The document outlines a business research module where students will work in groups to identify and investigate contemporary business problems, culminating in a group presentation and an individual report. It includes details on assessment methods, group dynamics, research proposals, and the expected outcomes related to employability skills and methodological techniques. Specific timelines, submission guidelines, and assessment criteria for both group and individual tasks are also described.

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Module Handbook
BUSINESS RESEARCH PROJECT
BS3S86
2016-17
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2. Table of Contents
Welcome 3
Module Descriptor 4
The Business Research Process 5
Assessment 6
Formative Assessment: Group Research Proposal 7
Summative Assessment 1: Group Presentation 7
Summative Assessment 1: Assessment Criteria 9
Summative Assessment 2: Individual Report 11
Summative Assessment 2: Assessment Criteria 12
Learning Agreement 13
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3. Welcome
Welcome to the Business Research Module, where you get the opportunity to become
business researchers / consultants. We hope you will find it interesting, relevant and enjoyable.
The module has been developed to give you knowledge and skills that employers tell us they
want. You will learn how to identify contemporary business problems and issues and you will
be taught the skills you need to investigate them through primary and secondary research. You
will learn basic methodological techniques and approaches and have the opportunity to put
your knowledge and skills to the test.
You will be working in a team of 3 or 4 people. You will need to work closely and effectively to
achieve your group objectives, so teamworking (another key skill) will be important. Your first
assignment is a group presentation and we will be expecting a contribution from every member
of the team
Unlike other modules, you will not be in the classroom every week. Some weeks have been
designated for data gathering and analysis and some for meeting with your tutor. You will need
to demonstrate that you can plan your project effectively, use your time sensibly and work to
deadlines, all of which are key employability skills.
Finally, you will be submitting an individual research report which will demonstrate your ability
to conduct research and come up with innovative and practical solutions to real business
problems, drawing on knowledge acquired across your programme.
We are looking forward to working with you.
Dr. Louise Hung
(USW Module Leader)
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4. Module Descriptor
Aims of the Module
• To encourage students to draw upon, apply and integrate research skills associated
with analysis, evaluation and the presentation of complex material.
• To provide students with the opportunity to pursue, in-depth, a specific area of interest
by developing and demonstrating the business-related skills acquired during their
studies.
• To encourage students to adopt a more critical reflective approach to problem solving
at University and in employment.
• To enable students to develop their employability skills, including basic academic skills,
higher-order thinking skills and personal qualities achieved through learning methods
that ensure sustainable outcomes.
Key Skills delivered by this module:
D1 Problem solving and decision making including identifying, formulating and solving business
problems. The ability to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the
capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situation
D2 Communication, oral/writing, using a range of media which are widely used in business, of
example, the preparation of business reports
D3 Numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation.
The use of modules of business problems and phenomena
D4 Applying communication and information technology for business applications
D5 Self-Management in terms of time, planning and behaviour, motivation, self-starting,
individual initiative and enterprise
D6 Learning to learn and developing an appetite for learning; reflective, adaptive and
collaborative learning
D7 Self-awareness, openness and sensitivity to diversity in terms of people, cultures, business
and management issues
D8 Group working and interpersonal skills including leadership, team building, influencing and
project management skills together with skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and
presentation
D9 Application of research skills to business and management issues, either individually or as
part of a team for project/dissertations/presentations. This requires familiarity with a range of
business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies
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5. Business Research Process
1. Forming Groups. In the first session of this module you will be asked to form groups
of 3 or 4 people by session two. Remember that you will be working closely with your
group so you need to be sure that you are comfortable with your team members. It is
important that everyone makes an equal contribution to the project. Each group will be
expected to complete a Learning Agreement (see P. 13) and nominate a spokesperson
who will be the point of contact between the group and the module tutor.
2. Choosing a Topic. It is important that the group are all involved in the selection of the
topic and that everyone is interested in the subject. You should choose a topic that
relates to your named award so student specialising in Marketing should choose a
topic related to marketing and those specialising in HRM should choose an HRM topic
and so on. You will need to consider this when choosing your team members.
