Lord Ashcroft International Business School

Research Methods for

Business and Management

Department:Leadership and Management

Module Code: MOD001105
Level: 7

Academic Year: 2015/16

Semester/Trimester: One

Module Guide

Contents
1. Key Information ....................................................................................................................................3
2. Introduction to the Module ....................................................................................................................3
3. Intended Learning Outcomes ...............................................................................................................3
3.1 Employability skills delivered in this Module ....................................................................................4
4. Outline Delivery ....................................................................................................................................4
5. Assessment ..........................................................................................................................................6
5.1 Type of assessment........................................................................................................................6
5.2 Qualifying conditions and submitting your Work ..............................................................................8
5.3 Feedback ......................................................................................................................................12
5.4 Re-Assessment (re-sit) .................................................................................................................12
6. How is My Work Marked? ...................................................................................................................13
7. Assessment Criteria and Marking Standards ......................................................................................14
7.1 Specific Assessment Criteria and Marking Rubric or Grading Form ..............................................14
7.2 University Generic Assessment Criteria ........................................................................................15
8. Report on Last Delivery of Module ......................................................................................................20
9. Links to Other Key Information ...........................................................................................................21
Appendix 1: Re-Assessment Information ................................................................................................22

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Module Guide

1. Key Information
Module title:

Research Methods for Business and Management

Module Leader:

Andy Brady ([email protected])

Module Tutors:

ChrishanthiRanaweera(Online Delivery)
GayanJayasinghe (Online Delivery)

Every module has a Module Definition Form (MDF) which is the officially validated record of the module.
You can access the MDF for this module in four ways via:

the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

the My.Anglia Module Catalogue at www.anglia.ac.uk/modulecatalogue
Anglia Ruskins module search engine facility atwww.anglia.ac.uk/modules
As the final section of this module guide

All modules delivered by Anglia Ruskin University at its main campuses in the UK and at Associate
Colleges throughout the UK and overseas are governed by the Academic Regulations. You can view the
seat www.anglia.ac.uk/academicregs. A printed extract of the Academic Regulationsknown as the
Assessment Regulations, is available for every student from LS London office.
In the unlikely event of any discrepancy between the Academic Regulations and any other publication,
including this module guide, the Academic Regulations, as the definitive document, take precedence
over all other publications and will be applied in all cases.

2. Introduction to theModule
Thismoduleprovidescourseparticipantswiththeappropriateknowledge,skillsandabilitiestheywillneedtoeffe
ctivelycarryoutapieceofsmallscalebusiness/managementresearch.Aparticularemphasiswillbeplacedupon
developingindividualstowardstheirMastersDissertation/project.Afocusisgiventothespecificissuesfacedby
managersandresearcherswhencarryingoutresearch inanorganisationalsetting. Thesewillinclude the
philosophical
aspects
ofenquiryinsocial
settings,
operatinginpoliticalcontexts,negotiatingaccesstokeyindividualsanddata,andmeetingtheresearchoutcome
sexpectedbymultipleorganisationalstakeholders.Consequently,thismodulewillfocusonprovidingindividual
swiththenecessaryskillstomeetthesechallengesandthereforeeffectivelyplan,carryoutandreport
upontheirMasterslevel dissertation/project.

3. Intended Learning Outcomes

No

Type

Knowledgeandundersta
nding

Knowledgeandundersta
nding

Intellectual,
practical,affectiveandtra
nsferable skills

On successful
completionofthismodulethestudentwillbeexpectedtobeableto:
Demonstrateacritical
awarenessofdifferentresearchdesignsandrespectivemethodologiesrel
evantto academicandpractitionerresearchersworkingwithin an
Explaintheirchosenresearchquestion/hypothesisandresearchobjective
s,andalltherelevantelementscontributingto
aresearchproposalsuitabletoresearchingacontemporaryinternationalb
usinesstopic.
Criticallyevaluate the
literaturerelevanttotheirresearchaimsinordertodevelop a
conceptualframeworkor critical stance

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Module Guide

Intellectual,
practical,affectiveandtra
nsferable skills

Actasanindependentself-learner
demonstratetheskillsnecessarytoplan,
organise,undertakeandpresentaninternationalbusinessproject.

3.1 Employability skills delivered in this Module

It is important that we help you develop employability skills throughout your course which will assist you
in securing employment and supporting you in your future career. During your course you will acquire a
wide range of key skills. In this module, you will develop those identified below:
SKILL

Skills acquired in this module

Communication (oral)
Communication (written)
Commercial Awareness
Cultural sensitivity
Customer focus
Data Handling
Decision making
Enterprising
Flexibility
Initiative
Interpersonal Skills
Leadership/Management of others
Networking
Organisational adaptability
Project Management
Problem Solving and analytical skills
Responsibility
Team working
Time Management
Other

X
X
X
X
X
X

X
Review or synthesize existing knowledge
Investigate existing situations or problems
Provide solutions to problems
Explore and analyse more general issues
Construct or create new procedures or systems
Explain phenomenon
Generate new knowledge

4. Outline Delivery
Each masters module will be structured according to the relevant discipline, but in general the
following headings outline what would normally be covered within the curriculum.

