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Module Handbook

BUSINESS RESEARCH PROJECT

BS3S86

2016-17

1
Table of Contents

Welcome 3

Module Descriptor 4

The Business Research Process 5

Assessment 6

Formative Assessment: Group Research Proposal 7

Summative Assessment 1: Group Presentation 7

Summative Assessment 1: Assessment Criteria 9

Summative Assessment 2: Individual Report 11

Summative Assessment 2: Assessment Criteria 12

Learning Agreement 13

2
Welcome

Welcome to the Business Research Module, where you get the opportunity to become
business researchers / consultants. We hope you will find it interesting, relevant and enjoyable.

The module has been developed to give you knowledge and skills that employers tell us they
want. You will learn how to identify contemporary business problems and issues and you will be
taught the skills you need to investigate them through primary and secondary research. You will
learn basic methodological techniques and approaches and have the opportunity to put your
knowledge and skills to the test.

You will be working in a team of 3 or 4 people. You will need to work closely and effectively to
achieve your group objectives, so teamworking (another key skill) will be important. Your first
assignment is a group presentation and we will be expecting a contribution from every member
of the team

Unlike other modules, you will not be in the classroom every week. Some weeks have been
designated for data gathering and analysis and some for meeting with your tutor. You will need
to demonstrate that you can plan your project effectively, use your time sensibly and work to
deadlines, all of which are key employability skills.

Finally, you will be submitting an individual research report which will demonstrate your ability
to conduct research and come up with innovative and practical solutions to real business
problems, drawing on knowledge acquired across your programme.

We are looking forward to working with you.

Dr. Louise Hung

(USW Module Leader)

3
Module Descriptor

Aims of the Module

 To encourage students to draw upon, apply and integrate research skills associated
with analysis, evaluation and the presentation of complex material.
 To provide students with the opportunity to pursue, in-depth, a specific area of interest
by developing and demonstrating the business-related skills acquired during their
studies.
 To encourage students to adopt a more critical reflective approach to problem solving
at University and in employment.
 To enable students to develop their employability skills, including basic academic skills,
higher-order thinking skills and personal qualities achieved through learning methods
that ensure sustainable outcomes.

Key Skills delivered by this module:

D1 Problem solving and decision making including identifying, formulating and solving business
problems. The ability to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the
capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situation
D2 Communication, oral/writing, using a range of media which are widely used in business, of
example, the preparation of business reports
D3 Numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation.
The use of modules of business problems and phenomena
D4 Applying communication and information technology for business applications
D5 Self-Management in terms of time, planning and behaviour, motivation, self-starting,
individual initiative and enterprise
D6 Learning to learn and developing an appetite for learning; reflective, adaptive and
collaborative learning
D7 Self-awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business
and management issues
D8 Group working and interpersonal skills including leadership, team building, influencing and
project management skills together with skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and
presentation
D9 Application of research skills to business and management issues, either individually or as
part of a team for project/dissertations/presentations. This requires familiarity with a range of
business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies

