Assignment No. and type:

CW2 Written Assignment: A critical reflection of ethical issues and requirements for a researcher, 1,000 words.

Assessment weighting:

30%

Submission time and date:

Week 14 Before 14.00, Friday 19^th May 2023.

Target feedback time and date:

Week 17: Before 14.00, Friday 9^th June 2023.

Assignment task

This assessment tests your knowledge of the topic of research ethics and how these directly relate to your research methodology chosen for your dissertation research topic. LO4, LO5.

It is very easy to think that asking people questions has no impact upon them as researchers do this all the time. However, asking people questions or even simply interacting and/or observing them in order to collect data can, and often does, have unintended consequences for both researcher and participant. Understanding how our research can impact someone is a critical component of your development as a business graduate, and as a researcher. The golden rule of all research is ‘first, do no harm,’ to anyone involved including yourself. In order to achieve this, you must study what ethics are and what role they play in research activities. This assignment requires you to provide the following:

Aim of your research – In one sentence explain what you intend to find out.

Objectives of your research.

Methodology. Briefly reiterate the Approach, Design, Methods and Participants.

4. Ethical considerations. This is the main section of your assignment and you are expected to identify and discuss ethical issues relevant to your research.

Respect for the autonomy, privacy and dignity of individuals and communities. Explain what procedures you are going to put in place for valid consent, confidentiality, anonymity and fair treatment. These could include the Participant information form; Participant Consent form;

Scientific integrity. Explain what measures you will be taking to ensure that your research is based on authentic data that you have collected from the participants described in your “methods” section.

Social responsibility. Explain how your research supports and reflect respect for the dignity and integrity of persons and organisations involved. Explain how your research contributes to the “common good”.

Maximising benefit and minimising harm. Explain what you will be doing to avoid potential risk to the personal values, invasion of privacy and risk to psychological well-being of your participants and organisations. Explain who could benefit from your findings and how.

References – Please reference your work according to the Harvard style as defined in Cite Them Right Online (http://www.citethemrightonline.com).

Ethics checklist. The template document for this will be provided for you to complete and submit using a separate submission point on BB. There will be a separate submission point on BB for submitting this document.

This 1,000-word (+/-10%) report should have a front cover with a clear title your student id number and the word count on it. A total of 10pages are available as appendices for this piece of work excluding required ethics documents provided by the university. Note, the words used in these pages are not included in the word count. All words appearing in tables, charts and diagrams are also not included in the word count. There should be a minimum of 20 references from reputable sources and referenced using the Harvard system used to support your work.

This assignment has been designed to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your achievement of the following module learning outcomes:

LO4: Critically engage in the ethical considerations of conducting research projects and the associated difficulties associated with the ethics involved in research decision-making.

LO5: Demonstrate transferable skills including time management, project management, listening, negotiation, written communication skills, independent learning and advanced research skills.

Referencing and presentational requirements

Please reference your work using the Harvard style as defined in Cite Them Right Online (http://www.citethemrightonline.com).

Pages should be numbered.

All work to be submitted as Arial 11 font with line and a half spacing.

All writing should be in the third person passive, but where applicable you may write in the first person.

Written work must be word-processed

The module title and code number must be clearly marked on the front cover.

Work you submit for assessment must be properly referenced – a guide to the Harvard system of referencing can be found on the Bucks website at bucks.ac.uk/referencing.

You may seek clarification from the module tutor at any time.

There is no excuse for failing to submit your work in accordance with the guidance, work that does not meet the necessary standards in that respect will be marked accordingly.

No collaboration is allowed.

Submission details

You are required to submit your work electronically. Please use the relevant submission point in the Submit your work area in your Blackboard module shell at the time and date specified.

Please ensure that your work has been saved in an appropriate file format. Turnitin will only accept the following file types: Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint, PostScript, PDF, HTML, RTF, OpenOffice (ODT), Hangul (HWP), Google Docs, or plain text. Your file must also contain at least 20 words of text, consist of fewer than 400 pages and be less than 40MB in size.

You can submit your file as many times as you like before the submission date. If you do submit your file more than once, your earlier submission will be replaced by the most recent version.

