Assignment Briefs
OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Accounting and Finance
Qualification Number: 603/5882/8 | May 2020
Table of Contents
Assessment guidance for criterion referenced marking……………………………………………………… 3
Investment Analysis……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Corporate Reporting………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8
Global Finance and Strategy………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Strategic Financial Management………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
Strategic Audit………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16
Business Research Methods………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18
ASSESSMENT GUIDANCE FOR CRITERION REFERENCED MARKING.
The assessment grading criteria characterises the level of complexity and demand expected of students at each level of qualification. Please note that these are generic descriptors which apply mainly, though not exclusively, to written academic work.
Any further unit-specific assessment criteria, such as number of words, should be clearly stated in each individual assignment brief
Result. | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 | Level 7 |
Pass | Detailed answers to all parts of the questions or tasks. Clearly structured and focused, demonstrating overall coherence and in- depth understanding of the unit content and assessment requirements. Evidence of the use of independently sourced material, well applied in all contexts. Very few errors in grammar as appropriate. | Detailed response to all relevant parts of the questions or tasks, with evidence of clear understanding of the issues. Well-structured with evidence of independent reading supporting the argument. Clear evidence of a range of independently sourced material, well applied in all contexts. Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. | Very full, independent response to the assignment, applying relevant material well beyond any module input, demonstrating independent study. Excellent understanding and application of relevant theory, concepts and models. Very clear logical structure. Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. | Excellent links between relevant ideas, theories and practice. Evidence of independent learning and the ability to engage critically and analytically with a wide range of contextually relevant resource material. Demonstration of original insights supported by well- structured overall argument. Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. | The work demonstrates engagement in an academic debate which presents clear evidence of a considered understanding of the topics studied. There is evidence of clear synthesis of theoretical issues and practice. A critical analysis of theoretical models and/or practical applications has resulted in originality. Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. |
Fail | Little attempt to engage with assignment brief. Learning outcomes not fully met. Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice. | Little attempt to engage with assignment brief. Learning outcomes not fully met. Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice. | Little attempt to engage with assignment brief. Learning outcomes not fully met. Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice. | Little attempt to engage with assignment brief. Learning outcomes not fully met. Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice. | Whilst some of the characteristics of a pass have been demonstrated, the work does not address each of the outcomes for the specified assessment task. The work may be an overly descriptive account demonstrating minimal interpretation, and there is very limited evidence of analysis, synthesis or evaluation. No counterarguments or alternative frames of reference are generated or considered. |
INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
Unit Reference Number | R/615/3236 |
Unit Reference Number | Investment Analysis |
Unit Title | 7 |
Unit Level | 20 |
Number of Credits | 200 Hours |
Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 100 Hours |
Mandatory / Optional | Mandatory |
Unit Grading Structure | Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of investment theories and market equilibrium models, and includes the requirement to perform bond valuations and evaluate current investment performance.
On successful completion of this unit, learners will be equipped with the skills to critically assess the cause and effect of developments on the world’s capital market. Learners will be able to make effective recommendations for future investments.
Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment criterion – The learner can: |
1. Understand different types of securities. | Explain types of securities and associated concepts.Evaluate key characteristics of each type of security. |
2. Understand the regulation of security trading and new issues in world markets. | Explain regulations and procedures used in trading securities.Analyse the policies and procedures relating to the trading of securities and new issues in world markets.Assess issues in global markets including the London Stock Exchange. |
3. Be able to apply principles of investment theory, securities and market analysis. | Explain the principles of investment theoryEvaluate the use of securities.Critically assess the underlying concepts of market analysis and efficiency. |
4. Understand the principles of taxation. | Explain indirect and direct taxes.Analyse the characteristics of indirect and direct taxes.Assess the principles of taxation and their implications for relevant stakeholders. |
5. Understand the laws and regulations controlling the financial services industry. | Explain laws and regulations controlling the financial services industry.Evaluate a range of risk mitigation methods used in investments.Analyse practical risk mitigation methods. |
6. Be able to plan, manage and assess client portfolios. | Explain client portfolios in accordance with customer profiles.Make justified recommendations of appropriate types of savings and investments. |
6.3 Critically assess issues relating to portfolio management. |
Task 1 of 2 – Report (ACs 1.1, 1.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3)
Tim & Co is building a new factory in Yorkshire, England. They must pay a final construction payment of £ 9,000,000 in six months’ time.
