HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

UNIT MANUAL (STUDY GUIDE)

UNIT 8:
RESEARCH PROJECT

HND BUSINESS
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L NELSON COLLEGE LONDON

Copy right Nelson College London
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Author Hilllary E.K, Nazim Uddin
Editor Nazim Uddin
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Version V1-January 2014
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 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

TABLE OF CONTENT

Table of content ...................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.1: Formulate and record possible research project outline specification ............................................................ 4

A. I: Research Project Outline Specification .................................................................................................. 4

1.2: Identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection ........................................... 6

A: Identify the research project topic .......................................................................................................... 6

B: Identification of the research problem ................................................................................................... 6

1.3: Undertake a critical review of any references ................................................................................................. 9

What should be the contents of a literature review chapter? ................................................................. 9

How to Use Referencing ..................................................................................................................................... 9

N 1.4: Produce a research project specification ....................................................................................................... 17

E 1.5: Provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification .................................... 20

L 2.1: Match resources efficiently to the research question or hypotheses ........................................................... 22

S 2.2: Undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and
procedures ............................................................................................................................................................ 24
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2.3: Record and collate research data when appropriate ..................................................................................... 27
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3.1: Use appropriate research evaluation techniques .......................................................................................... 34

3.2: Interpret and analyze the results in terms of the original research specification ......................................... 35

Example: ............................................................................................................................................................ 35

3.3: Make recommendations and justify areas for further consideration ............................................................ 37

4.1: Use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an audience .... 38
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O Writing a Research Project ................................................................................................................................ 38
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Appropriate Media ............................................................................................................................................ 40
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E EXTRACT OF AN EXAMPLE DISSERTATION ............................................................................................................ 42
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E Title: .................................................................................................................................................................. 42

Research Question ............................................................................................................................................ 42

 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

Research Objectives: ......................................................................................................................................... 42

Literature Review Areas: ................................................................................................................................... 42

Research Methodologies ................................................................................................................................... 42

References ............................................................................................................................................................. 44

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1.1: FORMULATE AND RECORD POSSIBLE RESEARCH PROJECT OUTLINE SPECIFICATION

The importance of a research project has been recorded in several literatures, and is crucial to both the
business and academic activities. Research project in literatures as no agreement of how it should be defined
(Collis and Hussey, 2003). No matter how it is defined, Collis and Hussey (2003) confirms that it has to agree
with the followings

 Research is a process of enquiry and investigation

 It is systematic and methodical
 Research increases knowledge

A research project investigation has to be thorough and rigorous in all stages of the research process (Collis and
Hussey, 2003), as such, the study as to be organized in order to provide a coherent and logical route to a
consistent outcomes. In addition, Collis and Hussey, suggests that the research project has to be carried out
systematically, exploring suitable methods to collect and analyze new empirical data, as well as address a
specific research problem in order to establish a definable research objective for the research project. It is on

N this premise that the possible research project outline specification are provided.

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A. I: RESEARCH PROJECT OUTLINE SPECIFICATION
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Research project Outline specification is a critical stage in organizing the research project. However, when the
S research project outline is carried out well, it explicitly draw the linkages between the ideas in the research
O project and provides a plan for writing the research. Further, the outline assists a researcher to think about the
research topic to reach out the level of synthesis and assessment in learning, and whether the research project
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reaches a convincing argument.

In outlining the research project, researchers has to conduct out the following activities

 Extensive reading
 Take notes on important ideas (with citation)
 Brainstorming and listing ideas
C  Grouping related ideas together
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L  Ordering groups from general (abstract and concrete)
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E Introduction

 A: Motivation (why this research project is important)

 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

 B: Objectives (goals of this research project)

 C: Overview of the research project

Literature Review

 A: Heading for topic area A

 B: Heading for topic area B
 C: Heading for topic area C
 D: Heading for topic area D

Analysis Approach (what was done)

 A: Heading for the description of the scope of the analysis

 B: Heading for methods used for first major task
 C: Heading for methods used for second major task
 D: Heading for methods used for third major task

N Results (what was found)

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 A: Heading for results of first major task
L  B: Heading for results of second major task

S  C: Heading for results of third major task

O Discussion (how results contribute to knowledge in the field e.g. compare results with literature)

N  A: Heading for discussion topic E

 B: Heading for discussion topic F
 C: Heading for discussion topic G

Conclusions

 A: Summary of objectives and approach of the research

C  B: Major findings of the research

O  C: Important implications of the research findings (e.g. for policy)
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 D: Needed future work in the field
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1.2: IDENTIFY THE FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROCESS OF RESEARCH

PROJECT SELECTION

There are several fundamental factors that contribute to whatever research project process selection (Collis
and Hussey, 2003), thus common to all scientific based investigation. These fundamental factors tend to
present research project as a neat, orderly process with one stage leading logical to the next (Collis and Hussey,
2003). Hence, the issue of “fit” becomes crucial. Each stage in the research process as designed by the
researcher, should be appropriate to, or should fit with, the purpose and focus of the research (Quinlan, 2011).

In designing a research project, the factors that are necessary to contribute to the success of the research
process according to Quinlan (2011) include

 What am I going to do? (The research statement/question, the aim of the research)
 How am I going to do it? (The methodology and methods to be used)
 Where am I going to do it? (The site of the research)
 Why am I doing it? (The rationale for the research)

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Considering the factors mentioned above, followed with the idea generation, the researcher has to generate
E ideas for the research project, because, these are possibilities for research project everywhere. Quinlan (2011)
argue that the important element in developing an idea for a research project is to focus on an area of interest.
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An idea for a research project, is a statement of the general area within which the research which to situate his
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research (Quinlan, 2011; Blumberg et al., 2011). For example, Quinlan suggests that area of interest may be
O internet sales, or intercultural workplaces, or training and development or work place experience, or any other

N motivational areas the researcher has covered in his academic studies. Further, it may also be situated around
the researcher’s disciple. A learner taking a degree in business, the research project must be undertaken on
some aspect of business, similarly, if the learner’s degree is in marketing or industrial relations, then the
research project must be undertaken on some aspect of marketing or industrial relations. It is on this premise,
that this study present the stages in developing the research process.