3. Submitting a Proposal. Your group will need to submit a written proposal using the
Proposal Form. The proposal should demonstrate that you have developed an
appropriate project, that you can complete the study within the timescales and that you
have the right people within the group to achieve your objectives. You will also need to
show that you have considered any ethical issues arising from your study. Your tutor
will discuss proposals with each group and sign them off when he/she is satisfied that
you are ready to proceed.
4. Data Gathering. Having decided on your research methodology, groups will be
required to undertake primary and secondary research. Remember that if you are
conducting research outside the University you should observe normal business
courtesies and conventions. You are an ambassador for the Business School and you
should behave accordingly.
5. Group Research Proposal. Your research proposal has to be submitted to your
module lecturer during your class in week commencing 28rd
November 2016.
6. Group Presentations. Your group presentation will take place in weeks commencing
6th
March 2017, 13th
March 2017 and 20th
March 2017. Each group will be required to
make a 30 minute presentation (this comprises 20 minute presentation and 10 minutes
questions and feedback) covering most aspects of the project, including conclusions
and recommendations, except discussion part which should be included in individual
reports. All group members must attend and contribute to the presentation.
7. Individual Reports. Your final assessment is an individual report. It should be
produced in report format from a consultant to a client – just as you would be required
to do in business. The report should be approximately 3,000 words including all parts
of the project including discussion, submitted by Turn-it-in Submission on Bb: by
23:55Hrs on 24th
April 2017 Monday.
Attendance. Attendance at all timetabled sessions is very important. We will be keeping
records of attendance as this is an indication of your commitment and contribution to
your group. It is also important that you meet with your group to meet the objectives of
this module. If you do not engage with your group your performance will be affected.
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6. BUSINESS RESEARCH PROJECT ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
Assessment Assessment weighting Submission
1. Formative Assessment
GROUP PROPOSAL
Pass or Fail w/c 28th
November 2016 –
printed copy handed to
module tutor in class. Must
contain Student ID numbers
of all students in the group.
2. Summative
Assessment 1
GROUP
PRESENTATIONS
1 Group presentation
20 minutes (50%)
w/c 06/03/17, 13/03/17 and
20/03/17. Students must
ensure they are available to
present during this time
period.
ALL GROUPS must submit
a paper copy of their
presentation to the
assessor at the
presentation. Feedback
given immediately after
presentation sessions.
Grade on Bb within 20
working days (UK time).
3. Summative
Assessment 2
INDIVIDUAL REPORTS
INDIVIDUAL REPORT
3,000 words (50%)
Turnitin Submission on Bb:
by 23:55Hrs on 24th
April
2017 Monday
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7. Formative Assessment – Group Research Proposal (Pass or Fail)
Groups are required to submit a 1,250 word research proposal outlining the following:
• Research Title/Question
• Aims and objectives of the research
• Brief rationale
• Academic context – Literature and academic themes related to the project
• Chosen methodology and methods (an outline of the approaches proposed)
There is also a group SWOT analysis which should be completed to show which skill areas
require most attention and development. In addition, the groups will be required to complete the
‘project milestones’ chart included in the proposal to help start the planning of the research
project. Finally, an ethics statement is required to be completed.
The proposal must clearly state the names and Student ID numbers of the students who are in
the group.
A copy of the Research Proposal Template is in the Assessment section of the module
on Blackboard.
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8. BS3S86 Business Research Project
Formative Assessment – Group Research Proposal (Pass/Fail)
Marking Criteria
Weighting
Section 1 – About the Project
Research title / question 5
Project aim and objectives 10
Rationale for undertaking the project 10
Section 2 – Academic context
Concepts and ideas relevant to the project
(literature)
20
Additional sources of secondary data 10
Section 3 – Research design
Methodology and methods chosen (and
rationale)
20
Section 4 – Group information & dynamics
Group SWOT analysis 5
Implications for the project 5
Project milestones 5
Ethical considerations 10
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9. Summative Assessment 1- Group Presentation (50%)
You are required to form groups of between 3 or 4 people for this activity. We recommended
students on named Specialist Courses should form groups with other students on the same
course to undertake a project relevant to their specialism. This will enhance your specialist
learning. To this end, students undertaking specialist degree’s have been timetabled together
to enable the lecturers to contextualize the research reports for this purpose.
Groups must be formed as soon as possible after the module starts. One person from this
group should be nominated as the group spokesperson. Each group will complete a Learning
Agreement which confirms the membership of the group and your willingness to work together.