Once you have submitted your file, you will receive a digital receipt as proof of submission, which will be sent to your forwarded e-mail address (provided you have set this up). Please keep this receipt for future reference, along with the original electronic copy of the file.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity means taking responsibility for your own work.

When you submit an assignment, you are effectively making a declaration that it is your own work and that you have acknowledged the contribution of others and their ideas in its development (for example, by referencing them appropriately).

For further information and guidance, please see the University website: https://www.bucks.ac.uk/current-students/registry-helpdesk-and-academic-advice/academic-integrity-and-misconduct

You are also expected to take responsibility for maintaining and managing confidentiality issues in your work. You should maintain and respect confidentiality in relation to the protection of personal, technical and/or commercial information of a sensitive nature in their assessed work, whatever the format.

Confidentiality issues will vary from subject to subject and you are encouraged to seek advice from your course team if you are unclear about requirements in your context. For further information and guidance, please see the University website: https://www.bucks.ac.uk/academic-confidentiality

Criterion 1

Knowledge and understanding

25%

(Key indicators for Knowledge and understanding)

• Depth of knowledge and understanding

• Engagement with subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts, and principles

• Background investigation, analysis, research, enquiry and/or study.

The work demonstrates a limited and/or substantially inaccurate or no understanding of key aspects of the subject, with few if any examples of coherent and detailed knowledge, which is unlikely to be at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What are ethics and how they relate to business research. Comprehension of research methodologies, their design application and measurement.

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates insufficient understanding of key aspects of the subject, including some coherent and detailed knowledge, little of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What are ethics and how they relate to business research. Comprehension of research methodologies, their design application and measurement.

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates a basic yet systematic understanding of key aspects of the subject, including some coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What are ethics and how they relate to business research. Comprehension of research methodologies, their design application and measurement.

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates a sound breadth and depth of systematic understanding of key aspects of the subject, including some coherent and detailed knowledge, some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What are ethics and how they relate to business research. Comprehension of research methodologies, their design application and measurement.

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates a sophisticated and critical systematic understanding of key aspects of the subject, including coherent and detailed knowledge, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What are ethics and how they relate to business research. Comprehension of research methodologies, their design application and measurement.

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates a highly accomplished systematic understanding of key aspects of the subject beyond what has been taught, including coherent and detailed knowledge, most of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What are ethics and how they relate to business research. Comprehension of research methodologies, their design application and measurement.

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

The work demonstrates an exceptional systematic understanding of key aspects of the subject, including coherent and detailed knowledge well beyond what has been taught, all of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of defined aspects of the discipline e.g., recent research, latest techniques, including:

What are ethics and how they relate to business research. Comprehension of research methodologies, their design application and measurement.

What business research is: quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis; structuring research questions, aims and objectives; presenting a business case for a research topic.

Criterion 2

Analysis and criticality

25%

(Key indicators for analysis and criticality)

• Logic and argument

• Use and range of independently selected sources

• Analysis and synthesis

• Organisation and communication of ideas and evidence

The work demonstrates a limited or no ability to work independently and deploy relevant techniques of analysis and enquiry accurately;

A logical and authoritative argument supported by reputable evidence and theory identifying and supporting the choice of research methodologies and the related ethical implications.

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

The work demonstrates an insufficient ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

A logical and authoritative argument supported by reputable evidence and theory identifying and supporting the choice of research methodologies and the related ethical implications.

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

The work demonstrates a sufficient ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

A logical and authoritative argument supported by reputable evidence and theory identifying and supporting the choice of research methodologies and the related ethical implications.

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

The work demonstrates a sound ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

A logical and authoritative argument supported by reputable evidence and theory identifying and supporting the choice of research methodologies and the related ethical implications.

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

The work demonstrates a sophisticated ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline.

A logical and authoritative argument supported by reputable evidence and theory identifying and supporting the choice of research methodologies and the related ethical implications.

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

The work demonstrates a highly accomplished ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

A logical and authoritative argument supported by reputable evidence and theory identifying and supporting the choice of research methodologies and the related ethical implications.

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

The work demonstrates a highly accomplished ability to work independently, deploying accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the discipline;

A logical and authoritative argument supported by reputable evidence and theory identifying and supporting the choice of research methodologies and the related ethical implications.

