Academic Year: 2022/23
MODULE CODE: UOR 313
MODULE TITLE: Research Methods and International Project – part 1 and part 2
MODULE LEADER & TUTOR: Dr Anna Danielewicz-Betz
Email: [email protected]
Brief introduction to module This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills that are required to undertake independent research on a topic that you will be chosen for your final dissertation where you determine the methodology and approach. In so doing you will take significant strides on the path to becoming an independent learner, and feel able to undertake other research tasks, with the help of your supervisor. The module will provide you with an understanding of research philosophies; introduce you to a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and methods of analysis. You will develop your intellectual reasoning ability as well as your ability to write critically. During the lecture and seminar classes you will be given opportunities to discuss and evaluate a range of research methods and approaches. Overall assessment (part 1 and 2) Course work • Research Project Proposal (35% of module marks) Your RP must be submitted by 21 April 2023 at 2:00pm (14:00 CET) Word count: 2,000 words++ • International Business Project (65% of module marks) This is an individual research project on an international business topic chosen by the student, with the word length of 5,000++ words. Your Bachelor thesis/International Project must be submitted by 21 July 2023at 2:00 pm (14:00 CET). Students are not to be penalised for exceeding the word count. They are encouraged to collect and analyse data, as well as discuss the findings and put forward recommendations, which requires a lengthier contribution. |
Module learning outcomes: • Be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research method process, including identifying the research area, topic and question, critical literature review, research philosophy |
Research Project Proposal (35% of module marks)
The research methods proposal will enable students to build up a collection of material providing evidence
of developing research skills. The core content of the proposal will consist of an exercise in each of the
following five areas, corresponding to the Specific Learning Outcomes above (and will include both
individual and group work).
Preliminary literature review should include 10+ references to relevant business/academic studies
Research design and its feasibility should be demonstrated
All potential ethical issues/concerns at each stage of the research project
addressed
The outline of planned empirical investigation (time frame and resources) spans from the beginning of the
project (brainstorming stage) till the thesis submission deadline.
The mandatory structure of the research proposal is as follows:
Cover page (including the working TITLE, student name, student
ID, word count)
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Research problem and rationale
1.2 Aim and objectives
1.3 Research questions/hypotheses
2. Preliminary literature review
3. Tentative methodological approach
3.1 Research design and purpose
3.2 Target population and sampling procedure
3.3 Indication of data collection sources and instruments
3.4 Indication of data analysis methods/instruments/tests
3.5 Reliability and validity
3.6 Scope and limitations
4. Ethical concerns
5. Project time scale and resources
References
Appendix
and design, sampling and sampling techniques, data collection and analysis, synthesis and
research dissemination
• Demonstrate and understand the ethical consideration and issue as well as value of ethical
procedures when conducting research in business
• Be able to work collaboratively within a learning community, time management and selfmanagement as well as the ability to use research skills in a wider context
• Be able to develop an appropriate and feasible research proposal to a specific context
Note: No data have to be analysed at this stage. Appendix should be included only if you have preliminary
survey (interview or questionnaire) questions or other part of the research design to show.
