Research Skills

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Assignment Brief Academic Year 2022-23
Internal approval: Suzanne Doria, Sept 2022
1

Assignment task
This assessment tests your knowledge of the topic of research ethics and how these directly relate to your
research methodology chosen for your dissertation research topic. LO4, LO5.
It is very easy to think that asking people questions has no impact upon them as researchers do this all the
time. However, asking people questions or even simply interacting and/or observing them in order to
collect data can, and often does, have unintended consequences for both researcher and participant.
Understanding how our research can impact someone is a critical component of your development as a
business graduate, and as a researcher. The golden rule of all research is ‘first, do no harm,’ to anyone
involved including yourself. In order to achieve this, you must study what ethics are and what role they
play in research activities. This assignment requires you to provide the following:
1. Aim of your research – In one sentence explain what you intend to find out.
2. Objectives of your research.
3. Methodology. Briefly reiterate the Approach, Design, Methods and Participants.
4. Ethical considerations. This is the main section of your assignment and you are expected to
identify and discuss ethical issues relevant to your research.
• Respect for the autonomy, privacy and dignity of individuals and communities. Explain what
procedures you are going to put in place for valid consent, confidentiality, anonymity and fair
treatment. These could include the Participant information form; Participant Consent form.
• Scientific integrity. Explain what measures you will be taking to ensure that your research is
based on authentic data that you have collected from the participants described in your “methods”
section.
• Social responsibility. Explain how your research supports and reflects respect for the dignity and
integrity of persons and organisations involved. Explain how your research contributes to the
“common good”.

 

Module code
and title:		 BM631 Research Skills Module leader: Festus Louis
Assignment
No. and type:		 CW2 Written Assignment:
A critical reflection of ethical
issues and requirements for a
researcher, 1,000 words
+
Ethics Checklist and Appendices.		 Assessment
weighting:		 30%
Submission
time and date:		 Friday 27th January 2023 before
2 pm.		 Target feedback
time and date:		 3 weeks after submission
deadline.

2

• Maximising benefit and minimising harm. Explain what you will be doing to avoid potential risk to
the personal values, invasion of privacy and risk to psychological well-being of your participants
and organisations. Explain who could benefit from your findings and how.
5. References – Please reference your work according to the Harvard style as defined in Cite
Them Right Online (http://www.citethemrightonline.com).
6. Ethics checklist. The template document for this is provided on the VLE for you to complete
and include in your assignment as an Appendix. This will NOT be included in the word count.
This 1,000-word (+/-10%) report should have a front cover with a clear title, your student id number and the
word count on it. A total of 10 pages are available as appendices for this piece of work, excluding required
ethics documents provided by the university. Note, the words used in these pages are not included in the
word count. All words appearing in tables, charts and diagrams are also not included in the word count.
There should be a minimum of 20 references from reputable sources and referenced using the Harvard
system used to support your work.

 

This assignment has been designed to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your
achievement of the following module learning outcomes:
LO4: Critically engage in the ethical considerations of conducting research projects and the associated
difficulties associated with the ethics involved in research decision-making.
LO5: Demonstrate transferable skills including time management, project management, listening,
negotiation, written communication skills, independent learning and advanced research skills.

 

Referencing and presentational requirements
Please reference your work using the Harvard style as defined in Cite Them Right Online
(http://www.citethemrightonline.com).
• Pages should be numbered.
• All work to be submitted as Arial 11 font with line and a half spacing.
• All writing should be in the third person passive, but where applicable you may write in the first
person.
• Written work must be word-processed
• The module title and code number must be clearly marked on the front cover.
• Work you submit for assessment must be properly referenced – a guide to the Harvard system of
referencing can be found on the Bucks website at bucks.ac.uk/referencing.
• You may seek clarification from the module tutor at any time.
• There is no excuse for failing to submit your work in accordance with the guidance, work that does
not meet the necessary standards in that respect will be marked accordingly.
• No collaboration is allowed.

 

Submission details
• You are required to submit your work electronically. Please use the relevant submission point in the
Upload My Assignment area on LSST Connect before the time and date specified.

3

• Please ensure that your work has been saved in an appropriate file format. Turnitin will only accept the
following file types: Microsoft Word, PDF. Your file must also contain at least 20 words of text, consist of
fewer than 400 pages and be less than 40MB in size.
• You can submit your file as many times as you like before the submission date. If you do submit your file
more than once, your earlier submission will be replaced by the most recent version.
Once you have submitted your file, you will receive a digital receipt as proof of submission, which will be
sent to your LSST email address. Please keep this receipt for future reference, along with the original
electronic copy of the file.

 

Academic integrity
Academic integrity means taking responsibility for your own work.
When you submit an assignment, you are effectively making a declaration that it is your own work and that
you have acknowledged the contribution of others and their ideas in its development (for example, by
referencing them appropriately).
For further information and guidance, please see the University website: https://www.bucks.ac.uk/current
students/registry-helpdesk-and-academic-advice/academic-integrity-and-misconduct
You are also expected to take responsibility for maintaining and managing confidentiality issues in your
work. You should maintain and respect confidentiality in relation to the protection of personal, technical
and/or commercial information of a sensitive nature in their assessed work, whatever the format.
Confidentiality issues will vary from subject to subject and you are encouraged to seek advice from your
course team if you are unclear about requirements in your context. For further information and guidance,
please see the University website: https://www.bucks.ac.uk/academic-confidentiality

Assessment Criteria Academic Year 2022-23
4

0-34 (F) –
Fail
Not successful		 35-39 E –
Marginal fail
Below required
standard		 40-49 (D)
Pass
Satisfactory		 50-59 (C)
Pass
Good		 60-69 (B)
Pass
Very Good		 70-79 (A)
Pass
Excellent		 80-100 (A+)
Pass
Outstanding
Criterion 1
Knowledge and
understanding
25%
(Key indicators for
Knowledge and
understanding)
• Depth of knowledge
and understanding
• Engagement with
subject-specific theories,
paradigms, concepts,
and principles
• Background
investigation, analysis,
research, enquiry and/or
study.		 The work demonstrates
a limited and/or
substantially inaccurate
or no understanding of
key aspects of the
subject, with few if any
examples of coherent
and detailed
knowledge, which is
unlikely to be at, or
informed by, the
forefront of defined
aspects of the
discipline e.g., recent
research, latest
techniques, including:
What are ethics and
how they relate to
business research.
Comprehension of
research
methodologies, their
design application and
measurement.
What business
research is: quantitative
and qualitative
research methods and
analysis; structuring
research questions,
aims and objectives;
presenting a business
case for a research
topic.		 The work demonstrates
insufficient
understanding of key
aspects of the subject,
including some
coherent and detailed
knowledge, little of
which is at, or informed
by, the forefront of
defined aspects of the
discipline e.g., recent
research, latest
techniques, including:
What are ethics and
how they relate to
business research.
Comprehension of
research
methodologies, their
design application and
measurement.
What business
research is: quantitative
and qualitative research
methods and analysis;
structuring research
questions, aims and
objectives; presenting a
business case for a
research topic.		 The work demonstrates
a basic yet systematic
understanding of key
aspects of the subject,
including some
coherent and detailed
knowledge, at least
some of which is at, or
informed by, the
forefront of defined
aspects of the discipline
e.g., recent research,
latest techniques,
including:
What are ethics and
how they relate to
business research.
Comprehension of
research
methodologies, their
design application and
measurement.
What business
research is: quantitative
and qualitative research
methods and analysis;
structuring research
questions, aims and
objectives; presenting a
business case for a
research topic.		 The work demonstrates
a sound breadth and
depth of systematic
understanding of key
aspects of the subject,
including some
coherent and detailed
knowledge, some of
which is at, or informed
by, the forefront of
defined aspects of the
discipline e.g., recent
research, latest
techniques, including:
What are ethics and
how they relate to
business research.
Comprehension of
research
methodologies, their
design application and
measurement.
What business
research is: quantitative
and qualitative research
methods and analysis;
structuring research
questions, aims and
objectives; presenting a
business case for a
research topic.		 The work demonstrates
a sophisticated and
critical systematic
understanding of key
aspects of the subject,
including coherent and
detailed knowledge,
much of which is at, or
informed by, the
forefront of defined
aspects of the discipline
e.g., recent research,
latest techniques,
including:
What are ethics and
how they relate to
business research.
Comprehension of
research
methodologies, their
design application and
measurement.
What business
research is: quantitative
and qualitative research
methods and analysis;
structuring research
questions, aims and
objectives; presenting a
business case for a
research topic.		 The work demonstrates
a highly accomplished
systematic
understanding of key
aspects of the subject
beyond what has been
taught, including
coherent and detailed
knowledge, most of
which is at, or informed
by, the forefront of
defined aspects of the
discipline e.g., recent
research, latest
techniques, including:
What are ethics and
how they relate to
business research.
Comprehension of
research
methodologies, their
design application and
measurement.
What business
research is: quantitative
and qualitative research
methods and analysis;
structuring research
questions, aims and
objectives; presenting a
business case for a
research topic.		 The work demonstrates
an exceptional
systematic
understanding of key
aspects of the subject,
including coherent and
detailed knowledge well
beyond what has been
taught, all of which is
at, or informed by, the
forefront of defined
aspects of the discipline
e.g., recent research,
latest techniques,
including:
What are ethics and
how they relate to
business research.
Comprehension of
research
methodologies, their
design application and
measurement.
What business
research is: quantitative
and qualitative research
methods and analysis;
structuring research
questions, aims and
objectives; presenting a
business case for a
research topic.

