Posted: August 9th, 2015

Reaearch Method

Reaearch Method

Order Description

Introduction
This assignment requires you to demonstrate many of the skills you have learned throughout the course of this module, such as to select and justify a suitable research approach (including outlining an appropriate research methodology, supported by relevant philosophical underpinning), developing a research plan and demonstrating an ethical mindfulness when approaching research.
You are not required to undertake the project work, merely submit a proposal of intended research approach. This will take the form of a 3,000 word research project proposal in response to a given case study.
Case study
You have been commissioned to undertake a piece of management research in a local supermarket, selling fresh food and groceries in addition to women’s and children’s clothing. The organisation is situated on the outskirts of your local town centre.
The Shop Manager (owner) has asked you to consider current approaches to ‘Customer Retention’ and to offer some advice (recommendations) for improvement, as they have recently seen a fall in sales. Prepare an overview briefing document for the Shop Manager that discusses how you plan to undertake this small-scale research project.
Task – 100 Marks
Ensure the research proposal addresses each of the following SEVEN (7) elements. Approximate word count allocations are included for each element as a guide to how you should allocate your 3,000 words.
a) Select an appropriate research question for the proposal. (5 marks)
b) Provide a brief outline of the type of philosophical perspective for the research and discuss, with justification, whether you think that a quantitative, qualitative or mixed method would be most suited to this project. Use appropriate theory and supporting evidence to justify the chosen approach. (15 marks, 500 words)
c) Explain how you propose to identify appropriate sources to provide a theoretical and literary framework for the research. Explain and justify where you will locate credible academic and empirical sources, indicating any inclusion/exclusion criteria which may be applied to this selection. In addition, explain how appropriate theory and suitable academic models may be identified. Finally, outline an approach of how you will critically evaluate sources of information and models to ensure the academic integrity of the project. (20 marks, 600 words)
d) Outline a clear, feasible and justified methodology for the project, including the following.
a. Primary or secondary research design
b. Specific methods of data collection appropriate to the proposed design, including sampling
c. Intended mode(s) of data analysis
(30 marks, 1100 words)
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Research Methods © NCC Education Limited 2015
e) Produce a Gantt chart to provide an appropriate order for carrying out research tasks. Assume a six-month project lifespan. Briefly discuss this chart, explaining key milestones, anticipating any potential challenges that may arise and a providing a strategy for overcoming them. (15 marks, 450 words).
f) Evaluate any ethical issues that may affect the proposed project and how they may be addressed. (10 marks, 350 words).
g) A further 5 marks will be awarded for professional presentation of the proposal.
Guidance
Complete all the tasks in order. Consult with your tutor if you are uncertain about any aspect of the assignment.
Submission requirements
? A single word-processed document containing all material pertaining to all tasks.
? The word count is 3000 words, not including the appendices.
? The document should be properly structured as an essay with a bibliography (online and literature sources) and appendices (where necessary). Refer to the Assignment Presentation Requirements for more information (see front cover).
? Produce clear and specific reasoning to justify answers.
? An electronic copy of the document must be submitted to NCC Education by email using this address: [email protected]
? Work that contains viruses, or work that cannot be run directly, will result in a fail grade being awarded for this assessment.