Module Booklet

Unit 8

Research Project

Unit level

Unit code

K/601/0941

Qualification

BTEC HND in Business

Term Start Date

22/02/2016

Hand out date

29/02/2016

Submission

Part 1:

15/04/2016

Deadline

Part 2:

15/07/2016

Lecture

15Weeks

Revision Clinic

3 Weeks

Module leader

Dalton Vincent

Lecturer

Dr. Chuma Osuchukwu

Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................... 3
Aim.................................................................................................................................. 3
Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria...................................................................3
Unit content...................................................................................................................... 4
Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria...................................................................5
Teaching and Learning Methods......................................................................................6
Assessment Methods -Summary.....................................................................................6
Teaching Plan for the Term..............................................................................................7
Teaching Ethos.............................................................................................................. 12
Methods of Delivery.......................................................................................................12
Assignment brief............................................................................................................ 14
Contextualisation grid to achieve higher grade..............................................................16

1. Introduction

This module aims to provide learners with the tools to do a research project, which
regardless the topic of any discipline, learners require to select a topic, identify the objectives
of the study, plan and design a suitable methodology, devise research instruments, negotiate
access to institutions materials and people, collect analyse and present information, and
finally produce a well-written report.
This unit is designed for learners to become confident in the use of research techniques
and methods. It addresses the elements that make up formal research, including the
proposal, a variety of methodologies, action planning, carrying out the research itself and
presenting the findings. To complete the unit satisfactorily, learners must also understand the
theory that underpins formal research.
The research itself is dependent on the learner, with the support and close supervision of
his/hers tutor, the context of the research area of learning, their focus of interest and the
anticipated outcomes. The unit draws together a range of other areas of content within the
programme of study to form a holistic piece of work that makes a positive contribution to the
learners area of interest. Learners should seek approval from their tutors before starting the
study.

2. Aim
To develop learners skills of independent enquiry and critical analysis by undertaking a
sustained research investigation of direct relevance to students higher education programme
and professional development.

3. Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
1. Understand how to formulate a research specification
2. Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification
3. Be able to evaluate the research outcomes
4. Be able to present the research outcomes.

4. Unit content
LO1. To be able to understand how to formulate a research specification
Research formulation: aims and objectives; rationale for selection; methodology for data
collection and analysis; literature review; critique of references from primary sources eg

questionnaires, interviews; secondary sources, eg books, journals, internet; scope and

limitations; implications eg resources
Hypothesis: definition; suitability; skills and knowledge to be gained; aims and objectives;
terms of reference; duration; ethical issues
Action plan: rationale for research question or hypothesis; milestones; task dates; review
dates; monitoring/reviewing process; strategy
Research design: type of research eg qualitative, quantitative, systematic, original;
methodology; resources; statistical analyses; validity; reliability; control of variables

LO2. To be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to
specification
Implement: according to research design and method; test research hypotheses; considering
test validity; reliability
Data collection: selection of appropriate tools for data collection; types eg qualitative,
quantitative; systematic recording; methodological problems eg bias, variables and control of
variables, validity and reliability
Data analysis and interpretation: qualitative and quantitative data analysis interpreting
transcripts; coding techniques; specialist software; statistical tables; comparison of variable;
trends; forecasting.

LO3. To be able to evaluate the research outcomes

Evaluation of outcomes: overview of the success or failure of the research project (planning,
aims and objectives, evidence and findings, validity, reliability, benefits, difficulties,
conclusion(s)
Future consideration: significance of research investigation; application of research results;
implications; limitations of the investigation; improvements; recommendations for the future,
areas for future research

LO4. To be able to present the research outcomes

Format: professional delivery format appropriate to the audience; appropriate media

5. Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria

LO 1: Understand how to formulate a research specification

1.1. Formulate and record possible research project outline specifications
1.2. Identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection
1.3. Undertake a critical review of key references
1.4. Produce a research project specification
1.5. Provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification

LO 2: Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to

specification
2.1. Match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis
2.2. Undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed
specification and procedures
2.3. Record and collate relevant data where appropriate

LO 3: Be able to evaluate the research outcomes

3.1. Use appropriate research evaluation techniques
3.2. Interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification
3.3. Make recommendations in their research and link to research findings and justify areas
for further consideration

LO 4: Be able to present theresearch outcomes

4.1. Use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to
an audience

6. Teaching and Learning Methods

The module tutor(s) will aim to combine lectures with tutorial activities. This environment will
provide opportunities for the student to understand the course material through case study
and text and to apply it in a practical way. The intent is to facilitate interactive class activities,
and discussion about the significant role of research in a global and local business
environment.

