Learners are required to complete all tasks.

Assignment Guidelines
All work must be submitted in a single electronic document (.doc file). This should go to the tutor and Centre Manager/Programme Director, plus one hard copy posted to the Centre Manager.

The assignment must be the Learner’s own work and not copies of theories or models. Direct quotes should be kept to a minimum, and shown in inverted commas. Models described and other quotes used must be properly attributed and referenced as appropriate. Learners must acknowledge or reference any sources that have been used to complete the assignment, listing reference material and web sites used.

Learners are encouraged to produce a reflective statement of no more than 300 words (which does not count towards the final word count), describing the value and knowledge gained from undertaking this assignment. The reflective statement is not assessed, however it encourages you to review the value and application of your learning.
Overall word count guide: 2500 – 4500

Plagiarism and Collusion
In submitting the assignment Learner’s must complete a statement of authenticity confirming that the work submitted for all tasks is their own. The statement should also include the word count.

Plagiarism and collusion are treated very seriously. Plagiarism involves presenting work, excerpts, ideas or passages of another author without appropriate referencing and attribution. Collusion occurs when two or more learners submit work which is so alike in ideas, content, wording and/or structure that the similarity goes beyond what might have been mere coincidence.

Appendices
Separate Appendices should not be used. Any use of tables, graphs, diagrams, Gantt chart and flowcharts etc. that support the main report should be incorporated into the back of the assignment report that is submitted. Any published secondary information such as annual reports and company literature, should be referenced in the main text of the assignment but not included.

Confidentiality
Where a Learner is using organisational information that deals with sensitive material or issues, they must seek the advice and permission from that organisation about its inclusion. Where confidentiality is an issue, Learners are advised to anonymise their assignment report so that it cannot be attributed to that particular organisation.

Word Count Policy
In total, the assignment report should be between 2500 – 4500 words. Learners must comply with the required word count, within a margin of +10%.These rules exclude the index (if used), headings and information contained within references and bibliographies. When an assessment task requires learners to produce presentation slides with supporting notes, the word count applies to the supporting notes only.

Referencing and Professionalism
A professional approach to work is expected from all learners. Learners must therefore identify and acknowledge ALL sources/methodologies/applications used. The learner must use an appropriate referencing system to achieve this. Marks are not awarded for the use of English, however the learner must express ideas clearly and ensure that appropriate terminology is used to convey accuracy in meaning.

Submission of Assignments
All work to be submitted on the due date as per Centre advice.
All work must be submitted in a single electronic document (.doc file). This should go to the tutor and Centre Manager/Programme Director, plus one hard copy posted to the Centre Manager.

Introduction
The unit develops the Learners academic practice and ability to use research methods. The objectives and
outcomes of the unit is to develop learners’ knowledge and understanding of academic practice and
research. It utilises a problem‐based learning approach to develop learners’ practical competence in aspects
appropriate to academic practice and research in business and management.

The unit aims to allow learners to:

• Develop the ability to conduct research into business and management issues that requires familiarity with a range of business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies
• Combine the theoretical / practical programme elements and the personal development by building the academic skills and qualities within a holistic approach.
• Gain confidence and competence in the academic skills required to study successfully at the Masters level

Scenario
Learners may use their own employment context, or that of another organisation with which they are very familiar, to base their assignment. A scenario of choice may also be discussed with your tutor, or provided by your tutor on request.

Task 1
Select a current management topic or area of research which is relevant to an organisation you know well and critically apply the principles and practices of quantitative and qualitative research at a practical level. In doing this, you first need to define research and development questions and prioritise them in relation to contemporary managerial and business needs of your chosen organisation. Finally you need to produce critical literature reviews relevant to your chosen based upon your research methodology

Learning Outcome
1. Be able to understand and apply different research methods that can provide realistic and applicable outcomes
Assessment criteria: The learner can
1.1 Critically apply the principles and practices of quantitative and qualitative research on a practical level
1.2 Define research and development questions and prioritise them in relation to contemporary managerial and business needs

Good Practice
In addressing the assessment criteria you need to focus on and define your area of area of research which is relevant to your organisation. In doing this you need to explicitly set the boundaries for your research also taking into consideration the perspectives and view of all interested parties and stakeholders.
Some of the key questions you need to consider are:

• What is the scope and boundaries
• What is the research context
• What have you excluded
• Who are the actors and players
• How do you propose to validate your research data and information
• How do propose to present your findings and conclusion
• Your research strategy and methodology

Additional question you might think about re your research strategy include:

• Setting milestones
• Planning your activities
• How do you know you have finished
• Primary and secondary research
• Choosing samples
• Questionnaire design and testing
• Collecting data and information
• Analysing your data – what approach
• Forecasting methods
• Presenting your findings
• Structuring your report

Word guide: 850 to 1200 excluding diagrams, tables and references

Task 2
Building on your answer to Task 1 produce critical literature reviews based upon your research methodology.
You also need to use the methodology to formulate your research design appropriate to the specific nature of fieldwork and the scope and boundaries etc in Task 1. In completing this task you need also to critically apply statistical methods relevant to area of research and the data collected

Learning outcome
2. Be able to use standard research methodologies

Assessment criteria: The learner can
2.1 Produce critical literature reviews based upon research methodology
2.2 Use methodology, instrumentation and research design appropriate to the specific nature of fieldwork
2.3 Critically apply statistical methods

Good Practice
Reflect on your research methodology analysis and its relevance to your area of research drawing on where possible to views of experts in the field

Word guide: 850 to 1200 excluding diagrams, tables and references

Task 3
Building on your response to tasks 1 and 2 you need to show how you propose to plan and deliver management research projects using research methodologies and provide written research reports that utilise data visualisation. Finally you need to address any ethical issue associated with your research especially if you are deal with national, international and global organisations which operate across boundaries and borders.

Learning outcome
3. Be able to produce research reports

Assessment criteria: The learner can
3.1 Plan and deliver management research projects using research methodologies
3.2 Provide written research reports that include data visualisation
3.2 Address ethical issues in research

Good Practice
Reflect on your approach and draw in where possible to views of experts in the field. Good practice would include reflection on how your research finding are presented which align with expected organisational norms and values. For example, traditional statistical methods may well be cultural acceptable to current trends on data visualisation. Alternatively the reverse could be true, that is traditional statistical methods are not an acceptable way to present research findings

Word guide: 850 to 1200 excluding diagrams, tables and references