The nature of business and management research and its significance for researchers-Ethics,
politics, power, gender, the action imperative, expectations of sponsors/clients, stakeholders and
researchers.
Theories and conceptual frameworks Perspectives on research methodologies positivist and
phenomenological paradigms, variety of forms of research.

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Methods and techniques Quantitative and Qualitative research, primary and secondary data,
participant-observation, action research, ethnography, questionnaires, documentary analysis,
data storage, sampling theory, hypothesis testing, interviewing and recording.
Research Design Research proposals, research questions, literature reviews, construction of
research frameworks, choice of investigative methods, data collection, analysis and
interpretation, formulating conclusions and recommendations.
Constraints Gaining acceptance, entry and intervention issues, bias, data access,
client/researcher relationships and multiple client dilemmas, researcher as change agent, micropolitics and confidentiality.
Presentation Structuring and sequencing the dissertation and write-up, the canons of scholarly
writing, potential uses of findings and expectations of clients, summaries and dissemination.

Sequence

Lecture and Seminars

Module overview, formulating and clarifying the research topic

Critically reviewing academic literature and academic writing

Research philosophies and approaches

Negotiating access and research ethics

Selecting samples

Collecting data through questionnaires and analysing quantitative data

Collecting data through observation and interviews

Using secondary data

Writing and presenting your project report

10

Issues in research and assignment advice and formative feedback

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Module Guide

5.Assessment
5.1 Type of assessment

Part

Type of
Assessment

Learning
Outcomes

%
Weightin
g &Fine
Grade(FG
)orPass/F
ail
(PF)

Word Limit

20%

In 500 words.
(Ref: section
7.1 for more
details)

80%

In 2500 words.
(Ref: section
7.1 for more
details)

CourseworkA
(010): Produce
1

an introduction to
RMBM proposal

CourseworkB
(011) : Produce
Final Research
Proposal

1,2,3,4

1,2,3,4

Submission Method

Direct Submission to Supervisor via the

supervisors designated e-mail

via Learning Platform

https://learningplatform.
londonschoolofmarketing.com

Ethics form
submission

N/A

N/A

N/A

https://learningplatform.
londonschoolofmarketing.com
via Learning Platform

CourseworkD:
4

Ethics Quiz
submission

Please follow email

correspondence for
deadlines and any
possible revisions.

Please follow email

correspondence for
deadlines and any
possible revisions.

via Learning Platform

CourseworkC:
3

Submission Dates

N/A

N/A

N/A

https://learningplatform.
londonschoolofmarketing.com

(SEE SECTION 7 FOR FURTHER DETAILS RELATING TO THE ASSESSMENT)

Page 6

Please follow email

correspondence for
deadlines and any
possible revisions.

Key Contact
Person

Supervisor

Supervisor

arusupport@l
seducationgr
oup.com
arusupport@l
seducationgr
oup.com

Module Guide

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5.2 Qualifying conditions and submitting your Work

Qualifying
Mark
see
guidance
notes

Learning
Outcomes

% Weighting
& Fine
Grade (FG)
or pass/fail
(PF)

Coursework A
(Element 010)

1-4

20%

30

Students produce a 500 word (max)

research proposal outline

Coursework B
(Element 011)

1-4

80%

30

Final research proposal, maximum word

limit of 2500

Method
see guidance
notes

Length/duration and other comments

In order to pass this module, students are required to achieve an overall mark of 40%.
In addition, students are required to:
(a) achieve the qualifying mark for each element of fine graded assessment as specified above
(b) pass any pass/fail elements

Submittingyourwork
All coursework assignments and other forms of assessment must be submitted by the published deadline
which is detailed above. It is your responsibility to know when work is due to be submitted ignorance of the
deadline date will not be accepted as a reason for late or non-submission.
All student work which contributes to the eventual outcome of the module (i.e.: if it determines whether you
will pass or fail the module and counts towards the mark you achieve for the module) is submitted via
Learning Platform.
Any late work (submitted to Learning Platform) will NOT be considered and a mark of zero will be awarded for
the assessment task in question.
You are requested to keep a copy of your work.

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Module Guide

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS(seesection7.3)

Coursework A (20%)
Instructions: Produce an introduction to RMBM.Consider:StructureandSpecificMarkingCriteria
Word Limit:500words
Please contact your supervisor for any information or clarification that you may have on this regard.

