Task 1 - Research specification

In preparation for your final research project to complete your HND, you are to prepare a research proposal/specification relating to a specified area of business. The proposal should:

1.1 Formulate and record possible research project outline specifications
1.2 Identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection
1.4 Produce a research project specification
1.5 Provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification

The research specification / proposal should include the following:
- An identification of the research question or hypothesis with justification for choice
- A justification of the chosen methodology in terms of the research question
- An action plan with target dates and methods for monitoring and planning
- A code of ethics for the conduct of the study

Task 2 -Secondary literature review

1.3 Undertake a critical review of key references

Task 3 - Primary data review

Having finalised your research question and received approval for your questionnaire / interview questions, you will need to conduct your research using a variety of primary sources. Prepare your primary research collection method, such as a survey questionnaire or interview questions, you should discuss and agree these with your research supervisor.

Task 4 - Analysis and interpretation of research findings

In order to have sufficient time to analyse your primary and secondary data, you should aim to complete your data collection 26th July 2015. You should then analyse and interpret your data (both quantitative and qualitative) using appropriate techniques and methods which support the research questions.

Finally you are required to record and present your findings in a formal written research report using a variety of diagrams or charts to assist where necessary.

Task 5 - Conclusion, recommendations and implementation

You should draw appropriate conclusions based on your secondary and primary research findings.

You are also required to make recommendations based on your research findings

You should then select one of your recommendations and put forward a plan for implementation of the recommendation in the organisation

Task 6 -The research report template on Moodle

Prepare a research report that provides evidence of the following:

2.1 Resources have been matched efficiently to the research question or hypothesis
2.2 Proposed research investigation has been undertaken in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures
2.3 Relevant data where appropriate has been recorded and collated
3.1 Appropriate research evaluation techniques have been used
3.2 Results in terms of the original research specification have been interpreted and analyzed
3.3 Made recommendations and justified areas for further consideration
4.1 Used an agreed format and appropriate media to present
the outcomes of the research to an audience.

Task 7 - Evaluation review presentation

Finally you are required to complete a reflective evaluation of your research which should include the answers to the following questions:-

• what went well with the research
• what were the main challenges and highlights of the research
• what did you learn from carrying out your research
• what would you do differently if you were starting your research over again
• what aspect of your research would you like to take further / continue

Throughout the research process, you will be required to attend meetings on specified dates during which you will justify and explain your research progress.

MERIT AND DISTINCTION GUIDELINES

MERIT
M1: Your work must demonstrate that an effective approach to study and research has been used. You must provide evidence of planning and monitoring throughout your project. You must also submit your work by the deadlines to achieve M1.

M2: A range of sources of information have been used to study the research topic

M3: The research report should be coherent, and show a logical development of principles and concepts for the intended audience.

DISTINCTION

D1: Draw conclusions from the synthesis of ideas which you have examined throughout your project.

D2: Research must be managed in a timely, planned and organised manner throughout the semester.

D3: You must produce evidence, in your final evaluation, that you have conducted detailed self- evaluation relating to your achievement throughout all the stages of the research project.