MGTM05 MBA Research Project Individual Assignment 1 Brief 2025 | UOS

MGTM05 Assessment Information – What you need to do.

This module is assessed through an Applied Research Report. The summative assessment cannot be done without the student providing a Research Proposal. Your research proposal will outline the approach you are going to take in your research. Although the proposal is not an element of summative assessment, you will be able to conceptualise your research through a proposal. The focus of your research can be challenging, and the in-class workshops will help you develop as well as refine your ideas.

As part of the summative coursework assignment, students will be expected to write a dissertation report of approximately 12,000 words (this is for guidance only). The main project will contain a literature review, methodology, data analysis and sustainable recommendations. The issue of
how recommendations for change could be implemented given the studies undertaken will be based on prior experience of the organisation or business sector which has been investigated. Within the recommendations, an outline plan detailing the timescales, management interventions and resources that would need to be available to implement the recommendations will be included.

The report should also contain critical self-reflection (supported by evidence) on the development of relevant skills and competencies derived from undertaking the programme of study and the research undertaken for this project. Ideally, students should apply their research skills in finding information and use their initiative to develop their research proposal which will culminate in the final research project.

In completing the summative assessment coursework, you may wish to contact a small company for access if you will be using them as a case organisation in your research project. Note that evidence of access approved by the organisation must be provided. This must be a credible as well as verifiable company and must be agreed with your project supervisor. This further reinforces the originality of your work. You may seek to interview these by contacting them to arrange meetings or requesting they address questions over email. It is important to note that not all small business owners are available or willing to do so and a lack of interviewing will not compromise your grades. However, you may feel you will better understand the phenomena process through an interview or primary observation.

You have to ensure you familiarise yourself with the ethical guidelines of the University. Your research must embody the Research Governance and Integrity values of the University of Sunderland accessible via:

University of Sunderland/more/research/research-governance- integrity/. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this link. It provides information and advice for the university’s research community and stakeholders on the policies and procedures for governing good research practice and for investigating and reporting misconduct in research.

This assessment method reflects the conditions you will face when working for companies and when having to conduct strategic analyses of competitors or on behalf of clients (e.g., in consultancy). You will need to work under time constraints, you will not have full and perfect access to all information, and you will need to make judgements based on analysis of data and information that you can get access to. Try to integrate information from across different analysis tools and methods for richer strategic insights.

Assignments should be typed, using 1.5 spacing and an easy-to-read 12-point font. (Preferably
Times New Roman).

The word count should: Include all the text according to the assessment brief. It specifically excludes the following;

Exclude diagrams, tables (including tables/lists of contents and figures), equations, executive summary/abstract, acknowledgements, declaration, bibliography/list of references, footnotes, and appendices. However, it is not appropriate to use diagrams or tables merely as a way of circumventing the word limit. If a student uses a table or figure as a means of presenting his/her own words, then this is included in the word count.

MGTM05 Criteria for Assessment - How you will be marked.

The format of your project may well vary dependent on the topic of your research and discussions with your supervisor will be extremely helpful in this aspect of the decision-making process. It is likely that your report will be made up of several key sections.

• Executive summary
• Statement of originality and authenticity (see section 13 of this handbook)
• Title page
• Contents
• Lists of figures and tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction and context of the study
• Chapter 2: Literature review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Presentation of research findings
• Chapter 5: Discussion of findings
• Chapter 6: Conclusions and recommendations
• Chapter 7: Reflections on developing your personal competence
• Reference list – Harvard Referencing Style
• Appendix (to include evidence to support reflections)

For further guidance:

There should be an Executive Summary (approximately 200 words) at the beginning which should review what has been covered and the main outcome proposed.

Chapter 1, Introduction, and context of the study. This should cover a strategic overview developing and enhancing the first section of the proposal covering the rationale for the project and its importance to an organisation or business sector. It should avoid too broad a scope. (Approximately 500 words).

Chapter 2, Literature Review The work will include a robust and critical literature review. The main purpose is to establish the important areas of research and enquiry such that the project objectives can be achieved. It serves an important purpose in expanding the body of knowledge that we have with which to understand current phenomenon. It should review both the academic literature and you should be clear on your inclusion as well as exclusion criteria. Better marks are to be achieved where you are able to demonstrate a critical insight. You have to identify the theoretical lens that will support your research. Your literature review needs to be written in a logical and coherent way. We expect a good range of relevant and contemporary sources but the treatment of them is more important than shear number. (Approximately 2000 words).

Chapter 3 Research Methodology The project must include a critical review of both primary and secondary research methods that are possible but more importantly those deployed in the project from the perspective of such things as selecting valid and reliable sources of information against the objectives. Discussion of sample sizes and drawing reliable conclusions). It should address
specific tools used (interviews, questionnaires, case studies etc.)  and the various strengths of these and how they can be best designed and used for the designated project. (Approximately
2000 words).

Chapter 4 Presentation of Research findings There must be a strong section which presents and discusses the research findings from both primary and secondary sources but emphasising new material collected specifically for the project. This section is important as this is the area where you engage with new and original material that you have collected, and the skills deployed here are definitive in terms of the scope final assessment grade together with the recommendations. Data must be presented systematically and structured clearly around tables – if appropriate- or in terms of outcomes against the areas identified from the literature and linked back to project objectives. (Approximately 2000 words).