Required number of relevant academic articles and business reports and other credible sources to be
referenced in the research proposal (including Introduction): 15+
Marking Grid for Research Proposal
100-80% | 79-70% | 69-60% | 59-50% | 49-40% | 39-20% | 19-0% | ||
20 % |
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTAND ING Has a comprehensive/ detailed knowledge of the area to be investigated and provides a good rationale for a feasible research project, as well as use of appropriate references to support the arguments. |
Extensive range, depth and complexity of relevant material. |
Clearly defined range and depth of relevant material inall areas. |
Clearly defined range and depth of relevant material in most areas. |
Comprehens ive and relevant detail but lacking depth in some areas |
Has good working knowledge and relevant detail but lacking depth in most areas. |
Moderate range withsome relevant material, little depth. |
Poor understan ding of topic, significant irrelevant material included, did not answer the question. |
30 % |
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE Demonstration of knowledge through the use of relevant examples, explanation of key concepts and terms |
Shows detailed applicatio n of relevant concepts and theories toissues of study. |
All relevant concepts are covered and applied and are relevant to the area of study. |
Most relevant concepts are covered and applied and are relevant to the area of study. |
Understands most concepts which are related to study. |
Understan ds some concepts which are related to study. |
Understa nds concepts but applicati on is incomple te or inapprop riate. |
Very limited use of concepts and theories. Applicatio n is not given or considere d. |
Always uses extremely detailed and relevant examples to support argument. |
Significan tly uses detailed and relevant examples tosupport argument. |
Mostly uses many relevant examples to support argument. |
Sometimes uses mostly relevant examples, some examples provided out of context of argument. |
Not many relevant examples used to support argument. |
Limited and irreleva nt example sused. |
No use of examples to support argument. |
||
40 % |
EVALUATION of applicable research design, assessment of ethical issues Can select appropriate research approach, and instruments of data collection & |
Well integrated study with in- depth, original and critical analysis In depth and critical |
Well integrated study with original and critical analysis. Critical evaluatio n of data. All conclusio ns |
Largely integrated study with a good level of original and critical analysis. Critical evaluation of most data. Most |
Mostly integrated study with some original and critical analysis. Evaluates using a selection of techniques |
Shows an acceptable level of original and critical analysis. Evaluates using a limited selection |
Predomin ately descriptiv e , without originalit yor critical analysis. Unable to make judgeme nts about |
Wholly descriptiv e. Unable to judge the value of informatio n. |
analysis, using a wide range of techniques appropriate to the subject. Originality/Criti cality Create new knowledge and going beyond what is expected (i.e. extra papers/further readings). Can critically review evidence supporting research/literatur e gap, as well as its reliability, validity and significance and can investigate contradictory information and identify reasons for contradictions. |
evaluation of material. Draws detailed conclusion s relevant to study. |
relevant to study. |
conclusions relevant to study. |
to judge information. Some conclusions are not drawn from the information. |
of technique s to judge the value of informati on. Conclusio ns are not drawn from the informati on. |
relevance and significanc e of informatio n. |
||
10 % |
COMMUNICA TION AND PRESENTATI ON Can write effectively and coherently, using academic style, observes the structure, provides good quality visuals REFERENCIN G STYLE Referencing according to Harvard style, including in-text citations and full list of references |
Always communic ates effectively and excellentl y in an appropriat e format/ language in a clear and concise manner. No spelling, grammatic al or referencin g errors. |
Always communicat es effectively in an appropriate format/lang uage in a clear and concise manner. Few spelling, grammatica l or referencing errors. |
Communica tes effectively in an appropriate format/lang uage. Usually presents information in a clear and concise manner. Some spelling, grammatical or referencing errors. |
Mostly communicat es in an appropriate format/lang uage. Presents information in a clear and mostly concise manner, sometimes meaning is not clear. Some spelling, grammatical or referencing errors |
Meaning is clear and format conforms to basic requireme nts. Limited use of language. Major spelling, grammati cal and referencin g errors. |
Meaning is clear but use of language and format is inappropri ate. Significant spelling, grammatic al and referencin g errors. |
Does not communic ate effectively and meaning is unclear. Does not use appropriat e format/ language. Significan t spelling, grammatic al and referencin g errors. |
International Project/Bachelor Thesis in International Business (65% of module marks)
This is an individual research project on an international business topic chosen by the student, with
a word length of 5,000 words ++.
You are advised to begin thinking about your topic and supporting literature for your project as early as
possible.
You need to choose a problem in an area of business theory (so that there is published research available)
and where there is a reasonable chance of access to primary data. A reasonable chance of access is where
you already have access to a proportion of respondents for your research that enables you to answer your
research question.
It is recognised that for some students there may be limited opportunities to work with business
organisations for primary data collection, so that some projects may emphasise desk research using
secondary sources. Nonetheless you are encouraged, where possible, to include primary data, which could
include, for example, interviews or a small-scale survey. If you have access to an organisation, for example
through a part-time job, then you will be encouraged to base your project on that organisation.
• What business and management topic or topics are you interested in? Accounting, Economics,
Management, Marketing, Human Resource Management, etc.
• What organisational contacts do you have? Through family, friends, a part-time job?
