BUS9719M Contemporary Management Research Project Assessment Brief: Critical Analysis and Application of Theoretical Approaches to Real-World Organisational Challenges

BUS9719M Assessment Brief: Independent Research Project

1. Task Description And Purpose

You are required to undertake an extended independent research project on a topic of your choice, with a maximum length of 12,000 words. The project format (e.g., work-based project, client-based project, or another negotiated format) and topic must be agreed upon with your supervisor.

This is an individual assignment designed to assess your ability to:

• Conduct in-depth research,
• Critically analyze and synthesize complex information,
• Apply contemporary management principles, and
• Demonstrate independent project management skills.

Your supervisor will provide guidance and feedback but will not direct your work. You are responsible for:

• Defining research aims/objectives,
• Selecting appropriate methodologies,
• Meeting learning outcomes, and
• Submitting the project on time.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

Your project must demonstrate the following:

LO Code    Learning Outcome

• LO1    Communicate the aims, objectives, and relevance of the research.
• LO4    Select, collect, analyze, and interpret evidence using sound research principles.
• LO5    Synthesize and critically evaluate sources to construct logical arguments.
• LO6    Apply theoretical/methodological approaches to enhance topic understanding.
• LO7    Reflect critically on research practice and intellectual arguments within contemporary debates.
• LO8    Propose practical resolutions via conclusions/recommendations (where applicable).
• LO9    Apply a critical understanding of sustainability to the chosen topic.

Submission Instructions

Submit electronically via the Canvas module site by the deadline.
Late submissions: Penalized at 10% per day (including weekends). Example: A 58% merit submission 1 hour late → 48%.

Word count:

Maximum 12,000 words (strictly enforced).
Included: Main text, headings, tables, citations, quotes.
Excluded: Cover sheet, title page, acknowledgments, abstract, table of contents, reference list, appendices.
Misrepresenting word counts may result in academic misconduct penalties.

Ethical Considerations

Primary data projects: Include the ethical approval letter as Appendix 1.
Indicate on the cover sheet whether data is primary or secondary.

Additional Guidelines

Referencing

Use Harvard referencing style.
Cite only sources used in the project.

Source Quality

Prioritize academic books, journals, and e-resources.
Avoid: Wikipedia, Businessballs.com, MindTools.com, etc.

Support Resources

Refer to Unit 3: Using the Library and Study Skills (Orientation module).
Seek guidance via the module Q&A Forum or your supervisor.

Extensions

Requests require evidence of exceptional circumstances.
See Unit 2.5 (Orientation module) for guidance.

Note: Failure to meet word limits (under or over) may impact marks due to incomplete coverage or lack of conciseness.

BUS9719M Assessment Criteria: Final Project