Description

Unit 04: Advanced Business Research Methods

Unit Reference Number J/616/2726
Unit Title Advanced Business Research Methods
Unit Level 7
Number of Credits 20
Total Qualification Time (TQT) 200 Hours
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 100 Hours
Mandatory / Optional Mandatory
Unit Grading Structure Pass / Fail

LO LO Description AC AC Description
1 Be able to develop research
approaches in a business and
economics context.

1.1 Appraise business research problems.
1.2 Develop and justify appropriate research aims and
objectives within a defined scope and timeframe.

2 Be able to critically review
literature on a business
research topic.

2.1 Critically explore, select and justify research approaches.
2.2 Critically analyse different theoretical approaches to a
research problem.

3 Be able to design business
research methodologies.

3.1 Create a structured and thorough critical literature
review.
3.2 Critically evaluate relevant research methodologies to
reflect the research objectives.
3.3 Design an appropriate methodology in terms of the
research objectives for a defined population.

4 Be able to develop and present
a research proposal.

4.1 Justify the methodology selected in terms of the research
objectives within agreed ethical guidelines.
4.2 Create a research question, literature review and
methodology.
4.3 Propose techniques for use with quantitative and
qualitative data collection and analysis.

LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

©2019 OTHM WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 17
Scenario
There is no scenario for this assignment. Instead, you must propose an independent, small scale
research project about an area of interest to you within a business context. Ideally, the research
proposal should deal with an opportunity or a problem at the organisation where you are currently
employed. You should select a manageable area within a subject area related to your business
studies. (e.g. Finance, HR, Project Management, CSR, etc.)
Task 1 of 1 – Research Project Proposal (All LOs)
Instructions
In this task, you will need to produce a research project proposal in which you:
1. Introduction
a. Introduce the business problem or opportunity with supporting data and trends.
b. Clearly explain the background to the business problem or opportunity, and justify the
reasons for, and the value of, the research to your employer and the wider academic
community.
c. Outline the research project’s aims and objectives.
d. State the limitations and scope of the proposed research.
2. Literature Review
a. Critically review key literature and recent academic publications around the subject area
discussing key definitions, current theoretical frameworks, and research carried out in
similar business areas.
b. Develop a conceptual and theoretical framework for the research from the literature
review explaining how and why it supports and informs your approach the research
process.
3. Research Methodology
a. Explain and justify your research approach and strategy.
b. Data collection:
• Discuss data collection methods.
• Select the instrument, design it and justify an appropriate method with an outline of a
pre-test/pilot to be included as an appendix.
• Clearly outline the administration of the data collection process.
c. Population and Sampling: Define the research population, sampling strategy and clarify
access to respondent issues.
d. Data Analysis: Describe and justify how you propose to analyse and report the results
and findings of your research with a discussion about reliability and validity and the
management of error.
4. Statement of Ethics
a. Discuss access to respondent issues, permissions from organisation to conduct research,
confidentiality, rights of withdrawal, consent, management of data security etc.

5. Timeline
a. Develop a plan using GANTT Chart from start to completion of the research.
Delivery and Submission
▪ A completed research proposal (circa 2500 words excluding relevant appendices) with an
extended bibliography of at least twenty academic, journal and industry sources to be
included at the end of the work.
Referencing:
• Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
• A comprehensive Harvard style bibliography (not a reference list)
Evidence to be submitted: 2500-word research proposal.