Business Research - Australia Assignments

Unit 5.30 Business Research

Level 5 15 Credits

Sample Assignment

Related Qualification

ATHE Level 5 Diploma in Business and Administrative Management (RQF)

To achieve this unit you are required to understand how research methods are used, select and plan a topic for research and conduct the research according to your research plan. You will then analyse your research findings and present and evaluate the outcomes. All of different elements of work for this unit must be retained in a file for future reference.

Task 1

First of all you need to select a topic for research. Write a research proposal following the instructions below:

identify a suitable area for research

justify your choice

determine the aims and objectives of the research

assess ethical considerations that apply to the chosen area of research.

AC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4

Task 2

Now you need to understand how different research methods are used. Write a paper on this, with a bibliography. The paper must include:

an evaluation of methods that can be used to collect data

the identification of tools that can be used to analyse data

an explanation of the importance of validity and reliability of data within research.

AC 2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Task 3

You are now ready to plan your research. Formulate a detailed plan for conducting the research which develops research questions, identifies sources of information and support for conducting the research and provides timescales.

AC 3.1

Task 4

Now conduct your research, using identified research methods, according to the research plan. Record and collate sufficient valid and relevant data throughout the research.

AC 3.2, 3.3

Task 5

You are now ready to analyse your findings. Produce written notes of your analysis. In the notes you must:

use data analysis methods to analyse data

draw conclusions from your findings

make recommendations related to the area of research

AC 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

Task 6

You now need to present your findings. Use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of your research to an audience.

AC 5.1

Task 7

You now need to evaluate the research outcomes in a written report. In the report you must write:

An evaluation of the findings of the research and the process used

A review of your own learning and development from research

AC 6.1, 6.2

Guidelines for assessors

The assignments submitted by learners must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by the assessment criteria for the unit. The suggested evidence listed below is how learners can demonstrate that they have met the required standard.

Task number	Assessment criteria	Suggested evidence
1.	1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4	The learner could show a shortlist of research topics. The research proposal must be in a suitable format, which may be prescribed by the tutor or manager. There must be a clear justification of the choice made and the aims and objectives of the research should be well-defined with an assessment of any ethical considerations.
2.	2.1, 2.2, 2.3	The evaluation must examine strengths and weaknesses, judge the evidence from different perspectives and make a valid conclusion or reasoned judgment. The explanation must show an understanding of underpinning concepts, which could include examples to support the reasons.
3.	3.1	The plan must be presented in a logical way and expressed in systematic terms, including the different elements stated in the task. It must also include proposed start and end dates for the different activities to be completed. The involvement of the tutor at this stage is intended as a check to ensure that the plan is workable and the end results can be achieved.
4.	3.2, 3.3	Learners must use practical research skills and must record data in a systematic way, For learners subject to UK law, data must be recorded in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
5.	4.1, 4.2, 4.3	The notes may include diagrams to illustrate analyses. The learner must determine and use appropriate methods and skills to analyse data and exercise judgement to draw conclusions. The recommendations must be directly related to the research findings.
6.	5.1	The methods selected to present findings must be suitable for the audience and for the findings. The presentation does not need to be verbal unless appropriate for the audience and findings.
7.	6.1, 6.2	The learner must examine strengths and weaknesses of the findings and of the research process used, identifying what worked well and where changes might have improved the outcomes. The learner must judge the findings of the research and make a valid conclusion. The review of own learning and development should be specific and comprehensive, enabling the learner to improve future practice.