Chapter 5 Discussion of Findings Having presented the data descriptively you will be expected to interrogate the findings by asking questions of your information such as: what is significant here, where is there key agreements between participants/sources what the main areas of disagreement are, how does this information reflect the outcomes (confirm or deny) from the literature review etc. What does this say about important ideas to shape policy /strategy and its implementation. (Approximately 2000 words).

Chapter 6 Conclusion and Recommendations You will need a conclusion which draws together the findings from your research and the literature review and start to give feedback and comment on the possibilities that now arise in terms of meeting the objectives. It should shape the agenda and start to define what it is you now think can be done. It should summarise main points and decide what stance you are taking with respect to the practice /policies under review. It should flow naturally from the earlier work. This section should not introduce new ideas or new debates even if you have discovered new information! If this is the case earlier chapters need reworking. (Approximately 1000 words).

Recommendations should follow the conclusions. At this stage you move away from a research stance and adopt a leadership stance. Here you will find a possible direction for the organisation or sector. It can be specific as to future strategy and policy or it might offer an alternative view and scenario depending on particular future contexts. It should be carefully presented in management terms. Imagine you are presenting to a body of interested organisational managers with different levels of commitment to what you are proposing! It should clearly state what issue / opportunity is being addressed and the impact desired. It should state what should be done and it should say something on the implementation around, resources, barriers, risk, timescales, and organisation of the changes. It should not be overly direct to further work or decisions otherwise the project is likely to be overly ‘contextual ‘and general and not solution driven. Again, no new ideas should be introduced here, and it should be clear how the recommendations can be derived from the foregoing work. (Approximately 500 words).

Chapter 7 Reflections on developing your personal competence. This chapter provides the opportunity for you to reflect on your programme experience and the learning which has impacted on the development of your professional identity. Drawing on evidence you have collated Throughout the module you are to write a reflective commentary which addresses the following: what were your initial motivations for undertaking an MBA and what were the central components of your professional identity during semester 1? What did you learn about yourself as a developing business professional and how that learning will shape your future professional self? (Approximately 2000 words).

Assessment Details

The dissertation/project word count is 12000 words. However, the exact make-up of the sections may vary. It is unlikely you will be able to meet the learning outcomes in terms of depth and range of analysis in a study of less than 12000 words.

The remainder of the dissertation/project should comprise your research proposal (final) and the reference list and appendices which evidence content in the main body of your report.
Appendices should be carefully selected. They should be referenced in the main body of the study and should clearly relate to and provide further important references for the reader. They should not be included if they have no central bearing on the study.

There will be a penalty of a deduction of 10% of the mark for work exceeding the word limit by 10% or more.

The word limit includes tables, figures, quotations and citations, but excludes the references list, tables and figures copied from secondary sources and appendices.

How to Submit your Assessment

The assessment must be submitted by …. TBC at 23:59. No paper copies are required. You can access the submission link through the Canvas link. The submission date of the project is determined by the Programme you are registered on. You will be notified of the assessment submission deadline via an announcement on your Canvas site.

• Your coursework will be given a zero mark if you do not submit a copy through Turnitin. Please take care to ensure that you have fully submitted your work.
• Please ensure that you have submitted your work using the correct file format, unreadable files will receive a mark of zero. The Faculty accepts Microsoft Office and PDF documents, unless otherwise advised by the module leader.
• All work submitted after the submission deadline without a valid and approved reason will be subject to the University regulations on late submissions.
  oIf work submitted as a reassessment of a previously failed assessment task is submitted later than the deadline the work will immediately be given a mark of zero per cent
• The University wants you to do your best. However, we know that sometimes events happen which mean that you can’t submit your coursework by the deadline – these events should be beyond your control and not easy to predict. You will find information about applying for extensions and deferrals here.
• Students MUST keep a copy and/or an electronic file of their assignment.
• Checks will be made on your work using anti-plagiarism software and approved plagiarism checking websites.

Return of Marked Work

You can expect to have feedback returned to you following the assessment board in for PG Programmes. More information on assessment and feedback can be found here in the academic quality handbook.

Academic Integrity

In submitting a piece of work for assessment it is essential that you understand the University's requirements for maintaining academic integrity and ensure that the work does not contravene University regulations. Some examples of behaviour that would not be considered acceptable include but are not limited to plagiarism, cheating, contract cheating, exam cheating, collusion, copying work and reuse of your work, poor referencing, re-use of previously assessed work, collusion with others and purchasing your assignment from a third party or the passing off somebody else's ideas as your own (as defined by Academic Quality Handbook).

If you are in any doubt about what constitutes an academic offence or bad academic practice, you must check with your Module Leader or Project Supervisor.

If you are suspected of committing an academic offence you will be referred, and the appropriate measures will be applied based on the seriousness of the case.

You are advised to familiarise yourself with the University of Sunderland Academic Integrity and Misconduct Regulations 2024/25 which can be found here. Refer to Canvas for a copy.

Academic Support and Your Well-being

The University has a wealth of support services available to students; further information can be obtained from Student services, the Student Advice Centre, Library and Learning Services and, most importantly, your Personal Tutor. If you are struggling with your assessments and/or deadlines, please do seek help as soon as possible so that appropriate support and guidance can be identified and put in place for you.