Coursework 2: Research Method and Methodology Report

Assessment Learning Outcomes

Assessment Learning Outcomes:

This assignment is designed to assess learning outcomes:

Understand the difference between quantitative and qualitative research methods, how to formulate research questions and testable hypotheses as well as the structure of dissertation and report.

Conduct various types of regression analysis and show critical ability to understand the purpose and limitations of different regression model.

Apply Event Studies and Monte Carlo Methods for financial modelling.

Apply accounting techniques and technologies to construct performance matrix and other analytics to support business decision making.

Details of the task:

Coursework 2 involves students submitting a report of no more than 1,500 words to explain their research method and methodology. It represents the second part of a whole research proposal.

The report should use feedback from Coursework 1 to improve their introductory part of the report. Students need to provide details about their research design and data collection methods to enable them to answer their research question and objectives. Ethics, Timescale (by use of a Gantt Chart) and Resources (both financial and non-financial) should also be documented.

Assignment Guidelines

Structure

Coursework 2 is primarily the research proposal and should include an introductory part which is an improvement on that of Coursework 1 (i.e. introduction, research question and objectives). However literature review will not form part of Coursework 2. If you so wish, you can include an updated version in appendix.

The report should focus on the methodology and methods to be used if the research were to be conducted. It relates to the research question and objectives and shows how they can be achieved.

Please note that a research proposal does not involve the actual collection of data and data analysis. However you may include preliminary findings if you wish.

Introduction – abstract and updated research purpose, question and objectives and justification following feedback from Coursework 1

Literature review – not to be included in Coursework 2. Make reference to Coursework 1 in this section

Research methodology (refer to Research Onion in Saunders et. al. (2019))

Research design – relates to the research opinion (philosophies, approaches, strategies, choices, time horizon). You are expected to make strong justifications in support of your chosen research design.

Data collection – relates to the last phase of the research onion (techniques and procedures). Identify how specifically the data will be collected (i.e. questionnaire, focus group, secondary databases, etc.). You are expected to provide the advantages and disadvantages of the various data collection methods and select the most appropriate data collection method(s)

Your chosen method (1) Research design and (2) Data collection must relate to the purpose of your study

If secondary data collection is used: where it is to be  collected, a description of variables to be used in analysis, the econometric model (if any)

If primary data collection is used: A copy a proposed questionnaire or semi/unstructured interview questions should be presented as part of the appendices. A covering letter to explain the purpose of the questionnaire should be presented.

Break down the research process into a series of steps

Highlight how much time is needed to be made available for data collection and analysis

Think about the resources needed for the completion of the project that you are proposing. This could include direct costs (travel, accommodation) or indirect costs (time).