T/508/0626 Business Research Methods - Othm Level 7 Diploma In Accounting And Finance

Aim:

The aim of this unit is to develop learners' understanding of research principles including the formulation of research proposals, literature reviews, referencing, data collection using interviews and surveys, questionnaire design, statistical analysing using SPSS, qualitative data, and methods for drawing conclusions from the analysed data.

Learning Outcome 1: Be able to identify research problems and formulate research objectives.
Appraise research problems.
Develop appropriate research objectives and justify their choice.

Learning Outcome 2. Understand how to review the literature on a research topic.
Evaluate literature relevant to a research problem.
Critically analyse different theoretical approaches to a research problem.

Learning Outcome 3. Be able to design appropriate business research methodologies.
Critically evaluate appropriate research methodologies in terms of research objectives.
Design an appropriate methodology in terms of research objectives.
Justify a selected methodology in terms of research objectives.

Learning Outcome 4. Be able to develop a research proposal.
Propose techniques for use with quantitative and qualitative data.
Create a research question, literature review and methodology.

Task 1: Research Proposal

There is no scenario for this assignment. Instead, you must propose an independent, small scale research project about an area of interest to you within a relevant context. Ideally, the research proposal should deal with an opportunity or a problem at the organisation where you are currently employed. Consult with your tutor/supervisor to determine a suitable area of research within the Accounting and Finance discipline.

Instructions

In this task, you will need to produce a research project proposal in which you:

1. Introduction
a. Introduce the problem or opportunity with supporting data and trends.
b. Clearly explain the background to the problem or opportunity, and justify

the reasons for, and the value of, the research to your employer and the wider academic community.
c. Outline the research project's aims and objectives.
d. State the limitations and scope of the proposed research.

2. Literature Review
a. Critically review key literature and recent academic publications around the subject area discussing key definitions, current theoretical frameworks, and research carried out in similar areas.
b. Develop a conceptual and theoretical framework for the research from the literature review explaining how and why it supports and informs your approach the research process.

3. Research Methodology
a. Explain and justify your research approach and strategy.
b. Data collection:
o Discuss data collection methods.
o Select the instrument, design it and justify an appropriate method with an outline of a pre-test/pilot to be included as an appendix.
o Clearly outline the administration of the data collection process.
c. Population and Sampling: Define the research population, sampling strategy and clarify access to respondent issues.
d. Data Analysis: Describe and justify how you propose to analyse and report the results and findings of your research with a discussion about reliability and validity and the management of error.
4. Statement of Ethics
a. Discuss access to respondent issues, permissions from organisation to conduct research, confidentiality, rights of withdrawal, consent, management of data security etc.

5. Timeline
a. Develop a plan using GANTT Chart from start to completion of the research.

Referencing: Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.