Once confirmed with the Module Tutor these groups cannot be altered unless with the express
permission of the Tutor who will amend the Learning Agreement accordingly. Please note all
students must join a group.
• You are required to present your research topic findings to an audience which will
include members of academic staff, fellow students and other interested parties.
• The presentation will include clear sections introducing the background to your
research problem / issue, your chosen methods, your findings and conclusions.
Recommendations are to be included where appropriate.
• The groups are expected to utilise electronic presentation equipment. It is very
important that thought should be given to all aspects of the presentation - the content,
design and use of graphics, images etc, individual contributions, dress code etc. The
whole presentation should be of a professional standard. You should direct your
presentation to a business audience, not your fellow students.
• The presentation will last for 30 minutes (including 20 minute presentation and 10
minute questions and feedback). Each group member must take a speaking part, and
these should be roughly equal. It will not be acceptable for one member to simply
introduce the group and take no further part.
• The presentation should be supported by relevant documentation i.e. a summary of
findings, prepared audience handouts/notes etc.
• Presentations will be assessed according to the criteria shown in the document below.
You will receive immediate feedback from the panel and your group grade will be
available on Bb within 7 working days (UK time).
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10. Marking Criteria: Summative Assessment 1 (50%): Presentation
Assessment Sheet (20 minute presentation, 10 minute questions &
feedback)
TITLE: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
GROUP MEMBERS: …………………………………………………………………………………………….
ASSESSORS: ………………………………………………………… DATE/TIME SLOT: ……………………
AREA ASSESSED Weighting COMMENTS
DELIVERY AND TEAM
DYNAMICS
Presentation style
Team Cooperation
Appearance
10
VISUAL AIDS
Quality of supporting
materials
Quality of slides
10
CONTENT
Appropriate scope and
depth of research topic
Use of appropriate
literature
Methodology and
method.
Findings
Analysis, interpretation
and application
5
10
10
15
20
CONCLUSION &
RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusions linked to
research objectives
Implementable
recommendations
10
10
10

11. Assessors Comments and Overall Grade
Mark agreed: _________________________ %
Assessor 1 (Signed):______________________________________
Assessor 2 (Signed): ______________________________________
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12. Summative Assessment 2: Individual Report (50%)
You are required to write an individual research report on your research project as a follow
up your presentation. It is standard business practice for researchers / consultants to present
their research findings to the client, followed by the submission of a detailed report.
Instructions:
1. This is an individual report based on the research project you presented in your group
presentation. This report will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of the key
issues, the research process, your findings, discussion, conclusions and
recommendations
2. This is an INDIVIDUAL submission and should not be plagiarized within the group.
While you draw on the same literature and process, the only elements of your report
that should be ‘similar’ would be your brief statement of the research objectives, and
any statistical data, diagrams and / or tables used in your group presentation.
3. Your report should be written in a professional manner, from researcher / consultant to
client. The key sections in the report should be:
a) Introduction: this should include:
I. a statement of the problem
II. the aim and objectives of your research project
III. a rationale for this study
b) Literature Review: The topic chosen should be placed in a pertinent theoretical
context. You may also include information on the industry / company from other
appropriate sources.
c) Research Methods: This should relate to
I. What you want to find out – your research questions
II. the methods chosen for primary data collection
d) Findings: Presenting the primary research findings in a clear and focused manner.
e) Discussion: This section allows you to discuss and analyse your primary findings in
relation to what you found in the literature review.
f) Conclusions: These should relate to the aim and objectives set out in the
introduction.
g) Recommendations: in two areas resulting from the conclusions
I. directed at the organization
II. areas for future research.
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13. i) Reflection: You should briefly reflect your experience of the role of researcher
4. Your report should
a) Identify your student number in the document
b) Be your own independent work and free from plagiarism, correctly referenced.
c) Use Harvard citation and referencing
d) Be written in an appropriate style
e) Be word processed, in black text using 1.5 spacing and Font: Arial, Calibri or Times
New Roma
f) Font size 12
g) Have been spell checked and proof-read
13

14. Assessment Criteria Summative Assessment 2: Individual Report (50%)
29 or less 30 – 39 40 – 49 50 – 59 60 – 69 70 +
Introduction
(10%)
Poor choice of
topic, poorly
expressed.
