Learning Outcomes:

1. Critically analyze the role, function, and importance of research in business for problem identification and solution mapping.
2. Conduct a literature review using a variety of techniques including scoping, sourcing (primary and secondary) critical analysis, and synthesis.
3. Evaluate traditionally and innovative business research methodologies, and develop appropriate qualitative and quantitative empirical data collection tools.
4. Design and produce an academic research paper incorporating an initial review of relevant literature, methodology, methods, and legal and ethical considerations.

Assignment Brief

This research project requires candidates to research a preferred area/topic of business relevant to their Level 8 business degree. It is important that students discuss their research project with the lecturer regularly as the project will evolve over the semester.

The principal focus of the module requires students to plan and develop a piece of academic research. Students will be required to identify a topic area of interest that relates to business, this will lead to a literature review in which the topic/problem area is critically explored. The findings of the literature review will inform the creation of primary research in which the student will have the opportunity to capture research data from their peers within the class.

Part 1: 

Students are required to identify a topic area of interest that should be framed as a problem to investigate or a suggestion for innovation. Students should write a brief rationale (approx. 200 words) for the project with one research question and a literature review. You can use any sources you wish to help frame your work, ultimately you are performing the investigation so you must decide on which source material is the most appropriate for addressing your research question. Part 1 (research rationale, research questions, and literature review) should be no more than 1100 words in total.

Part 2:

Based on completion of Part 1, students now have the basis for performing an empirical investigation in order to capture data for examination that may support the findings in your literature review or contradict them. Students have a choice of how to gather the primary research. Students may develop a research questionnaire that must contain at least 5 questions, but no more than 10 questions. This questionnaire will be created using Google Forms or Survey Monkey and your peers (approx. 10) will complete this electronically. Students could also choose to conduct one focus group or one in-depth interview. Students need to also consider ethics when carrying out the primary research, and ensure they are not leading your potential participants, as well as causing any potential harm, and are GDPR compliant. These aspects will be discussed in class. Students also need to present their findings in an appropriate manner, discuss the findings and link back to the literature review and finally draw conclusions and make recommendations. Part 2 should be no more than 1100 words in total.