Research Methods for Strategic Managers

Criteria To achieve the criteria the evidence must show Task No Page
r that the learner is able to: n
ef u
e m
r b
e e
n r
c s
e
1 a) select a research question
b) explain the factors that contribute to the process
of successful research question selection
c) justify their choice of research question
2 a) conduct research to find literature relevant to the
research question
b) undertake a critical review of the key literature
for inclusion in a research proposal
3 a) evaluate techniques for use with quantitative
data in a research proposal
b) evaluate techniques for use with qualitative data
in a research proposal
4 a) evaluate appropriate research methodologies in
terms of the research question
b) choose an appropriate methodology in terms of
the research question
c) justify the methodology selected in terms of the
research question
5 a) record findings on a research question, literature
review and methodology in an agreed format
b) summarise the findings using suitable methods
c) present the findings using suitable methods
d) critically analyse the findings
Research Methods for Strategic Managers

Research Methods for Strategic Managers

Research Methods for Strategic Managers

Assignment 1
Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to provide a framework within which the

learner can:

 Select a research question

 Conduct a literature review
 Understand techniques used to interpret data in a research proposal
 Choose the appropriate methodology to research the question
 Present the findings of a research proposal
Research Methods for Strategic Managers

Scenario

This assignment is in 3 parts and requires you to use management skills to plan, carry
out and evaluate research in a specified area of management .The assignment
provides an opportunity to demonstrate the application of knowledge and
understanding and research techniques to a real piece of research.

You are expected to present a substantial report equivalent to 3000 words, and deliver
an oral presentation to a suitable audience including your tutor and invited business
people such as your employer.

The project will be on a suitable area of management. It is recommended that you

discuss a suitable area/issue with your workplace or tutor at an early stage, as well as
on a regular basis, so that you have permission to gather sufficient information, and
can clarify any limitations on information that can be used in the assignment at an early
stage.

Task 1

Select a research area

• you are currently involved in, or

• you have recently completed, or
• one you would like to start to research

a) select a research question

b) explain the factors that contribute to the process of successful research question
selection
c) justify their choice of research question
d) conduct research to find literature relevant to the research question
e) undertake a critical review of the key literature for inclusion in a research proposal

This provides evidence for 1a, b, c

Task 2

For this part of the assignment, you will need to carry out the research and collect and
review data using appropriate methods, including primary and secondary techniques
and analyse and interpret appropriate qualitative and quantitative data.

You should identify the sources of all the research and:

a) evaluate techniques for use with quantitative data in the research proposal
b) evaluate techniques for use with qualitative data in the research proposal

This provides evidence for 3a, and 3b

Task 3

Present the results and findings in an appropriate format by reference to your

Research Methods for Strategic Managers