65% of module marks
NB: Supervisors will be appointed for each individual student and will provide formative assessment
feedback during term 2.
Required structure of the Bachelor thesis/International project (note that each chapter should have
numbered sub-sections):
Cover page
Acknowledgements
Abstract/Executive summary
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background and context
1.2 Research problem and rationale
1.3 Research aim and objectives
1.4 Research questions/hypotheses
1.5 Content of the remaining chapters
Chapter 2: Literature review
2.1
2.2
2.3
(..) (thematic sub-sections, with the last one addressing literature gap
2.4 (or other sub-section) Literature gap
Chapter 3: Methodology
3.1 Research design and purpose
3.2 Target population and sampling procedure
3.3 Data collection
3.4 Data analysis methods
3.5 Reliability and validity
3.6 Scope and Limitations
3.7 Ethical concerns
Chapter 4: Analysis and discussion of findings
4.1 Analysis of findings (you can choose your own headings in this chapter)
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.2… (individual subsections)
…
4.? Discussion of findings
(the last section)
Chapter 5: Conclusion and recommendations
5.1 Conclusions
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Future research outlook
References (15-20+)
(Alphabetically listed, in UoR Harvard formatting style)
Appendix (including, e.g., survey questions, interview transcripts, additional figures/tables)
Generic Marking Grid for International Project – indicating the structure
1. Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION WEIGHTING 10/100
MARKING CRITERIA | GENERAL COMMENTS ON THIS SECTION |
Is there a clear introduction that discusses the topic of research and rationale (what & why)? Has the research problem (including knowledge gap) been stated? |
|
Are the aim and objectives, research questions and/or hypotheses (including variables) clear, relevant and achievable (testable)? Have they been further explained in terms of how and to what extent they were answered/tested? |
|
Do aims, objectives etc. go beyond mere listing, i.e. do they involve explanation, comparison, criticism or evaluation? |
|
Does the introduction indicate the content of the other chapters? |
OVERALL IMPRESSION: INTRODUCTION
70 – 100% | 60 – 69% | 50 – 59% | 40 – 49% | 20 – 39% | 0 – 19% |
• Comprehensive background information, definitions and rationale. • Clearly and explicitly identifies aim, objectives and appropriate research questions / hypotheses. • Has detailed critique of how they were arrived at and potential issues. • Detailed but succinct identification of content of remaining chapters. |
• Good background information, definitions and rationale. • Clearly identifies aim, objectives and research questions / hypotheses. • Partial critique of aim, objectives and research questions/hypotheses and potential issues. • Adequate identification of content of remaining chapters. |
• Some good background information but lacking in some aspects. • Identifies aim, objectives and research questions /hypotheses but lacking detail in some aspects. • Lacking a clear rationale of how they were derived. • Adequate but not succinct identification of content of remaining chapters. |
• Background information has some relevance but is lacking in some key aspects. • Adequate identification of research area(s) but questions/hypotheses not well articulated or poorly explained • Limited explanation of how they were derived • Some indication of content of remaining chapters. |
• Does give some indication of research areas but very limited background information. • Lacks adequate identification of aim, objectives and research questions / hypotheses • Very limited explanation of how they were derived. • Limited indication of content of further chapters |
• Irrelevant or very limited background information. • Does not identify aim and / or objectives and / or research questions / hypotheses. • No explanation of how they were derived. • No indication of content of the remaining chapters. |
Chapter 2: LITERATURE REVIEW WEIGHTING 25/100
MARKING CRITERIA | GENERAL COMMENTS ON THIS SECTION |
Has a comprehensive range of relevant literature, pertinent to the aim and RQs of the thesis been selected for review? Is the impression given that extensive reading on the topic and around the problem took place and has been relayed? |
|
Are the key themes and issues surrounding the research questions clearly drawn from the literature? |
|
Does it attempt to compare and contrast a number of relevant concepts, models or theories in a critical manner or is it merely descriptive? Is the theoretical framework used in an effective manner? |
|
Are the sources used up to date (current, state-of-the-art publications), where appropriate, and do they have sufficient academic weight? Have sources been acknowledged, cited, and referenced fairly and properly? Has the text been well paraphrased and a critical stance is detectable? Are the references at the end of the thesis complete and in the appropriate Harvard referencing style? Has literature gap been clearly identified and addressed (including recent citations) at the end? |
OVERALL IMPRESSION: LITERATURE REVIEW
70 – 100% | 60 – 69% | 50 – 59% | 40 – 49% | 20 – 39% | 0 – 19% |
• Comprehensive appraisal of relevant literature. • Critical appraisal of relevant literature. • Clear relation to research questions. • Citations are correct and appropriate • Bibliography wide ranging and correct in all aspects. |