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Business Research Process

1. Forming Groups. In the first session of this module you will be asked to form groups
of 3 or 4 people by session two. Remember that you will be working closely with your
group so you need to be sure that you are comfortable with your team members. It is
important that everyone makes an equal contribution to the project. Each group will be
expected to complete a Learning Agreement (see P. 13) and nominate a spokesperson
who will be the point of contact between the group and the module tutor.
2. Choosing a Topic. It is important that the group are all involved in the selection of the
topic and that everyone is interested in the subject. You should choose a topic that
relates to your named award so student specialising in Marketing should choose a
topic related to marketing and those specialising in HRM should choose an HRM topic
and so on. You will need to consider this when choosing your team members.
3. Submitting a Proposal. Your group will need to submit a written proposal using the
Proposal Form. The proposal should demonstrate that you have developed an
appropriate project, that you can complete the study within the timescales and that you
have the right people within the group to achieve your objectives. You will also need to
show that you have considered any ethical issues arising from your study. Your tutor
will discuss proposals with each group and sign them off when he/she is satisfied that
you are ready to proceed.
4. Data Gathering. Having decided on your research methodology, groups will be
required to undertake primary and secondary research. Remember that if you are
conducting research outside the University you should observe normal business
courtesies and conventions. You are an ambassador for the Business School and you
should behave accordingly.
5. Group Research Proposal. Your research proposal has to be submitted to your
module lecturer during your class in week commencing 28 rd November 2016.
6. Group Presentations. Your group presentation will take place in weeks commencing
6 th March 2017, 13 th March 2017 and 20 th March 2017 . Each group will be
required to make a 30 minute presentation (this comprises 20 minute presentation and
10 minutes questions and feedback) covering most aspects of the project, including
conclusions and recommendations, except discussion part which should be included in
individual reports. All group members must attend and contribute to the presentation.
7. Individual Reports. Your final assessment is an individual report. It should be
produced in report format from a consultant to a client – just as you would be required
to do in business. The report should be approximately 3,000 words including all parts
of the project including discussion, submitted by Turn-it-in Submission on Bb: by
23:55Hrs on 24 th April 2017 Monday.

Attendance. Attendance at all timetabled sessions is very important. We will be

keeping records of attendance as this is an indication of your commitment and
contribution to your group. It is also important that you meet with your group to meet
the objectives of this module. If you do not engage with your group your performance
will be affected.

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 BUSINESS RESEARCH PROJECT ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW

Assessment Assessment weighting Submission

1. Formative Assessment Pass or Fail w/c 28 th November 2016 –

printed copy handed to
GROUP PROPOSAL module tutor in class. Must
contain Student ID
numbers of all students in
the group.
2. Summative 1 Group presentation w/c 06/03/17, 13/03/17
Assessment 1 and 20/03/17. Students
20 minutes (50%)
must ensure they are
GROUP available to present during
PRESENTATIONS this time period.
ALL GROUPS must submit
a paper copy of their
presentation to the
assessor at the
presentation. Feedback
given immediately after
presentation sessions.
Grade on Bb within 20
working days (UK time).
3. Summative INDIVIDUAL REPORT Turnitin Submission on Bb:
Assessment 2 by 23:55Hrs on 24 th April
3,000 words (50%)
2017 Monday
INDIVIDUAL REPORTS

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Formative Assessment – Group Research Proposal (Pass or Fail)
Groups are required to submit a 1,250 word research proposal outlining the following:

 Research Title/Question
 Aims and objectives of the research
 Brief rationale
 Academic context – Literature and academic themes related to the project
 Chosen methodology and methods (an outline of the approaches proposed)

There is also a group SWOT analysis which should be completed to show which skill areas
require most attention and development. In addition, the groups will be required to complete the
‘project milestones’ chart included in the proposal to help start the planning of the research
project. Finally, an ethics statement is required to be completed.

The proposal must clearly state the names and Student ID numbers of the students who are in
the group.

A copy of the Research Proposal Template is in the Assessment section of the

module on Blackboard.

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BS3S86 Business Research Project
Formative Assessment – Group Research Proposal (Pass/Fail)

Marking Criteria
Weighting
Section 1 – About the Project

Research title / question 5

Project aim and objectives 10

Rationale for undertaking the project 10

Section 2 – Academic context

Concepts and ideas relevant to the project 20

(literature)

Additional sources of secondary data 10

Section 3 – Research design

Methodology and methods chosen (and 20

rationale)

Section 4 – Group information & dynamics

Group SWOT analysis 5

Implications for the project 5

Project milestones 5

Ethical considerations 10

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Summative Assessment 1- Group Presentation (50%)

You are required to form groups of between 3 or 4 people for this activity. We recommended
students on named Specialist Courses should form groups with other students on the same
course to undertake a project relevant to their specialism. This will enhance your specialist
learning. To this end, students undertaking specialist degree’s have been timetabled together to
enable the lecturers to contextualize the research reports for this purpose.

