UK COLLEGE

BUSINESS AND COMPUTING

Module Booklet
Course: EDEXCEL BTEC (HND) BUSINESS
Group: Ed excel Level 5
Module: Unit 8 Research Project
Module type: Optional
Module Code: K/601/0941
Module Credit: 20
Teaching Period: (12+3 weeks)
Level: 5 (QCF)
Contact Hours: (15*3+6*3 =
61) Lecturers: 15 weeks
Revision Clinic: 3 week
Feedback and assignment guidance: 3 weeks
MODULE LEADER: MR. PETER EMELONE
Lecturer: Andrew Wiggan
Start date: 27/05/14
Day: Monday
Time:

10:00 AM 1:00 PM

Room: 901
Group: WH Business Batch 2
Term: MAY-SEPT 2014

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

2. MODULE OUTLINE AND TEACHING METHODS

3. READING AND COURSE PREPRATION

4. LECTURE WITH DETAILED COURSE PROGRAMME AND OBJECTIVES

5. ASSESSMENT DETAILS
INTRODUCTION
This unit is designed to enable learners to become confident using research techniques and methods. It addresses the elements that make up formal research
including the proposal, a variety of research methodologies, action planning, carrying out the research itself and presenting the findings. To complete the unit
satisfactorily, learners must also understand the theory that underpins formal research.
The actual research depends on the learner, the context of their area of learning, their focus of interest and the anticipated outcomes. The unit draws together
a range of other areas from within the programme to form a holistic piece of work that will make a positive contribution to the learners area of interest.
Learners should seek approval from their tutors before starting their research project.

Aim:
To develop learners skills of independent enquiry and critical analysis by undertaking a sustained research investigation of direct relevance to their Higher
Education programme and professional development.

Key Objectives:
Organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise options Demonstrate critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time
management; sensitivity to diversity in people and different situations and the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience
Set personal targets and self manage adherence to a strict project timeline Recognise and address ethical dilemmas and corporate social responsibility
issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations.

Learning Outcomes and assessment criteria:

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:
Understand how to formulate a research specification
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

formulate and record possible research project outline specifications

identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection
undertake a critical review of key references
produce a research project specification

1.5 provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification
Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification
2.1 match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis
2.2 undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures
2.3 record and collate relevant data where appropriate
Be able to evaluate the research outcomes
3.1 use appropriate research evaluation techniques
3.2 interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification
3.3 make recommendations and justify areas for further consideration.
Be able to present the research outcomes

4.1use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an audience.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Be able to solve the complex problems/challenges/dilemmas facing the small business
Apply creativity to produce innovative solutions

and organise large amounts of primary data into meaningful clusters to enable analysis
Produce
Conduct secondary research to enable the objective analysis of the case study themes
Indicative content:
1 Understand how to formulate a research specification
Research formulation: aims and objectives; rationale for selection; methodology for data collection and analysis; literature review; critique of references from
primary sources e.g. questionnaires, interviews; secondary sources e.g. books, journals, internet; scope and limitations; implications e.g. resources.
Hypothesis: definition; suitability; skills and knowledge to be gained; aims and objectives; terms of reference; duration; ethical issues.
Action plan: rationale for research question or hypothesis; milestones; task dates; review dates; monitoring/reviewing process; strategy.
Research design: type of research e.g. qualitative, quantitative, systematic, original; methodology; resources; statistical analyses; validity; reliability; control of
variables.

2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to

specification
Implement: according to research design and method; test research hypotheses; considering test validity; reliability.
Data collection: selection of appropriate tools for data collection; types e.g. qualitative, quantitative; systematic recording; methodological problems e.g. bias,
variables and control of variables, validity and reliability.
Data analysis and interpretation: qualitative and quantitative data analysis interpreting transcripts; coding techniques; specialist software; statistical tables;
comparison of variable; trends; forecasting.

3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes

Evaluation of outcomes: an overview of the success or failure of the research project planning, aims and objectives, evidence and findings, validity, reliability,

benefits, difficulties, conclusion(s).

Future consideration: significance of research investigation; application of research results; implications; limitations of the investigation; improvements;
recommendations for the future, areas for future research.

