Critical Analysis of Research Topic in Business Studies

Main Objective of the assessment

This is an individual assignment. You are required to submit a critical analysis of research topic in relation to a chosen topic of study/area of interest in the context of Business Studies. This research topic normally relates the research issues in your master programme subject area.

Description of the Assessment

You need to undertake a significant literature review, which outlines the underpinning methodologies and the research method(s) adopted in previous research that incorporates a range of viewpoints and perspectives. It is essential to provide a critical analysis that applies the knowledge and understanding acquired during the module to evaluate theoretical and technical aspects of related research methodologies and methods.

You are expected to demonstrate both breadth and depth of understanding of relevant academic literature of the chosen topic. You are required to explain, discuss and evaluate the methodologies applied in the reviewed literature.

Typically, your essay should have (a) an executive summary (b) Introduction (c) literature review (d) Analysis, discussion and evaluation of research methodology (e) Findings and what you have learnt from this assignment (f) References (Harvard Referencing System).

In this individual assignment, you are expected to use relevant materials from academic research books and academic empirical journal articles (ABS ranking listed journals) in your subject area to support your analysis and arguments when formulating your assignment. Your analysis, discussion and evaluation should be backed with appropriate academic references and examples where necessary.

This assignment should be presented with 12 pt. Times New Roman Text with line spacing of 1.5. The word limit is 2000 words (excluding references). Note that assignment below this word limit by more than 10% would result in decrease in the overall achieved mark by 10%. Proper referencing of all ideas, concepts, theories and quotes used in your work is essential. Normally you are required to present no less than 15 academic journal article references. The

Harvard referencing system must be used, details of which are contained on your handbook. Failure to employ a clear and appropriate system of referencing will be penalized.

Choice of topic:

• Should be in the field of study of your MSc
• eg. a topic in accounting, marketing, HRM
• Ideally something you propose to study for your dissertation
• Because you can use this review (2000 words) as the basis of your dissertation literature review
• You can choose another topic
• Maybe something you did for an assignment Brunel University London
• “Significant literature review”
• Not just a summary of a few articles

“Underpinning methodologies adopted in previous research”

• “Research method(s) adopted in previous research”
• The practical tools and techniques used
• Try to ensure you review articles that use qualitative research AND ones that use quantitative research approach
• Interviews, surveys, etc.
• “Range of viewpoints and perspectives”
• On what points do the authors agree?
• Where do they disagree?
• The most important word to use is “however”

“Critical analysis”

• Not just what is said, but what is meant

“Knowledge and understanding”

• Show you understand what has been done and why

“Evaluate theoretical and technical aspects”

• In particular qualitative and quantitative

Other instructions:

• “Demonstrate both breadth and depth of understanding”
• Show you appreciate the importance of each of the individual articles
• As well as their importance overall in the subject area or field of study
• “Explain, discuss and evaluate the methodologies applied in the reviewed literature.”
• The philosophical positions adopted: why were they chosen, how were they used?
• Did they achieve the research objectives?
• What alternatives might have worked better?