Assessment Criteria Academic Year 2022-23
5

0-34 (F) –
Fail
Not successful		 35-39 E –
Marginal fail
Below required
standard		 40-49 (D)
Pass
Satisfactory		 50-59 (C)
Pass
Good		 60-69 (B)
Pass
Very Good		 70-79 (A)
Pass
Excellent		 80-100 (A+)
Pass
Outstanding
Criterion 2
Analysis and
criticality
25%
(Key indicators for
analysis and criticality)
• Logic and argument
• Use and range of
independently
selected sources
• Analysis and
synthesis
• Organisation and
communication of
ideas and evidence		 The work demonstrates
a limited or no ability to
work independently and
deploy relevant
techniques of analysis
and enquiry accurately;
A logical and
authoritative argument
supported by reputable
evidence and theory
identifying and
supporting the choice
of research
methodologies and the
related ethical
implications.
An appropriate
research title and topic
selection: A clear and
logical argument for the
research supported by
up to date and
reputable sources of
data and information;
the selection and
justification for a range
of data collection
methodologies and
analysis; a coherent
and organised
communication of ideas
and evidence
presented in a
professional format.		 The work demonstrates
an insufficient ability to
work independently,
deploying accurately
established techniques
of analysis and enquiry
within the discipline;
A logical and
authoritative argument
supported by reputable
evidence and theory
identifying and
supporting the choice of
research
methodologies and the
related ethical
implications.
An appropriate
research title and topic
selection: A clear and
logical argument for the
research supported by
up to date and
reputable sources of
data and information;
the selection and
justification for a range
of data collection
methodologies and
analysis; a coherent
and organised
communication of ideas
and evidence
presented in a
professional format.		 The work demonstrates
a sufficient ability to
work independently,
deploying accurately
established techniques
of analysis and enquiry
within the discipline;
A logical and
authoritative argument
supported by reputable
evidence and theory
identifying and
supporting the choice of
research
methodologies and the
related ethical
implications.
An appropriate
research title and topic
selection: A clear and
logical argument for the
research supported by
up to date and
reputable sources of
data and information;
the selection and
justification for a range
of data collection
methodologies and
analysis; a coherent
and organised
communication of ideas
and evidence
presented in a
professional format.		 The work demonstrates
a sound ability to work
independently,
deploying accurately
established techniques
of analysis and enquiry
within the discipline;
A logical and
authoritative argument
supported by reputable
evidence and theory
identifying and
supporting the choice of
research
methodologies and the
related ethical
implications.
An appropriate
research title and topic
selection: A clear and
logical argument for the
research supported by
up to date and
reputable sources of
data and information;
the selection and
justification for a range
of data collection
methodologies and
analysis; a coherent
and organised
communication of ideas
and evidence
presented in a
professional format.		 The work demonstrates
a sophisticated ability to
work independently,
deploying accurately
established techniques
of analysis and enquiry
within the discipline.
A logical and
authoritative argument
supported by reputable
evidence and theory
identifying and
supporting the choice of
research
methodologies and the
related ethical
implications.
An appropriate
research title and topic
selection: A clear and
logical argument for the
research supported by
up to date and
reputable sources of
data and information;
the selection and
justification for a range
of data collection
methodologies and
analysis; a coherent
and organised
communication of ideas
and evidence
presented in a
professional format.		 The work demonstrates
a highly accomplished
ability to work
independently,
deploying accurately
established techniques
of analysis and enquiry
within the discipline;
A logical and
authoritative argument
supported by reputable
evidence and theory
identifying and
supporting the choice of
research
methodologies and the
related ethical
implications.
An appropriate
research title and topic
selection: A clear and
logical argument for the
research supported by
up to date and
reputable sources of
data and information;
the selection and
justification for a range
of data collection
methodologies and
analysis; a coherent
and organised
communication of ideas
and evidence
presented in a
professional format.		 The work demonstrates
a highly accomplished
ability to work
independently,
deploying accurately
established techniques
of analysis and enquiry
within the discipline;
A logical and
authoritative argument
supported by reputable
evidence and theory
identifying and
supporting the choice of
research
methodologies and the
related ethical
implications.
An appropriate
research title and topic
selection: A clear and
logical argument for the
research supported by
up to date and
reputable sources of
data and information;
the selection and
justification for a range
of data collection
methodologies and
analysis; a coherent
and organised
communication of ideas
and evidence
presented in a
professional format.