4 Be able to present the research outcomes

Format: professional delivery format appropriate to the audience; use of appropriate media

Wk

Lecture Schedule

Outcome of session

Activity/seminar and
formative assessment

Resources

Introduction to module

Introduction to the module, mode of assessment,

awareness of the awarding body, assessment
criteria and the mode of assessment

Background of the
expectations of the awarding
body

Module
handbook

Define research principles, purpose, objectives and

aims. Map and classify data

Case study and addressing the

learning outcome 1.3

Power point
slides and
lecture notes.

Be able to ethical issues, responsibilities using

appropriate techniques. Be able to conduct pilot
interviews using closed questions

Case study and addressing the

learning outcome 1.4

Power point
slides and
lecture notes.

Understand practical problems, to proposing and

operating research projects.

Case study and addressing the

learning outcome 1.5

Module hand
book and
assignment for
the purpose

The research process getting started & the

assignment framework. (1.1,1.2)
2

Research Philosophy, Design strategies and

Methodologies, (1.3).
Matching resources to research questions
(2.1).

Issues with access to research participants

and Ethical considerations. (2.2) Producing
data from Research Interviews and
Observation.
Record and classify data, (2.3)

Producing project specifications (1.4)

Devising research plan and schedule (1.5)

REVSION TO ADDRESS TASK 1 AND 2

DO

Be able to plan a research project.

Analysing quantitative/qualitative data (3.2)

Evaluate quantitative data

Case study and addressing the

learning outcome 2.1

PowerPoint
slides and
lecture notes

Reliability and validity in primary and

secondary data (3.2)

Describe a range of primary and secondary data

Case study and addressing the
learning outcome 2.2

Assignment case
study and
workshop

Explain basic statistics and be able to present data

graphically and numerically

Case study and addressing the

learning outcome 2.3

PowerPoint
slides and
lecture notes

Interpreting and analysing research project

results (3.2)

Conduct pilot data analysis using descriptive

statistics.

Case study and addressing the

learning outcome 3.1

Improving questionnaire design (3.3)

Review questionnaires

PowerPoint
slides and
lecture notes.

Advanced data analysis using Chi Square.

Be able to use Excel spreadsheets for statistical

analysis

Case study and addressing the

learning outcome 3.2

PowerPoint
slides and
lecture notes.

Be able to evaluate the research outcomes

learning outcome 3.3

Power point
slides and
lecture notes.

Demonstrate an agreed format and appropriate

media to present outcomes.

learning outcome 4.1

Marking

Testing research hypothesis by piloting

research investigations (2.2)

Introduction to statistics. Means, modes and

sd (3.2)
Validity and reliability issues (2.3)

10

11

Using Excel for Statistical functions (in

computer labs) (3.2)
12

Making recommendations and justifying

areas for further research, (3.3)
Project preparation

13

REVSION TO ADDRESS TASK 3

14

Individual presentations (4.1)

schemes

15

Individual presentations
(4.1)

Demonstrate an agreed
format and appropriate
media to present
outcomes.

Case study and LO

Marking
schemes

Recommended text and links:

Core text:

Saunders, M. et al. 2009 Research Methods for Business Students, 5th ed Pearson Education
Supplementary Reading List (this list includes general texts and those focusing on more specific areas of the research process):
General:

Berry, R (2004) The Research Project: How to Write it (5th edn), London, Routledge.
Bryman, A. 2007 Business Research Methods Oxford University Press: Oxford
Davies, M.B., (2007) Doing a Successful Student Research Project using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan
Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. And Lowe, A. (2008) Management Research: An Introduction (3rd edn), London, Sage.
Jankowicz, AD (2004) Business Research Projects (4th edn), London, Thomson Learning Business Press
Kumar, R., (2011). Research Methodology, 3rd Ed. Sage London
Wilson, J., (2010). Essentials of Business Research, Sage London.
Literature Review:

Hart C (2002) Doing a Literature Review: releasing the social science imagination, London, Sage
Hart C (2000) Doing a Literature Search: a comprehensive guide for the social sciences, London, Sage.

Case Studies:

Yin, R. (2008), Case Study Research: Design and Methods (4th edn), Thousand Oaks, Sage.

Surveys and Quantitative Methods:

De Vaus, D.A. (2001) Surveys in Social Research, (5th edn), London, UCL Press.
Hinton, P (2004) Statistics Explained: A Guide for Social Science Students (2nd edn), London, Routledge.

