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UK COLLEGE
BUSINESS AND COMPUTING
Module Booklet
Course: EDEXCEL BTEC (HND) BUSINESS Group: Ed excel Level 5
Module: Unit 8 Research Project Module type: Optional
Module Code: K/601/0941
Module Credit: 20
Teaching Period: (12+3 weeks) Level: 5 (QCF)
Contact Hours: (15*3+6*3 = 61) Lecturers: 15 weeks
Revision Clinic: 3 week
Feedback and assignment guidance: 3 weeks MODULE LEADER: MR. PETER EMELONE Lecturer: Andrew Wiggan
Start date: 27/05/14 Day: Monday
Time:10:00 AM 1:00 PM
Room: 901
Group: WH Business Batch 2
Term: MAY-SEPT 2014
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
MODULE OUTLINE AND TEACHING METHODS
READING AND COURSE PREPRATION
LECTURE WITH DETAILED COURSE PROGRAMME AND OBJECTIVES
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
INTRODUCTION
This unit is designed to enable learners to become confident using research techniques and methods. It addresses the elements that make up formal research including the proposal, a variety of research 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 actual research depends on the learner, the context of their area of learning, their focus of interest and the anticipated outcomes. The unit draws together a range of other areas from within the programme to form a holistic piece of work that will make a positive contribution to the learners area of interest. Learners should seek approval from their tutors before starting their research project.
Aim:
To develop learners skills of independent enquiry and critical analysis by undertaking a sustained research investigation of direct relevance to their Higher Education programme and professional development.
Key Objectives:
Organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise options Demonstrate critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; sensitivity to diversity in people and different situations and the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience
Set personal targets and self manage adherence to a strict project timeline Recognise and address ethical dilemmas and corporate social responsibility issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations.
Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria:
On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
Understand how to formulate a research specification
formulate and record possible research project outline specifications
identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection
undertake a critical review of key references produce a research project specification
provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification
Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification
match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis
undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures
record and collate relevant data where appropriate
Be able to evaluate the research outcomes
use appropriate research evaluation techniques
interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification
make recommendations and justify areas for further consideration.
Be able to present the research outcomes
4.1use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an audience.
Knowledge and Understanding:
Be able to solve the complex problems/challenges/dilemmas facing the small business
Apply creativity to produce innovative solutions
Produce and organise large amounts of primary data into meaningful clusters to enable analysis
Conduct secondary research to enable the objective analysis of the case study themes
Indicative content:
1 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 e.g. questionnaires, interviews; secondary sources e.g. books, journals, internet; scope and limitations; implications e.g. 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 e.g. qualitative, quantitative, systematic, original; methodology; resources; statistical analyses; validity; reliability; control of variables.
2 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 e.g. qualitative, quantitative; systematic recording; methodological problems e.g. 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.
3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes
Evaluation of outcomes: an 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.
4 Be able to present the research outcomes
Format: professional delivery format appropriate to the audience; use of appropriate media
Wk
Lecture Schedule
Outcome of session
Activity/seminar and
Resources
formative assessment
1
Introduction to module
Introduction to the module, mode of assessment,
Background of the
Module
The research process getting started & the
awareness of the awarding body, assessment
expectations of the awarding
handbook
criteria and the mode of assessment
body
assignment framework. (1.1,1.2)
2
Research Philosophy, Design strategies and
Define research principles, purpose, objectives and
Case study and addressing the
Power point
Methodologies, (1.3).
aims. Map and classify data
learning outcome 1.3
slides and
Matching resources to research questions
lecture notes.
(2.1).
Issues with access to research participants
Be able to ethical issues, responsibilities using
Case study and addressing the
Power point
3
and Ethical considerations. (2.2) Producing
appropriate techniques. Be able to conduct pilot
learning outcome 1.4
slides and
data from Research Interviews and
interviews using closed questions
lecture notes.
Observation.