• Comprehensive appraisal of relevant literature • High level of critical appraisal. • Related to research questions. • Citations mainly correct. • Bibliography wide ranging but with minor errors. |
• Adequate appraisal of mostly relevant literature • Some critical appraisal. • Not always relevant to research questions. • Citations correct but some errors. • Bibliography wide ranging but with some errors. |
• Adequate discussion of some relevant literature • Tends towards the descriptive with very limited critical appraisal. • Some relevance to research questions. • Some citations correct but a number of errors. • Bibliography limited and with some errors. |
• Literature is limited in scope or irrelevant. • Little appraisal and very descriptive. • Limited relevance to research questions. • A large number of citation errors. • Bibliography limited with many errors. |
• Poor and limited use of literature. • Vague understanding of relevance of literature. • Student appears to have relied heavily on too few texts. • No or very few citations used. • Bibliography very limited and does not adhere to the Harvard System. |
Chapter 3: METHODOLOGY WEIGHTING 20/100
MARKING CRITERIA | GENERAL COMMENTS ON THIS SECTION |
Is there a clear rationale for methodology, i.e. is the student aware of nature and types of research, e.g., are distinctions between qualitative and quantitative, positivist and interpretative methods addressed? Have the alternatives been discussed and have the advantages and disadvantages of chosen methods been evaluated? Has this understanding informed their choice of approach? Is the research design/methodology described – in relation to all the research onion layers – justifiable? Are the research instruments well designed with all questions etc. relevant to research aims? Has target population (be it human or non-human) been clearly described, appropriate sampling techniques names and explained, sample size (both for primary and secondary data sets) addressed? Is sampling process described in detail in relation to the units of analysis, e.g., who the respondents were; how many were there; why and how were they selected? |
|
Were research instruments approved by supervisor before implementation? Is there evidence of care and accuracy in the data collection process? Are data analysis methods discussed in detail? Are all instruments of data collection specifically named, data sets for secondary data specified, survey design addressed – when applicable – in sufficient detail? Are all the applicable methods of data analysis, including statistical tests, qualitative analysis methods, and the like clearly names and explained? |
|
Are validity and reliability separately discussed – not only theoretically, but in relation to potential threats and errors? Has the reliability test been performed, if applicable? Has a pilot study been evidenced and evaluated? Has the scope of the study been clearly delineated, and all the limitations discussed? Has the methodology been evaluated in retrospect with suggestions for improvement if the research were to be undertaken again? Have the applicable ethical issues/concerns (as related to the whole research project) been identified and explained in terms of how they were mitigated? |
OVERALL IMPRESSION: METHODOLOGY
70 – 100% | 60 – 69% | 50 – 59% | 40 – 49% | 20 – 39% | 0 – 19% |
• Has a very clear and well articulated academic rationale for methodology |
• Has clear academic rationale for methodology and research approach but |
• Some academic rationale for methodology/ approach but |
• Limited methodological rationale. • Methods have some relevance |
• Basic rationale for methodology. • Methods are mainly |
• No attempt at rationale for methodology. • Describes processes that |
and research approach. • Methods highly relevant to purpose with evidence of exploring alternative methods and choices well justified. • Sampling correct in all aspects and clearly explained. • Critical evaluation • Overall approach very well planned and executed. |
• Methods largely relevant to purpose with evidence of exploring alternative methods but incomplete justification. • All elements of sampling theory addressed with some being well done. • Evaluation may lack a critical approach in some aspects • Generally well planned and executed. |
lacking detail in areas. • Methods not relevant to purpose in all aspects but has some good aspects. Justification for choice is limited. • All elements of sampling theory adequately addressed • Evaluation has been attempted but is limited in terms of a critical approach. • There may be shortcomings in the planning and execution. |
to purpose but have been insufficiently planned and executed. Justification for choice is very limited. • Sampling theory addressed but limited with omissions. • Evaluation is attempted and applied but is poor. • Overall planning and execution weak. |
irrelevant to purpose or are poorly explained and difficult to understand. • Sampling theory extremely weak and lacking detail. • Limited evaluation with very little actual application. • Poorly planned and executed. |
do not relate to the purpose. • No sampling theory discussed. • No or very limited and vague evaluation. • Execution fails to achieve minimum standard required. |
perhaps not
always well
articulated?