Groups must be formed as soon as possible after the module starts. One person from this
group should be nominated as the group spokesperson. Each group will complete a Learning
Agreement which confirms the membership of the group and your willingness to work together.
Once confirmed with the Module Tutor these groups cannot be altered unless with the express
permission of the Tutor who will amend the Learning Agreement accordingly. Please note all
students must join a group.

 You are required to present your research topic findings to an audience which will
include members of academic staff, fellow students and other interested parties.

 The presentation will include clear sections introducing the background to your
research problem / issue, your chosen methods, your findings and conclusions.
Recommendations are to be included where appropriate.

 The groups are expected to utilise electronic presentation equipment. It is very

important that thought should be given to all aspects of the presentation - the content,
design and use of graphics, images etc, individual contributions, dress code etc. The
whole presentation should be of a professional standard. You should direct your
presentation to a business audience, not your fellow students.

 The presentation will last for 30 minutes (including 20 minute presentation and 10
minute questions and feedback). Each group member must take a speaking part, and
these should be roughly equal. It will not be acceptable for one member to simply
introduce the group and take no further part.

 The presentation should be supported by relevant documentation i.e. a summary of

findings, prepared audience handouts/notes etc.

 Presentations will be assessed according to the criteria shown in the document below.
You will receive immediate feedback from the panel and your group grade will be
available on Bb within 7 working days (UK time).

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Marking Criteria: Summative Assessment 1 (50%): Presentation
Assessment Sheet (20 minute presentation, 10 minute questions &
feedback)
TITLE: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

GROUP MEMBERS: …………………………………………………………………………………………….

ASSESSORS: ………………………………………………………… DATE/TIME SLOT: ……………………

AREA ASSESSED Weighting COMMENTS

DELIVERY AND TEAM

DYNAMICS

Presentation style 10
Team Cooperation
Appearance

VISUAL AIDS

Quality of supporting 10
materials
Quality of slides

CONTENT

Appropriate scope and 5

depth of research topic

Use of appropriate 10
literature

Methodology and 10
method.

Findings 15

Analysis, interpretation 20
and application

CONCLUSION &
RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusions linked to 10
research objectives

Implementable 10
recommendations

10
Assessors Comments and Overall Grade

Mark agreed: _________________________ %

Assessor 1 (Signed):______________________________________

Assessor 2 (Signed): ______________________________________

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Summative Assessment 2: Individual Report (50%)

You are required to write an individual research report on your research project as a follow
up your presentation. It is standard business practice for researchers / consultants to present
their research findings to the client, followed by the submission of a detailed report.

Instructions:
1. This is an individual report based on the research project you presented in your group
presentation. This report will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of the key
issues, the research process, your findings, discussion, conclusions and
recommendations
2. This is an INDIVIDUAL submission and should not be plagiarized within the group.
While you draw on the same literature and process, the only elements of your report
that should be ‘similar’ would be your brief statement of the research objectives, and
any statistical data, diagrams and / or tables used in your group presentation.
3. Your report should be written in a professional manner, from researcher / consultant to
client. The key sections in the report should be:
a) Introduction : this should include:
I. a statement of the problem
II. the aim and objectives of your research project
III. a rationale for this study
b) Literature Review : The topic chosen should be placed in a pertinent theoretical
context. You may also include information on the industry / company from other
appropriate sources.
c) Research Methods : This should relate to
I. What you want to find out – your research questions
II. the methods chosen for primary data collection
d) Findings: Presenting the primary research findings in a clear and focused manner.
e) Discussion : This section allows you to discuss and analyse your primary findings in
relation to what you found in the literature review.
f) Conclusions : These should relate to the aim and objectives set out in the
introduction.
g) Recommendations : in two areas resulting from the conclusions
I. directed at the organization
II. areas for future research.
i) Reflection: You should briefly reflect your experience of the role of researcher
4. Your report should
a) Identify your student number in the document
b) Be your own independent work and free from plagiarism, correctly referenced.
c) Use Harvard citation and referencing
d) Be written in an appropriate style
e) Be word processed, in black text using 1.5 spacing and Font: Arial, Calibri or Times
New Roma
f) Font size 12
g) Have been spell checked and proof-read