7. Assessment Methods -Summary

A key feature of the assessment strategy for this unit is the practical application of the
theoretical content to an organisational situation at strategic level. The assessment will
consist of an individual report with an organization chosen for the purpose to address all the
learning outcomes.

8. Teaching Plan for the Term

Unit: 8-Research Project
Wk.
1

Lecture Schedule

Outcome of Session

Activity/seminar and formative

Resources

Introduction to the module,

Introduction to the module, mode of assessment,

assessment
Lecturing, class discussions, and

Research Formulation (1.1)

covering task 1.1 (Formulate and record possible

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

research project outline specifications)

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Covering task 1.2 (Identify the factors that

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

contribute to the process of research project

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

selection)

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Covering task 1.3 (Undertake a critical review of

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

key references)

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Research Process (1.2)

Literature Review (1.3)

Research Project Proposal (1.4)

Module handbook

Covering task 1.4 (Produce a research project

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

specification)

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

class.

10

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Planning Research Project (1.5)

Resources for Research (2.1)

Research Implementation (2.2)

Data Collection (2.3)

Covering task 1.5 (Provide an appropriate plan and

Lecturing, class discussions, and

procedures for the agreed research specification)

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Covering task 2.1 (match resources efficiently to

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

the research question or hypothesis)

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Covering task 2.2 (undertake the proposed

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

research investigation in accordance with the

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

agreed specification and procedures)

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Covering task 2.3 (record and collate relevant data

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

where appropriate)

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Research Evaluation Techniques

Covering task 3.1 (use appropriate research

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

(3.1)

evaluation techniques)

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Data Analysis (3.2)

Recommendations (3.3)

Covering task 3.2 (Interpret and analyse the results

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

in terms of the original research specification)

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Covering task 3.3 (Make recommendations in their

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

research and link to research findings and justify

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

12

13

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areas for further consideration)

by asking questions at the end of

Covering task 4.1 (Use an agreed format and

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

appropriate media to present the outcomes of the

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

research to an audience)

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Revision of Research Formulation

Revising task 1.1 (Research Formulation), 1.2

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

(1.1), Research Process (1.2),

(Research Process), 1.3 (Literature Review), and

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

Literature Review (1.3), and

1.4 (Research Project Proposal)

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Research Project Proposal (1.4)

Revision of Planning Research

Revising task 1.5 (Planning Research Project), 2.1

class.
Lecturing, class discussions, and

Project (1.5), Resources for

(Resources for Research), 2.2 (Research

teamwork; formative assessment

PowerPoint slides

Research (2.1), Research

Implementation), and 2.3 (Data Collection)

by asking questions at the end of

and handouts

Presenting Outcomes (4.1)

Implementation (2.2), and Data

and handouts

class.

Collection (2.3)
Revision of Research Evaluation

Revising task 3.1 (Research Evaluation

Lecturing, class discussions, and

PowerPoint slides

Techniques (3.1), Data Analysis

Techniques), 3.2 (Data Analysis), 3.3

teamwork; formative assessment

and handouts

(3.2), Recommendations (3.3), and

(Recommendations), and 4.1 (Presenting

by asking questions at the end of

Outcomes)

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Presenting Outcomes (4.1)

Assignment support

class.
Tutorial support

17

Assignment support

Tutorial support

18

Assignment support

Tutorial support

19

Assessment and feedback

Marking and giving feedback

20

Assessment and feedback

Marking and giving feedback

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Marking and giving feedback

Assessment and feedback

Recommended text and links:

Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2014). Business Research Methods (3rd ed.), Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Lancaster, G. (2005), Research Methods in Management, Oxford: Elsevier
Leedy, P. D. and Ormrod, J. E., (2009). Practical Research: Planning and Design (9th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education International.
Saunders, M. Lewis, P. Thornhill, A. (2012). Research methods for business students. (6thed.) England: Pearson
Yin, R. K. (2009). Case Study Research: Design and Methods. (4thed.) Los Angeles, London: Sage Publication
Websites
https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=en&q=research+methodology&btnG=&as_sdt=1%2C5&as_sdtp=
https://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=en&q=customer+satisfaction&btnG=&as_sdt=1%2C5&as_sdtp=

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Wk.
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Session Update

Date

Signature

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Lecturer: Dr. Chuma Osuchukwu

Campus: WentHouse
Assessment: The module will be assessed meeting all the LO as specified by the awarding
body, Edexcel.
Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified.
Outline Details: Details enclosed in the assignment brief.
Teaching and Learning Activities
The module tutor(s) will aim to combine lectures with tutorial activities. This environment will
provide opportunities for the student to understand the course material through case study and
text and to apply it in a practical way. The intent is to facilitate interactive class activities, and
discussion about the significant role of research in a global and local business environment.

11

9. Teaching Ethos
The Colleges approach towards teaching and learning is simple and effective. The main aim of
UKCBC is to assist learners in maximising their potential by ensuring that they are taught clearly
and effectively. This will enable students to engage in the learning environment and promote
success in both their academic studies and subsequent career.

10.

Methods of Delivery

LECTURES:
These will be developed around the key concepts as mentioned in the indicative course content
and will use a range of live examples and cases from business practice to demonstrate the
application of theoretical concepts. This method is primarily used to identify and explain key
aspects of the subject so that learners can utilise their private study time more effectively.
SEMINARS:
These are in addition to the lectures. The seminars are designed to give learners the
opportunity to test their understanding of the material covered in the lectures and private study
with the help of reference books. This methodology usually carries a set of questions identified
in advance. Seminars are interactive sessions led by the learners. This method of study gives
the learner an excellent opportunity to clarify any points of difficulty with the tutor and
simultaneously develop their oral communication skills.
CASE STUDIES:An important learning methodology is the extensive use of case studies. They
enable learners to apply the concepts that they learn in their subjects. The learners have to
study the case, analyse the facts presented and arrive at conclusions and recommendations.
This assists in the assessment of the learners ability to apply to the real world the tools and
techniques of analysis which they have learnt. The case study serves as a supplement to the
theoretical knowledge imparted through the course work.
Plagiarism:
Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and awarding bodies
regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below:
Plagiarism is presenting someones work as your won. It includes copying information directly
from the web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an
individual effort; copying another students coursework; stealing coursework form another
student and submitting it as your own work.Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if
found to have occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details
please refer to the plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct.)

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Assessment:
The module will be assessed meeting all the Learning Outcomes as specified by the awarding
body, Edexcel.
Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified.
Contribution: 100% of the module
Outline Details: Individual report approx. 4000 words.

Details enclosed in the assignment

brief.

11.

Assignment brief (PART 1)

Unit 8

Research Project

Unit code

K/601/0941

Qualification

HND in Business

Term Start date

22/02/2016

Assignment/hand-out

29/02/2016

date
Deadline/hand-in
date

15/04/2016

Assignment title

Research Proposal

Purpose of this assignment

The assignment has been split into 2 parts with Part 1 focusing on assessing learners
knowledge and ability towards producing a research project proposal and Part 2 focusing on

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research implantation and presentation. Unless part 1 is successfully achieved the

learner cannot proceed to part 2 of the assignment.
The purpose of the assignment is to assess learners skills of independent enquiry and critical
analysis by undertaking a sustained research investigation of direct relevance to students
higher education programme and professional development.

Scenario
You will need to consider various research topics and select a suitable research topic for your
Research Project Proposal, you will need to review key literatures and sourcesabout your
research topic and produce aresearch project specification.

