Research Project: Nature, Learning Outcomes, and Assessment Criteria

The Nature of Research Projects

A research project is defined as an individual project that exposes a student to research methods and scholarly writing. You are encouraged to decide on your research topics in your field of study. The research can take different forms depending on the research topics and the resources available to you. The research may be quantitative or qualitative.

 

You may conduct an empirical study, a case study, some type of secondary-data research, an observational study, an experimental research (mostly, quasi-experimental) or an exploratory type of study. The expected standard required for the research project is that of a structured application of the knowledge you have acquired towards the resolution of a problem in your area of research.

 

You should be aware of the literature and critical use of journal articles and published works. The research report would take the format of a well-structured and good account of a study with an understanding of the appropriate research methods and analytical techniques. A critical and analytical approach in conducting the research is emphasized at the master’s level. 

 

The research project provides an opportunity for you to design and enact a research study at the master’s level and present it in the form of written research report. The project forms a substantial part of the overall study leading to the award of a master’s degree. Accordingly, a high standard of achievement will be expected from you. The project should draw on your intellectual skills and knowledge acquired during the course. It aims to develop intellectual interests among the students beyond their normal daily responsibilities and to demonstrate their ability for research.

 

The research project also provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate a critical understanding of the literature relevant to the topic under consideration and the ability to complete a major and worthwhile piece of work with minimum supervision. It is an exercise that allows you to transform the major functional theories learned through the course into a ‘live’ project by applying the knowledge learned to a specific area of study. This transformation exercise may be enhanced by your working experience and practical knowledge.

 

In addition, the research project aims to bring out your analytical and research skills by developing your ability to recognize and define a problem, to formulate meaningful research questions, to exercise logical reasoning and inquiry, and to employ appropriate methods of analysis in addressing that problem. Finally, you should be able to demonstrate the ability to write an academic paper that is well organized with proper conclusions and recommendations. 

Types of Research Studies

Upon completing this research project, you will be able to:

 

1. Formulate a researchable issue related to the business management. 

 

2. Evaluate the alternative research methodologies or solutions of current issues. 

 

3. Develop an appropriate research design or to conduct an independent study and systematic enquiry of a substantial topic. 

 

4. Analyse the data and information collected by using appropriate analytical tools. 

 

5. Explain the research outcome and the implications of the research findings.

The research report will be assessed based on the following criteria:

 

1. Introduction, problem definition, and objectives.

 

2. Literature review - choice of appropriate concepts with hypotheses or propositions. 

 

3. Methodology - research procedure and analysis of data.

 

4. Research results and interpretation of results.

 

5. Recommendation and conclusion.

 

6. Referencing.

 

7. Overall presentation of the research report; structure, clarity, and organisation of information.

 

Note: When the need for further evaluation arises, the Head of Programme (HoP) reserves the right to request for an oral presentation of the research project on a case-by-case basis.

 

Case writing is a process that begins with the decision to use a case and ends with the use of the case in class or produce a business case study report. The entire sequence of steps in the process can be found below. The suggested activities for case writing contained in this guide are meant to assist MBA students in organizing and presenting information in the case study format. The focus is on the writing process.

 

Step 1:     Case Origin. 
Identify the needs 

 

Step 2:     Establishing the needs. 
The search for specific issues, ideas, and individuals or organizations that might supply the case information 

 

Step 3:     Initial Contact. 
The establishment of access to material on the case subject 

 

Step 4:     Data Collection. 
The gathering of the relevant information for the case 

 

Step 5:     The Writing Process. 
The organization and the presentation of the data and information 

 

Step 6:     Publish and Presentation. 
The obtaining of permission from the appropriate individuals to use the case for educational purposes.

Before considering the specific activities involved in the writing process, you should be aware of some basic information concerning cases. Usually cases describe particular situations in which people are engaged in complex issues and are forced to take actions on a dilemma. Cases are often used in problem-based learning, in which students are placed in a problem situation and are encouraged to take the role of problem solvers. In this instance, cases are action provoking - designed to present a problem that places students to be in the shoes of a relevant decision-maker in that particular situation for analysis and action recommendations.

 

Occasionally, cases are designed to provide references to different aspects related to the problem confronted. Often this type of case does not only describe a problem situation, but also includes the proposal of solution, and/or chosen solution and the outcome of the solution. Students review the strengths and weaknesses or potential impact of the proposed solution, or reason about how and why a solution succeeds or fails. Through this reasoning process, students obtain a deeper understanding of all the relevant factors in a particular problem situation.

Cases place students in an active learning mode. In other words, cases invite students to do specific tasks and to think about the things they are doing. In essence, cases present students with opportunities to analyse and solve relevant real-world practical problems. Cases challenge students to test what they learn through practice instead of merely testing their memory. Thus, cases are useful in instruction that involves high-order thinking such as problem solving and interpretation. Moreover, cases promote transfer. Active learning and engagement in solving problems allows students to apply what they learn to similar problem situations in the real world.

Writing cases is a challenging task, but the learning outcomes that stem from their use can be rewarding. Case writing involves complex and reflective endeavours as well as the opportunity for creative expression. A student has to analyse, evaluate, interpret, and synthesize information and ideas. In fact, writing cases can enrich one’s learning, teaching and research. The writing process comprises four major activities:

planning, organizing, drafting, and revising.