Assignment 3 –( the Research Design and Methodology, the Final Report) demonstrates an understanding of the business research paradigm, appropriate methodology, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
This assessment builds upon your original topic selection and your Literature Review (assessments 1 &2) in that you are now aware of what additional data is needed for you to answer your research question(s) (as defined at the conclusion of your Lit. Rev.).
To discover the required data may require you to search for additional secondary data in the form of more specific searches , and will most probably also require the collection of some preliminary primary data, by applying qualitative or quantitative methods.
In this assessment you will document the most appropriate way forward by generating a comprehensive Research Design. Your design needs to establish your research strategy and SAMPLING issues practically. What specific types of organisations are you interested in, in what locations and who are you targeting ( Your level of analysis).
If you choose a quantitative approach, you will go ahead and state how you intend to study your question, what data you need, how it can be collected and analysed. [Note that you are NOT required to actually obtain all the primary data]. Collect some exploratory data and discuss this critically.
If you choose a qualitative approach, you will go ahead and decide which method is appropriate and state how you would collect and interpret your data. Again present some initial data e.g .in depth interviews or focus group intrviews.
Your tutor will LEAD and FACILITATE you through the process, week by week. The learning will be progressive, so for best results you will need to be in weekly contact with your lecturer in the weekly classes
Assignment Structure should be as the following:
1. Introduction (an edited and adjusted version of your topic approval) including a justification for your research question(s). 1- 1.5 pages
2. Final Lit Review 15 pages ending in your specific research question
3. A detailed research design, addressing the qualitative-quantitative debate, additional secondary data ( further detailed findings in your specific question), proposed primary data sample size and sampling approach, questionnaire design factors (include some sample questions), data collection method, envisaged analysis and interpretation.
4. A summary of your findings
5. A conclusion (relating back to your original research problem and question(s))
6. List of references in Harvard style (only for sources mentioned in this submission)
Note: Approval may be requested (Unit Coordinator and Degree Convenor) to undertake this assignment with variation, such as a Business Plan or Business Development Case. If that is approved the Assignment Structure and Marking Criteria may differ accordingly.