Qualitative Methods:

Marshall C and G Rossman (2006) Designing Qualitative Research: Qualitative Data Analysis (4th edn), Thousand Oaks CA, Sage.
Miles, M.and Huberman, M. (1994) An Expanded Sourcebook: Qualitative Data Analysis (2nd edn), Thousand Oaks, Sage.

Corbin, J. and Strauss, A. (2008) Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques (3rd edn), Newbury Park, Sage.

Websites
Trochim, William M. The Research Methods Knowledge Base, 2nd Edition. Internet WWW page, at URL: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/
(version current as of Dec, 2006).
SURFSTAT Australia
http://www.anu.edu.au/nceph/surfstat/surfstat-home/surfstat.htm l
Electronic Statistics Textbook
http://www.statsoft.com/textbook/stathome.html

Wk
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Session Update

Date

Signature

9
10
11
12
Lecturer: Andrew Wiggan
Campus: Wentworth House
Contact details: awiggan@gmail.com
Assessment:
The module will be assessed meeting all the LO as specified by the awarding body, Ed Excel.
Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified.
Contribution: 100% of the module
Outline Details: Tasks 1, 2 and 3 will be in the form of an individual Report (approximately 3000 words) and Task 4 will be an individual Presentation
(maximum of 20 slides). Details enclosed in the assignment brief.
Teaching and Learning Activities
The module tutor(s) will aim to combine lectures with tutorial activities. This environment will provide opportunities for the student to understand the course
material through case study and text and to apply it in a practical way. The intent is to facilitate interactive class activities, and discussion about the significant
role of research in a global and local business environment.

2.3

Teaching Ethos

The colleges approach towards teaching and learning is simple and effective. The main aim of UKCBC is to assist learners in maximising their potential by
ensuring that they are taught clearly and effectively. This will enable students to engage in the learning environment and promote success in both their
academic studies and subsequent career.
2.3.1 Methods of

Delivery: LECTURES:
These will be developed around the key concepts as mentioned in the indicative course content and will use a range of live examples and cases from business
practice to demonstrate the application of theoretical concepts. This method is primarily used to identify and explain key aspects of the subject so that learners
can utilise their private study time more effectively.

SEMINARS:
These are in addition to the lectures. The seminars are designed to give learners the opportunity to
test their understanding of the material covered in the lectures and private study with the help of
reference books. This methodology usually carries a set of questions identified in advance. Seminars
are interactive sessions led by the learners. This method of study gives the learner an excellent
opportunity to clarify any points of difficulty with the tutor and simultaneously develop their oral
communication skills.
CASE STUDIES: An important learning methodology is the extensive use of case studies. They
enable learners to apply the concepts that they learn in their subjects. The learners have to study the
case, analyse the facts presented and arrive at conclusions and recommendations. This assists in the
assessment of the learners ability to apply to the real world the tools and techniques of analysis
which they have learnt. The case study serves as a supplement to the theoretical knowledge imparted
through the course work.
Plagiarism:
Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and awarding bodies
regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below:
Plagiarism is presenting someones work as your won. It includes copying information directly from
the web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual
effort; copying another students coursework; stealing coursework form another student and
submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have
occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the
plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct.)

ASSESSEMENT
Unit: 8 RESEARCH PROJECT
Learning Hours: 60 Hours.
Self-learning hours: 90 hours.
Course: HND Business Level 5
CREDIT VALUE: 20 CREDITS
Term: Summer
Lecturer: Andrew Wiggan
Verifier: Mrs Sunita Kotta
Learners Name
Registration Number
Learners Declaration: I certify that the work submitted for this unit is my own:
Signed:
Hand out Date:
Submission Date:
The Following Sections to be completed by the assessor:
Center Name:
UKCBC
Center Number:
08640
Please note that the assessors signature below denotes conformation that he/she
has in no way influenced the outcome of the assessment:
Assessors Name:
Assessors Signature:

Has the unit been Internally Verified?

Date of verification:
Internal verifiers signature:
Internal verifiers assignment brief:

Due Dates
Issue Date

28/05/14

Due Task- 1

27/06/14

Due Task- 2
Due Task- 3
Due Task- 4

31/07/14
29/08/14
26/09/14

Y/N

Deadline for JAN 2013 intake where Elearning will be blocked

Deadline for May 2013 intake where Elearning will be blocked

01/12/14
06/03/15

Task for the purpose:

This assignment requires you to demonstrate ability to conduct independent enquiry and
critical analysis by undertaking a sustained research investigation. In doing this, you will need
to address the range of tasks set below:

Unit Outcomes
Outcome

Evidence for the criteria to

pass.

