Student Number
Markers Name
Centre Name
Date
Provisional Title and Terms of Reference: ( 300 words)
Clarity and precision of title.
Precision of terms of reference
Unclear or poorly
defined research
question and terms of
reference statements of
purpose; methods;
recommendations)
There is no title, or if
present, it is incoherent

The research question


and terms of reference
are poorly defined. The
title is ambiguous and
difficult to interpret in
relation to the proposed
study

Appropriate basic
description of research
question and terms of
reference. The title has
some weaknesses but
expresses some of the
essence of the
proposed study

Clearly defined
research question and
terms of reference. The
title captures most of
the essence of the
study

Clear and well-defined


research question with
clear terms of reference
(i.e. statements of
purpose; methods;
recommendations)
The title fully captures
the essence of the
proposed study.

Under 30%

30 39%

40 59%

60 69%

70% and Over

04

5- 6

6- 9

9 10

11 15

Summary & Introduction and background

Background and Context (400 words)


Explanation of topic area
Explanation of organisational context
Explanation of type of problem
Evidence of business relevance
Absent or inappropriate
Poorly structured
explanation of the topic,
explanation of the topic,
the organisational
the organisational
context and the
context and the
problem
problem.
Under 30%

07

30 39%

8 - 10

Reasonably structured
explanation of the topic,
the organisational
context and the
problem.

Partly. Well-structured
explanation of the topic,
the organisational
context and the
problem.

40 59%

60 69%

10 - 15

15 17

Clear and wellstructured explanation


of the topic, the
organisational context
and the problem.
70% and Over

18- 25

Background and Context

10

Use of Relevant Theory (400 words)


Critical discussion of academic literature on topic related to the research question.
Use of a good range of books and, maybe, journal articles.
Use of company reports where relevant.
Literature search is
Literature search is
The work has some
Good literature search
seriously inadequate, or inadequate, possibly
deficiencies but cites a
conducted using a
absent or literature
using poor quality
limited range of basic
range of academically
used is unrelated to the
websites as sources.
literature.
recognised sources e.g.
research topic
books and article

Under 30%

30 39%

0-6

6-8

40 59%

60 69%

8 - 12

12 - 14

Very good literature


search conducted using
a broad range of
academically
recognised sources e.g.
books and journal
articles.
70% and Over
14 - 20

Literature Review

Methodology (400 words)


Explanation and justification of proposed data collection and analysis methods.
Explanation of sampling and participant protection:
Justification of research method(s) chosen
Attempts to make predictions and recommendations.
Absent or inappropriate
There is an attempt to
Largely appropriate
Overall data collection
description of research
explain and justify
data collection and
and analysis methods
approaches or choice of choice of methods for
analysis methods
are well suited to
data collection and
data collection and
explained but with gaps
problem; with good
analysis methods and
analysis and
evident in design and/or implementation of
implementation of
implementation of
implementation of
research ethics.
research ethics
research ethics is often
research ethics.
inadequate and
techniques are often
inappropriate
Under 30%

30 39%

0-6

6-8

40 59%

60 69%

8 - 12

12 - 14

Overall data collection


and analysis methods
are very well suited to
problems and high
standard of
implementation Of
ethics.

70% and Over


14 - 20

Methodology

Timescale Plan of Project management


Outline and presentation of the timescale for the project
Absent or inappropriate
Poorly explained and
Basic information on
description of
presented information
timescales and for the
timescales for the main
on timescales for the
main research activities
research activities.
main research
is presented.
activities.
data analysis

Under 30%

0-3

30 39%

3-4

Timescales are clear


and realistic and
presented with in an
appropriate format such
as a Gantt chart.

40 59%

4-6

60 69%

6-7

Clear and well defined


timescale with realist
timeline.
All major milestones
included.
Schedule presented in
an appropriate format
such as a Gantt chart.
70% and Over

7 - 10

Timescale Plan of Project Management

Presentation, style and quality of English


Structure and coherence
English grammar, spelling and sentence construction
Impersonal style using interesting but not overcomplicated language

11

Ability to discuss ideas accurately and succinctly, avoiding repetition and waffle
Incoherent. Limited or
no originality.
Serious inadequacies
where the meaning is
unclear. May be overly
repetitive

Under 30%

0-1

Some coherence.
Limited originality.
Report may have
satisfactory depth when
re-visited. May be
repetitive. May have
some deficiencies in
English, but is not
incomprehensible.

Coherent throughout
with some attempt at
originality. Project of
satisfactory depth.
Few and minor
deficiencies in English.
Little or no repetition

Good standard of
coherence with
elements of originality
presented in a
combination that
provides insight and
depth.
High standard of written
English.

Highly coherent
throughout. Proposal
has clear originality and
depth and incorporates
creativity and
innovation.
Excellent standard of
written English.

30 39%

40 59%

60 69%

70% and Over

1-2

2-3

4-5

Presentation, style and quality of English

Referencing
Accurate referencing using the Harvard Reference System.
Suitable use of referencing throughout the report.
Both in-text flagging
and references listing
formats have significant
deviations from Harvard
conventions.

Under 30%

0-1

Either or both in-text


flagging or the
references listing may
have format errors

30 39%

1-2

Harvard referencing is
accurate but there are
some discrepancies
between in-text
citations and the
references listing

Harvard referencing is
accurate throughout but
there are minor
discrepancies between
in-text citations and the
references listing

Harvard referencing is
complete and accurate
throughout. All in-text
citations are listed

60 69%

70% and Over

40 59%

2-3

4-5

Referencing

Word Guide: 7,500 750


Total Marks: 100

Assignment-2 First Marker Total Mark

Assignment 1, (Project Proposal) contributes the other 20% of the module marks for BUS602
Assignment 2, (Project Report), Contributes the other 80% to the total marks for module BUS602

Second Markers Summary of key points (if required)

2nd Marker:

Date

Moderating Discussion: Summary of key points (if required)

Date
:

1st Moderator:

2nd Moderator:

12

You might also like