Record and classify data, (2.3)
4
Producing project specifications (1.4)
Understand practical problems, to proposing and
Case study and addressing the
Module hand
Devising research plan and schedule (1.5)
operating research projects.
learning outcome 1.5
book and
assignment for
Be able to plan a research project.
the purpose
5
REVSION TO ADDRESS TASK 1 AND 2
6
DO
7
Analysing quantitative/qualitative data (3.2)
Evaluate quantitative data
Case study and addressing the
PowerPoint
Reliability and validity in primary and
learning outcome 2.1
slides and
Describe a range of primary and secondary data
lecture notes
secondary data (3.2)
8
Testing research hypothesis by piloting
Case study and addressing the
Assignment case
research investigations (2.2)
learning outcome 2.2
study and
workshop
9
Introduction to statistics. Means, modes and
Explain basic statistics and be able to present data
Case study and addressing the
PowerPoint
sd (3.2)
graphically and numerically
learning outcome 2.3
slides and
Validity and reliability issues (2.3)
lecture notes
10
Interpreting and analysing research project
Conduct pilot data analysis using descriptive
Case study and addressing the
PowerPoint
results (3.2)
statistics.
learning outcome 3.1
slides and
Improving questionnaire design (3.3)
Review questionnaires
lecture notes.
11
Advanced data analysis using Chi Square.
Be able to use Excel spreadsheets for statistical
Case study and addressing the
PowerPoint
Using Excel for Statistical functions (in
analysis
learning outcome 3.2
slides and
lecture notes.
computer labs) (3.2)
12
Making recommendations and justifying
Be able to evaluate the research outcomes
learning outcome 3.3
Power point
areas for further research, (3.3)
slides and
Project preparation
lecture notes.
13
REVSION TO ADDRESS TASK 3
14
Individual presentations (4.1)
Demonstrate an agreed format and appropriate
learning outcome 4.1
Marking
media to present outcomes.
schemes
15
Individual presentations (4.1)
Demonstrate an agreed format and appropriate
Case study and LO
Marking
media to present outcomes.
schemes
Recommended text and links:
Core text:
Saunders, M. et al. 2009 Research Methods for Business Students, 5th ed Pearson Education
Supplementary Reading List (this list includes general texts and those focusing on more specific areas of the research process):
General:
Berry, R (2004) The Research Project: How to Write it (5th edn), London, Routledge.
Bryman, A. 2007 Business Research Methods Oxford University Press: Oxford
Davies, M.B., (2007) Doing a Successful Student Research Project using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan
Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. And Lowe, A. (2008) Management Research: An Introduction (3rd edn), London, Sage.
Jankowicz, AD (2004) Business Research Projects (4th edn), London, Thomson Learning Business Press
Kumar, R., (2011). Research Methodology, 3rd Ed. Sage London
Wilson, J., (2010). Essentials of Business Research, Sage London.
Literature Review:
Hart C (2002) Doing a Literature Review: releasing the social science imagination, London, Sage
Hart C (2000) Doing a Literature Search: a comprehensive guide for the social sciences, London, Sage.
Case Studies:
Yin, R. (2008), Case Study Research: Design and Methods (4th edn), Thousand Oaks, Sage.
Surveys and Quantitative Methods:
De Vaus, D.A. (2001) Surveys in Social Research, (5th edn), London, UCL Press.
Hinton, P (2004) Statistics Explained: A Guide for Social Science Students (2nd edn), London, Routledge.
Qualitative Methods:
Marshall C and G Rossman (2006) Designing Qualitative Research: Qualitative Data Analysis (4th edn), Thousand Oaks CA, Sage.
Miles, M.and Huberman, M. (1994) An Expanded Sourcebook: Qualitative Data Analysis (2nd edn), Thousand Oaks, Sage.
Corbin, J. and Strauss, A. (2008) Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques (3rd edn), Newbury Park, Sage.
Websites
Trochim, William M. The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 2nd Edition. Internet WWW page, at URL: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/ (version current as of Dec, 2006).
SURFSTAT Australia
http://www.anu.edu.au/nceph/surfstat/surfstat-home/surfstat.html
Electronic Statistics Textbook
http://www.statsoft.com/textbook/stathome.html
Wk
Session Update
Date
Signature
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Lecturer: Andrew Wiggan
Campus: Wentworth House
Contact details: awiggan@gmail.com
Assessment:
The module will be assessed meeting all the LO as specified by the awarding body, Ed Excel. Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified.
Contribution: 100% of the module
Outline Details: Tasks 1, 2 and 3 will be in the form of an individual Report (approximately 3000 words) and Task 4 will be an individual Presentation (maximum of 20 slides). 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.
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.
2.3.1 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.)
ASSESSEMENT
Unit: 8 RESEARCH PROJECT
Learning Hours: 60 Hours.
Self-learning hours: 90 hours.
