BA6NB03O Research Methods | Summative Assignment 2

BA6NB03O Research Methods | Summative Assignment 2

Theoretical framework

1. Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework
2. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)
3. Resource-Based View (RBV)

Example conceptual model

Data analysis

Descriptive statistics

Trend analysis

Correlation analysis & Regression analysis

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Research background
3. Aims/ objectives of research
4. Research rationale
5. Research scope
6. Literature review
7. Method/methodology
8. Analysis/findings
9. Conclusion and recommendations
10. Research proposal schedule
11. Gantt Chart
12. 12.              References

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 ability to design a primary research project by identifying gaps in existing research, justifying its 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 that is 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).

Research Considerations:

For this assessment, you must select a topic relevant to your course of study and discuss it with the lecturer. You can select a topic from a diverse range of subjects and issues prevalent in the industry and specific organisations or industries. However, we strongly advise selecting an industry-focused topic or contemporary issues and, if necessary, selecting small organisations to ensure access.

Research Supervisor:

The Proposal will help the college to allocate a project supervisor that would help assess the potential and feasibility of the proposed research project. Your research supervisor will guide on how to approach the research project, including its content and structure. Your research topic and the research context, including the chosen organisation, must be approved by your module lecturer/ research supervisor. The research title and /or focus of the Proposal you undertake now cannot be fundamentally changed in the research project next semester without the written expressed approval of your module lecturer/supervisor.

Assessment Format Guidance:

The written Project Proposal should not be more than 2,500 words (plus or minus 10%). It should consist of 1.5 spaced typescript, and an appropriate font style such as Times New Roman or Arial, with text size 12. The paragraph margins should be set as: top 2.5 cm, bottom 2 cm, left 3 cm and right 2 cm. You must leave an empty line between paragraphs.

Expected Content of Your Proposal:

Your research proposal report should be organised as explained below: 

Front cover sheet

This is the NCL Assessment Cover Sheet for all assessments of the UWL programme. This must be completed, and the declaration form must be signed and dated.

Title page

State your research title/research question.

Introduction

The introduction to the Proposal, research background, statement of the problem, the overall aim or purpose of the research, research objectives, hypotheses (if required), research questions, research rationale, and research scope.

Literature Review

Explore the topic area by reviewing literature, theories and models relevant to the chosen topic area. 

Research Methodology

Identify and explain the research methodology with clear justification. Saunders`s Research Onion framework is recommended.

Ethical Issues

You must specify the key ethical considerations for the proposed research for both primary and secondary collection methods. A Proportionate Ethics Review Form will be provided during the Written Research Project next term.

Project Schedule (Timeline)

Use an appropriate project planning tool (Gantt Chart or PERT) to schedule the activities/tasks of your Proposal for the entire research project, including the final written project next semester.

Conclusion

Provide a brief conclusion for the Proposal only—not a completed study, summarising the research problem, purpose of the proposed research, scope, and potential contributions to the body of knowledge of the research area.

References

Sources used and referred to in the main proposal report using the Harvard Referencing System. Submission of a report without references is a serious academic ethical issue.

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
  • Listening
  • Presenting
  • Non-Verbal
• Problem solving
• 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
• Valuing Diversity
• Industry/commercial aware
• Reflective lifelong learners
• Digitally literate
• Creativity/lateral thinking
• Time management
• Project management
• Intellectual curiosity
• Flexibility
• Perseverance
• Confidence
• Integrity and accountability
• Decision making
• Reading and reviewing published literature
• Qualitative Research
• Quantitative Research