MODULE OVERVIEW:
The purpose of this module is to enable learners to devise an original research project associated with topics and themes from the MBA programme. The module provides opportunities for learners to identify, select and analyse secondary data in novel and innovative ways for applied research in business and management contexts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
On successful completion of the module, In relation to the
Subject-Specific Knowledge, Understanding & Application
- Design a project that critiques existing research to sustain a coherent and convincing academic argument to justify the problem.
- Identify and critically analyse pertinent literature sources, theories, models and concepts relevant to the project.
- Appraise and apply a recognised method of data collection and analysis to secondary information, considering ethical and methodological considerations.
- Propose recommendations that demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset and consider stakeholder impact, sustainability, and value.
Employability & Changemaker Skills - Critically reflect on the potential implications for the project and own-personal development in the context of personal, professional and career development.
- Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks.
- Select, evaluate and synthesise sources of information associated with a business or management topic.
INDICATIVE CONTENT:
- Theoretical perspectives on applied research for strategic management
- Select topics and design questions relevant to pathways.
- Devising research questions/hypotheses
- Practical qualitative and quantitative approaches to research design
- Ethical and methodological dimensions of applied research
- Qualitative and quantitative data analyses
- Proposing, costing and planning recommendations
ASSESSMENT STRUCTURE
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Assessment Activity |
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| PJ1 | Project Portfolio | Project Portfolio (8,000 words) | a, b, c, d, e, f, g | 100% |
The project portfolio comprises three tasks: Task 1 (project proposal), Task 2 (project design with methodology and data analysis outline), and Task 3, the final research project report. Furthermore, learners will be required to include a 800 words reflective journal alongside the final submission.
The assessment items listed above are graded and contribute to the overall module grade (assessment of learning). In addition, there are opportunities for formative assessment (assessment for learning), which are ungraded, to support students in achieving the module learning outcomes. These are NOT listed.
MODULE REQUIREMENTS
Students MUST submit.
1. Task 1- Project proposal
2. Task 2- Project design with methodology and data analysis outline
3. Task 3- The final research project report
All three formative tasks/assessments must be submitted via the Nile site by the due date and as advised by the module leaders. For details about the requirements for each task and Project Portfolio- Research Project Report (8,000 words), please refer to the submission guidelines below.
Student Must attend all scheduled meetings as advised in the role of Project students and supervisors.
Students MUST ensure their work is free from plagiarism. To avoid plagiarism, acknowledge all the sources used in your work by following the “Harvard Referencing Guide” available on NILE. In the case of plagiarism, the student’s mark will be capped, and the case will be sent to the misconduct committee for a decision. Please keep in mind that academic integrity cannot be compromised. If a student committed plagiarism, their work would be submitted to the misconduct committee for a decision. Penalties range from a grade reduction to dismissal from the programme of study, depending on the degree of the offence.
REQUIRED TASKS CONTENT
Task 1 – Project proposal submission guidelines
Purpose of the task: Identify a strategic business issue.
To complete your project proposal, please ensure that you answer the following questions.
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Criteria |
| Introduction and background (Terms of Reference) |
– Have you adequately articulated the rationale behind your research and identified the specific gap in existing research that it aims to address? – Have you effectively communicated how your study will add to the current body of literature or practice, as well as clearly stated the overarching aim of your research project? – Have you explicitly stated your research question and provided a detailed outline of your research’s specific aims and objectives, utilising action verbs like ascertain, establish, recommend, and so on? |
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Research Rationale (Statement of Problem)
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| The purpose of the Research (What is the study trying to achieve?) | |
| Research question (or propositions or hypotheses) | |
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Critical Literature Review (Indication of the literature that informs your research)
Theoretical frameworks (Role of theory) |
– Have you completed a comprehensive and comprehensive review of relevant and previous research? – Have you discussed key studies related to your topic? – Have you emphasised how these studies are pertinent to the issues you intend to explore? – Have you identified the practical models and theoretical frameworks used to guide your research? It is important to address the following questions: What is the role of theory in research? How will the theories be applied? |
| 3. Methodology and methods | – Have you provided an outline for your research plan? |
| References | – Have you provided correct referencing with a comprehensive citation and reference list? |
Task 2 – Project Design submission guidelines
Purpose of the task: Design a problem-solving strategy and undertake data analysis to present a solution to a business issue.