Course: HND Business Level 5
CREDIT VALUE: 20 CREDITS
Term: Summer
Lecturer: Andrew Wiggan
Verifier: Mrs Sunita Kotta
Learners Name
Registration Number
Learners Declaration: I certify that the work submitted for this unit is my own:
Signed:
Hand out Date:
Submission Date:
The Following Sections to be completed by the assessor:
Center Name:
UKCBC
Center Number:
08640
Please note that the assessors signature below denotes conformation that he/she has in no way influenced the outcome of the assessment:
Assessors Name:
Assessors Signature:
Has the unit been Internally Verified?
Y/N
Date of verification:
Internal verifiers signature:
Internal verifiers assignment brief:
Due Dates
Issue Date
28/05/14
Deadline for JAN 2013 intake where E-
01/12/14
learning will be blocked
Due Task- 1
27/06/14
Deadline for May 2013 intake where E-
06/03/15
learning will be blocked
Due Task- 2
31/07/14
Due Task- 3
29/08/14
Due Task- 4
26/09/14
Task for the purpose:
This assignment requires you to demonstrate ability to conduct independent enquiry and critical analysis by undertaking a sustained research investigation. In doing this, you will need to address the range of tasks set below:
Unit Outcomes
Outcome
Evidence for the criteria to
Assessors
Internal
pass.
decision
verification
decision. (agree,
disagree)
TASK 1 [27/06/14], Task 2 - [31/07/14] and Task 3 - [29/08/14]
You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc., and present your findings on Task 1 (P1.1, P1.2, P1.3, P1.4 and P1.5), Task 2 (P2.1, P2.2 and P2.3) and Task 3 (P3.1, P3.2 and P3.3) in the form of a REPORT.
1.1 formulate and record
P1.1
P1.1
LO1. Understand
possible research project outline
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
how to formulate a
specifications
research specification
1.2 identify the factors that
P1.2
P1.2
contribute to the process of
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
research project selection
1.3 undertake a critical review of
P1.3
P1.3
key references
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
1.4 produce a research project
P1.4
P1.4
specification
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
1.5 provide an appropriate plan
P1.5
P1.5
and procedures for the agreed
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
research specification
Summarized
Feedback for Task
1(reflecting 1.1, 1.2,
1.3, 1.4, 1.5 Pass,
Merit and
Distinction.)
IV comments
towards
Task 1
P2.1- match resources efficiently
P2.1
P2.1
LO2. Be able to
to the research question or
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
implement the
hypothesis
research project
within agreed
P2.2- undertake the proposed
P2.2
P2.2
procedures and to
research investigation in
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
specification
accordance with the agreed
specification and procedures
P2.3 record and collate relevant
P2.3
P2.3
data where appropriate
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
Summarized
Feedback for Task 2
(reflecting 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,
Pass, Merit and
Distinction).
IV comments
towards
Task 2
P3.1- use appropriate research
P3.1
P3.1
LO3. Be able to
evaluation techniques
evaluate the research
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
outcomes
P3.2- interpret and analyse the
P3.2
P3.2
results in terms of the original
research specification
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
P3.3- make recommendations
P3.3
P3.3
and justify areas for further
consideration
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
Summarized
Feedback for Task 3
(reflecting 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Pass merit and
distinction).
IV comments
towards
Task 3
TASK 4
This task is an Individual Presentation, requiring the learner to present the research outcomes from Tasks 1, 2 and 3 with the use of an agreed format and appropriate media.
P4.1 use an agreed format and
P4.1
P4.1
LO4. Be able to
appropriate media to present
(P,M,D)
(P,M,D)
present the research
the outcomes of the research to
outcomes
an audience
Summarized
Feedback for Task 4
(reflecting 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
Pass, Merit and
Distinction).
IV comments
towards
Task 4
Merit grades
M1
M2
M3
P1
P2
P3
P4
awarded
Distinction
D1
D2
D3
Resubmit :
grades awarded
Any other comments
Grade given by the Assessor:
Pass
Merit
Distinction
Assessors Signature:
Date:
IV Grading Check:
Comments if any:
Agree
Disagree
Modify grade to
IV signature:
Date:
Students feedback:
Student Signature:Date:
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.)
Assignment
TASK 1 [27/06/14], Task 2 - [31/07/14] and Task 3 - [31/07/14]
You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc., and present your findings on Task 1 (P1.1, P1.2, P1.3, P1.4 and P1.5), Task 2 (P2.1, P2.2 and P2.3) and Task 3 (P3.1, P3.2 and P3.3) in the form of a REPORT.