Assessment Criteria Academic Year 2022-23
6

0-34 (F) –
Fail
Not successful		 35-39 E –
Marginal fail
Below required
standard		 40-49 (D)
Pass
Satisfactory		 50-59 (C)
Pass
Good		 60-69 (B)
Pass
Very Good		 70-79 (A)
Pass
Excellent		 80-100 (A+)
Pass
Outstanding
Criterion 3
Application and
practice
25%
(Key indicators for
application and practice)
• Development and/or
application discipline
specific specialist skills
• Accuracy, coordination,
and proficiency in
completion of practical
tasks/processes		 Work demonstrates a
limited or no ability to
select and apply
appropriate, discipline
specific methods and
techniques to develop
and apply knowledge
and understanding and
to initiate, and in turn:
The development and
application of
secondary research
skills, analysis,
evaluation and
synthesis of data and
information is not
evident within the work.
The ability to draw
conclusions for the
reader is clearly
missing and/or
inappropriate for the
standard required as a
manager.
The ability to read and
follow instructions is
clearly absent with no
evidence of conceptual
awareness of the wider
business contexts
involved that could be
researched and/or		 Work demonstrates an
insufficient ability to
select and apply
appropriate, discipline
specific methods and
techniques to develop
and apply knowledge
and understanding and
to initiate, and in turn:
The development and
application of
secondary research
skills, analysis,
evaluation and
synthesis of data and
information is weak
within the work.
The ability to draw
conclusions for the
reader is clearly
missing and/or
inappropriate for the
standard required as a
manager.
The ability to read and
follow instructions is
clearly absent with no
evidence of conceptual
awareness of the wider
business contexts
involved that could be
researched and/or		 Work demonstrates a
sufficient ability to
select and apply
appropriate, discipline
specific methods and
techniques to develop
and apply knowledge
and understanding and
to initiate, and in turn:
The development and
application of
secondary research
skills, analysis,
evaluation and
synthesis of data and
information is
acceptable within the
work.
The ability to draw
conclusions for the
reader is evident but
this is acceptable and
mostly appropriate for
the standard required
as a manager.
The ability to read and
follow instructions is
acceptable with some
evidence of conceptual
awareness of the wider
business contexts
involved that could be		 Work demonstrates an
ability to select and
apply in a consistent
and informed manner
appropriate, discipline
specific methods and
techniques to develop
and apply knowledge
and understanding and
to initiate, and in turn:
The development and
application of
secondary research
skills, analysis,
evaluation and
synthesis of data and
information is good.
The ability to draw
conclusions for the
reader is evident and
what is presented is to
a good standard and
appropriate for the
standard required as a
manager.
The ability to read and
follow instructions is
good with some
evidence of conceptual
awareness of the wider
business contexts
involved that could be		 Work demonstrates an
ability to select and
apply in a capable and
effective manner
appropriate, discipline
specific methods and
techniques to develop
and apply knowledge
and understanding and
to initiate, and in turn:
The development and
application of
secondary research
skills, analysis,
evaluation and
synthesis of data and
information is very
good.
The ability to draw
conclusions for the
reader is evident and
what is presented is to
a very good standard
and appropriate for the
standard required as a
manager.
The ability to read and
follow instructions is
very good with clear
evidence of conceptual
awareness of the wider
business contexts		 Work demonstrates an
ability to select and
apply in a highly
accomplished manner
appropriate, discipline
specific methods and
techniques to develop
and apply knowledge
and understanding and
to initiate, and in turn:
The development and
application of
secondary research
skills, analysis,
evaluation and
synthesis of data and
information is excellent.
The ability to draw
conclusions for the
reader is evident and
what is presented is to
an excellent standard
and appropriate for the
standard required as a
middle manager.
The ability to read and
follow instructions is
excellent with clear
evidence of conceptual
awareness of the wider
business contexts
involved that could be		 Work demonstrates an
ability to select and
apply in a highly
accomplished and
innovative manner
appropriate, discipline
specific methods and
techniques to develop
and apply knowledge
and understanding and
to initiate, and in turn:
The development and
application of
secondary research
skills, analysis,
evaluation and
synthesis of data and
information is
outstanding.
The ability to draw
conclusions for the
reader is evident and
what is presented is to
an outstanding
standard and
appropriate for the
standard required as a
senior manager.
The ability to read and
follow instructions is
outstanding with clear
evidence of conceptual