Unclear aims and
objectives
Adequate choice
of topic, poorly
expressed.
Adequate aims
and objectives
Appropriate topic
choice, adequately
described. Aims
and objectives
relevant to the
topic.
Good choice of
topic adequately
described. Aims
and objectives are
relevant and well
written.
Good choice of
topic , clear
explanation. Aims
and objectives are
relevant and well
written.
Clear
articulation of
a highly
relevant
contemporary
topic with clear
aims and
objectives
Literature Review
(15%)
Poor use of
literature from
some relevant
sources. Errors in
referencing.
Adequate use of
literature from
mostly relevant
sources. Mostly
accurate
referencing.
Adequate use of
literature from
relevant sources.
Mostly accurate
referencing.
Good use of
literature. Good
contemporary
sources. Mostly
accurate
referencing
Very good use of
literature. Good
contemporary
sources. Accurate
referencing
Excellent use of
literature.
Good
contemporary
sources.
Accurate
referencing.
Research
Methodology
(15%)
Very poor
understanding of
methodological
issues and
techniques. Poor
choice of method.
Inadequate
primary research.
Some
understanding of
methodological
issues. Some
evidence of
application of
appropriate
methods.
Adequate
understanding of
methodological
issues.
Appropriate
choice of method,
adequately
applied.
Good
understanding of
methodological
issues. Good use
of appropriate
methods.
Very good
understanding of
methodological
issues. Very good
use of
appropriate
method.
Sophisticated
understanding
of
methodological
issues and
techniques.
Accurate and
appropriate
use of
methods.
Finding (20%) Very limited new
material arising
from the
research.
Inadequate
primary data.
Findings poorly
presented
Some original
findings from
limited primary
research. Weak
presentation of
findings.
Adequate findings
arising from the
research. Logical
presentation.
Good and
interesting
findings, clearly
expressed.
Very good and
interesting
findings, clearly
expressed. Some
evidence of
originality.
Excellent
original
findings arising
from primary
research.
Excellent
presentation of
findings.
Analysis and
discussion (20%)
Very weak
analysis from
poor data.
Limited reference
to literature.
Some meaningful
analysis from
limited findings.
Some reference
to appropriate
literature.
Adequate analysis
of findings with
some reference to
appropriate
literature.
Good analysis of
findings. Clear
reference to
appropriate
literature.
Very good and
interesting
findings, clearly
expressed with
evidence of
originality.
Excellent
interpretation
of findings in
relation to
appropriate
literature.
Sophisticated
level of
analysis.
Conclusions and
Recommendations
(10%)
Weak conclusions
and
recommendations
with little
reference to the
primary data.
Very limited value
to the ‘client’
organization.
Some conclusions
and
recommendations
arising from
findings and
analysis. Lacking
in originality. Of
limited value to
the ‘client’
organization.
Adequate and
relevant
conclusions and
recommendations.
Some evidence of
value to the
‘client’
organization.
Good and
relevant
conclusions and
recommendations
that have real
value for the
‘client’
organization.
Clear links to aims
and objectives
Very good and
relevant
conclusions and
recommendations
that have real
value for the
‘client’
organization.
Good links to
aims and
objectives
Excellent
conclusions
drawn
accurately
from findings
and analysis.
Clear evidence
of originality.
Clearly
implementable
recs aimed at
the ‘client’
organisation
Reflection (5%) No real evidence
of personal
reflection nor
identification of
the development
of transferrable
skills
Some evidence of
personal
reflection. Some
evidence of skills
development.
A clear and
relevant reflective
piece which shows
personal and skills
development.
A clear and
relevant reflective
piece which
shows personal
and skills
development.
Evidence of
original thinking.
Good personal
reflection.
Evidence of
development of
knowledge and
transferrable
skills
Excellent
personal
reflection.
Clear
development
of knowledge
and
transferrable
skills
Presentation (5%) Poor Adequate Adequate Good Very good Excellent
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15. Learning Agreement
GROUP Name: ________________________________________________________
RESEARCH TOPIC/TITLE:
Student Name Student Number Signature
1.
2.
3.
4.
I agree to contribute to the group work to complete the business research project
and attend to present at the group presentation .
Our Group Spokesperson is
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Date: …………………………………………
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