Coursework B (80%)
Instructions:Preparea researchproposal.Consider:StructureandSpecificMarkingCriteria
Word Limit:2,500 words
Written assignments must not exceed the specified maximum number of words. All assignments which do
so will be penalised. The penalty will be the deduction of 10% of the maximum marks available (i.e. 10%).
Assignments will not be accepted without a word count on the cover sheet.
Coursework B should be double-spaced, with page numbers at the bottom, 12-point font, and 1-inch
margins. Work submitted after this date will receive a mark of 0 unless an extension has been approved
in advance of this deadline. Requests for short-term extensions will only be considered in the case of
illness or other cause considered valid by the Student Adviser. These must normally be received and
agreed by Student Adviser in writing at least twenty four hours prior to the deadline.
Please refer to the Academic Regulations or your Student Handbook for full details.
All coursework assignments and other forms of assessment must be submitted by the published
deadline which is detailed above. It is your responsibility to know when work is due to be submitted
ignorance of the deadline date will not be accepted as a reason for late or non-submission. Academic
staff CANNOT accept work directly from you. You are requested to keep a copy of your work.
Please contact your supervisor for any information or clarification that you may have on this regard. Write
clearly. Make sure your proposal includes complete sentences and accurate spelling and punctuation.

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Coursework C Ethics Form

Coursework C is a form that needs to be filled in appropriately based on the research scope that you
intend covering. All fields must be filled and forwarded to the LSM Submissions website on the given
deadline. You can download the Ethics form through theLearning Portal.
NOTE
To download the Ethics Form, you can follow the path given below on your Learning Portal:
Course Module Assessment Final Submission Awarding body declaration sheet
Following are screenshots of the ethics form that you need to submit:

Please contact Joanna Shear through [email protected] for any information or

clarification that you may have on this regard.

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Module Guide

Coursework D - Ethics Quiz

All students must complete their online Ethics Quiz given in the link below:
https://vle.anglia.ac.uk/sites/non-mod/ethics1/Pages/Home3.aspx
To access the above link you will have to use your e-vision login credentials. After which, it is compulsory
to complete the ethics quiz and score 100%. Please note that you can take the ethics quiz multiple times
until you score 100%.
Once you have scored 100% on the quiz, you would have to print/take a screenshot/take a picture of your
final mark. You will then have to submit this confirmation of you passing your ethics quiz with your
Research Methods for Business and Management (proposal).
Please contact Joanna Shear through [email protected] for any information or
clarification that you may have on this regard.
NOTE:
Finally, please note, if you fail to submit the Ethics Form and Quiz you will not be able to complete
your Anglia Ruskin University degree.

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Module Guide

5.3 Feedback
Youareentitledtowrittenfeedbackonyour performance for all your assessed work. For all assessment tasks
which are not examinations, this is accomplished by a member of academic staff providing your mark and
associated comments which will relate to the achievement of the modules intended learning outcomes and
the assessment criteria you were given for the task when it was first issued. This feedback will be emailed to
you directly.
The marker of your assignment will include feedback on written assignments that includes answers to these
three key questions:
1.
What is your overall feedback?
2.
How does your assignment compare to the marking criteria?
3.
How can you improve in the future?

London
School
of
Marketing
iscommittedtoprovidingyouwithfeedbackonallassessedworkwithin20workingdaysofthemoderationdeadline
or
the
dateofanexamination.Thisisextendedto30daysforfeedbackforaMajorProjectmodule(pleasenotethatworkingd
aysexcludesthosedayswhenLondon
School
of
Marketingisofficiallyclosed;e.g.betweenChristmasandNewYear).
Personaltutorswilloffertoreadfeedbackfromseveralmodulesandhelpyoutoaddressanycommonthemesthatma
ybeemerging.
ToassureourselvesthatourmarkingprocessesarecomparablewithotheruniversitiesintheUK,Anglia
Ruskinprovidessamplesofstudentassessedworktoexternalexaminersas
aroutinepartofourmarkingprocesses.Externalexaminersareexperiencedacademicstaff
fromotheruniversitieswhoscrutiniseyourworkandprovideAngliaRuskinacademicstaffwithfeedbackandadvice.
ManyofAngliaRuskinsstaffactasexternalexaminersatotheruniversities.
Onoccasion,youwillreceivefeedbackandmarksforpiecesofworkthatyoucompletedintheearlierstagesofthemod
ule.Weprovideyouwiththisfeedbackaspartofthelearningexperienceandtohelpyouprepareforotherassessmentt
asksthatyouhavestilltocomplete.Itisimportanttonotethat,inthesecases,themarksforthesepiecesofworkareunc
onfirmed.Thismeansthat,potentially,markscanchange,ineither direction!
Marks for modules and individual piece of work become confirmed on the Dates for the Official Publication
of Results which can be checked at www.anglia.ac.uk/results.

