LO1: Produce a research proposal, consistent with personal development planning for the Year Abroad/ International Placement, and employability;
LO2: Produce a research report based on the research proposal, demonstrating knowledge and comprehension, and synthesis and evaluation, applying quantitative and/or qualitative research methods;
LO3: Analyze the impact of national context on individuals and/or organizations.
Assessment Task
What are you required to do in this assignment?
Details of task
An empirical research project will be conducted based on the approved research proposal.
The research question(s) identified in the proposal will be answered in a business context. This will involve collecting quantitative and/or qualitative data, analyzing the data and writing up the findings. This assignment requires the student to produce a 2,000-word research report focused on the chosen research question(s), incorporating a critical literature review on the topic, an appropriate methodology and empirical analysis of the findings.
Report Structure
Abstract
The abstract is clear, informative, and self-contained, while still succinct
I. Introduction
The report begins by stating the general significance of the topic (i.e., the main aim of the study is stated in a way that grabs the reader’s attention).
The topic is effectively introduced.
There is a relevant discussion of the contextual background.
There are clear definitions of the main terms.
The proposed aims and research questions are clear, feasible and measurable.
In general, the reader come away from the introduction knowing what to expect in the remainder of the report. It “sets the stage” for what is to come.
II. Literature Review
Relevant literature is reviewed and critically evaluated.
The reviewed literature is relevant to the aim and objectives/ research questions of the project. It is organized thematically.
The research questions are finalized following the review.
If you are testing for the existence of relationships between variables, the hypotheses are clearly defined.
There are propositions formulated, if relevant (i.e., if the inductive approach is adopted).
III. Methodology
There is an appropriate discussion of the chosen research approach.
There is an appropriate justification of the methodology for data collection and data analysis. There is sufficient discussion of any potential limitations of the research method employed.
If applicable, ethical issues are considered.
If applicable, all research tools (e.g., questionnaires, topic guides) are fully described and attached in the Appendix.
It is clear what data was utilized and how, when, and where data were accessed/ collected.
IV. Empirical Results and Discussion
The correct analyses are performed and interpreted in an appropriate manner.
There is a verbal description of the results as well as a visual presentation, if applicable.
If used, data tables are clear and appropriately labelled.
Overall, the presentation of results is clear, well-organized, and logically ordered.
The reader is clear on what you found.
There is a comparison of the results with previous studies (surveyed in the literature review section).
If there is disagreement between the findings of the study and results from previous research, it is noted and Is a logical explanation is offered for the differences.
V. Conclusions, Recommendations
There is an appropriate summary of the main findings of the research.
If appropriate, the limitations of the study are discussed.
Suggestions for further research are offered that might serve to eliminate weaknesses in the current project.
In general, there is a “take home” message that is made clear to the reader.
Presentation, References, abstract
All studies cited in the text of the paper are listed in the reference list at the end.
Clear writing, complete sentences, correct spelling and grammar.
There is a logical flow of the argument.
The report is effectively structured. The material and the arguments are professionally presented.