A: Identify the research project topic

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O Identifying the research topic itself, represent a course work, job, interest or general experience. According to
L Collis and Hussey (2003), this may be motivated by employment problem, difficulties of funding small and
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medium sized enterprises (SMEs), and several others motivational drivers that may influence the research
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G topic.
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B: Identification of the research problem
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This involves defining the research problem, and leads to the setting of the research questions 9Collis and
Hussey, 2003). Collis and Hussey suggest that the best way to identify the research problem is to carry out an
extensive reading on the literature in order to identify any gaps.

C: Determining how to conduct the research project

This determines the methodology to carry out the research project. This is demonstrated by the research
problem that influences the research topic (Collis and Hussey, 2003). Similarly, the collecting of data may range
from simple observation from one site to a grandiose investigation of multinational organizations (Blumberg et
al., 2011). However, this method selected determines how the data are collected. Questionnaires,
observational forms, and standardized test are some of the instruments to record raw data (Blumberg, 2011).

D: Determination of the data collection and procedure

There are several ways in data collection. In quantitative approach, showing how the positive relationship
between independent and dependent variables are measured or counting of a phenomenon (Collis and Hussey,
2003). Qualitative data collection emphasizes on meanings, and experiences related on the phenomenon or
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what variables are involved.
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L E: Analyzing and interpreting the research data

S According to Collis and Hussey (2003), analyzing and interpreting the research data pose the most crucial part

O in the research project. However, the technique to use in the data analysis depends on whether the
quantitative or qualitative tools are used in data collection (Collis and Hussey, 2003). According to Blumberg et
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al. (2011), data analysis reduces accumulated data to a manageable amount, developing summaries, looking
for patterns and applying statistical techniques. Further, Blumberg (2011) contend that researchers must
interpret these findings in line with the research questions or find out if the results are consistent with their
hypotheses and theories.

F: Evaluation of results
C At this stage, the results analyzed as to be evaluated to come out with a reasonable conclusion
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G: Writing the research project
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G This stage pose a problem to several students (Collis and Hussey, 2003), because several students leave it to
E the last minute. It is very significant to start to write the research project from the very beginning, and continue
to do so until the last minute. See the figure 1 for the research process
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Begin with the idea. State research Specific aim and Literature review
Refine that idea question/statement in objective
one sentence

Complete write up of Select methodology

research project

Draw conclusions Analyze data Gather data Devise data

collection method
Source: Quinlan (2011) adapted by author (2013)

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1.3: UNDERTAKE A CRITICAL REVIEW OF ANY REFERENCES

Before you collect primary or secondary data, you should read about existing theories and/or research
around the research questions so that you can summarise them thematically (and not author by
author) and identify whether these theories/research really makes any sense and make critical
comments about the validity and usefulness of these theories and research.

Commenting on the value of what you have read (without discussing the actual topic), write in a way
that demonstrate that you assimilated and understood what you have read and what you have written.

What should be the contents of a literature review chapter?

2.1 Background to the general area of study

2.2 Existing research around the subject area

N 2.3 Gaps in the existing literature and further investigation

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2.4 Identifies the main aims, and ends with a clear outline of the
L study's hypotheses.

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2.5 Justification for the research
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HOW TO USE REFERENCING

You should write the reviews of the literature (e.g.- text books, internet, published documents) using
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Harvard Referencing.
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E This session focuses on gaining knowledge on a critical review of citation and referencing in the literature (the
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• What is citing and referencing?

• Why citing and referencing is important

 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

• How to cite sources using the Harvard style

• How to write reference lists in the Harvard style

In writing a research project to support arguments and provide ideas, consider the following points, as it helps
to make logical referencing of the literature

 Read widely and analyze the work of others

 Use as many sources as you can (books, journals, newspapers, reports, web etc.)
 Read at an appropriate academic level
 Use good quality sources

Learners in considering the research project, has to demonstrate that relevant and good quality sources of
materials have been used by providing in-text citations in the body of the research project and a reference list
at the end of the research project.

What’s an in-text citation?

N This process involves recognizing the author in the research project. This is achieved in structuring the research
work. See example of in-text citation is done
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L • According to Clegg (1985, p.543) the inter-war period was….

S • Barter (2003, p.258) has shown that…..

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• As Evans, Jamal and Foxall (2006, p.76) point out….
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• It has been suggested by Reed (2008, pp.30-31)....

• Barter (2003, p.258) and Stuart (2001, p.85) note…

• A number of authors including Smith (2008, pp.21-24) and Adams (2001, pp.165-166) have argued that…

Page numbers

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existence of a book, journal etc. without using material from it. For example: A number of recent studies (Gray,
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L 2002; Toms, 2004; Lee, 2008) have considered the Scottish economy in the 1990’s.
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What’s a reference list?

This is a list of all the sources that has been cited in the research project. However, these list of sources used
are presented at the end of the research work in alphabetical order by author/editor and do not list books,
journals, newspapers, then websites etc.

Note: a bibliography lists all of the sources you have read to help write your research project, not just those
cited in the text.

Why Cite + Ref ?