Foreign exchange and interest rate quotations are as follows:
You can trade at the following prices: | |
Spot rate, euro € per British pound sterling £ | €1.4876/£ |
One-year forward exchange rate | €1.4906/£ |
One-year euro interest rate | 4.10 % |
One-year pounds’ sterling interest rate | 3.55% |
Prepare a portfolio of evidence that addresses the following questions.
- Is covered interest arbitrage worthwhile? If so, explain the steps and compute the profit based on an initial transaction of £9,000,000. Briefly discuss your findings.
- Identify laws and regulations controlling the financial services industry.
- Assess the principles of direct and indirect taxation and review the implications on a range of business stakeholders.
- Evaluate the key characteristics of different types of securities and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the securities.
Delivery and submission:
- 1x Report – 3000 words
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Task 2 of 2 – Presentation (ACs 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, , 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3)
Air UK & Co PLC is an airline service company listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and is based in the UK.
It is a low-cost carrier and has firmly established itself as the UK’s leading low fares scheduled passenger airline.
The primary objective of Air UK & Co is to offer airline services at low fares to generate more passenger traffic, whilst maintaining the focus on cost containment and operating efficiencies.
As the strategies, they developed have stimulated demand, Air UK and Co is now looking to invest in another listed company on the LSE which belongs to the economy / value class airline services and provides passengers with an economy class air travel experience.
For this assignment, you are the finance manager of Air UK and Co and are required to develop the business proposal presentation.
Prepare a comprehensive presentation to assess the viability of the business expansion project.
The following requirements need to be addressed when preparing the presentation.
- Review the regulations, policies and procedures used when trading in securities.
- Identify, analyse and review issues in global markets including the London Stock Exchange.
- Evaluate the portfolio management in relation to the investment according to the customer profile and needs.
- Justify appropriate types of savings and investments for the hypothetical expansion of Air UK & Co airline services.
- Explain the principles of investment theory and evaluate the use of securities.
- Demonstrate the underlying concepts of market analysis and efficiency.
Delivery:
- 1x PowerPoint Presentation
- 1x set of speaker notes supporting each PowerPoint slide
Submission:
- 1x PowerPoint Presentation (circa 1000 words)
- 1x set of speaker notes supporting each PowerPoint slide 500 words
Referencing:
- PowerPoint Presentation must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the presentation.
Evidence to be submitted:
- Report – 3000 words
- Business Presentation – 1000 words
- Presentation speaker notes – 500 words.
CORPORATE REPORTING
Unit Reference Number | D/615/3241 |
Unit Title | Corporate Reporting |
Unit Level | 7 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 200 Hours |
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 100 Hours |
Mandatory / Optional | Mandatory |
Unit Grading Structure | Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ ability to prepare and interpret financial statements for a range of business organisations. Learners will be able to apply relevant accounting concepts and principles. The unit provides an opportunity for learners to enhance their quantitative and qualitative analytical skills through the interpretation of financial data.
Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment criterion – The learner can: |
1. Understand the accounting and finance regulatory framework. | Explain the main sources for regulatory framework.Evaluate the impact of the accounting and finance regulatory framework on business organisations.Assess areas of abuse and exploitation in accounting and financial reporting. |
2. Understanding accounting concepts, principles and theories. | Explain key accounting concepts, principles and theoriesAnalyse the importance of accounting concepts, principles and theories |
3. Be able to prepare and interpret accounting information. | Prepare accounting information.Interpret published accounting information.Assess published accounting information. |
4. Be able to demonstrate specific policies, practices and regulations within corporate accounting. | Explain specific policies, practices and regulations within corporate accounting.Assess accounting regulations for a named business sector.Critically assess the key accounting practices and policies identified for a named business sector. |
Scenario
Corporate reporting is an area of Accounting and Finance that incorporates Regulatory Framework, Financial Reporting and Ethical considerations.
You are required to choose a Public Limited Company on which to base your assignment. You are advised to check with your tutor that your choice of company is appropriate.
Task 1 of 1 – Business Report (ACs 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3)
Prepare a formal business report, to be presented to the Directors of your chosen company.
You must include the following:
- An explanation of the main sources for regulatory framework, accounting and corporate concepts, principles and theories.
- An explanation of the impact of the accounting and finance framework on business organisations in general and your chosen company.
- Explain and assess specific policies, practices and regulations for your business and the business sector it operates within.
- An assessment of areas of abuse and exploitation in accounting and financial reporting.
- An assessment of the importance of accounting concepts, principles and theories.