5.4 Re-Assessment (re-sit)

Ifyouareunsuccessfulwiththe1stattemptofyourassessment,youmustcompleteareassessment.AsindicatedinSection6.2.7.oftheSenateCodeofPractice,asthisassignmentisuniquetoin
dividualstudents,thereassessmentconsistsofreworkingthefailedpaperusingcommentsandfeedbackfromexaminertoimprovetheproposal.Thereassessmentinformation is given inAppendix1.

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6. HowisMyWork Marked?
Afteryouhavehandedyourworkinoryouhavecompletedanexamination,AngliaRuskinundertakesaseriesofactiv
itiestoassurethatourmarkingprocessesarecomparablewiththoseemployedatotheruniversitiesin
the
UKandthatyourworkhasbeenmarkedfairly, honestlyand consistently. These include:

Anonymous marking your name is not attached to your work so, at the point of marking, the lecturer
does not know whose work he/she is considering. When you undertake an assessment task where your
identity is known (e.g.: a presentation or Major Project), it is marked by more than one lecturer (known as
double marking)

Internal moderation a sample of all work for each assessment task in each module is moderated by
other Anglia Ruskin staff to check the standards and consistency of the marking

External moderation a sample of student work for all modules is moderated by external examiners
experienced academic staff from other universities (and sometimes practitioners who represent relevant
professions) - who scrutinise your work and provide Anglia Ruskin academic staff with feedback, advice
and assurance that the marking of your work is comparable to that in other UK universities. Many of
Anglia Ruskins staff act as external examiners at other universities.

Departmental Assessment Panel (DAP) performance by all students on all modules is discussed and
approved at the appropriate DAPs which are attended by all relevant Module Leaders and external
examiners. Anglia Ruskin has over 25 DAPs to cover all the different subjects we teach.

This module falls within the remit of the Leadership and ManagementDepartmental Assessment Panel.
External examiners are appointed at various points throughout the year.
examiners is available to students and staff at www.anglia.ac.uk/eeinfo.

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An up-to-date list of external

Module Guide

7. Assessment Criteria and Marking Standards

7.1 Specific Assessment Criteria and Marking Rubric or Grading Form

Executive Summary

A++ = 90-100

The executive
summary is wellfocused on the main
points for top
management. It is
exceptionally wellwritten to highlight
your proposed ebusiness strategy.

A+ = 80-89%

A = 70-79%

B = 60-69%

C = 50-59%

D = 40-49%

F = 30-39%

F- = 20-29%

F = 10 -19%

F---- = 0-9%

An outstanding
executive summary
that is well-focused
and considered. It
explains the purpose
and conclusions of
the report well.

An excellent
summary that is clear
and succinct. It
outlines the main
points for the senior
management team.

A very good
executive summary
that highlights the
main points which
top management
would be interested
in.

The executive summary

highlighted the major
points in the report,
however, some aspects
were missing.

There is the
beginnings of an
executive summary.
You really needed to
summarise what the
report recommended.
The idea of an
executive summary is
that if top
management read
just the summarise
they would know
what the report
proposes.

Your executive
summary is unclear
make sure to focus
on summarising the
most important
aspects in your
report.

You have
misunderstood the
purpose of the
executive summary.
You needed to
overview the whole
report, including the
main facts about your
recommendation.

There is some
attempt to explain the
report but this is not
really an executive
summary. The
executive summary
should have
overviewed the main
recommendation of
the report.

NO EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
The executive
summary should
have overviewed the
main
recommendation of
the report. The idea
is that top
management do not
have to read the
whole report to know
what it is about.

CREATE ROW for

each marking criteria.

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Module Guide

7.2 University Generic Assessment Criteria

ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY GENERIC ASSESSMENT CRITERIA AND MARKING STANDARDS
LEVEL 7
Level 7 is characterised by an expectation of students expertise in their specialism. Students are semi-autonomous, demonstrating
independence in the negotiation of assessment tasks (including the major project) and the ability to evaluate, challenge, modify and
develop theory and practice. Students are expected to demonstrate an ability to isolate and focus on the significant features of problems
and to offer synthetic and coherent solutions, with some students producing original or innovative work in their specialism that is worthy
of publication or public performance or display.

Generic Learning Outcomes (GLOs) (Academic Regulations, Section 2)

Characteristics of Student Achievement by Marking Band

Mark Bands

Outcome
Knowledge & Understanding

Intellectual (thinking), Practical,

Affective and Transferable Skills

90-100%

Exceptional analysis of key issues/concepts/ethics with

very clear originality and autonomy. Exceptional
development of conceptual structures and argument
making an exceptional use of scholarly conventions.
Demonstrates independence of thought and a very high
level of intellectual rigour and consistency. Work pushes
the boundaries of the discipline and may be considered for
external publication

Exceptional analysis of key issues/concepts/ethics.

