The aim of this assessment is to enable you to design
‘real world’ business research which will allow you to demonstrate, and further
enhance your research skills. This assessment is the plan of your Final Major
Project. Your projects may draw on potentially any aspect of your programme studies that fascinates you, including but not limited
to: approaches to business management and leadership focusing on …innovation,
product development, performance improvement, customer service, strategy
development, market challenges, consumer trends… 

Students are to produce a 3,000-word research plan in
the form of a full project proposal. Plus, a detailed plan that includes
timings: outlining what you intend to do to turn this plan into a Final Major
Project (the actions outlined on your Gantt chart are to be carried out in
Semester 2 in your Final Major Project module).    

Your research plan will consist
of these seven sections

1.   
Establish the
business context and a rationale for the value of the planned research project.

2.   
The overall
aim and your objectives required to meet this aim.

3.   
A draft review
of previous studies that have investigated this topic (Literature Review).

4.   
A justified
strategy outlining the intended methodology for carrying out the primary
research including with whom, how participants will be reached, what method(s)
being used and how the data will be analysed.

5.   
A section
where you outline potential areas of concern (what might hinder the success of
your project/ how might you respond).

6.   
List of
references (articles and book chapters you have read and refer to in your
report).

7.   
In the
appendices a full and detailed Gantt chart outlining a weekly schedule of
activities planned for that start of semester 2 through to the final hand in of
your Final Major Project (This chart is equivalent to 1,000 words and it is not part
of the word count for your assessment). Also, in the appendices
attach evidence of completion of Academic Integrity Course.

Assessment criteria

A full marking grid is attached below.  A summary of the key areas being assessed are
detailed as follows:

Project proposal (research plan) – Structure
(with word count guide)

1.       Project
Background (business context and why it’s important) – 600 words

2.       Draft
Aim and objectives – 200 words

3.       Prior
relevant studies discussed (draft literature review) – 1000 words

4.       Draft
data collection and analysis plan – 900 words

5.       Area
of concern – 300 words

6.       References
– at least ten articles you have read to help you write this plan

7.       Appendices
(your detailed Gantt chart) – a detailed timetable of actions (equivalent to
1000 words). Also,
in the appendices attach evidence of completion of Academic Integrity Course.

Professionalism/Ease of
reading/Quality of Presentation of Report are important. You should ensure that
your report is well written and professionally presented.

 Academic sources