This is a good academic practice, because it enhances presentation of the research project. It also allows a
researcher to acknowledge or recognize the work of others and allows lecturers to differentiate between
learners/researchers research project and the work of others, as well as to locate the sources that are used in
the research project.

Citation and referencing allows the researcher to demonstrate that:

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• The researcher have gathered evidence to support your ideas/ arguments
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• The researcher have used credible, good quality sources
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• Have read widely
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• AND have read at an appropriate academic level
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N Plagiarism

Plagiarism is been defined as presenting someone else’s work as your own. For example, if you do not cite + ref
ideas or quotes from other authors you may be accused of plagiarism! This is an academic theft! So, to avoid
plagiarism, researchers must always note accurately and fully the details of all the sources used.

Cite and ref styles

C • Harvard style (author/ date). Nelson College is recommending the Harvard style.
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L • American Psychological Assoc. (author/ date)
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E • Modern Language Assoc. (author/ date)
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• Chicago, Vancouver & Footnote (all numeric

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Numeric style

Citation

• According to Myers[1] the reason for….

The reference is presented as a footnote at the bottom of the page or at the end of your work:

[1]Myers, D. (2008) Construction economics: a new approach, 2nd ed., London: Taylor and Francis, p.159

When must I provide a citation?

• Quote directly: use another person’s ideas in their words

• Paraphrase: present another person’s ideas in your words
• Summarise: express another person’s ideas in fewer words
• Use ideas, theories, facts, experiments, case studies, from a source
• Adopt another person’s research method, survey or experiment design

N Use statistics, tables, and diagrams etc. – not just words! (See reference list handout)

E Quote directly

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If you present information exactly as it appears in a source, indicate this by using quotation marks:
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‘Market segmentation is defined as where the larger market is heterogeneous and may be broken down into
O smaller units that are similar in character’ (Easy and Sorensen, 2009, p.133).
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Paraphrase

• Constituents sometimes paid their members and met some of the expenses of sending an MP to
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Westminster, but the practice died out by the end of the 17 century and thereafter MP’s needed
personal wealth or a personal patron in order to sustain a political career (Rush, 2005, p. 114.)

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• Until the 20 century, when MP’s received a salary, personal wealth or the support of a patron was
C essential for a long-term career in politics. Financial support for MP’s had on occasion come from their
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constituents in the medieval period but this system had ended by the 17 century.
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G • Yes. Sentence 2 has been re-written but the meaning is the same as the original
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Summarise
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

• Original: The proportion of manual workers in the ranks of the parliamentary Labor Party declined from
1945 to 1979, from approximately 1 in 4 to 1 in 10….. Of the 412 Labor MP’s elected in 2001, 12% were
drawn from manual backgrounds (Criddle cited in Norton, 2005, p.23).

• Since 1945 the proportion of manual workers in the parliamentary Labor Party has fallen from 25%
(approx.) to 12% in 2001.

Cite?

• Yes. Sentence 1 has been shortened and rewritten but the key point is maintained

No citation required

This is your own ideas, theories, arguments, conclusions, Surveys and experiments designed and carried out by
you. It is your own research method.

Citing books: 1 author

N Citation

E • In the 1980’s sales of blue jeans slowed and then declined (Ransom, 2002, p.100), or According to Ransom

L (2002, p.100) the sales of blue jeans….

S Reference list

O • Ransom, D. (2002) The no-nonsense guide to fair trade, Oxford: New Internationalist or Ransom, D. (2002)
N The no-nonsense guide to fair trade, Oxford: New Internationalist

Citing books: 2 or 3 authors

Citation

• As Sloman and Wirde (2009, p. 65) point out…

• Unemployment rates are traditionally higher among women (Sloman and Wirde, 2009, p.419).
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Reference list
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• Sloman, J. and Wirde, A. (2009) Economics, 7th ed., Harlow: Pearson Education
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3 Authors
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Citation
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• According to Torrington, Hall and Taylor (2008, p.579) companies that discriminate..

• Companies that discriminate against various groups lose talent (Torrington, Hall and Taylor, 2008,
p.579).

Reference list

Torrington, D., Hall, L. and Taylor, S. (2008) Human resource management, 7th ed., Harlow: Prentice Hall

Citing books: 4+ authors

• Use the Latin abbreviation ‘et al' (and the others) in the citation

Reference list

Provide all authors surnames and initials:

• Solomon, M., Bamossy, G., Askegaard, S. and Hogg, M.K. (2006) Consumer behaviour: a European
perspective, 3rd ed., Harlow: Financial Times
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Citation
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L • Solomon et. al. (2006, p.69) suggest that…. or People have been consumers for a long time, but
consumption has only recently become a focus for study (Solomon et. al., 2006, p.23). Not X
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Solomon, Bamossy, Askegaard, and Hogg (2006, p.23)…
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Citing journal articles: paper
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• Journals contain articles by different authors

• Cite the article author(s) not the journal title

Reference list
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O • Motluk, A. (2010) ‘Who killed the Maples?’, New Scientist, 16 January, pp. 30-33
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L **in the reference list provide page numbers for entire article**
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G Citing journal articles: 4+ authors
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Citation
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• Krams et. al. (2009, p.513) suggest that….

• According to a recent article in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B by Krams et. al. (2009, pp.513-518)
there are….

Reference list

(Provide all authors surnames and initials):

• Krams, I., Berzins, A., Krama, T., Wheatcroft, D., Igaune, K. and Rantala, M.J. (2009) ‘The increased risk of
predation increases cooperation’, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, vol.277, no.1681, 22 February,
pp.513-518

Citing journal articles: online

Reference list

Hogan, J. (2006) ‘Snapshot, face facts: a blow for Mars conspiracy theorists’, Nature [online], vol. 443, (28):

N p.379. Available from: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v443/n7110/full/443379a.html (Accessed 24

January 2010)
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L Citation As Hogan (2006, p.379) notes…..