- An interpretation and assessment of the published accounting information of your chosen company. You should prepare additional accounting information, for example ratios, in your interpretation and assessment.
You should analyse and assess the following financial statements:
- Income Statement
- Statement of Financial Position
- Cash Flow Statements
Delivery:
- 1x Business Report
Submission:
- 1x Business Report – 4500 words
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Evidence to be submitted:
- Business Report – 4500 words
GLOBAL FINANCE AND STRATEGY
Unit Reference Number | D/615/3238 |
Unit Reference Number | Global Finance and Strategy |
Unit Title | 7 |
Unit Level | 20 |
Number of Credits | 200 Hours |
Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 100 Hours |
Mandatory / Optional | Pass |
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of the types of decisions that need to be taken when entering global markets. Learners will gain an understanding of why independence in solving financial issues within a specific period of time is vital for business success.
Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment criterion – The learner can: |
1. Understand the concept of globalisation. | Analyse the concept of globalisation.Assess the link between the concept of globalisation and the investment process. |
2. Understand the impact of the global business environment on national and multinational business organisations. | Explain factors affecting the global business environment.Assess the impact of identified factors on national and multinational business organisations. |
3. Be able to construct strategies that will result in the enhancement of organisational value. | Explain the current value statement of a named business organisation.Explain how a named business organisation achieved its values.Recommend strategies that would enhance the value of a named business organisation. |
4. Be able to evaluate the financial consequences of strategic decisions. | Analyse the strategic decision of a named business organisation.Evaluate the financial consequences of a strategic decision made by a named business organisation. |
5. Understand appropriate sources of finance. | Explain sources of finance available to business organisations.Assess the risk involved in a range of sources of finance.Critically assess the costs involved in managing global risk. |
6. Be able to assess techniques to manage global risk. | Explain risk mitigation techniques.Analyse global risks.Assess the suitability of techniques used by a named business organisation to manage their global risk. |
7. Be able to assess potential investment decisions and global | 7.1 Analyse the potential investment decisions and strategies available to a named business |
strategies. | organisation. 7.2 Assess the global environment decisions and strategies affecting a named business organisation. |
The case study below illustrates how Syngenta, a company created from the fusion of two agronomical divisions of two conglomerates, plans its investments with the help of analytical tools such as the Average Rate of Return (ARR) and the Payback Period.
Case study
Formed in 2000 by the merger of the agronomical divisions of Zeneca and Novartis, Syngenta is one of the world’s leading suppliers of seeds and crop protection systems. A multinational company, Syngenta employs 26,000 people across 90 countries. In 2010, its sales exceeded $11 billion. Syngenta’s mission is ‘bringing plant potential to life’. It uses the latest science and technology to develop products that help its customers improve crop productivity. Syngenta’s products are used by farmers to protect crops against weeds, pests and fungal diseases. The company’s herbicides, pesticides and fungicides are usually based on complex chemicals. To develop products that can improve farm output without damaging the natural environment requires intensive Research and Development (R&D). To protect its investment, Syngenta obtains patents for its new products.
In 2008, Syngenta was faced with a major investment decision. As the Amistar range of fungicides moved through its product life cycle, its maximum capacity was approached. Syngenta could not produce more Amistar without investing in its production facilities. A proposal was put forward to expand production through a £150 million investment at the Grangemouth site in Scotland. The company had to decide whether increasing production would be financially viable and a worthwhile investment.
The table below shows estimated cash flow for the Grangemouth expansion project.
Cash flows (£’s million) | ||||||||||
Year | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
Cash Inflow | ||||||||||
Sales | 20 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | |
Total Inflow | 20 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | |
Cash Outflow | ||||||||||
Investment | 150 | |||||||||
Manufacturing Costs | 80 | 160 | 160 | 160 | 160 | 160 | 160 | 160 | 160 | |
Sales and Marketing | 15 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | |
Other Costs | 25 | 25 | ||||||||
Total Outflow | 150 | 12 | 215 | 190 | 190 | 190 | 190 | 190 | 190 | 190 |
Net cash flow | – | 80 | 185 | 210 | 210 | 210 | 210 | 210 | 210 | 210 |
Task 1 of 2 – Report (ACs 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 7.1, 7.2)
Prepare a report to include:
- An explanation of the sources of finance, the Syngenta Company, could have used and an assessment of the risks involved in the identified sources.
- A critical assessment of the costs involved in managing global risk.