Exceptional development of conceptual structures and
argument, making consistent use of scholarly conventions.
Exceptional research skills, independence of thought, an
extremely high level of intellectual rigour and consistency,
exceptional expressive/professional skills, and substantial
creativity and originality. Exceptional academic/intellectual
skills. Work pushes the boundaries of the discipline and
may be considered for external publication

80-89%

Outstanding analysis of key issues/concepts/ethics with

clear originality and autonomy. Outstanding development
of conceptual structures and argument making an
exemplary use of scholarly conventions. Demonstrates
independence of thought and a very high level of
intellectual rigour and consistency

Outstanding analysis of key issues/concepts/ethics. Very

high level development of conceptual structures and
argument, making consistent use of scholarly conventions.
Outstanding research skills, independence of thought, a
high level of intellectual rigour and consistency,
outstanding expressive/professional skills, and
considerable creativity and originality. Exemplary
academic/intellectual skills

70-79%

Excellent analysis of key issues/concepts/ethics. Excellent

development of conceptual structures and argument
making excellent use of scholarly conventions.
Demonstrates independence of thought and a high level of
intellectual rigour and consistency

Excellent analysis of key issues/concepts/ethics. High

level development of conceptual structures and argument,
making consistent use of scholarly conventions. Excellent
research skills, independence of thought, a high level of
intellectual rigour and consistency, excellent expressive/
professional skills, and considerable creativity and
originality. Excellent academic/intellectual skills, and
considerable creativity and originality

60-69%

Good analysis of key issues/concepts/ethics.

Development of conceptual structures and argument
making consistent use of scholarly conventions

Good analysis of key issues/concepts/ethics.

Development of conceptual structures and argument,
making consistent use of scholarly conventions

50-59%

Satisfactory knowledge of key issues/ concepts/ethics in

discipline. Descriptive in parts but some ability to
synthesise scholarship and argument. Minor lapses in use
of scholarly conventions

Satisfactory knowledge of key issues/ concepts/ethics in

discipline. Descriptive in parts but some ability to
synthesise scholarship and argument. Minor lapses in use
of scholarly conventions

Achieves module
outcome(s) related to
GLO at this level

40-49%

A marginal pass in
module outcome(s)
related to GLO at this
level

Basic knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics in

discipline. Generally descriptive, with restricted synthesis
of existing scholarship and little argument. Use of
scholarly conventions inconsistent

Basic knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics in

discipline. Generally descriptive, with restricted synthesis
of existing scholarship and little argument. Use of
scholarly conventions inconsistent.

30-39%

A marginal fail in
module outcome(s)
related to GLO at this
level. Possible
compensation.
Satisfies qualifying
mark

Limited knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics in

discipline. Largely descriptive, with restricted synthesis of
existing scholarship and limited argument. Limited use of
scholarly conventions.

Limited research skills impede use of learning resources

and problem solving. Significant problems with
structure/accuracy in expression. Team/Practical/
Professional skills not yet secure. Weak academic/
intellectual skills. Limited use of scholarly conventions

Little evidence of knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics

in discipline. Largely descriptive, with little synthesis of
existing scholarship and little evidence of argument. Little
evidence of use of scholarly conventions.

Little evidence of research skills, use of learning resources

and problem solving. Major problems with structure/
accuracy in expression. Team/Practical/Professional skills
virtually absent. Very weak academic/intellectual skills.
Little evidence of use of scholarly conventions

Inadequate knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics in

discipline. Wholly descriptive, with inadequate synthesis
of existing scholarship and inadequate argument.
Inadequate use of scholarly conventions.

Inadequate use of research skills, learning resources and

problem solving. Major problems with structure/accuracy in
expression. Team/Practical/Professional skills absent.
Extremely weak academic/intellectual skills. Inadequate
use of scholarly conventions

20-29%

10-19%

Fails to achieve
module outcome(s)
related to this GLO.
Qualifying mark not
satisfied. No
compensation
available

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Module Guide

1-9%
0%

No evidence of knowledge of key issues/concepts/ethics in

discipline. Incoherent and completely but poorly
descriptive, with no evidence of synthesis of existing
scholarship and no argument whatsoever. No evidence of
use of scholarly conventions.

No evidence of use of research skills, learning resources

and problem solving. Incoherent structure/accuracy in
expression. Team/Practical/Professional skills nonexistent. No evidence of academic/intellectual skills. No
evidence of use of scholarly conventions

Awarded for: (i) non-submission; (ii) dangerous practice and; (iii) in situations where the student fails to address the
assignment brief (e.g.: answers the wrong question) and/or related learning outcomes

7.3 Specific Marking Criteria

7.3.1 Assessment Form:Coursework A (20%)Introduction to RMBM(Element 010)
Marking Criteria

Comments

Marks

1. Does the working title mirror closely the content of

the introduction document?