LO1 (AC1.1, AC1.2, AC1.3, AC1.4 and AC1.5)

Task 1
You are required to;
1.1.

Formulate and record possible research project outline specifications. In this question,
you need just write an Outline (list of main topics that you are going to discuss).

1.2.

Identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection. In other
word, you need to discuss the influential factors that determine which research project
should be selected.

1.3.

Undertake/write a critical review of key references about your research topic and
influential factors for choosing the topic. In addition, you should write positive and
negative aspects of your chosen books, journals, or the Internet sources; and support
your argument by citing from valid academic sources.

1.4.

Produce/write a research project specification. Write a brief entitled Research Project

Proposal: An investigation into YOUR TOPIC. You need to write approximately 3 lines
for each section of this Research Project Proposal (the length of this proposal should be
approximately two pages).

1.5.

Provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification. Your
plan can be presented in tabular or graphic form (Gantt chart) to show what the main
activities/ stages of your research are, and how long each activity would take to complete

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There is opportunity to achieve higher grade descriptor in this part. Please refer to the
contextualisation grid.

Evidence
checklist

Summary of evidence required by student

1.1

Formulate and record possible research project outline

1.2

specifications
Identify the factors that contribute to the process of research

1.3

project selection
Undertake a critical review of key references

1.4

Produce a research project specification

1.5

Provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed

Additional

research specification
References and appendices

Information

15

Evidence
presented

1. Assignment brief (PART 2)

Unit 8

Research Project

Unit code

K/601/0941

Qualification

HND in Business

Term Start date

22/02/2016

Assignment/hand-out

29/02/2016

date
Deadline/hand-in date

15/07/2016

Assignment title

Research Implementation

Purpose of this assignment

This assignment would assess your knowledge and capabilities to conduct a supervised
research project in the field of business. While some of the tasks would evaluate your
understanding of research process and practice, the other tasks are designed to assess your
ability to conduct a research.
This part of the assignment will be focusing on assessing learners knowledge and ability
towards producing a research project proposal. You cannot start part 2unless part 1 is
successfully achieved.

LO2 (AC2.1, AC2.2 and AC2.3)

Information for task 2
This task focus is on Research Implementation. Research Planning (Part 1) should be
followed by the intention to implement the research project within agreed procedures as they
are planned in the Research Proposal

Task 2
You are required to;
2.1. Match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis. You should explain (A)
what are the resources required to carry out your research? (B) What is the relationship
between research resources and the research question or hypothesis?
2.2. Undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed

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specification and procedures.

In this question, you need to design and distribute a

Questionnaire among at least 20 respondents to collect data on your research topic (put
your questionnaire at the end of your assignment as an appendix).
2.3. Record and collate required data. Record the collected data from participants in the form
of a table that shows responses briefly. Collate the gathered primary data by comparing
the given answers by the respondents. You can use graphs or a frequency table.

LO3 (AC3.1, AC3.2 and AC3.3)

Information for Task 3
After conducting research and collecting data (from Task 1) you need to analyse and evaluate
these data to make sense of them that is the central point to this task.

Task 3
You are required to;
3.1. Use appropriate research evaluation techniques. Which types of evaluation (formative or
summative) is more appropriate for your research? Why?
3.2. Interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification by using
Frequency and/or Percentage calculations.
3.3. Makerecommendations and justify areas for further with regards to your research area.
You can determine at least three new topics/areas for further research.

LO4 (AC4.1)
Information for task 4
The last task is about the importance of presenting findings of your research in a format and
through proper media that can be understood by others.

Task 4
You are required to;

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4.1. Prepare a power point presentation to present the outcomes of the research to the

assessor. You are required to demonstrate results of your research by using suitable
graphs and tables (as format) at the end of your Research Project Report (as a written
media).

There is opportunity to achieve higher grade descriptor in this part. Please refer to the
contextualisation grid.

