Please note that this sample assignment is for our new suite of level 7 qualifications in strategic management which became available on October 1st 2016.
Unit M/615/2675 Research for Strategic Development
Level 7 15 Credits
Related Qualifications
ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Management 603/0629/4
ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Management 603/0630/0
Sample Assignment
Your research must achieve the learning outcomes at the standards provided. It must be related to a topic associated with strategic business development.
You must prepare a portfolio of evidence which includes all the work completed for the following tasks.
The wordcount for this assignment should be in the region of 3000 – 3300 words
Task 1 – Formulate a Research Proposal
In this section of the portfolio you should:
Consider and identify a valid area for research to support the strategic development of a business area
Explain the aim, scope and objectives for a chosen area of research
Formulate a specific research proposal
Establish success criteria for the achievement of the research proposal
Prepare a project plan that identifies key milestones and critical pathways.
Extension activities:
To gain a merit grade you must:
Justify the research area you have chosen which will support the achievement of an aspect of strategic business development.
LO1 AC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5
1M1
Task 2 Carry out the research using different research methodologies
In this section of the portfolio you need to:
Complete a review of different literature sources identifying those which are most appropriate for your chosen area of research
Use different research methodologies to gather data from primary and secondary sources. The data must be sufficient in order to ensure you can make valid conclusions
Extension activities:
To gain a merit grade you must:
Justify the research methodologies chosen
LO2 AC 2.1 2.2 2M1
Task 3 – Presentation of Research Findings
In this section of the portfolio you must prepare a report that presents all of your research findings. This must be presented in an appropriate format for the target audience.
In the report, you must:
Provide a comprehensive explanation of the purpose, methodologies, findings and recommendations.
Reference all sources using a recognised system.
Use the information you have collected to justify conclusions and recommendations.
Extension activities:
To gain a merit grade you must:
Respond orally to questions on research findings.
To gain a distinction grade you must:
Analyse how the findings of your research can be used in a specific strategic business context.
LO2 AC 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
3M1
3D1
Task 4 – Reflective Log
On completion of your research project, you are to prepare a reflective log which contains an evaluation of the skills you used while undertaking the research.
The reflective log must include:
A review of your own skills using personal reflection and feedback.
Recommendations on ways to improve your personal skills while undertaking research.
Extension activities:
To gain a merit grade you must include the following in your reflective log:
A plan to improve your own research skills.
To gain a distinction grade you must:
Implement the plan and assess the impact on your own personal progress.
LO4 AC 4.1,4.2
4M1
4M2
4D1
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. To achieve a merit or distinction grade, the learners must demonstrate that they have achieved all the criteria set for these grades. Where work for the pass standard is marginal, assessors can take account of any extension work completed by the learners. The suggested evidence listed below is how learners can demonstrate that they have met the required standards.
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Task number |
LOs and AC |
Suggested evidence |
Suggested additional evidence MERIT |
Suggested additional evidence DISTINCTION |
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1. |
LO1 AC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 1M1 |
In completing this task the learner will begin the portfolio of evidence. The learner may consider different areas of research but will identify one which is linked to the strategic business development. The learner will need to explain clearly and in detail the aim, scope and objectives of the research which is to be undertaken. The learner will create a research proposal with the development of a suitable research question(s) or hypotheses for the selected area of research. The learner should ensure that the tutor has approved their choice of research question / hypothesis. The final proposal must be presented in writing. However it could be accompanied by oral or written evidence of viva with tutor/assessor with observation statement recording discussions, questions and answers. The learner must produce specific success criteria which are related to the achievement of the research proposal. The success criteria should be referred to in the reflective log which is required for Task 4. The plan must be clearly presented and a tabular form would be useful. It should be a tool which the learner will use in completing the research. |
The learner must produce detailed written justification for the choice of research question showing how it is directly related to an aspect of strategic business development. |
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|
2 |
LO2 AC 2.1, 2.2 2M1 |
The learner should prepare a detailed literature review and accurate bibliography in an appropriate referencing format. The review will identify literature sources which are pertinent as well as those which are not. A wide range of appropriate and relevant information sources must have been considered, including academic journals, reports, texts and valid online material The learner will then use research methodologies using primary and secondary sources. This will provide sufficient information so that valid conclusions can be drawn. |
The learner must produce a comprehensive explanation of the reasons for choosing the research methodologies |
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3 |
LO3 AC 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 3M1 3D1 |
The learner should choose the most appropriate format in which to present their research findings. In most cases, this is likely to be a final written report of 3000 words and bibliography, covering a range of appropriate information sources from relevant journals, texts and reports as well as online information. The report should be presented in a suitable format and include sufficient evidence to show that the learner has: applied relevant research methods for the area and type of research undertaken provided a comprehensive explanation of the purpose, methodologies, findings and recommendations referenced all sources using a recognised system analysed the research findings justified results and conclusions The evaluation section of the report should consider both research methods and techniques, as well as the validity of the findings. |
The learner will be required to answer verbally questions asked by others who have read the learner’s research. Those leading the viva need to be fully prepared and have the experience and ability to undertake the questioning. Evidence could take the form of: a written report of the question and answer session with the tutor/assessor. an observation assessment sheet a recording of the questions and answers. |
The learner will produce a written piece of work that analyses how the findings of the research can be used in a specific business context. The analysis should examine each part in detail, identifying the main findings and their relationship to the business context. |
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3 |
LO4 AC 4.1, 4.2 4M1 4D1 |
The learner will be required to prepare a reflective log that reviews their own learning in carrying out research investigations. This will be a written review based on the learner’s own experiences. For AC 4.2, the learner will develop their written work completed for the AC 4.1 and identify and analyse actions for improvement for the future. |
The learner will prepare a written plan – this will be a detailed plan with clear specific actions, in timeframes, to show how their skills will be improved for future research. |
The learner will implement the plan prepared in 4M1 and provide an assessment of the impact on their own personal progress. The tutor should note that assessment of the standards for 4D1 will need to be deferred until the plan has been executed and the learner has reviewed their personal progress. |