Maximum 20%

2. Does the introductory part inform the reader of the

problem or situation and the context the student is
interested in?

Maximum 20%

3. Does the document inform the reader of the

rationale of this study?
a. Whatis the research issue?
b. Why is it an issue?
c. Whyis it an issue now?
d. Whatcould this research shed light on?

a.max15%
b.max15%
c.max15%
d.max15%
Total (a,b,c,d ) 60%

Total

100%

Note: The marking scheme allows flexibility, and it is by no means exhaustive.

TOTAL: 100%

Word Limit:500words
Organise yourCourse work A using headings, such as Title, Introductory Part, Rational. These
headings will help establish a logical flow to your course work A.
1) Title: Initially this might be regarded as a working title, and ideally should mirror closely the content of
the course work. The title is particularly important for this. In general, a good title will get people to stop
and listen.
2) Introductory part: This informs the reader of the problem or situation and the context you are
interested in. The goal is to give the reviewers some basic academic information they can use to
evaluate the significance of the research proposal.
3) Rational for this study.
- What is the research issue?
- Why is it an issue?
- Why is it an issue now?
- What could this research shed light on?
You have to introduce the topic and clarify the significance of what you are trying to present. That is, you
have to present research questions with a logical sequencing of facts. You have to give examples to
illustrate your rational. Be sure to have a conclusion that summarises your take-home message (why is it
an issue now? what could this research shed light on?).

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Your course work should be constructed so that it presents the desired information in a self-explanatory
manner. You have to think of the course work A as a series of highly efficient, organised panels upon
which appear synopses of the relevant information you want to convey (what is the research issue?)
Just enough to get your point across.
Include references. Make it clear that you know what has been done in your area in the past and where
your research will fit in.
Be attentive to the layout and placement of your materials.
Write clearly.Make sure your proposal includes complete sentences and accurate spelling and
punctuation.
7.3.2 Assessment Form:Coursework B (80%) Research Proposal (Element 011)

Marking Criteria

Comments

Marks
Maximum 15%

1. Introduction
- Does the introduction inform the reader regarding
the research aims, objectives and research
questions?
Maximum 30%
2. Literature review
- Does the student critically review at least 6 sources
to underpin the study?
- Does the literature review demonstrate students
knowledge of the literature and make a critical link
with the research question to be investigated?
Maximum 40%
3. Research design and methodology
- Does the student provide a detailed rational of how
she/he intend to achieve the research objectives and
framework;
- Type of investigation.
- Data collection method.
- Sampling method.
- Accessibility issues.
- Ethical issues.
- Data analysis plan.
- Research limitations.
Maximum 15%
4. Timetable and references
- Does the student provide a rational timetable?
- Do references correctly applied?
Word Limit: 2500words

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General Guidelines for Research Proposal (Coursework B) (studentsnot

limitedbytheseguidelines)
1. Introduction
You have to introduce the topic and clarify the significance of what you are trying to present. In addition,
in this section you have to present the:
- Research aims
- Research objectives
- Research questions
Please, provide references. Give academic information.
2. Literature review
This section will demonstrate your knowledge of the literature and make a critical link with the
research question to be investigated. Students are expected to critically review at least 6 sources to
underpin the study. The literature should mostly rely on published academic journal articles in the
research area. This critical activity should produce a conceptual framework.
3. Research Design and Methodology
This section should provide a detailed rational of how you intend to achieve your research objectives.
You are expected to address the following areas:
- Type of investigation
Explain clearly whether your research can be classified as an exploratory, descriptive or
hypothesis testing study. Refer to the lecture notes and textbook for details on each type.
- Data collection method
Explain how you are going to collect the data (e.g. postal questionnaire, telephone interview,
focus group, etc) and why this fits the purpose of your research.
- Sampling method
Explain whether you plan to use a probability or non-probability sampling design and the specific
sampling technique. The study participants should be able to offer the right type of information to
enable you address the research problem.
- Accessibility issues
What accessibility issues are you likely to encounter when you collect the data? How are you
going to manage the accessibility issues?
- Ethical issues
You must discuss any ethical issues that are relevant to your research topic, participants, and
method. Discuss how you are going to deal with the ethical issues.
- Data analysis plan
How you intend to analyse the data you will collect? This section must be consistent with the
previous section on data collection method and must be mindful of the nature of the data
collected, whether this is quantitative or qualitative.
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Module Guide

- Research limitations
Define the limitations of the study that you believe you may encounter and could be affect the
quality, scope, or value of the research.
4. Timetable and References
Provide a Gantt chart on how you will use your available time to complete your proposed research. This
will provide an indication of the viability of the proposal. You will need to justify your plan.
The reference list at this stage need not be lengthy, only sufficient to inform your proposal. The list must
include all the sources that were cited and consulted in writing the research proposal. You must use the
Harvard Style of referencing refer to appendix 1 of your textbook for details.

