Assessment 1 - Literature Review - Individual Assignment (2000 to 2500 words)

For this assessment, students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the extant, academic literature related to an approved, business topic.

In consultation with their lecturer, students need to decide on a business-related topic/concept. Students need to select approximately eight to twelve (8-12), but at least three (3), peer-reviewed articles or comparable sources (online resource can be accessed using ProQuest or Google Scholar) that are related to the topic (as the basis of their literature review).

In the context of their chosen topic, students need to review the articles and sources selected, i. e. read and critically analyse (compare and contrast) the literature. In doing so, students are required to discuss the key ideas/arguments put forward by authors, identify communalities/similarities, differences and conclusions drawn by different authors. Based on this analysis and discussion, students are expected to point out potential gaps in the literature that will form the basis of Assessment 2, the research proposal.

Assessment 2 - Business Research Proposal - Individual Assignment (1500 to 2000 words)

For this assessment, students are expected to present a written research proposal that is based on the literature review (Assessment 1) and demonstrates their understanding of business research/research paradigm.

Based on their literature review, students are required to write a business research proposal outlining the details of the proposed research project that addresses the gaps identified in the literature. Derived from the business topic, the proposal needs to include clearly state research questions (primary and secondary), and provide a solid research methodology that supports the feasibility of the research project

Assessment 3 - Individual Reflective Journal - Individual Assignment (1000-1500 words)

For this assessment, students are expected to write a weekly journal over the duration of the 12-week teaching period that documents a critical analysis of their learning process. In the journal students need to reflect/review how they have progressed with the learning goals related to assessments 1 and 2.

Students need to write their individual reflective journal concurrently to performing assessment tasks 1 and 2, i.e. from the first week of the subject. For each week, students need to make journal entries that provide a reflection of their 'journey' of gaining, and applying knowledge of the research paradigm. For each week students should reflect and compare the theoretical knowledge with what they apply into practice. As assessment 1 and 2 are completed, students should clearly identify learning goals achieved.

Please find below list of the potential business research topics that you can focus on when you doing your research topics decisions for your assignments.

1. Challenges of Accounting in Global Organizations

2. Challenges Managing Global Teams

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud Computing for Businesses

4. Opportunities Making Business with Mobile Computing

5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Outsourcing Business Functions

6. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Social Networks in Business

7. Opportunities and Problems of Social Electronic Commerce

8. Uses of Big Data in Business Organizations

9. Use of Ubiquitous Media Systems in Business Organizations

10. Business Innovation Through Open Data

11. Challenges in Cyber Security for Business

SUBJECT RESOURCES -

Prescribed Textbook (compulsory) -

Prescribed text:

Bryman,  A. and Bell, E. (2015), Business Research Methods, (Fourth Edition), UK, Oxford University Press.

Recommended Reading

Zikmund, W. G. (2012), Business Research Methods, (9th edn), USA, Cengage

Sherri L. Jackson (2015), Research Methods and Statistics; Critical Thinking Approach, (5th edn), USA, Cengage.

William, T., James, P. and Arora, K. (2015), Research Methods: The Essential Knowledge Base, (2nd edn), USA, Cengage.