1- Each student is required to select a topic relevant to their professional / business interests and conduct a pilot study or a small scale exploratory research into this topic.
2- Each student is required to produce an individual reflective journal documenting their experience while undertaking the main research project of this module.
BS4S14 Research Methods
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The Research Assignment
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Marking Scheme
| Sections | Weight % | Excellent | V. Good | Good | Passable | Sub | AWR |
| Introduction | 10 | ||||||
| Theory | 20 | ||||||
| R. Design | 30 | ||||||
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | ||||||
| Presentation and Ref. | 10 |
Marking Scheme
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A small research project: 4800 words:
(80%)
Reflective report: 1200 words:
(20%)
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The Structure of the mini project
A typical structure should be:
Cover Page
Abstract
Contents Page
List of Abbreviations (if appropriate)
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology Section
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Summary and Recommendations
References
Appendices (where necessary)
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Cover Page
University of South Wales
Business School
Research Methods (BS4S14)
MBA
Lecturer: …..
Title: Impact of Gender On Business Start-ups
Word Count: 4755
| No. | Name | Enrolment |
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 |
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Abstract
Usually less than one page.
Brief statement of everything:
Topic
Aim
Method
Results
Academic and managerial impact
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Introduction
Introduce the issue you want to tackle
State reasons that show its importance
In a condensed format, present a summary of what was done
Show the gaps in the research
State clearly your aim and objectives
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Literature Review
Theoretical Review
Previous Related Studies
* Criticality
* Synthesis
* Reasoning
* Up-to-date
* Reliability
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Research Methodology
Conceptual framework: theory/model, etc.
Research Design: Strategy, DCT, etc.
Operationalisation: measurement (concepts/themes)
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References
Must be complete and accurate
List every book / article cited in the proposal
References are used to:
support arguments
allow comparisons with other research
demonstrate familiarity with your field of research
Quotations are used when the wording used by the author is particularly worth reading. You must include the page number(s). e.g.: Brown (2005:35-36)
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Only References are required
Bibliography
List of all books and articles which informed your research but which are not directly cited
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What Goes in an Appendix?
Anything that would be of value to an interested reader but which:
is not necessary
would break the flow if included in the main body of the text
Appendices are not there to increase the physical bulk of the proposal
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