uk college business and computing

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


Power point

3

and Ethical considerations. (2.2) Producing

appropriate techniques. Be able to conduct pilot


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


Module hand

Devising research plan and schedule (1.5)

operating research projects.


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


PowerPoint

Reliability and validity in primary and


slides and

Describe a range of primary and secondary data

lecture notes

secondary data (3.2)

8

Testing research hypothesis by piloting


Assignment case

research investigations (2.2)


study and

workshop

9

Introduction to statistics. Means, modes and

Explain basic statistics and be able to present data


PowerPoint

sd (3.2)

graphically and numerically


slides and

Validity and reliability issues (2.3)

lecture notes

10

Interpreting and analysing research project

Conduct pilot data analysis using descriptive


PowerPoint

results (3.2)

statistics.


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


PowerPoint

Using Excel for Statistical functions (in

analysis


slides and

lecture notes.

computer labs) (3.2)

12

Making recommendations and justifying

Be able to evaluate the research outcomes


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


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

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Session Update

Date

Signature

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Lecturer: Andrew Wiggan

Campus: Wentworth House

Contact details: [email protected]

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)


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


(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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