S …………(Hogan, 2006, p.379)

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• E-books can be accessed via the library catalogue & are supplied by Netlibrary, Dawsonera etc.

Citation

• Chudley and Greeno (2006, p.26) show that….

• ………… (Chudley and Greeno, 2006, p.26).

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E Citing newspapers: online
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E Citation

• According to Travis (2010)….or an article in The Guardian by Travis (2010)….

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Reference list

• Travis, A. (2010) ‘Crime drops 8% despite recession’, The Guardian [online], 21 January. Available from:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jan/21/police-figures-unexpected-drop-crime (Accessed 3 January
2010)

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1.4: PRODUCE A RESEARCH PROJECT SPECIFICATION

You should select a research project title and complete the following specification:

Example: project specification

Ii: Outline specification

Title of the Project:

 ......

Introduction

 A: Motivation (why this research project is important)

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 B: Research questions or hypothesis (one or two questions)

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 C: Objectives (goals of this research project) [two to three objectives for each research question)
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Literature Review
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 List down a few topics or areas that you will read from books, internets or other sources which can
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help you to understand more about and help you to answer your research question.
Topics Sources (Examples- Books, Journals,
Website)

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Methodology of Data Collection:
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 Discuss about research questions (rationale for research question or hypothesis)

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 Type of research: select one □ qualitative, □quantitative, □systematic, □original;

 Sources of data:

Primary sources: □questionnaires; □ interviews; □ Other_ _ _ _ _ _

secondary sources: □books; □ journals; □ internet; □ Other_ _ _ _ _ _

 Milestones and task dates (what and when)

Tasks Date

Literature Review

Collection of primary data

Collection of secondary data

Collation and analysis of the data

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E Conclusion and recommendation

L Write up

O  List of methods (theories, techniques, tools) used to analyse data:

N -
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 Limitations; implications eg resources

- Time:
- Access to resources:
C - Other:
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Analysis Approach (what was done)
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 A: Heading for the description of the scope of the analysis
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 B: Heading for methods used for first major task
 C: Heading for methods used for second major task
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 D: Heading for methods used for third major task

Results (what was found)

 A: Heading for results of first major task

 B: Heading for results of second major task
 C: Heading for results of third major task

Discussion (how results contribute to knowledge in the field e.g. compare results with literature)

 A: Heading for discussion topic E

 B: Heading for discussion topic F
 C: Heading for discussion topic G

N Conclusions

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 A: Summary of objectives and approach of the research
L  B: Major findings of the research

S  C: Important implications of the research findings (e.g. for policy)

 D: Needed future work in the field
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1.5: PROVIDE AN APPROPRIATE PLAN AND PROCEDURES FOR THE AGREED RESEARCH
SPECIFICATION

Table 1: Appropriate Plan/Procedure for Research Project Specification

Date
Tasks

Conduct extensive reading and take notes on important ideas (with

citations)

Brainstorming and listing title ideas, grouping related ideas together

and select a title

Literature review

Complete project specification

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Collection of primary data
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Collection of secondary data
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S Collation and analysis of the data

O Analysis approach (what was done)

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Results (what was found)

Discussion (how results contribute to knowledge)

Conclusion

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O Write up the project
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Detail Plan/Procedure Specification

Research Project Conduct extensive reading Introduction

Take notes on important ideas Literature

(with citations)

Brainstorming and listing ideas Analysis approach (what was done)

Grouping related ideas together Results (what was found)

Ordering groups from general or Discussion (how results contribute

specific (abstract to concrete) to knowledge)

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Conclusion
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L Source: Author (2013)

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2.1: MATCH RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY TO THE RESEARCH QUESTION OR HYPOTHESES

The research question or hypotheses are the specific questions that the researcher will collect new data about
in order to satisfactorily solve the research problem. The research question or hypotheses are match with the
research problem, that wide problem that the researcher will examine more precisely in the hypotheses.

In collecting new data on the research question, the following resources have to match with the specific
questions or hypotheses

 The review of literature (This entails sources of materials e.g. Journal/ articles, Books, magazines,
newspapers, and the internet)
 The methodology (the instrument to collect the data)

To be able to match resources to the research questions or hypothesis, in your literature review you should
provide a background to the general area of study. These provide the reader with the necessary background
information (e.g.- definition, clarification of meaning) on the topic in relation to the general area of study.
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L Existing research around the subject area:

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Following points to be noted:
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 Demonstrating that you conducted a thorough literature search and have read widely demonstrating
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that you have read up to date material
 Summarising what you have read thematically (and not author by author):
- Group similar works-in favour
- Group contradictory works- against
- Make critical comments and make your own opinion
 Highlighting trends in the discussion of your topic, for example over time; by geography; by sector

C  Commenting on the value of what you have read (without discussing the actual topic)
O  Organising your findings from the literature review to fit in with the main themes of your research
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project
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E  Demonstrating that you assimilated and understood what you have read and what you have written
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Identify gaps in the existing literature and further investigation: Why there is the need for further investigation.
Weaknesses / gaps / shortcomings in the existing literature e.g. areas ignored, conflicting ideas /
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conclusions. A new research question that has not previously been considered or previous ideas
extended.

Identifies the main aims, and ends with a clear outline of the study's hypotheses (if any).

