NBS8062 \ NBS8372 Research Methods (OLSCM) Assignment Brief | NCL

NBS8372 Assignment Brief

Your proposal should clearly outline your research area and your research aims and objectives. You will demonstrate your learning from this module by showing your critical engagement with relevant literature to your topic of interest and your understanding of relevant theory and methods. You will detail the methodological approach you are pursuing in your project, your use of data collection methods and approaches to data analysis. Finally, you will include a project plan for the completion of your dissertation project.

Grade: The assignment counts for 70% of the grade of the module

Word limit: 2500 words (+/- 10%).. 

Deadline: 9th May 2025 by 12 noon UK Time 

Required Structure and Key elements for NBS8062/NBS8372

• Project title
• Section 1: Research background
• Section 2: Literature review
• Section 3: Research methodology
• Reference list
• Appendix (ethical approval form, risk assessment form, GDPR) 

Required Structure and Key elements 

Project title: 

• The title must explain what the project/research is broadly about
• It must make sense and represent the topic adequately
• It must be informative and concise – clear, descriptive, and not too long

Examples: 

• Avoid titles like: Supply Chain Management in the UK      
• Try to name your projects like: The effect of additive manufacturing adoption on supply chain flexibility: An empirical study of the UK automotive industry 

Required Structure and Key elements 

Section 1: Research background/Introduction

• The key focus is the research rationale – you must include the research gap, aim, and question in this section
• The story-telling is important: logic; an integration between industrial and theoretical background; importance; interesting
• The section can begin with theories/concepts or problems or industry/business news

Section 2: Literature review

• Cover all of the selected topic

For example: 
Title: The effect of additive manufacturing adoption on supply chain flexibility: An empirical study of the UK automotive industry 

2.1 Additive manufacturing
2.2 Supply chain flexibility in the UK automotive industry  

• Show a comprehensive understating of the topic

Your research should not be based on some randomly selected articles or books; use the database and keywords properly 

Section 2: Literature review

Be critical

• Develop your arguments based on a thorough understanding and effective usage of the literature
• Critical  ≠ Positive vs. Negative
• Avoid: 1) simply listing references; 2) merely narrating the subject matter descriptively 

Link it to the research background

• It should reflect on the identified research gap and help you to answer the research question

Section 3: Research methodology 

Begin with the research philosophy

• You need to briefly explain epistemology, ontology, axiology, and research approach
• You should then justify the epistemological, ontological, and axiological assumptions and the research approach of your research
• After that, select the philosophical stance of your research

Data collection plan 

• Introduce the data collection method (e.g., survey, experiment, interviews, online, in-person, etc.)
• Briefly explain the design of the data collection instrument
• Justify and introduce the research target (e.g., industry, country, participants)
• Explain and justify the sampling strategy
• Mention ethical considerations related to your research and data collection 

Section 3: Research methodology 

Data analysis plan

• Justify and explain the planned analysis technique, considering the data type, research aims,  research questions, etc. 

Project plan

• Develop a Gantt chart to illustrate the project schedule, including milestones and timelines: 

Reference list

• You must follow Cite Them Right Harvard – check the Canvas page
• Make sure the in-text citation matches the reference list
• Academic references – at least 25 (you need references for all sections; check the marking criteria)

Appendix 

• You must attach the ethical approval form, risk assessment form, and GDPR as the appendix
• It is not required to have these forms signed by your supervisor at this point. Your supervisors will review the forms and suggest you any changes if required later.
• You must write down ‘Appendix’ at the top of the corresponding page