7BUS2058 CW3 Major Research Project Assessment Brief | HBS

Detailed Brief for Individual / Team Assignment

CW3 – findings, discussion, costed recommendations and reflection chapters.

Students have been provided with a template document on Canvas which sets out the structure and suggested content.
Students MUST consider cost factors when developing their recommendations – this is a CIPD requirement.

Additional important information you must consider before attempting the assignments

Please read the Research Project Handbook for detailed guidance in terms of content, structure and tasks to complete this effectively – you have also received training in Sem A on the Advanced Research Methods module plus support in Sem B on this module (7BUS2058).

Some formal requirements that students should consider:

• You must submit a FIF form on Friday 7th March 2025.
• You will attend the compulsory ethics training session in Semester B plus a 121 compulsory ethics meeting with one of the module team.
• Your research proposal must include all ethics documentation and proposed research instrument – this will on the one hand be considered a summative assessment but on the other hand will be used as part of the ethical approval process.
• You must have formal (written) ethical approval from the module leader before collecting any primary data. Collecting primary data without your supervisors approval is a Stage 2 Academic Offence.
• You must have approval from the module team if focusing on secondary data only (check meets CIPD professional body requirements).
• You must share all primary data (voice recordings, surveys, signed consent forms) with your tutor plus SPSS files (if using) before submitting your research project.
• Students using surveys to collect data will use Qualtrics only, and provide tutors access to the dataset via the Collaborate function (you must do this as part of ethical approval. 
• You must submit a costed recommendations chapter. You may automatically fail the research project if recommendations are not fully costed (this is a CIPD requirement and learning outcome for the module).
• We strongly suggest that you should use the templates provided for each CW assessment to help with structure and content in line with the requirements of this programme.
• You may be called for Viva Voce for an oral presentation on your research by the research team.
• You must not destroy any primary data, SPSS files, or consent forms until after your mark has been confirmed by the board. 
• There are no extensions on this module – please manage your time effectively. 

Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding assessed in this assignment:

Successful students will typically...

1. Critically evaluate concepts, theories and models from the existing literature and contemporary HR policy and practice appropriate to the chosen topic, critically analysing, comparing and synthesising findings to identify key concepts and conclusions in the relevant field of enquiry
2. Critically link theory and apply empirical data to formulate pertinent and insightful conclusion
3. Critically understand the role of HRM practitioner as a consultant

Learning Outcomes: Skills and Attributes assessed in this assignment:

Successful students will typically...

• Be able to formulate, apply and test hypotheses, propositions and/or research questions
• Be able to competently manage a complex research strategy systematically and creatively
•  Be able to gather, analyse and synthesize complex and appropriate information from a range of primary and secondary sources
• Be able to determine the implications of the dissertation/report research findings for HRM policy and practice, and for the academic discipline
• Demonstrate originality in research work
• Be able to create and present a persuasive business report with appropriate recommendations that are costed and have a time-framed action plan specific to a case-study organisation