Assessors
decision

Internal
verification
decision. (agree,
disagree)

TASK 1 [27/06/14], Task 2 - [31/07/14] and Task 3 - [29/08/14]

You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc.,
and present your findings on Task 1 (P1.1, P1.2, P1.3, P1.4 and P1.5), Task 2 (P2.1, P2.2 and P2.3) and
Task 3 (P3.1, P3.2 and P3.3) in the form of a REPORT.
LO1. Understand
how to formulate a
research specification

1.1 formulate and record

possible research project outline
specifications

P1.1

P1.1

(P,M,D)

(P,M,D)

1.2 identify the factors that

contribute to the process of
research project selection

P1.2

P1.2

(P,M,D)

(P,M,D)

1.3 undertake a critical review of P1.3

key references
(P,M,D)

P1.3

1.4 produce a research project

P1.4

P1.4

specification

(P,M,D)

1.5 provide an appropriate plan

and procedures for the agreed
research specification

P1.5

P1.5

(P,M,D)

(P,M,D)

P2.1- match resources efficiently

to the research question or
hypothesis

P2.1

P2.1

(P,M,D)

(P,M,D)

P2.2- undertake the proposed

research investigation in
accordance with the agreed
specification and procedures

P2.2

P2.2

(P,M,D)

(P,M,D)

P2.3 record and collate relevant

data where appropriate

P2.3

P2.3

(P,M,D)

(P,M,D)

P3.1- use appropriate research

evaluation techniques

P3.1

P3.1

(P,M,D)

(P,M,D)

Summarized
Feedback for Task
1(reflecting 1.1, 1.2,
1.3, 1.4, 1.5 Pass,
Merit and
Distinction.)

IV comments
towards
Task 1

LO2. Be able to
implement the
research project

within agreed
procedures and to
specification

Summarized
Feedback for Task 2
(reflecting 2.1, 2.2, 2.3,
Pass, Merit and
Distinction).
IV comments
towards
Task 2
LO3. Be able to

evaluate the research

outcomes

(P,M,D)

(P,M,D)

P3.2- interpret and analyse the

results in terms of the original
research specification

P3.2

P3.2

(P,M,D)

(P,M,D)

P3.3- make recommendations

and justify areas for further
consideration

P3.3

P3.3

(P,M,D)

(P,M,D)

Summarized
Feedback for Task 3
(reflecting 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Pass merit and
distinction).
IV comments
towards
Task 3

TASK 4
This task is an Individual Presentation, requiring the learner to present the research outcomes
from Tasks 1, 2 and 3 with the use of an agreed format and appropriate media.
LO4. Be able to
present the research
outcomes

P4.1 use an agreed format and

appropriate media to present
the outcomes of the research to
an audience

P4.1
(P,M,D)

P4.1
(P,M,D)

Summarized
Feedback for Task 4
(reflecting 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
Pass, Merit and
Distinction).
IV comments
towards
Task 4
Merit grades
M1
awarded
Distinction
D1
grades awarded
Any other comments

M2

M3

D2

D3

P1

P2
Resubmit :

P3

P4

Grade given by the Assessor:

Pass
Merit
Assessors Signature:
IV Grading Check:
Agree
Disagree
IV signature:
Date:
Students feedback:

Student Signature:

Date:
Comments if any:

Distinction

Modify grade to

Date:

Plagiarism:
Any act of plagiarism will be seriously dealt with according to the colleges and awarding bodies
regulations. In this context the definition and scope of plagiarism are presented below:
Plagiarism is presenting someones work as your won. It includes copying information directly from
the web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as an individual
effort; copying another students coursework; stealing coursework form another student and
submitting it as your own work. Suspected plagiarism will be investigated and if found to have
occurred will be dealt with according to the college procedure. (For further details please refer to the
plagiarism policy and the student code of conduct.)

Assignment
TASK 1 [27/06/14], Task 2 - [31/07/14] and Task 3 - [31/07/14]
You are required to carry out a research by using supportive materials like books, websites, etc.,
and present your findings on Task 1 (P1.1, P1.2, P1.3, P1.4 and P1.5), Task 2 (P2.1, P2.2 and P2.3)
and Task 3 (P3.1, P3.2 and P3.3) in the form of a REPORT.

