Individual Presentation on Research Proposal Topic How does the financial performance of Sainsburys compare with that of ASDA and Waitrose in relation to financial position for the period of 2015 - 2025, using published financial statements and other
BA6NB03O Research Methods | Summative Assignment 1 BA6NB03O RESEARCH METHODS Credit Value: 20
Level 6
Academic Year 2026-27
Summative Assessment 1 Assessment title
Individual Presentation on Project Proposal
(In-person individual presentation with video recording in front of a panel of examiners).
Submission date and time
Word Count (or equivalent)
10 PowerPoint Slides
Where to submit
Turnitin
Feedback date
15 working days after the deadline
Assessment Weighting
AI usage Guideline
AMBER: AI can be used in the assessment for brainstorming, creating structures, and generating ideas for improving work.
No AI Content is allowed in the Final submission.
Individual Presentation on Research Proposal Topic How does the financial performance of Sainsburys compare with that of ASDA and Waitrose in relation to financial position for the period of 2015 - 2025, using published financial statements and other quantitative method secondary data?
Submitting, feedback & grades online using VLE Students should provide a completed assessment cover sheet with all essential details. This assessment should be submitted in electronic format via college systems on the VLE on or before the submission deadline. All late submissions will be capped at PASS. Students can view their feedback and grades by using the same submission link in the VLE.
Assessment Aim The assignment aims to assess your abilities in designing a primary research project by identifying gaps in existing research, justifying your topic, defining the aim, objectives, and research questions, and selecting appropriate methodologies.
This Proposal aims to assess the following key areas:
Choose a research topic relevant to the subject being studied and appropriate for the undergraduate level. The clarity of the overall research question for the proposed research (research title) and research focus (statement of the problem, research aim and objectives or research questions, research rationale, and scope). The ability to engage with a review of the existing established knowledge around the focus area of the proposed research (literature review). The ability to evaluate methodological choices and select appropriate research methods (Research Methodology). Assessment Description: You are acting as a research consultant commissioned to investigate a topic relevant to your course of study. Your task is to develop a focused research idea that addresses a gap or emerging issue within a specific industry or organisational context. You should justify why this topic is important and situate it within the broader theoretical and practical context of the industry. In addition, you will design a feasible approach to gather and analyse data that aligns with appropriate research methodologies, ensuring your investigation can provide meaningful insights and recommendations. You must select your topic in consultation with your lecturer, ensuring it is industry-focused, current, and achievable given available resources.
Assessment Format Guidance: You need to prepare a PowerPoint presentation consisting of 10 slides and present it 10- 15 minutes) in person.
Expected content of the presentation:
Title Slide: The Module Name, Student`s Name and ID number.
Introduction: The title, background and brief context of the study.
Key Sections: The aim, objective and research questions; application of theories; Key methodological choices; primary data collection plan, access to the sample and implementation plan.
References
Use the Harvard referencing system for your reference. Submission of a report or presentation without references will not be allowed.
No.
Learning Outcomes
Marking Criteria
1
4
Develop a research idea, identifying a research gap, rationale and context.
Design data collection plan and analysis method aligned with overall research methodologies.
Clear research context and precisely defined aim, objectives, and research questions – 25%
Indicative theories and scholarly views to provide theoretical justifications for the study – 25%
Key methodological choices and appropriate data collection plan – 25%
Design and format of slides, quality of oral presentation, and referencing – 25%
Marking Criteria/Scheme and Rubrics in details Rubric
Key evidence and assessment criteria
Indicative Weight
Research Idea
Clear research context and precisely defined aim, objectives and research questions
25%
Use of scholarly sources and theories
Indicative theories and scholarly views to provide theoretical justifications for the study
25%
Methodology
Key methodological choices and appropriate data collection plan
25%
Presentation and Structure
Design and format of slides, quality of oral presentation and referencing
25%
Section
100–80% (Excellent – Level 6)
79–70% (Very Good)
69–60% (Good)
59–50% (Satisfactory)
49–40% (Marginal)
39–30% (Poor)
29–0% (Fail)
Research Context, Aim, Objectives & Research Questions (25%)
Exceptionally clear and well-contextualised research background. Aim, objectives, and research questions are precisely defined, coherent, and logically aligned, demonstrating strong independent academic judgement.
Very clear research context with well-defined and aligned aims, objectives, and questions.
Clear research context with appropriate aims and questions, minor issues with alignment or precision.
Basic context provided; aims and questions are present but lack clarity or coherence.
Weak research context; aims and questions are vague or poorly aligned.
Poorly defined context with unclear or inappropriate aims and questions.
Missing, irrelevant, or fundamentally flawed research context and aims.
Indicative Theories & Scholarly Views (25%)
Excellent Level 6 theoretical engagement, demonstrating critical evaluation and synthesis of relevant theories and scholarly literature to justify the study. Shows originality and strong conceptual understanding.
Strong use of relevant theories with clear justification and good critical engagement.
Appropriate theories used with some critical discussion, though depth may be uneven.
Largely descriptive use of theory with limited critical evaluation.
Minimal theoretical engagement and weak justification for the study.
Poor or inappropriate use of theory with little understanding.
No meaningful theoretical framework or scholarly justification.
Methodology & Data Collection Plan (25%)
Highly appropriate and well-justified methodological choices, clearly aligned with research aims. Data collection plan is realistic, ethical, and demonstrates strong methodological awareness.
Appropriate methodology with clear justification and feasible data collection plan.
Suitable methodology with some justification, minor weaknesses in detail or alignment.
Basic methodological outline with limited justification or clarity.
Weak methodological choices with poor alignment to research aims.
Poor understanding of methodology and data collection.
Missing, inappropriate, or incorrect methodology.
Design, Oral Presentation & Referencing (25%)
Professional, high-quality slide design, clear structure, confident and engaging oral delivery, and accurate Harvard referencing throughout. Demonstrates strong academic communication skills.
Very good presentation design and delivery with minor issues; referencing mostly accurate.
Good presentation with some design, delivery, or referencing weaknesses.
Adequate presentation; noticeable issues in clarity, delivery, or referencing.
Weak presentation design and delivery; frequent referencing errors.
Poor presentation skills and weak or incorrect referencing.
No effective presentation and/or missing references.
Assessment 1: Employability Skills This assessment covers the following employability skills, which you could demonstrate on your CV and at job interviews if you successfully pass the assessment:
Communication Writing Speaking Presenting Non-Verbal Take initiative and be self-motivated Critical thinking Can work under pressure and to a deadline Planning and organisation skills Ability to learn and adapt Industry/commercial aware Digitally literate Creativity/lateral thinking Time management Intellectual curiosity Flexibility Perseverance Confidence Decision making Reading and reviewing published literature