Chapter 4: ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS WEIGHTING 25/100
MARKING CRITERIA | GENERAL COMMENTS ON THIS SECTION |
Are the findings presented relevant to aims and objectives? | |
Does any statistical presentation make the most of the data collected? Are any qualitative data analysis results categorised and presented systematically? Is there any evidence provided of secondary data analysis, if applicable? |
|
Are the findings presented clearly and interestingly for the reader to follow, i.e. in tables, charts etc. embedded in the text, numbered and captioned? |
|
Are the appendices used appropriately for bulky and/or less interesting/essential data interpretation? FOR QUESTIONNAIRES Do the appendices contain a data summary sheet (including the final sample size/number of responses), a summary questionnaire and details of statistical analysis undertaken? FOR INTERVIEWS Do the appendices contain additional evidence for data collection and exemplary excerpt(s) of interview transcripts? FOR OBSERVATIONS Do the appendices contain back up data on observations carried out? |
FOR SECONDARY DATA do the appendices contain sources where data were collected and how they were analysed? |
OVERALL IMPRESSION: ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
70 – 100% | 60 – 69% | 50 – 59% | 40 – 49% | 20 – 39% | 0 – 19% |
• Clear and unambiguous presentation of data. • Relevant, rigorous and thorough analysis. • Excellent discussion and evaluation of findings. • Excellent linkage to the literature. |
• Clear presentation of data with few errors. • Relevant and thorough analysis. • Good discussion and evaluation of findings. • Good linkage to the literature but some omissions. |
• Generally clear presentation of data but some errors. • Relevant analysis but lacks thorough approach. • Discussion and evaluation of findings lacks rigour but some useful findings. • Clear but partial linkage to the literature but many omissions. |
• Presentation of data is limited or lacks clarity. • Analysis is basic and pedantic in many areas. • Discussion and evaluation is superficial or relies on unsupported assertions. • Attempts linkage to the literature but not in a clear manner. |
• Unclear or confusing presentation of data. • Analysis is basic and pedantic in all areas. • Discussion and evaluation very limited or shows lack of understanding of evidence collected. • Minimal linkage to the literature. |
• Much or all of the data has been presented in an unclear manner. • No analysis or trivial. • No or very limited discussion of findings. • No or very weak linkage to the literature. |
Chapter 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS WEIGHTING 10/100
MARKING CRITERIA | GENERAL COMMENTS ON THIS SECTION |
Do the conclusions clearly follow on from the findings? Are the conclusions well-grounded in the evidence and arguments presented? |
|
Have the aim, objectives and research questions been clearly reviewed/revisited and addressed? |
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Are the conclusions discussed in context and are they applicable to a wider scenario? |
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Are some sound business/management recommendations put forward (preferably naming the stakeholders in question) and are they consistent with the findings and conclusion? Is the future research direction indicated at the end? |
OVERALL IMPRESSION: CONCLUSION
70 – 100% | 60 – 69% | 50 – 59% | 40 – 49% | 20 – 39% | 0 – 19% |
• Conclusions valid and consistent with analysis. |
• Conclusions valid and generally consistent with analysis. |
• Conclusions generally valid and partially consistent with analysis. |
• Some valid conclusions but generally inconsistent with analysis. |
• No obvious conclusions drawn or they are inconsistent with analysis. |
• Conclusions do not relate to purpose. • No attention to aim, objectives |
• Comprehensive reference to aim, objectives and research questions. • Conclusions discussed in detail and context and recognised applicable to wider scenario. • For work based dissertation recommendatio ns are consistent with findings and conclusions. |
• Good reference to aim, objectives and research questions. • Conclusions discussed in context and recognised briefly that applicable to a wider. • For work based dissertation some logical recommendation s. |
• Some reference to aim, objectives and research questions. • Conclusions discussed in context and some recognition of wider application. • For work based dissertation some recommendatio ns but may be questionable based on findings and conclusions. |
• Limited reference to aim, objectives and research questions. • Conclusions briefly discussed in context and wider context. • For work based dissertation limited recommendation s. |
• Very little attention to aim, objectives and research questions. • Conclusions very briefly discussed in context. • For work based dissertation very few appropriate recommendation s. |
and the research questions. • Conclusions not discussed in context. • For work based dissertation no recommendatio ns |
REFERENCES
Alphabetically listed, in Harvard style
APPENDIX
COHERENCE AND PRESENTATION WEIGHTING 10/100
This section considers the overall holistic nature of the dissertation. Marks should be awarded according to
the descriptors below recognising the overall consistency, compliance with presentation requirements and
coherence of the dissertation.