An appropriate research title and topic selection: A clear and logical argument for the research supported by up to date and reputable sources of data and information; the selection and justification for a range of data collection methodologies and analysis; a coherent and organised communication of ideas and evidence presented in a professional format.

Criterion 3

Application and practice

25%

(Key indicators for application and practice)

• Development and/or application discipline-specific specialist skills

• Accuracy, coordination, and proficiency in completion of practical tasks/processes

Work demonstrates a limited or no ability to select and apply appropriate, discipline-specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is not evident within the work.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is clearly missing and/or inappropriate for the standard required as a manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is clearly absent with no evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

The work fails to address all the required elements set out in the briefing.

Work demonstrates an insufficient ability to select and apply appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is weak within the work.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is clearly missing and/or inappropriate for the standard required as a manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is clearly absent with no evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

The work fails to address all the required elements set out in the briefing.

Work demonstrates a sufficient ability to select and apply appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is acceptable within the work.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident but this is acceptable and mostly appropriate for the standard required as a manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is acceptable with some evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

The work mostly addresses the required elements set out in the briefing.

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a consistent and informed manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is good.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to a good standard and appropriate for the standard required as a manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is good with some evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a capable and effective manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is very good.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to a very good standard and appropriate for the standard required as a manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is very good with clear evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a highly accomplished manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is excellent.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to an excellent standard and appropriate for the standard required as a middle manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is excellent with clear evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and/or integrated into the work.

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

Work demonstrates an ability to select and apply in a highly accomplished and innovative manner appropriate, discipline specific methods and techniques to develop and apply knowledge and understanding and to initiate, and in turn:

The development and application of secondary research skills, analysis, evaluation and synthesis of data and information is outstanding.

The ability to draw conclusions for the reader is evident and what is presented is to an outstanding standard and appropriate for the standard required as a senior manager.

The ability to read and follow instructions is outstanding with clear evidence of conceptual awareness of the wider business contexts involved that could be researched and integrated into the work.

The work meets all the required elements set out in the briefing.

Criterion 4

Transferable skills

15%

(Key indicators for transferable skills)

• Written, verbal and electronic communication

• Numeracy and digital literacy

• Personal motivation, organisation, and time-management

Work demonstrates limited or no ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

– an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates insufficient ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates a sufficient ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates a consistent and confident ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs

Work demonstrates a highly proficient ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates a highly accomplished ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

Work demonstrates an exceptional ability to:

-communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions accurately and reliably utilising relevant numeracy, digital literacy, oral and written communication skills in a manner fit for purpose.

-an ability to manage their learning and work with minimal or no supervision.

-use initiative to take responsibility for determining and achieving personal outcomes and/or outputs.

– consideration of sustainability (environmental, economic, and personal) and social and ethical matters in their work/solutions.

Assignment Parameters

10%

An unacceptable range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.

Incorrect Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.

Major spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Presentation of work is unacceptable and incapable of being presented to a board of directors. Work is outside of the +/-10% word count.

A below standard range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.

Incorrect Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.

Major spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Presentation of work is below the standard required and incapable of being presented to a board of directors. Work is outside of the +/-10% word count.

A satisfactory range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.

Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.

Significant spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Presentation of work is satisfactory but not suitable for being presented to a board of directors. Work is outside of the +/-10% word count.

Good range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.

Noticeable issues with the Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.

Noticeable spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Presentation of work is good and capable of being presented to a board of directors only with significant corrections and improvement. Work is only just outside the +/-10% word count.

Very good range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.

Correct Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.

Minor spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Presentation of work is very good and capable of being presented to a board of directors with some corrections. Work is within +/-10% word count.

Excellent range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.

Correct Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.

Very minor spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Presentation of work is excellent and capable of being presented to a board of directors as is. Work is within +/-10% word count.

Outstanding range of academic, professional and peer reviewed sources applied within the work.

Correct Harvard referencing in text and in reference list pages.

No spelling, grammar or punctuation errors.

Presentation of work is outstanding and capable of being presented to a board of directors as is. Work is within +/-10% word count.