Assignment 1 "Research Culture Audit Viva Voce" :

Purpose of the Assessment

The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate that you have been able to identify and apply appropriate frameworks to prepare an audit of the organizational culture towards research informed decision-making and management.

Assessment Task

You will need to present your research culture audit findings in a short report. In the viva voce you will be questioned on, and need to defend, the approach taken to the audit as well as your findings. This viva voce may last up to 30 minutes.

The Viva will be by SKYPE/Collaborate or in person and there will be two examiners including the module tutor.

Assignment 2: "Evidence Implementation Plan (4000 word equivalent)"

Purpose of the Assessment

The purpose of this assignment is to provide a vehicle to exhibit an advanced understanding of applied business research and the use of evaluation tools to measure its contribution to improving business practice.Associated with this is the need to demonstrate the capacity to plan research projects and lead /manage research teams to deliver and disseminate actionable results that are valued.

Assessment Task

- Identify within your own area of business, management or operations an area of activity that would benefit from evidence-based management. Provide a clear rationale for this that includes the need and potential benefits of change.

- Identify and evaluate what evidence already exists in this area and what gaps remain in the information required to make a change.

- Identify the purpose and scope of additional research - together with the research approach /methodology - required to support the existing evidence.

- Prepare a timed research plan.

- Devise a strategy for the dissemination and effective implementation of the project findings. This should take into account the results of the research culture audit.

- Determine an approach to the measurement and evaluation of change based on the research