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2.2: UNDERTAKE THE PROPOSED RESEARCH INVESTIGATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH

THE AGREED SPECIFICATION AND PROCEDURES

This agreed specification of the research project will enable researchers to build their research project. It is a
framework to guide students on how to undertake their research project

A: Introduction (why the research)

This introduction drives the motivational interest to the research project, and into the research problem,
questions and objective of the study. As discussed previously, the researcher has to generate ideas for the
research project, because, these are possibilities for research project everywhere. Quinlan (2011) argue that
the important element in developing an idea for a research project is to focus on an area of interest. An idea
for a research project, is a statement of the general area within which the research which to situate his
research (Quinlan, 2011). Students may generate ideas for research project from the following areas

 Everything you have studied so far in your work toward your qualification
 Everything you have seen, watched and experienced in your work
N
 Everything that interest or intrigues you about the business world
E  Every person that you have encountered in the business world

S
i: Questions in relation to the proposed research idea/research project
O
According to Quinlan (2011), is the controversial area crucial in the research ideas “are there any particular
N
problems, sensitivities, issues, about the research idea that stand out from the start.

Are any possibilities that the conflicting issue will delay the research project “the issues or sensitivities would
be substantial enough to stop such a research project” (Quinlan, 2011).

Ii: Questions in relation to the literature in the area or field of the proposed research

 The learner has to determine whether any controversial or conflicting issue in the literature or is there a
C
O little literature on the topic (Quinlan, 2011)
L  “Who are the authors that have been writing on the topic, and when did they write on the topic?
L Recently”? (Quinlan, 2011)
E
G  “Where is the topic being written about? In Journals? In newspapers? Online”? (Quinlan, 2011)
E  “What is being written about the topic”? (Quinlan, 2011).
 If the topic has been written in journals/articles, this demonstrates that the issue has been addressed and
developed theoretically. As such, it will assist the learner in conducting his or her research (Quinlan, 2011).
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

 The learner has to try to locate the journal using the online source
 The learner has to make a file and file all journals written about the topic
 After filing the relevant journals, the learner has to read them thoroughly and take notes
 The learner in taking note has to consider what the authors in the file journal are saying about the
controversial issues?, what is known about the topic? What issues or conflict that have been thoroughly
explored? What issues, aspects, questions do the authors of the journals recommend for further
research?, and what controversial issues are yet to be explored? (Quinlan, 2011).

iii: Questions in relation to research methodology and methods for the proposed research

Quinlan (2011) provided certain questions in the methodology that need to be explored as a research project.

 What methodologies did the authors use in their journals that you have read?
 Did their study consider human population? As such what population did they work with?
 What is the kind of data collection did the authors work with?
 The learner has to consider access to the site, population, organization that the research project is based

N  The learner has to consider the type of data to look in order to produce a new knowledge in the field of
study
E
 The learner has to consider where are the data (for example, in records and reports, testimony of people
L
that the learner has to collect through interview or focus group)
S  The learner has to consider the best way to collect the data

O The introduction closes with the conclusion

N
B: Literature review

This session sets to build on the theoretical explication upon which the research is based by reviewing the
relevant literature to identify the research issues that are conflicting and controversial that has not been solved
by previous researchers (Quinlan, 2011). Zikmund et al. (2013) suggest that this an extant literature, as such,
the researchers own ideas or opinion are not needed, except in structuring the literature supported by
authorities.
C
O C: Analysis approach
L
L
This session develop the major instrument to collect the data that will be used to answer the research
E
G questions/hypotheses (Collis and Hussey, 2003). The session should have separate units
E
• Unit of analysis (deciding the population, sampling frame, sample and sample size)
• Instrument to collect data (determine best instrument including pilot test)
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

• Administration of instrument (when, where and who non response. Response rate, date and protocol of
interview)
• Computer program used to analyze data
• Ethical issue

D: Results (what was found)

This session aim to presents the results and analyses them for their relevance to the research question or
hypotheses. Quinlan (2011) argue that frequent summary tables and figures of results are important at this
stage in order for readers to see the pattern of data presented.

E: Discussion (How results contribute to knowledge)

This session enable the researcher discuss the research project in details considering the results and literature,
thus presenting the outcomes to ascertain how the independent variables is able to predict the outcome of the
dependent variables.

N F: Conclusion

E This session closes the research project. The researchers conclude the research with how the research benefits
those affected by the research
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 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

2.3: RECORD AND COLLATE RESEARCH DATA WHEN APPROPRIATE

Collecting data for a research project either for quantitative or qualitative considers recording certain variables
to ease the collecting process. It is appropriate to record and use the best data collection tools that will suit the
research project.

A: Quantitative and Qualitative data collection tool/technique

I: Determine the population for data collection

Population determination is very important in data selection. The researcher has to determine the population
that will assist in collecting the new data. Collis and Hussey (2003) maintain that population is the body of
people, or to any other collection of item under consideration for research purposes.

Ii: Determine the selection of sampling and frame

The importance of sampling in data collection has been recognized in several literatures. However, sample is
made up of the members of the population (Collis and Hussey, 2003; Quinlan, 2011) and sampling frame is a
N
list or other record of the population from which all the sampling units for the research study are drawn (Vogt,
E 1993 in Collis and Hussey, 2003). For example, Collis and Hussey suggest that in a large organization, where lists

L of employees are drawn may represent a sampling frame from which a sample may be drawn.

S Sampling depends on the size of the research project as well as the size of the population that is considered for

O the research project. For example, Collis and Hussey (2003) averred that a research topic that focuses on
investigating the performance of small companies in the paper recycling industry in the London postal area, the
N
unit of analysis is a company. For the purpose of a research study, small company may be defined as a private
limited company with a turnover of less than £1 million per annum. Further, FAME is used to identify
companies that fall under the criteria of the investigation.