Evidence

Summary of evidence required by student

checklist
2.1

Match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis

2.2

Undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with

2.3

the agreed specification and procedures

Record and collate relevant data where appropriate

3.1

Use appropriate research evaluation techniques

3.2

Interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research

3.3

specification
Make recommendations in their research and link to research

4.1

findings and justify areas for further consideration

Use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the

Additional

outcomes of the research to an audience

References and appendices

Evidence
presented

Information

Contextualisation grid to achieve higher grade

Unit 8: Research Project
Descriptors

Indicative characteristics

Contextualisation

Merit Grade
Descriptors:

18

M1. Identify and apply

Effective judgments have

To achieve M1 you will make

strategies to find

been made.

effective judgements (1.1, 1.2 and

appropriate solutions.

An effective approach to

1.3)

study and research has been

Show that an effective approach to

used.

the study and research has been

used (1.4 and 1.5) by undertaking

M2. Select/ design and

A range of methods and

critical review of key literatures

To achieve M2 you will use a

apply appropriate

techniques have been

range of methods and techniques

methods/ techniques.

applied.

(2.2) and see that the complex

data has been synthesized and
processed (2.3 and 3.1)

M3. Present and

Appropriate structure has

To achieve M3 you will present

communicate

been used.

and communicate appropriate

appropriate findings.

findings with appropriate structure

(4.1).

Distinction Grade
Descriptors:
D1. Use critical

Realistic improvements have

Realistic improvements have been

reflection to evaluate

been proposed against

proposed against defined

own work and justify

defined characteristics

characteristic. Possible evidence

valid conclusion.

areas could be in Task3.3

D2. Take responsibility

The importance of

To achieve D2 you will have

for managing and

interdependence has been

demonstrated

organizing activities.

recognized.

your assignment, with effective

autonomy across

independent research and met the

deadlines to submit all the tasks
and achieve the unit assessment
criteria and interdependence with
each learning outcome has been
demonstrated
expected

to

(You

will

undertake

be

critical

review of key literatures to a high

standard).

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D3. Demonstrate

Ideas generate and decisions

Your

work

demonstrates

new

convergent, lateral and

taken. Lateral thinking have

ideas or suggestions towards the

creative thinking

been applied. Capacity for

assigned tasks and your research

innovation and creative

shows some creative thinking and

thought has been used.

receptiveness to new ideas across

Receptiveness to new ideas

the assignment making it look

has demonstrated.

different and creative (3.3).

2. Glossary of academic words used in this and other assignments

Account for

Give reasons for: explain why something

happens.

Analyse

Examine something in very close detail and

from a number of angles. Identify the
important points and chief features, and
understand their relationships.

Argue

Present a case for and against a proposal or

statement and present your own opinion at the
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end.

Compare

Show how two or more things are similar.

Contrast

Look at two or more things and draw out

differences. State whether the differences are
significant.

Critically
evaluate

Weigh arguments for and against something,

assess the strength of evidence on both sides.

Define

Give the exact meaning of.

Describe

Give a detailed account of the main features or

characteristics ...

Discuss

Write about the most important characteristics

of something. Give arguments for and against,
look at it from a variety of perspectives.

Distinguish

Identify the differences between two items.

Evaluate

Assess the worth or usefulness of something.

Use evidence to support your opinion.

Examine

Look at something in detail. You may be

expected to 'critically evaluate' it as well.

Explain

Make it clear why something happens or why it

is the way it is.

Identify

Recognise name and briefly describe

something.

Illustrate

Use examples to further explain or justify

something. Could be visual or verbal.
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Interpret

Explain the meaning or significance of

information or data that you are presenting.

Justify

Provide evidence that supports an argument or

idea.

Outline

Give only the main points, show only the main

structure.

Prove

Present evidence in a logical structure to

support an argument for a point of view.

Relate (Two
meanings)

1. Show how ideas / theories/ events etc are

linked or connected.
2. Tell a story. Explain something in a narrative
fashion.

Review

Survey and comment on the key aspects of

something or a range of things.

State

Give the main features clearly and simply.

Summarise

Draw out the main points, omitting detail and

examples.

To what
extent

How far is something true, or contributes to a

final outcome. Also how far is it not true? In
academic writing the answer is usually
somewhere in the middle.

Trace

Describe the development of something; follow

the order of different stages in an event or
process.

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