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Module Guide

8. Report on Last Delivery of Module

MODULE REPORT FORM

This form should be completed by module tutors (where there is more than one delivery) and forwarded to Module Leaders who
compiles the results on to one form for use at the Programme Committee and other methods of disseminating feedback to
students.

Module Code and Title:MOD001105, Research Methods for Business and Management
Anglia Ruskin Department: Leadership and Management
Location(s) of Delivery: Online
Academic Year: 2014/2015

Semester/Trimester: SEM 03

Enrolment Numbers (at each location): 1902

Module Leader: Gayan Jayasinghe (Online Delivery)
Other Module Tutors:ChrishanthiRanaweera(Online Delivery)
Student Achievement Provide a brief overview of student achievement on the module as evidenced by the range of marks awarded. A
detailed breakdown of marks will be available at the Departmental Assessment Panel.

Research Methods for Business and Management was very well faired by students with a pass rate of 97% for Course
Work A and 93% for Course Work B. The mean marks were 53% and 51% for course work A and B respectively.
Course work A marks range from 5%-78% whilst course work B marks range from 8%-73%.

Feedback from Students Briefly summarise student responses, including any written comments
Students thoroughly enjoyed this module as it was a great opportunity to experiment with their research interests.Majority
of the students were very happy about their learning experience and was very co-operative with the supervisors during
their studies.

Module Leader/Tutors Reflection on Delivery of the Module, including Response to Feedback from Students
(including resources if appropriate)
The overall students performance on both the tasks (Course work A and B) were highly satisfactory and supervisors
enjoyed high level of student engagement for this module.

Developments during the current year or planned for next year (if appropriate)
Each semester, based on the student feedback and moderation feedback; LSM updates the lesson content and
incorporate any improvements if there is any into the Practice with Workshop Manual.

External Examiners Comments State whether the external examiner agreed the marks and/or commented on the
module
The exam marks were approved during the moderation as the marks awarded were considered fair and reasonable.

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Module Guide

9. Links to Other Key Information

Assessment Offences: As an academic community, we recognise that the principles of truth, honesty
and mutual respect are central to the pursuit of knowledge. Behaviour that undermines those principles
weakens the community, both individually and collectively, and diminishes our values. More information
on the types Assessment Offences is given here: http://anglia.libguides.com/plagiarism
Attendance Information: Attending all your classes is very important and one of the best ways to help
you succeed in this module. Link to more details on the Attendance Requirements is here:<Academic
Office webpage>
External Examiners: An up-to-date list of external examiners is available to students and staff at
www.anglia.ac.uk/eeinfo.
How is My Work Marked and Flowchart of Anglia Ruskins Marking Process:After you have handed
your work in or you have completed an examination, Anglia Ruskin undertakes a series of activities to
assure that our marking processes are comparable with those employed at other universities in the UK
and that your work has been marked fairly, honestly and consistently. More information about this is
given here:<Academic Office webpage>
Module Evaluation: During the second half of the delivery of this module, you will be asked to complete
a module evaluation questionnaire to help us obtain your views on all aspects of the module, more about
this process is included here:<Academic Office webpage>
Reading Lists: These are now all available online: http://readinglists.anglia.ac.uk
Re-assessments: The re-assessment dates are informed by the Submissions team. Check the specific
date your re-assessment assignment is due in on: http://e-vision.anglia.ac.uk or alternatively, if it is an
examination, these are scheduled by the Examinations Unit, the dates and locations will be posted on
the following website: http://web.anglia.ac.uk/anet/students/exams/
University Generic Assessment Criteria: Information on the Criteria that the university uses to mark
your work.

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Module Guide

Appendix 1: Re-Assessment Information

THIS INFORMATION ONLY APPLIES TO STUDENTS WHO ARE

UNSUCCESSFUL IN THEIR FIRST SUBMISSION
The re-assessment for this module consists of one or two elements, depending on individuals
circumstance. Check your results in e-vision.
Element Type of assessment

010
011

Word or Deadline for assessment

time
limit
500
TBC
2500
TBC

RMBM CW A
RMBM CW B

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Module Definition Form (MDF)

Module Code: MOD001105

Version 2

Date amended 30/Apr/2013

1. Module Title
Research Methods for Business and Management
2a. Module Leader
Noah Karley

2b. Department
Dept of Economics,
International Business and
Operations Management