Assessment Criteria Academic Year 2022-23
7

0-34 (F) –
Fail
Not successful		 35-39 E –
Marginal fail
Below required
standard		 40-49 (D)
Pass
Satisfactory		 50-59 (C)
Pass
Good		 60-69 (B)
Pass
Very Good		 70-79 (A)
Pass
Excellent		 80-100 (A+)
Pass
Outstanding
integrated into the
work.
The work fails to
address all the required
elements set out in the
briefing.		 integrated into the
work.
The work fails to
address all the required
elements set out in the
briefing.		 researched and/or
integrated into the
work.
The work mostly
addresses the required
elements set out in the
briefing.		 researched and/or
integrated into the
work.
The work meets all the
required elements set
out in the briefing.		 involved that could be
researched and/or
integrated into the
work.
The work meets all the
required elements set
out in the briefing.		 researched and/or
integrated into the
work.
The work meets all the
required elements set
out in the briefing.		 awareness of the wider
business contexts
involved that could be
researched and
integrated into the
work.
The work meets all the
required elements set
out in the briefing.
Criterion 4
Transferable skills
15%
(Key indicators for
transferable skills)
• Written, verbal and
electronic communication
• Numeracy and digital
literacy
• Personal motivation,
organisation, and time
management		 Work demonstrates
limited or no ability to:
-communicate
information, ideas,
problems and solutions
accurately and reliably
utilising relevant
numeracy, digital
literacy, oral and written
communication skills in
a manner fit for
purpose.
– an ability to manage
their learning and work
with minimal or no
supervision.
-use initiative to take
responsibility for
determining and
achieving personal
outcomes and/or
outputs.		 Work demonstrates
insufficient ability to:
-communicate
information, ideas,
problems and solutions
accurately and reliably
utilising relevant
numeracy, digital
literacy, oral and written
communication skills in
a manner fit for
purpose.
-an ability to manage
their learning and work
with minimal or no
supervision.
-use initiative to take
responsibility for
determining and
achieving personal
outcomes and/or
outputs.		 Work demonstrates a
sufficient ability to:
-communicate
information, ideas,
problems and solutions
accurately and reliably
utilising relevant
numeracy, digital
literacy, oral and written
communication skills in
a manner fit for
purpose.
-an ability to manage
their learning and work
with minimal or no
supervision.
-use initiative to take
responsibility for
determining and
achieving personal		 Work demonstrates a
consistent and
confident ability to:
-communicate
information, ideas,
problems and solutions
accurately and reliably
utilising relevant
numeracy, digital
literacy, oral and written
communication skills in
a manner fit for
purpose.
-an ability to manage
their learning and work
with minimal or no
supervision.
-use initiative to take
responsibility for
determining and
achieving personal		 Work demonstrates a
highly proficient ability
to:
-communicate
information, ideas,
problems and solutions
accurately and reliably
utilising relevant
numeracy, digital
literacy, oral and written
communication skills in
a manner fit for
purpose.
-an ability to manage
their learning and work
with minimal or no
supervision.
-use initiative to take
responsibility for
determining and
achieving personal		 Work demonstrates a
highly accomplished
ability to:
-communicate
information, ideas,
problems and solutions
accurately and reliably
utilising relevant
numeracy, digital
literacy, oral and written
communication skills in
a manner fit for
purpose.
-an ability to manage
their learning and work
with minimal or no
supervision.
-use initiative to take
responsibility for
determining and
achieving personal		 Work demonstrates an
exceptional ability to:
-communicate
information, ideas,
problems and solutions
accurately and reliably
utilising relevant
numeracy, digital
literacy, oral and written
communication skills in
a manner fit for
purpose.
-an ability to manage
their learning and work
with minimal or no
supervision.
-use initiative to take
responsibility for
determining and
achieving personal
outcomes and/or
outputs.

