Advanced-Level Research and Problem-Solving Skills in Business Context

The purpose of this assignment is to enable learners to develop advanced-level independent research and critical problem-solving skills within a business context.Learners will develop knowledge of, proficiency in, and application of a range of management research methodologies including qualitative and quantitative research methods resulting in proposals/ recommendations.

Assessment Task
In the current international economic environment, entrepreneurs and managers are frequently required to undertake business planning, project and consultancy work in addition to their core responsibilities. Frequently, these projects are focused upon investigating new business opportunities or potential strategic changes in order to create, retain and extend competitive position The assessment task is to produce a 7500 words (±10%) research project report based on an independent research, which investigates a business/organisational or management problem, issue or challenge, applies appropriate research techniques and analysis, and consequently informs the development of a business plan and/ or results in recommendations for change.

Where the submission exceeds the stipulated word limit by more than 10%, the submission will only be marked up to and including the additional 10%. Anything over this will not be included in the final grade for the assessment item.Abstracts, bibliographies, reference lists, appendices and footnotes are excluded from any word limit requirements.Where a submission is notably under the word limit, the full submission will be marked on the extent to which the requirements of the assessment brief have been met.

Provide a list of the sections of your project report with page numbers Provide a list of the figures and tables presented in your project report, if applicable.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
• What is the setting/ context for your research project?
• What is your project about?
• What are the aim and objectives of your research project?
• What is/ are your research question(s)
• Describe how your project will assist the organization that is under study, if relevant and applicable.
• Describe the consultation process you have undertaken with the organization, if applicable.

What are the key concepts and theories that provide some background or platform for your research project? Discussing these entails a thorough review of relevant studies related to your research. Make sure you consult a wide range of relevant literature studies. Ensure this is a critical review – not just descriptive or an annotated bibliography. All sources should be correctly attributed using the Harvard Referencing format.

• What methodology did you adopt and why?
• What is the principle or philosophy that guides & shapes your research project and why (example Positivist, interpretivist; inductive/deductive, etc.)?
• Who is your target audience or your research sample and why?
• What methods did you employ for collecting data and why?
• How did you ensure adequate ethical procedure?
• What are your hypotheses, if applicable?
• How did you analyse your data (analytical and statistical procedures employed) and why?