There are several kinds of sampling, according to Collis and Hussey (2003), this include random sampling,
systematic sampling, stratified sampling, cluster sampling, purposive sampling and other kinds of sampling. In a
similar work, Quinlan (2011) divides the sampling into probability sampling (simple random sampling, stratified
C
sampling, systematic sampling, and cluster sampling) and the non-probability sampling as (purposive sampling,
O
L quota sampling, convenience sampling, and snowball sampling). It is imperative for researcher to choose the
L appropriate kind of sampling that will ease the collection of the new data. See brief explanation of the types of
E
sampling
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I: Random sampling
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

This probability sampling involves the selection of a sample at random from a sample frame. For example, write
each name of all the students in a class in a piece of paper, and put them in a basket as a sample frame. Then
select one name in a random. Each name has equal chance of been selected.

Ii: Systematic sampling

This type of probability sampling involves selecting items at regular intervals from the sampling frame. For
example, every kth element in the population is sampled beginning with a random start of an element of the
range of 1 to k (Blumberg et al., 2011).

Iii: Stratified sampling

This type of sampling technique is based on some known characteristics of the population that may have
impact on the research project. Similarly, most population may be sub-grouped into different strata’s
(Blumberg, 2011; Zikmund et al., 2013).

Iv: Purposive sampling

N
This non-probability sampling enables the researcher to make judgment about who to include in the research.
E Quinlan (2011) argue that the criterion for inclusion in the research is the capacity of the respondent to inform
the research.
L

S V: Quota sampling

O In this non-probability sampling, the researcher develops a sample of respondents for the research using

N different quota criteria (Zikmund et al., 2013)

Vi: Convenience sampling

Convenience sampling allows the researcher to engage those respondents in the research that it is easiest to
include. For example, people in the newsagent, people in the supermarket.

Vii: Snowball sampling

C
In this non-probability sampling technique, the researcher finds one respondent in the research, carry out the
O
L research with that respondent, and then asks that respondents to recommend the nest respondent. However,
L respondent must fit the inclusion criteria set for the research project (Quinlan, 2011).
E
G Note: (Lecturer has to teach students in detail the probability and non-probability sampling mentioned above to
E
enable students select the appropriate sampling for their research project).

Determine the research instrument

 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

Research instrument is developed to collect new data for the research project. Collis and Hussey (2003) said
that there are several instruments in data collection, and the researcher has to select the instruments that are
appropriate for the research. This method includes focus group, interviews, (telephone, group and online
interview), participant observation, covert observation, one to one interview, and questionnaires (postal, drop
and collect, group administered, and online questionnaire). To ascertain the reliability and validity of the
research project, a pilot test is necessary. See brief discussion on the instruments for data collection.

I: Participant observation

The researcher in this case is the participant that observes the action of event and records their observations
on the action (Quinlan, 2011).

Ii: Covert observation

This type of observation is conducted secretly (Quinlan, 2011). Quinlan suggests that the researcher observes
the action of events and records their observation of the action covertly.

N Iii: One to one interview

E This interview allows a face to face interview between the interviewer and interviewee. This is a common data
collection method (Quinlan, 2011).
L

S Iv: Telephone interviews

O According to Quinlan (2011), telephone interviews are the interviews that are carried out on a one to one basis

N over the telephone. It is convenient and time and resources efficient (Quinlan, 2011).

V: Group interview

This interview allows the interviewer to conduct interview face to face between the interview and a group of
interviewees (Quinlan, 2011).

Vi: Online interview

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This interview allows the interviewer to use various online approaches to interview respondents. This includes
O
L chart room, conferencing software, email messages or message boards or discussion boards (Quinlan, 2011).
L
E Vii: Postal questionnaire
G
E This is the most common widely used data collection method. This are structured list of questions designed by
the researcher to respondents. These questionnaires are posted to respondents to fill and sent back as usual to
the researcher (Quinlan, 2011).
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

Viii: Drop and collect questionnaire

This type of data collection enable the researcher to drop a questionnaire with respondents and then return to
collect the questionnaires when the respondents has completed filling the questionnaire (Quinlan, 2011).

Ix: Group administered questionnaire

Quinlan (2011) contend that group administered questionnaires are questionnaires that the researcher
administer to a group. That is when the group is gathered together, questionnaires are administered to them.

X: Online questionnaire

These are questionnaires that the researcher administered to respondents through online. These
questionnaires may be sent to respondent via email (Quinlan, 2011).

Xi: Focus group

N
This type of data collection is when the researcher brings group of people together in order to focus on a
E particular issue (Quinlan, 2011).

L
Xii: Internet research
S
This is a research conducted on the internet. Quinlan (2011) argue that there is a lot of information on the
O World Wide Web (www).
N
Note: (Lecturer has to teach students in details the kind of instruments for data collection to enable students
select the appropriate instrument for their research project).

Determine the data analysis tool

This part explores the technique needed to analyze the data collected. In exploratory data analysis, four main
groups of techniques may be considered (Collis and Hussey, 2003).
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O • Presenting the frequencies
L • Measuring location 9central tendency)
L • Measuring dispersion (spread)
E
• Measuring change
G
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I: Presenting frequencies
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

Raw data collected from small to large as to rearrange to provide full understanding. The first thing is to
examine the frequency distribution for each variable (Collis and Hussey, 2003). (Take note in the class lecture
how frequency is determined from a data collected).

Ii: Frequency distribution table

The determination of the frequencies from the data is followed with the presenting of the frequency
distribution table. Collis and Hussey (2003) argue that frequency distribution tables present the frequency data
usually in size order. The frequencies may be summarized by determining the statistical mean (average) or
percentage frequencies. (Take note in the class lecture how statistical mean, median, mode, variance, standard
deviation, chi-square and even correlation and regression are determined from data collected).