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Assessment Criteria Summative Assessment 2: Individual Report (50%)
29 or less 30 – 39 40 – 49 50 – 59 60 – 69 70 +
Introduction (10%) Poor choice of Adequate choice Appropriate topic Good choice of Good choice of Clear
topic, poorly of topic, poorly choice, adequately topic adequately topic , clear articulation of
expressed. expressed. described. Aims described. Aims explanation. Aims a highly
Unclear aims and Adequate aims and objectives and objectives are and objectives are relevant
objectives and objectives relevant to the relevant and well relevant and well contemporary
topic. written. written. topic with clear
aims and
objectives
Literature Review Poor use of Adequate use of Adequate use of Good use of Very good use of Excellent use of
(15%) literature from literature from literature from literature. Good literature. Good literature.
some relevant mostly relevant relevant sources. contemporary contemporary Good
sources. Errors in sources. Mostly Mostly accurate sources. Mostly sources. Accurate contemporary
referencing. accurate referencing. accurate referencing sources.
referencing. referencing Accurate
referencing.
Research Very poor Some Adequate Good Very good Sophisticated
Methodology understanding of understanding of understanding of understanding of understanding of understanding
(15%) methodological methodological methodological methodological methodological of
issues and issues. Some issues. issues. Good use issues. Very good methodological
techniques. Poor evidence of Appropriate of appropriate use of issues and
choice of method. application of choice of method, methods. appropriate techniques.
Inadequate appropriate adequately method. Accurate and
primary research. methods. applied. appropriate
use of
methods.
Finding (20%) Very limited new Some original Adequate findings Good and Very good and Excellent
material arising findings from arising from the interesting interesting original
from the limited primary research. Logical findings, clearly findings, clearly findings arising
research. research. Weak presentation. expressed. expressed. Some from primary
Inadequate presentation of evidence of research.
primary data. findings. originality. Excellent
Findings poorly presentation of
presented findings.
Analysis and Very weak Some meaningful Adequate analysis Good analysis of Very good and Excellent
discussion (20%) analysis from analysis from of findings with findings. Clear interesting interpretation
poor data. limited findings. some reference to reference to findings, clearly of findings in
Limited reference Some reference appropriate appropriate expressed with relation to
to literature. to appropriate literature. literature. evidence of appropriate
literature. originality. literature.
Sophisticated
level of
analysis.
Conclusions and Weak conclusions Some conclusions Adequate and Good and Very good and Excellent
Recommendations and and relevant relevant relevant conclusions
(10%) recommendations recommendations conclusions and conclusions and conclusions and drawn
with little arising from recommendations. recommendations recommendations accurately from
reference to the findings and Some evidence of that have real that have real findings and
primary data. analysis. Lacking value to the value for the value for the analysis. Clear
Very limited value in originality. Of ‘client’ ‘client’ ‘client’ evidence of
to the ‘client’ limited value to organization. organization. organization. originality.
organization. the ‘client’ Clear links to aims Good links to Clearly
organization. and objectives aims and implementable
objectives recs aimed at
the ‘client’
organisation
Reflection (5%) No real evidence Some evidence of A clear and A clear and Good personal Excellent
of personal personal relevant reflective relevant reflective reflection. personal
reflection nor reflection. Some piece which shows piece which Evidence of reflection.
identification of evidence of skills personal and skills shows personal development of Clear
the development development. development. and skills knowledge and development
of transferrable development. transferrable skills of knowledge
skills Evidence of and
original thinking. transferrable
skills
Presentation (5%) Poor Adequate Adequate Good Very good Excellent

13
 Learning Agreement

GROUP Name: ________________________________________________________

RESEARCH TOPIC/TITLE:

Student Name Student Number Signature

1.

2.

3.

4.

I agree to contribute to the group work to complete the business research project
and attend to present at the group presentation .

Our Group Spokesperson is

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Date: …………………………………………

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