3a. Level
7
4a. Credits

2c. Faculty
Lord Ashcroft International
Business School

3b. Module Type

Standard Module
4b. Study Hours

15
5. Restrictions
Type
Module Code
PreNone
requisites:
CoNone
requisites:
Exclusions:
None
Courses to which this
None
module is restricted

150

Module Name

Condition

LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

6a. Module Description
This module prepares students to undertake a piece of business or management research for
their Masters project by developing appropriate knowledge, understanding and transferable
intellectual and practical skills. Emphasis is placed on developing skills most likely to lead to a
successful closure of a research journey set within any organisational setting identified by
students in the role of either academic or practitioner researchers. Skills such as the ability to
frame research aims, generate research questions/hypothesis ,and research objectives, the
ability to generate a conceptual framework, the ability to select and justify a particular research
design and methodology and the ability to act as an ethical researcher so as not to spoil the field
are all central features of this module. In addition the generation of core practical skills such as
the ability to generate and analyse quantitative and qualitative data are central to this module.
By developing this knowledge, understanding and transferable intellectual and practical skills the
true aims of conducting research will be realised. Students will gain confidence in a range of
cognitive and practical skills suitable to conducting research projects in a range of international
business contexts so as to add to knowledge and understanding.
One of the main focuses for the design of this module has been the further development of
relevant employability and professional skills. Such skills are implicit in the learning outcomes.

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6a. Module Description (Continued)

Multiculturalism has been considered during the design of this module and will be considered
when the assessment brief is written.
6b. Outline Content
-The nature of international business research and its contribution to adding to theory and
increasing understanding of historic and contemporary business processes.
-Analysing and developing conceptual frameworks.
-Analysing and developing research designs and methodologies
-Quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation.
-Pursuing a research journey- to include: access, issues of acceptance, stakeholder
management, ethical issues, and information transfer.
-Writing research reports for different stakeholder groups.
6c. Key Texts/Literature
Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012) Research Methods for Business Students
(6th edn), London, Pearson Education Ltd
Wilson, J. 2010, Essentials of Business Research A Guide To Doing Your Research Project.
London: Sage. ISBN-10: 1848601336 / ISBN-13: 978-1848601338
Punch, K.F. (2005) Introduction to Social Research Sage.
Collis, J. and Hussey R. (2003) Business Research. Palgrave/Macmillan.
Fisher, C. (2004) Researching and Writing a Dissertation for Business Students. FT/Prentice
Hall.
Last Updated: 03/08/2009

6d. Specialist Learning Resources

None
7. Learning Outcomes (threshold standards)
No. Type
On successful completion of this module the student will be
expected to be able to:
1
Knowledge and
Demonstrate a critical awareness of different research designs and
understanding
respective methodologies relevant to academic and practitioner
researchers working within an international context.
2
Knowledge and
Explain their chosen research question/hypothesis and research
understanding
objectives, and all the relevant elements contributing to a research
proposal suitable to researching a contemporary international
business topic.
3
Intellectual, practical, Critically evaluate the literature relevant to their research aims in
affective and
order to develop a conceptual framework or critical stance.
transferable skills
4
Intellectual, practical, Act as an independent self- learner by demonstrating the skills
affective and
necessary to plan, organise, undertake and present a research
transferable skills
project as a poster/presentation and as a written research
proposal.
8a. Module Occurrence to which this MDF Refers
Year
Occurrence
Period
2013/4
ZZF
Template For

MDF generated on Tuesday 12 November 2013, 00:15:41.89

Location

Mode of Delivery
Face to Face

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8a. Module Occurrence to which this MDF Refers (Continued)

Year
Occurrence
Period
Location
Face To Face
Learning Delivery

Mode of Delivery

8b. Learning Activities for the above Module Occurrence

Learning
Hours
Learning
Details of Duration, frequency and other comments
Activities
Outcomes
Lectures
12
1-4
Block Delivery
Other teacher
managed
12
1-4
Block Delivery
learning
Student
Reading, group work, tutorial prep, and desk based
managed
126
1-4
research.
learning
TOTAL
150
9. Assessment for the above Module Occurrence
Assessment
Assessment
Learning
Weighting (%) Fine Grade or Qualifying Mark
No.
Method
Outcomes
Pass/Fail
(%)
010
Coursework
1-4
20
Fine Grade
30
Details:
Students produce a research proposal poster and present it on a specific day
(week 4/5) and be prepared to discuss the poster (and thus receive on the spot
feedback)
011
Coursework
1-4
80
Fine Grade
30
Details:
Final 3,000 word (max) proposal
In order to pass this module, students are required to achieve an overall mark of 40%.
In addition, students are required to:
(a) achieve the qualifying mark for each element of fine grade assessment as specified
above
(b) pass any pass/fail elements.

MDF generated on Tuesday 12 November 2013, 00:15:41.89

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