Iii: Charts and graphs

According to Collis and Hussey (2003) contend that charts and graphs are useful in presenting and summarizing
frequency data in order to disseminate information. Graphical data such as histogram, bar chart, pie chart, and
even ogive curve assist in displaying data and communicate ideas (Collis and Hussey, 2003) (Take note in the
N class lecture how frequencies presented and summaries are displayed in a graphical pattern from data

E collected). See example of charts and graphs

L Illustration: In a class of 20 students, a test of business decision making was given, and after marking the

S papers, the following scores are presented.

O 3, 10, 30, 22, 25

11, 9, 18, 19, 21
N 20, 25, 24, 14, 18
10, 3, 20, 16, 25.

In a class size of 6, draw bar chart, pie chart, and ogive curve
Table 2: frequency table
classes Frequency
3-8 2
9-14 5
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O 15-20 7
L 21-26 6
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20
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G Source: Author (2013)
E

Bar Chart
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

frequency

7
6
5
4
frequency
3
2
1
0
2.5-8.5 8.5-14.5 14.5-20.5 20.5-26.5

Source: Author (2013)

Pie Chart

N frequency
E

S 2.5-8.5

O 8.5-14.5
14.5-20.5
N
20.5-26.5

Source: Author (2013)

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Ogive Curve
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

frequency
8
7
6
5
4
frequency
3
2
1
0
2.5-8.5 8.5-14.5 14.5-20.5 20.5-26.5

Source: Author (2013)

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 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

3.1: USE APPROPRIATE RESEARCH EVALUATION TECHNIQUES

Researchers have to choose appropriate research technique for the research project. Several research
techniques are recognized in analyzing a research work. These techniques as presented by Collis and Hussey
(2003) may include

• Central tendencies (mean, median mode)

• Measures of dispersion (variance and standard deviation)
• Chi-square
• Measurement of relationships (correlation, and regression)
• (Take note in the class lecture how some of these mentioned techniques determined to enable student
choose which one will suit their research project).

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 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

3.2: INTERPRET AND ANALYZE THE RESULTS IN TERMS OF THE ORIGINAL RESEARCH
SPECIFICATION

 You should discuss your results in this section with reference to the findings of the literature review.
This will necessitate a degree of repetition, which can be minimised by good cross referencing. The
reader expects you to match your own results against what was established in the literature review.
From this you should make comments and draw conclusions.
 You should write thematically. In the majority of cases this means following a structure determined by
the arrangement of themes in the literature review (and replicated in Chapter 1 in the section on the
aims and objectives of the research). It is not very sophisticated to take each questionnaire question
and summarise the results the answers give you. Your questionnaire was designed so that the
surveyed population was able to answer the questions: it was not designed to provide you with a
thematic framework.
 You should add value to the results with your own comments
N  You should highlight and provide analysis of any new themes that have emerged from your own
E research recommendations

S
EXAMPLE:
O
This assessment task presents patterns of results of the research project and analyses them for their relevance
N
to the research question or hypotheses. As discussed before, Quinlan (2011) argue that frequent summary
tables and figures of results are important at this stage in order for readers to see the pattern of data
presented. For example, question 4 explored attitudes of student’s attendance to college activities and
respondent’s answers are summarized in table 4.6. (Take notes in the class lecture how the analysis and
interpretation of research results are determined). See brief discussion of analysis and interpretation of results
of data collected.
C
Table 4.6: Attitudes of student’s attendance to college activities
O
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Classes Frequency Percentage
E
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E Agreed 39 0.78
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

Disagreed 11 0.22

Total 50 100

Source: Author (2013)

In table 4.6, majority of the respondents (78 percent) agreed that several students failed to attend to college
activities, and only a minority number (22 percent) say otherwise.

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 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

3.3: MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AND JUSTIFY AREAS FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION

This part of the task seeks the attention of the researcher to make recommendations for the research project.
Recommendations may be made to those that will benefit from the research project as implication for theory,
and practice (Quinlan, 2011). Further, Collis and Hussey (2003) and Quinlan (2011) note that considering areas
for further consideration may be for topic or methodologies or both. For example not conducting the research
in all areas mentioned may provide opportunities for further consideration. (Take notes in the class lecture how
areas for further consideration will be mentioned).

This should be a conclusion to the whole project (and not just the research findings). Check that your work
answers the following questions:

 Did the research project meet its aims (check back to introduction for stated aims)?
N  What are the main findings of the research?
 Are there any recommendations?
E
 Do you have any conclusions on the research process itself?
L
 Where should further research be focused?
S

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 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

4.1: USE AN AGREED FORMAT AND APPROPRIATE MEDIA TO PRESENT THE OUTCOMES
OF THE RESEARCH TO AN AUDIENCE

WRITING A RESEARCH P ROJECT

The completed work

This hand-out assumes that you will end up with at least five chapters:

 Chapter 1: Introduction
 Chapter 2: Literature review
 Chapter 3: Methodology
 Chapter 4: Results and discussion
 Chapter 5: Conclusion

At the end of the whole work there should be a full bibliography. Any appendices should come after the full bibliography.
The longest chapters will be the Literature review and Methodology. The Introduction and Conclusion chapters will be
short.
Some students find that they need to include additional chapters. For example, a student writing about a specific industry
N
may need to provide a separate chapter on that industry for context setting before discussing the specifics of the research
work.
E

L
Chapter 1: Introduction
S
Make sure that the readers of your work will be able to find the answers to these questions in Chapter 1:
O
 What was the purpose of the research?
N  How was the topic chosen?
 What were the main aims and objectives of the research?
 What is the scope of the research project? (If your dissertation/project is focussed on one particular
client, industry or technology you might include introductory remarks about this here.)
 What were the limitations of the work?
 How is the text arranged in the dissertation/project?
 Is there anything particular to note that will make it easier for the person reading your
dissertation/project to follow the work (e.g. about the format of referencing, layout of charts etc.)?