MARKING CRITERIA | YES (or few errors) |
NO (or many errors) |
Are the overall style and presentation in accordance with specifications? Standard title page Length 5,000++ words Word count given Correct pagination Correct margins Double spacing for text Single spacing for indented quotes and references Numbered chapter and section headings Tables and figures numbered and captioned correctly Appropriate font/bolding and italics |
||
Is the abstract a concise (max 1 page) summary of the aim, methodology and findings/conclusion? |
||
Is the contents page clear, concise and informative? | ||
Are appendices, tables and figures listed and appropriately referred to? |
Has the thesis been spell and grammar checked? Has the academic style been followed? Are citations and references in the required (UoR Harvard) referencing style? |
Does the thesis have an overall coherence? Have paraphrasing issues been kept to minimum? |
OVERALL IMPRESSION: COHERENCE
70 – 100% | 60 – 69% | 50 – 59% | 40 – 49% | 20 – 39% | 0 – 19% |
• Fulfils all requirements and follows an acceptable style in a correct manner. • Easy to read and leads the reader along a well argued path. • Has an overall coherence. |
• Fulfils most requirements and follows an acceptable style in a generally correct manner. • Presented so that it is easy for reader to follow. • Is generally coherent although it may lack coherence in parts. |
• Attempts to follow an acceptable style and fulfils most of the requirements. • Not presented with maximum clarity and sometimes difficult to follow the argument. • Some evidence of coherence. |
• Generally attempts to conform to requirements and adequately executed. • Some aspects of presentation unclear. • Has limited coherence. |
• Does not meet some of the key requirements. • Fails to follow an acceptable style and some aspects unclear. • Very little coherence. |
• Does not meet many of the key requirements • Fails to follow an acceptable style and often unclear an untidy. • No coherence |
How will your work be assessed?
Your work will be assessed by a subject expert who will use the marking grid provided in this assessment
brief. When you access your marked work, it is important that you reflect on the feedback so that you can
use it to improve future assignments.
Referencing
You MUST use the Harvard referencing style as outlined by University of Roehampton.
Assignment submissions
The Business School requires a digital version (in Word) of all assignment submissions. These must
be submitted via Turnitin on the module’s Moodle site by the specified deadline.
Marking and feedback process
Between you handing in your work and then receiving your feedback and marks, there are a number of
quality assurance processes that we go through to ensure that students receive marks which reflects their
work. A brief summary is provided below.
• Step One – The module and marking team meet to agree standards, expectations and how feedback
will be provided.
• Step Two – A subject expert will mark your work using the criteria provided in the assessment brief.
• Step Three – A moderation meeting takes place where all members of the teaching and marking team
will review the marking of others to confirm whether they agree with the mark and feedback
• Step Four – Work at Levels 5 and 6 then goes to an external examiner who will review a sample of
work to confirm that the marking between different staff is consistent and fair
• Stop Five – Your mark and feedback are processed by the Office and made available to you.