LO1 Understand how to formulate a research specification
formulate and record possible research project outline specifications
identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection
undertake a critical review of key references
produce a research project specification
provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification
LO2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification
match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis
undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures
record and collate relevant data where appropriate
LO3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes
use appropriate research evaluation techniques
interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification
make recommendations and justify areas for further Consideration
TASK 4 [26/09/14]
This task is an Individual Presentation, requiring the learner to present the research outcomes from Tasks 1, 2 and 3 with the use of an agreed format and appropriate media.
LO4 Be able to present the research outcomes
4.1 use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an audience.
Assignment Guidelines:
Use a standard report structure, Word-process the report and use Normal script of a proper font size 12.
Produce an academic report, detailing the above issues with a word limit of 4000 to 4500 words.
Complete the title page and sign the statement of authenticity.
The Assignment sheet should be attached in the front.
Submit the document in a folder in the form of a file as well as a soft copy on the submission date.
It should be uploaded on E-Learning platform before the deadline and submitted to Reception at Wentworth House and sign the submission form of the college.
Assignments submitted after the deadline will not be accepted unless mitigating and may be entitled for a late fee.
Collusion and Plagiarism must be avoided.
Start each answer on a new page and pages should be numbered. Highlight each question clearly.
Include a Bibliography at the end of the assignment and use the Harvard referencing system.
All work should be comprehensively referenced and all sources must be fully acknowledged, such as books and journals, websites (include the date of visit), etc. Try to give the page numbers, publishers' details and the year of publication
In order to pass you need to address all the LO
In order to get a merit you need to address the characteristics of Pass and then M1, M2,M3
In order to get a Distinction you need to address the characteristics of Pass, Merit and then D1, D2 and D3.
Use a common format for the questions, for example:
Introduction (analyze the question.)
Underpinning Knowledge (write about the relevant theory/points)
Applied knowledge(Data Analysis)
Conclusions and Recommendations (summarizing the whole scenario keeping in view pass, merit, distinction criteria.)
Student feedback form with the Assessment Grid indicating their pass, merit and distinction:
Name:
Registration Number:
Unit: Research Project
Outcomes/criteria:
Indicative characteristics
Possible evidence
Feedback
LO1. Understand how to
As per the assessment
Task 1
formulate a research
criteria specified for pass
specification
LO2. Be able to
Do
Task 2
implement the research
project within agreed
procedures and to
specification
LO3. Be able to evaluate
Do
Task 3
the research outcomes
LO4. Be able to present
Do
Task 4
the research outcomes
Merit Description:
M. Identify and apply
. Relevant theories and
strategies to find
techniques have been
appropriate solutions.
applied.
. Effective judgments
have been made.
. Complex problems with
more than one variable
have been explored.
. An effective approach to
study and research has
been used.
M2. Select/ design and
. A range of methods and
apply appropriate
techniques has been
methods/ techniques.
applied.
. A range of sources of
information used.
. The selection of methods
and techniques justified.
. Complex
information/data have
been synthesized and
processed.
.Appropriate learning
methods/ techniques
applied.
. Appropriate structure
M3. Present and
and approach has been
communicate appropriate
used.
findings.
. Logical and coherent
arguments have been
presented
. Technical language
accurately used.
. A range of methods of
presentation has been
used.
. Familiar and unfamiliar
contexts have been used.
. It is appropriate for
familiar and unfamiliar
audiences.
Distinction Description:
D1. Use critical reflection
. Synthesis has been used
to evaluate own work and
to generate and justify
justify valid conclusion.
valid conclusions
. The validity of results
has been judged
. Self-criticism of
approach has taken place.
. Evaluation has taken
place using defined
criteria
. Realistic improvements
have been proposed
against defined
characteristics for success.
2. Take responsibility for
Autonomy/independence
managing and organizing
demonstrated
activities.
Substantial
activities/projects or
investigations have been
planned, managed and
organized.
The unforeseen has been
accommodated.
The importance of
interdependence has been
recognized.
D3. Demonstrate
Ideas generate and
convergent, lateral and
decisions taken
creative thinking
Convergent and lateral
thinking have been
applied
Capacity for innovation
and creative thought has
been used.
Receptiveness to new
ideas has demonstrated.
Unfamiliar contexts have
been applied.
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