Assessment Criteria Academic Year 2022-23
8

0-34 (F) –
Fail
Not successful		 35-39 E –
Marginal fail
Below required
standard		 40-49 (D)
Pass
Satisfactory		 50-59 (C)
Pass
Good		 60-69 (B)
Pass
Very Good		 70-79 (A)
Pass
Excellent		 80-100 (A+)
Pass
Outstanding
outcomes and/or
outputs.		 outcomes and/or
outputs		 outcomes and/or
outputs.		 outcomes and/or
outputs. 		– consideration of
sustainability
(environmental,
economic, and
personal) and social
and ethical matters in
their work/solutions.
Assignment
Parameters
10%		 An unacceptable range
of academic,
professional and peer
reviewed sources
applied within the work.
Incorrect Harvard
referencing in text and
in reference list pages.
Major spelling,
grammar or
punctuation errors.
Presentation of work is
unacceptable and
incapable of being
presented to a board of
directors. Work is
outside of the +/-10%
word count.		 A below standard range
of academic,
professional and peer
reviewed sources
applied within the work.
Incorrect Harvard
referencing in text and
in reference list pages.
Major spelling,
grammar or punctuation
errors.
Presentation of work is
below the standard
required and incapable
of being presented to a
board of directors.
Work is outside of the
+/-10% word count.		 A satisfactory range of
academic, professional
and peer reviewed
sources applied within
the work.
Harvard referencing in
text and in reference list
pages.
Significant spelling,
grammar or punctuation
errors.
Presentation of work is
satisfactory but not
suitable for being
presented to a board of
directors. Work is
outside of the +/-10%
word count.		 Good range of
academic, professional
and peer reviewed
sources applied within
the work.
Noticeable issues with
the Harvard referencing
in text and in reference
list pages.
Noticeable spelling,
grammar or punctuation
errors.
Presentation of work is
good and capable of
being presented to a
board of directors only
with significant
corrections and
improvement. Work is
only just outside the +/-
10% word count.		 Very good range of
academic, professional
and peer reviewed
sources applied within
the work.
Correct Harvard
referencing in text and
in reference list pages.
Minor spelling,
grammar or punctuation
errors.
Presentation of work is
very good and capable
of being presented to a
board of directors with
some corrections.
Work is within +/-10%
word count.		 Excellent range of
academic, professional
and peer reviewed
sources applied within
the work.
Correct Harvard
referencing in text and
in reference list pages.
Very minor spelling,
grammar or punctuation
errors.
Presentation of work is
excellent and capable
of being presented to a
board of directors as is.
Work is within +/-10%
word count.		 Outstanding range of
academic, professional
and peer reviewed
sources applied within
the work.
Correct Harvard
referencing in text and
in reference list pages.
No spelling, grammar
or punctuation errors.
Presentation of work is
outstanding and
capable of being
presented to a board of
directors as is. Work is
within +/-10% word
count.