- An analysis of the potential investment decisions and strategies available to the Syngenta Company. Use the data provided to calculate the payback period and accounting rate of return.
- An assessment of the global environment decisions and strategies affecting the Syngenta Company.
Delivery and Submission
- 1x Report 2500 words
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Task 2 of 2 – Meeting Paper (ACs 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 6.1, 6.2,
6.3)
You are required to choose a Public Limited Company on which to base your assignment. You are advised to check with your tutor that your choice of company is appropriate.
Prepare a meeting paper that can be used by Company Directors to assess their current Global Finance Strategies.
You must include the following in your meeting paper:
- An analysis of concept of globalisation and global risks.
- An assessment of the link between the concept of globalisation and the investment process
- An explanation of the factors affecting the global business environment.
- An assessment of the impact of identified factors on national and multinational business organisations
- An explanation of the current value statement of your chosen business organisation.
- An explanation of how your chosen business organisation achieves its values and a recommendation of strategies that they could use to enhance their value.
- An analysis of the strategic decision of your chosen business organisation.
- An evaluation of the financial consequences of a strategic decision made by your chosen business organisation.
- An explanation of risk mitigation techniques and an assessment of the suitability of techniques used by a named business organisation to manage their global risk.
Delivery:
- 1x Meeting Paper
Submission:
- 1x Meeting Paper – 2500 words
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Evidence to be submitted:
- Report – 2500 words
- Meeting Paper – 2500 words
STRATEGIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Unit Reference Number | H/615/3242 |
Unit Title | Strategic Financial Management |
Unit Level | 7 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 200 Hours |
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 100 Hours |
Mandatory / Optional | Mandatory |
Unit Grading Structure | Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of planning and managing the use of an organisation’s financial resources. Learners will understand the importance of attaining business objectives and maximizing shareholder return. Learners will gain a working knowledge of business strategy design and the production of comprehensive business plans.
Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment criterion – The learner can: |
1. Understand the significance of strategic management and decision making to the performance of a business organisation. | Apply relevant academic theories to demonstrate an understanding of various internal and external organisational factors.Evaluate business resources used to meet organisational objectives. |
2. Understand key financial theories. | Evaluate key financial theories.Assess strategic implementation techniques using balanced scorecard and portfolio management tools. |
3. Be able to apply stakeholder analysis and corporate valuation techniques. | Analyse the significance of stakeholder analysis.Analyse business expansion methods and their impact on stakeholders.Apply stakeholder analysis to a named business organisation.Prepare return and risk computations.Explain the concepts of corporate and business valuation techniques. |
4. Understand the role of culture in strategic decision making. | Explain the role of culture in creating a strategy.Analyse the role of change management.Analyse the role and effect of culture on change management. |
5. Understand performance measurement systems. | Evaluate performance measurement systems.Explain financial analysis techniques.Apply financial analysis systems and techniques to practical business problems. |
Scenario
You are required to choose a business organisation with which you are familiar in order to identify the organisation’s competitive strategies.
In addition, you are asked to identify different business organisations in a similar industry to allow for informative comparisons to be made.
You are advised to check with your tutor that your choice of business organisations is appropriate.
Task 1 of 1 – Business Report (ACs 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1,
4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2)
Prepare a business report, to be presented to the Directors of your chosen company. You must include the following in your business report:
- An analysis, using relevant academic theories, of internal and external organisational factors affecting your chosen business organisation.
- An evaluation of the business resources in your chosen business organisation that are used to meet its organisations objectives.
- An evaluation of key performance measurement systems.
- An explanation of the financial analysis techniques used by business organisations.
- An application of financial analysis systems and techniques to assess the financial performance of the final accounts of your chosen business organisation. For comparison, you should assess the Annual Reports of at least two of the business organisations that you have studied.
- An explanation of the role of culture in creating a strategy.
- An analysis of the role of change management.
- An analysis of the role and effect of culture on change management.
- An evaluation of key financial theories.
- An assessment of strategic implementation techniques using balanced scorecard and
portfolio management tools.
- An application of stakeholder analysis for your chosen business organisation. This should include:
- An analysis of the significance of stakeholder analysis.
- An analysis of business expansion methods and their impact on stakeholders.
- An application of stakeholder analysis to your chosen business organisation.
- Return and risk computations.
- An explanation of the concepts of corporate and business valuation techniques.
