MODULE: Business Research
| Module Code | BKM 201 |
| Module Level | HE5 |
| Credit Value | 20 |
| Module Leader | Ian Bathgate |
| Academic year | 2019/20, Re-sit Sept 2020 |
Assignment Brief BKM201
1. Purpose of the Assessment
Summative assessment will focus on the ability of students to draw conclusions from all aspects influencing and affecting Business Research. The module will be assessed by a written assignment and an individual skills test.
2. Assessment Task
2.1 Individual skills assessment (AS1), 30% weighting of the mark (LO4)
You will be given a case study showing a set of data for which you would be expected to analyse and assess/discuss issues as highlighted in the questions. Weighting 30% of the mark (LO4)
You will be expected to meet the course tutor to discuss your approach and to use appropriate tools of analysis.
2.2 Individual assignment (AS2), weighting 70% of the mark (LO 1-LO3)
You will be expected to prepare a business research proposal on a chosen topic and to submit in a written format using accepted structures. Within the proposal you will
Choose a relevant research subject
The choice of a relevant business research topic; developing a research topic and setting the research question and research objectives.
Reviewing current knowledge
To include a brief literature review which defines the shape and limits of current knowledge; demonstrating any gaps in the literature and how that literature has shaped your research question and objectives, whilst managing bibliographic records.
Designing a research strategy
Defining research questions and building hypotheses; exploring different methodologies; their roles and limitations; the nature of knowledge and methods in management research: epistemological and ontological issues; the role of the researcher and the importance of research ethics; and including relevant timelines.
Research methods
Approaches to primary research and techniques of data collection; qualitative and quantitative research methods; triangulation; and general guidelines for empirical research.
Your assignment should have 3000 words.
3. Sources
It is expected that the Reference List will contain between ten and fifteen sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include two refereed academic journals and four academic books
4. Specific Assessment Criteria
(Please note that the General Assessment Criteria will also apply.)
4 .1. Individual skills assessment (AS1):
Each question carries 25/100 marks.
For the mark’s allocation between (70-100)- First class
Students will provide a detailed analysis of the case/data set provided using appropriate methods.
For the mark’s allocation between (50-69)-Second class
Students will provide a comprehensive analysis of the case/data set provided using appropriate methods.
For the mark’s allocation between (4-49)-Third class
Students will provide a satisfactory analysis of the case/data set provided using appropriate methods.
For the mark’s allocation between (39 and below)-Fail
Students who do not meet the requirements of a third-class grade will not successfully complete the assessment activity.
4 2 Research proposal (AS2):
For the mark’s allocation between (70-100)-First class
Students will provide an in-depth research proposal with clear research question/s and objectives, demonstrating excellent critical reasoning skills. Focused and justified recommendations will be made as to the approach adopted to the topic utilising standard structures. Extensive research demonstrating use of a wide range of current secondary research sources will be evident. Academic style and referencing will be excellent.
For the mark’s allocation between (50-69)- Second class
Students will provide a comprehensive research proposal with clear research question/s and objectives, demonstrating excellent critical reasoning skills. Focused and justified recommendations will be made as to the approach adopted to the topic utilising standard structures. Good standards of research demonstrating use of a wide range of current secondary research sources will be evident. Academic style and referencing will be good.
For the mark’s allocation between (40-49)- Third class
Students will provide a satisfactory research proposal with clear research question/s and objectives, demonstrating excellent critical reasoning skills. Focused and justified recommendations will be made as to the approach adopted to the topic utilising standard structures. Research demonstrating use of a wide range of current secondary research sources will be evident. Academic style and referencing will be fair.
For the mark’s allocation between (39 and below)- Fail
Students who do not meet the requirements of a third-class grade will not successfully complete the assessment activity.
5. Assessment Submission
Your written assignment must be word processed and presented in a report format with simple sub-headings. The word count should be as specified in the assignment above±10% (tables, diagrams and appendices are excluded from the count).
The Assignment report should have a Front Sheet showing your name, your student number, the module name, the module number, the assignment title, the module tutor’s name, the date and the word count.
An appointment will be made for you to deliver the presentation, either in person or via Skype.
You are required to submit your presentation slides to Moodle.
All assignments will be submitted, graded and fed-back electronically via TURNITIN. Several submissions will be permitted before the hand-in date in order to enable you to refine the content in your report.
To submit your work, please go to the ‘Submit your work’ area of the Module Moodle site. It is important that you submit your work to the correct module Moodle site, and that your work is submitted on time.
Feedback on assignments in general will be provided to the whole group when marked assignments are returned. Feedback on assignments for everyone will be provided electronically via TURNITIN.
A student may obtain an individual appointment to discuss feedback with the tutor.
Submission Deadlines
Assignment 1: 7th September 2020
Assignment 2: 14th September 2020
5.Assessment Guidance
The quality of your presentation and academic referencing is very important. Please, use the Harvard Referencing System.
Within your assignment your tutor will be looking for content that addresses the key elements of the assignment brief.
Try not to overcomplicate your answers by choosing a company that you know little about. Keep to simple processes that you know well.
6. Academic Practice
Amity University [IN] London policy will apply in all cases of copying, plagiarism or any other methods by which students have obtained (or attempted to obtain) an unfair advantage.
Support and guidance on assessments and academic integrity can be found from the following resources:
Moodle / Policies and Procedures
Moodle / Student Corner
7. Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes being addressed through this assignment are:
LO 1 – Analyse current knowledge in a specified area as a means of establishing the status and limitations of current knowledge in that area.
LO 2 – Identify a business research question and justify its relevance to practice and its significance as a potential contribution to existing knowledge.
LO 3 – Appraise and justify a research methodology to meet specified research aims and objectives.
LO 4 – Analyse and interpret primary and secondary research data, testing for validity and reliability.
