Research Process for Business-Related Specialist Project

Task

1. Demonstrate understanding of the research process in the context of your chosen business-related specialist project

2. To develop, plan and implement a valid and academically reliable research-based project

You are required to present a 15-minute academic presentation to the examination panel presenting your Research Proposal (equivalent to 2000 words). You will be informed when and how the presentation will happen via BREO. You must also submit the slides to your presentation onto BREO using the assessment submission link. The slides need to be of academic quality and be fully referenced using appropriate sources.

During the first semester you should be thinking and consulting with your supervisor with regards to your chosen topic. The culmination of this process is the project proposal submission in teaching week 3 of the 2nd Semester.

It is of fundamental importance that the project you choose is a project that you feel will sustain your interest throughout the unit. You must adopt an appropriate research methodology in order to meet the needs of the final assessment. It is fundamental that your approach in resolving the research aim and objectives are robust and methodologically sound. A reasoned review of relevant literature will be expected and a well-thought out explanation of the research methodology chosen.

The generation of data is a crucial aspect of the project and must be fully considered at the preliminary stage outlined above. The project proposal that you submit in week 3 should have a detailed plan and schedule of this activity (Gantt chart), noting problems, bottlenecks or likely pressure on you or your time (risk register).

Your supervisor will assist you with the development of a project proposal. The proposal should provide an account of how you are going to respond to the topic. It should contain the following aspects:

Introduction to the project/dissertation (overview; context; aim & objectives: 1 aim and maximum 3 appropriate objectives)

Brief Literature Review (on main scholarly areas of knowledge)

Methodology (what kind of data and creative processes you will adopt to meet your chosen objectives/specifications)

Potential outcomes

A conceptual map that outlines the concepts explored in the Literature Review

Gantt Chart

Risk Register

The resources you would need, what are the risk, where you lack resources, knowledge, access etc.

The knowledge you have and/or intend to gain during the project, how have you ensured you will be able to gain the knowledge you need for the successful completion of the dissertation.

Any health and safety issues that may arise.

Any other risks that you perceive for the dissertation.

A list of the key reference sources for the project that you have identified. (10 references as a minimum).

The unit is based on independent study, requiring you to be responsible for the management and direction of the research, project supervisors are assigned to oversee and guide you through the process. The proposed topic is agreed by yourself and respective supervisors and should relate to a specific Business or Management issue as well as being of interest to you.

The supervisor-supervisee relationship is managed by you and you are provided the opportunity for 4-hours of individual contact with

your supervisor over the dissertation process. The project is driven by you with the supervisor acting as a support mechanism.

A one-hour master class is provided via the local tutor that addresses issues that are relevant to all students. Broadly topics covered may include: