COM754 Research Methods for Digital Technologies Task 2 2026/27 | Wrexham University

Small Research Project

Task 2 – Research Project Data and Methodology

1. Synthesise complex information from a variety of sources.

2. Critically evaluate research methodologies in the context of research for digital technology.

3.  Plan and execute a small research project.

4.  Compile, analyse and disseminate data in relation to a small research project.

Objective:

In the rapidly evolving field of digital technology, staying current with the latest research is crucial. This task is the second of three and will focus on your ability to synthesize and explain complex information from secondary data sources, critically evaluate existing research, plan, explain and execute a research project and

methodology based on available data, and effectively compile, analyse, and disseminate findings from secondary data sources.

Task 2: Research Project Data Methodology

Present an appropriate dataset and develop a research methodology for a smallscale project based on secondary research related to your chosen topic in Task 1. Your submission should include:

• A clear hypothesis and research questions.
• Objectives of the research.
• A detailed data section, focussing on explaining the data you are using for your research project clearly.
• A detailed methodology section, focusing on your research design and the plan for analysing this existing data.
• A timeline for your research project.

GenAI can be used to help brainstorming key concepts related to your chosen topic. This can help narrow down a specific area for your research project methodology.

Using any form of GenAI to write any section of your assignment is strictly prohibited. The assignment must be your original work. Copying or pasting AI-generated content is deemed plagiarism.

Your ideas, including the hypothesis and research questions and methodology must be generated based on your understanding and judgment of the topic and literature. This cannot be achieved through AI assistance. 

Guidance as to how GenAI use might be permitted is available on the Learning and Teaching Hub  and on the COM754 Moodle Page in the Assessment and Feedback section.

This report should be written using the correct grammar and referencing skills (IEEE style); it must be formatted appropriately; and submitted online via the appropriate Turnitin submission link found on the module space. No appendices are required

Format and structure: Work should be submitted as a single MS Word (.doc/.docx) or PDF document only, containing your assignment and a reference list. No appendices are required.

 Suggested structure and content

Introduction

Background and Context: Provide an overview of the research topic, its significance, and the relevance of using secondary data.

Problem Statement: Define the problem or gap in the literature that your research aims to address, focusing on areas where secondary data can provide valuable insights.

Hypothesis and Research Questions: Clearly state your hypothesis and formulate research questions.

Objectives of the Research

Research Objectives: Outline the main goal and objectives of your research, specifying how secondary data will be used to meet these objectives.

Specific Aims: Detail what you aim to achieve with your study, highlighting the role of secondary data in achieving these aims.

Methodology

Research Design: Describe the overall design of your research, whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, using secondary data.

Data: Explain your secondary data, including its source and 

Data Analysis Plan: Detail how you will analyse the secondary data, what methods you will be using and a mathematical description of your methods of analysis.

Timeline

Research Timeline: Provide a detailed timeline for your research project, including key milestones and deadlines. This can be a picture or a table.

Ethical considerations

Ethical Issues: Identify if there are potential ethical issues related to using secondary data, and how you plan to address them.

Conclusion

Summary of data/methodology: Recap the key elements of your research data and methodology. 

Significance of the Research: Emphasise the importance and potential impact of your study highlighting how secondary data can contribute to advancing understanding in your field of research.

Submission

This assessment must be submitted online via the appropriate Turnitin submission link found on the module space. (Emailed or paper versions will not be accepted).

Referencing for all written material should follow the IEEE standard, with particular attention paid to referencing of material resourced from the Web or other online facilities. References do not count towards the word count.

Work must submitted as a single file (.doc, .docx or pdf) via the Turnitin link provided through VLE (Moodle) by 27th November 2026.

Make sure to submit before 23:59 on the due date – Friday 27th November 2026.

Hints and tips

 All learning material will be found on the VLE.

Make use of the various digital library subscriptions that the University has access to, particularly IEEE Xplore and the ACM Digital Library, as well as Google Scholar.

Try to be as concise and focused as you can be in producing your report. Do not add words for the sake of it. Make sure each word and sentence contribute something useful.

You are expected to work on this assignment on your own, and it is important that you do not discuss or exchange your ideas, data, or any work output with other students. 

All submitted work is expected to observe academic standards in terms of referencing, academic writing, use of language etc. Failure to adhere to these instructions may result in your work being awarded a lower grade than it would otherwise deserve. 

Academic integrity is an important part of your learning and assessment. On submission of an assignment, software called Turnitin is automatically used to check the similarity of your work to other sources of information and the work produced by other students. The similarity scores are reviewed by the marking team and any similarity scores that are a cause for concern will be flagged and investigated. By submitting this work, you confirm that you have read, understand and accept the university’s regulations regarding academic integrity and academic misconduct such as plagiarism and collusion and agree to be subject to the academic integrity process if any such situation should arise. 

If your research involves using personal or medical data, you must obtain ethical approval from the University’s ethics committee. This process ensures that your study respects participants' rights, safety, and privacy. The committee will review your research plan to ensure it follows ethical standards, including privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent. As this approval process can take time, please do not use any personal and/or medical data inside your work. Failure to adhere to this rule is an Academic Integrity issue and will be dealt with in the appropriate manner.

Late submissions: work submitted up to a week late without a valid reason can only gain a maximum of 40%. If an extension is required, then a Request for Extension to Assignment Deadline Form must be completed and agreed prior to the submission date. Any work submitted more than a week late without a valid reason may be read but will not be marked. 

Marking and moderation

All grades/marks are indicative and may change when moderated – see the last page for the marking criteria.

All required work must be submitted, in full and as directed and described, by the due time and date, to achieve marks reflecting its full worth. Work submitted after the due time and date, but within one calendar week, will be capped at 40%. Work more than a week late will not be marked and will be entered as 0%. 

Wrexham University Skills Framework

Employability Skills Applied

On successful completion of this module, a student will have had opportunities to demonstrate achievement of the following Employability Skills;

Tick all that apply.

Adaptability & Flexibility

(Managing Change, Coping with Ambiguity, Transferable Skills)

Career Development

(Career information, Access to opportunity, Career readiness)

Critical Thinking (Problem

Solving, Analytical Skills,

Critical Thinking)

Digital Capabilities (Digital

Tools & Software, Data

Analysis, Digital Citizenship)

Enterprise and

Entrepreneurship

(Innovation, Commercial

Awareness and Influencing)

Interpersonal Skills

(Communication, Emotional

Intelligence, Networking,

Bilingualism)

Resilience (Positive

Mindset, Self Awareness,

Motivation & Purpose)

Social Impact and

Sustainability (Social

Responsibility, inclusivity, Cultural Awareness and application of the UN Sustainable development goals

Teamwork (Collaboration

Skills, Active Listening,

Planning & Organising)

Weighting

(%)  

Assessment

Task  

Grade A   

Your assignment l presents a vague hypothesis and research question, with minimal context and rationale provided. More clarity and detail

are needed to effectively frame your research.