To complete your project design, please ensure that you answer the following questions.
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Criteria |
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Analysed design (Description of proposed research – type of study)
Methods for data collection
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– Have you developed a comprehensive research plan that clearly lays out the methodology you plan to employ? It’s crucial to provide a sound rationale for your chosen approach and elucidate the data collection process. Ensure to include the academic sources that back up your methods and techniques. – Have you thought about the limitations of your methods and referred to the range and data types available for academic research? These elements should also factor into your decision-making process. |
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Research Context (e.g. industry sector, organisation)
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– Have you provided the context of their proposed research? Key features and characteristics? What (companies/ docs/ annual reports/ journal articles) will be studied? How many? How will they be selected (i.e. sampling)? For which period? |
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Procedure (i.e. what happened from the participants’ perspective) Methods for data analysis Ethical considerations |
– Can you anticipate any problem they might have in implementing the methods? – Can you ensure your research meets the University’s ethical standards (reliability/ validity)? |
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Findings/results
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– Have you analysed and presented the data accurately? – Have you discussed and explained the research results effectively? – Have you compared the research findings with the literature? |
| Recommendations |
– Have you thought about how your research findings could impact professional practice? – Have you considered any recommendations for professional practice? |
| References | – Have you provided correct referencing with a comprehensive citation and reference list? |
Task 3 – Final Research Project Report (8,000 Words) Guidelines
Please ensure to answer these questions when creating your Final Research Project Report.
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Project
Executive summary
Main Body
Summary |
– Have you ensured that your research project is clearly defined and explained? – Have you outlined the aim, objectives, research questions, and contributions of your study? – Have you accurately presented your methodology and major findings? – Have you provided an overview of the structure of your research project?
Literature review – You may choose to title this section as “Literature Review” or “Annotated Sections of the Report”. – Have you introduced the research subject and explained its meaning, importance, and the theories behind it in a clear and concise manner? – Have you reviewed the literature thoroughly and used credible, sufficient, and up-to-date sources? – Does your literature align with your project’s research questions, themes, variables, and hypotheses? Methodology – Have you adequately explained how the research was designed? This includes the approach and methods used for data collection, sample size, and the sampling technique used. – Are the research methods used for data collection valid and relevant to the research aim and questions? – Have you clearly described the methods used for data collection and analysis? – Have you demonstrated an awareness of and addressed any ethical issues that may arise in your research? Findings/results – Have you properly analysed and presented the data? – Have you discussed and explained the research results thoroughly? – Have you compared and contrasted the research findings with the literature review? Conclusion and Recommendation – Have you adequately concluded the findings of your research? – Have you considered the potential impact of your research results on professional practices? How might your findings shape professional practices? – Have you also provided any recommendations for professional practices? – Have you considered any ethical, sustainability, or technological implications that may arise from your research? What are the limitations of your study, and what areas could benefit from further research development? Please note that all research has limitations and time constraints may limit the scope of a project. For instance, conducting research in a different region or business sector may offer additional insights to strengthen or support your selected area. References – Have you provided correct referencing with a comprehensive citation and reference list? |
| Reflection | This section should include a critical reflection on undertaking the project. (Maximum of 800 Words) (you could use Kolb, 1984 or any models for experiential learning)
– Can you explain how your research project relates to your personal, professional, and career development? What motivated you to choose this project, and did you have to make any adjustments to your topic? – How did you decide on your methodology, and what limitations did you encounter during that process? -What methods did you use to select your data sources, and what challenges did you face when analysing your data? – Were the results/findings of your project what you expected? – If you were given the opportunity to do this project again, what changes would you make? – What have you learned from this experience, and how do you plan to apply that knowledge in the future? – Can you describe how this project has helped you develop personally and professionally? |