LO1 Understand how to formulate a research specification

1.1 formulate and record possible research project outline specifications

1.2 identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection
1.3 undertake a critical review of key references
1.4 produce a research project specification

1.5 provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification
LO2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification
2.1 match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis
2.2 undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification
and procedures

2.3 record and collate relevant data where appropriate

LO3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes

3.1 use appropriate research evaluation techniques

3.2 interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification
3.3 make recommendations and justify areas for further Consideration
TASK 4 [26/09/14]
This task is an Individual Presentation, requiring the learner to present the research outcomes from
Tasks 1, 2 and 3 with the use of an agreed format and appropriate media.

LO4 Be able to present the research outcomes

4.1 use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an
audience.

Assignment Guidelines:
Use a standard report structure, Word-process the report and use Normal script of a proper font size
12.

Produce an academic report, detailing the above issues with a word limit of 4000 to 4500 words.
Complete the title page and sign the statement of authenticity.
The Assignment sheet should be attached in the front.
Submit the document in a folder in the form of a file as well as a soft copy on the submission date.
It should be uploaded on E-Learning platform before the deadline and submitted to Reception at
Wentworth House and sign the submission form of the college.

Assignments submitted after the deadline will not be accepted unless mitigating and may be entitled
for a late fee.

Collusion and Plagiarism must be avoided.

Start each answer on a new page and pages should be numbered. Highlight each question clearly.
Include a Bibliography at the end of the assignment and use the Harvard referencing system.
All work should be comprehensively referenced and all sources must be fully
acknowledged, such as books and journals, websites (include the date of visit), etc.

Try to give the page numbers, publishers' details and the year of publication
In order to pass you need to address all the LO
In order to get a merit you need to address the characteristics of Pass and then M1, M2,M3
In order to get a Distinction you need to address the characteristics of Pass, Merit and then D1, D2 and

D3.

Use a common format for the questions, for example:

Introduction Knowledge
(analyze the question.)

Underpinning
(write about the relevant theory/points)

Applied knowledge(Data Analysis)

Conclusions and Recommendations (summarizing the whole scenario keeping in view pass, merit,
distinction criteria.)

Student feedback form with the Assessment Grid indicating their pass,
merit and distinction:
Name:
Unit: Research Project

Registration Number:

Outcomes/criteria:

Indicative characteristics

Possible evidence

LO1. Understand how to

formulate a research
specification

As per the assessment

criteria specified for pass

Task 1

Do

Task 2

LO3. Be able to evaluate

the research outcomes

Do

Task 3

LO4. Be able to present

the research outcomes

Do

Task 4

LO2. Be able to
implement the research
project within agreed
procedures and to
specification

Merit Description:
M. Identify and apply
strategies to find
appropriate solutions.

M2. Select/ design and

apply appropriate
methods/ techniques.

. Relevant theories and

techniques have been
applied.
. Effective judgments
have been made.
. Complex problems with
more than one variable
have been explored.
. An effective approach to
study and research has
been used.
. A range of methods and
techniques has been
applied.

Feedback

. A range of sources of
information used.
. The selection of methods
and techniques justified.

M3. Present and

communicate appropriate
findings.

Distinction Description:
D1. Use critical reflection
to evaluate own work and
justify valid conclusion.

. Complex
information/data have
been synthesized and
processed.
.Appropriate learning
methods/ techniques
applied.
. Appropriate structure
and approach has been
used.
. Logical and coherent
arguments have been
presented
. Technical language
accurately used.
. A range of methods of
presentation has been
used.
. Familiar and unfamiliar
contexts have been used.
. It is appropriate for
familiar and unfamiliar
audiences.
. Synthesis has been used
to generate and justify
valid conclusions
. The validity of results
has been judged
. Self-criticism of
approach has taken place.
. Evaluation has taken
place using defined
criteria

. Realistic improvements
have been proposed
against defined
characteristics for success.

2. Take responsibility for

managing and organizing
activities.

D3. Demonstrate
convergent, lateral and
creative thinking

Autonomy/independence
demonstrated
Substantial
activities/projects or
investigations have been
planned, managed and
organized.
The unforeseen has been
accommodated.
The importance of
interdependence has been
recognized.
Ideas generate and
decisions taken
Convergent and lateral
thinking have been
applied
Capacity for innovation
and creative thought has
been used.
Receptiveness to new
ideas has demonstrated.
Unfamiliar contexts have
been applied.