Delivery:
- 1x Business Report
Submission:
- 1x Business Report – 4500 words
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Evidence to be submitted:
- Business Report – 4500 words
STRATEGIC AUDIT
Unit Reference Number | Y/615/3240 |
Unit Title | Strategic Audit |
Unit Level | 7 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 200 Hours |
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 100 Hours |
Mandatory / Optional | Mandatory |
Unit Grading Structure | Pass / Fail |
Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of how managers can position and execute business strategy appropriately. This will involve an in-depth study of the strategic auditing process and related procedures. Learners will be able to understand and apply suitable investigative techniques to both positive and negative environments.
Learning Outcome – The learner will: | Assessment criterion – The learner can: |
1. Understand historic and current auditing processes and procedures. | Assess the historic and current auditing regulatory environment.Explain the rules of professional conduct for auditors.Critically assess the rules of professional conduct for auditors. |
2. Understand the importance of legal and professional requirements when completing an audit. | Explain the legal and professional requirements when completing an audit.Evaluate the importance of the legal and professional requirements on the performance of an audit. |
3. Understand audit strategy. | Analyse audit strategy used in business organisations.Assess the effectiveness of the audit monitoring process. |
4. Understand the risk involved in the audit process. | Discuss the risk involved in the audit processAnalyse appropriate measures to minimise identified risk.Explain the link between account preparation and the audit completed. |
5. Understand current developments in auditing. | Assess current development in auditing.Assess the importance of the current developments in audit processes. |
Scenario
Task 1 of 1 – Business Report (ACs 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
5.1, 5.2)
You have been employed by a large auditing firm as a senior audit practitioner. The audit firm specialises in audit and assurance services across a relatively large geographic area.
You have been asked to prepare a business report to be presented to new members of the audit firm.
You are required to include the following information in your business report.
- An assessment of historic and current auditing processes and procedures. You are advised to include practical examples based on an audit firm you have researched.
- An explanation of the rules of professional conduct for auditors.
- A critical assessment of the rules of professional conduct for auditors.
- An assessment of current developments in auditing.
- An assessment of the importance of the current development in audit processes.
- An explanation of legal and professional requirements when completing an audit.
- An evaluation of the importance of legal and professional requirements for auditors on the performance of an audit being completed.
- An analysis of audit strategies used in business organisations.
- An assessment of the effectiveness of audit monitoring processes.
- A discussion of the risk involved in the audit process and an analysis of measures to minimize identified risk.
- An explanation of the link between accounts preparation and audit completed.
Delivery:
- 1x Business Report
Submission:
- 1x Business Report – 4500 words
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
Evidence to be submitted:
- Business Report – 4500 words
BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS
Unit Reference Number | T/508/0626 |
Unit Title | Business Research Methods |
Unit Level | 7 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Total Qualification Time | 200 |
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 100 |
Mandatory / Optional | Mandatory |
Unit Grading Structure | Pass/Fail |
Unit Aims
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 – The learner will: | Assessment Criterion – The learner can: |
1. Be able to identify research problems and formulate research objectives. | Appraise research problems.Develop appropriate research objectives and justify their choice. |
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. |
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. 3.4 Justify a selected methodology in terms of research objectives. |
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 of 1 – Research Proposal (AC1.1,1.2,2.1,2.2,3.1,3.2,3.3,4.1,4.2)
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:
- Introduction
- Introduce the problem or opportunity with supporting data and trends.
- Clearly explain the background to the business problem or opportunity,
and justify the reasons for, and the value of, the research to your employer and the wider academic community.
- Outline the research project’s aims and objectives.
- State the limitations and scope of the proposed research.
- Literature Review
- 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.
- 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.
- Research Methodology
- Explain and justify your research approach and strategy.
- Data collection:
- Discuss data collection methods.
- Select the instrument, design it and justify an appropriate method with an outline of a pre-test/pilot to be included as an appendix.
- Clearly outline the administration of the data collection process.
- Population and Sampling: Define the research population, sampling strategy and clarify access to respondent issues.
- 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.
- Statement of Ethics
- Discuss access to respondent issues, permissions from organisation to conduct research, confidentiality, rights of withdrawal, consent, management of data security etc.
- Timeline
- Develop a plan using GANTT Chart from start to completion of the research.
Delivery:
- 1 x Word Research Proposal
Submission:
- 1 x Word Research Proposal – 2500 words
Referencing:
- Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
- A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the work.
- An extended bibliography of at least twenty academic, journal and industry relevant sector sources to be included at the end of the end of the work.
Evidence to be submitted:
- 1x Word Research Proposal – 2500 words
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