If you wrote a good proposal you should be able to use this as a basis for Chapter 1.
C
Remember that this is the introduction to your project, and not an introduction to the topic of your project.
O
L
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E Chapter 2: Literature review
You will be rewarded for:
G
E
 providing an introductory paragraph which explains what is discussed in the chapter and why it is
necessary t o include this as part of the dissertation/project
 demonstrating that you conducted a thorough literature search and have read widely
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

 demonstrating that you have read up to date material

 summarising what you have read thematically (and not author by author)
 highlighting trends in the discussion of your topic, for example over time; by geography; by sector
 commenting on the value of what you have read (without discussing the actual topic)
 organising your findings from the literature review to fit in with the main themes of your research
project
 identifying gaps in the literature
 demonstrating that you assimilated and understood what you have read and what you have written

Chapter 3: Methodology
The Methodology chapter is used to justify the choice of methods employed during the research project. You need to
demonstrate that you understand that there are various options for conducting research. For this reason you will need to
refer back to the notes you took in any research methods classes that you have attended, as well as text books and/or
articles on research methods. Although much of this chapter focuses on data collection, it is also worth acknowledging the
techniques used for the other activities related to the research project: literature searching; sampling or case study
selection; and data analysis.

Chapter 4: Results and discussion

You will be rewarded for:

N
 providing an introductory paragraph which explains what is discussed in the chapter
E
 discussing your results with reference to the findings of the literature review. This will necessitate a
L degree of repetition, which can be minimised by good cross referencing. The reader expects you to
match your own results against what was established in the literature review. From this you should
S make comments and draw conclusions.
 writing thematically. In the majority of cases this means following a structure determined by the
O arrangement of themes in the literature review (and replicated in Chapter 1 in the section on the aims
and objectives of the research, and the basic questions given in Chapter 3 in the discussion of data
N required.) It is not very sophisticated to take each questionnaire question and summarise the results
the answers give you. Your questionnaire was designed so that the surveyed population was able to
answer the questions: it was not designed to provide you with a thematic framework.
 adding value to the results with your own comments
 highlighting and providing analysis of any new themes that have emerged from your own research
 recommendations

Chapter 5: Conclusion
C This should be a conclusion to the whole project (and not just the research findings). Check that your work answers the
O following questions:
L
L  Did the research project meet its aims (check back to introduction for stated aims)?
E  What are the main findings of the research?
G  Are there any recommendations?
E  Do you have any conclusions on the research process itself?
 Where should further research be focused?
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

Bibliography
Your bibliography should be set out following a recognised standard, e.g. Harvard Referencing System

Appendices
Appendices follow after the bibliography. These should be used for genuine purposes, for example to provide a copy of the
research instrument. Appendices should not be used as a dumping ground for material that you have not managed to
incorporate into the main text.

APPROPRIATE MEDIA

Table 3: Appropriate media to present outcomes of research to audience

Details Outcomes Media Audience

Research Project: For example May be high performance The small companies’ The chief executive
N
investigating on the performance of small companies directors may present the officer (CEO) and
E of small companies in the paper resulted from the paper findings of the research senior executives of
recycling industry in the London recycling industry in project officially to the the small companies.
L
postal area 9Collis and Hussey, London postal areas stakeholders during the
S The stakeholders are
2003) annual general meeting.
another audience
O
Official board meeting that may benefit
N may be another media to from the results of
present findings to the the findings
chief executive and other
Potential investors
senior directors
may also benefit
from the findings of
the research project.
C the employees may
O
also benefit from the
L
L findings of the
E research.
G
E
Source Author (2013)
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

============================================================================

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EXTRACT OF AN EXAMPLE DISSERTATION

TITLE:

Change management approaches adopted in public sector- a case study of xxxxx

RESEARCH QUESTION

The research explores the change management approaches currently applied in the public
sector.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of this research are:

o To review the features of public organisations as described in literature;

o To understand what issues are confronted during change management in public

N
organisations;

E
o To review change management approaches described in literature;

L
o To analyse change management approaches applied in the selected public
organisations, and their relation to features of public organisations, published
S case studies and theoretical framework;

O o To determine how change management approaches should be modified for the

public sector, specifically for Lithuania and Moldova.
N
LITERATURE REVIEW AR EAS:
 Characteristics of public sector
 Issues noted when changes are implemented at public sector
 Approaches towards change management
 Change process
C
O RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
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E Nature of the data Quantitative √ Qualitative Mixed Qual/Quants
 HND Business- Unit Manual- Unit 14- Working with and Leading People

Research Experiment Survey √ Case Study

Strategies

Data Collection √ Secondary Data √ Interviews √ Questionnaires Observ-

Methods
ations

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REFERENCES

Blumberg, B., Cooper, D.R., and Schindler, P.S, (2011) Business Research Methods. United Kingdom, McGraw-
Hill Education

Collis, J., and Hussey, R., (2003) Business Research, A practical guide fro undergraduate and post graduate
nd
students. 2 ed. United Kingdom. Palgrave Macmillan

th
Zikmund, W.G., Babin, B.J., Carr, J.C., Griffin, M. (2013). Business Research Methods,, 9 ed. Canada South-
Western Cengage Learning.

Quinlan, C., (2011) Business Research Methods. United Kingdom. South-Western Cengage Learning

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