RES7018 Quantitative Business Research Assessment Brief 2024-25 | BCU

RES7018 Learning Outcomes 

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria specific to this assignment:

On completion of this assignment, students should be able to demonstrate their ability to:

• LO1: Identify appropriate quantitative designs for business and management research and assess the advantages and disadvantages of qualitative data collection methods.
• LO2: Apply appropriate statistical techniques for a relevant business problem, identifying the sources of primary and secondary data to operationalise the quantitative research design.
• LO3: Gather and analyse quantitative data, producing a significant piece of independent research which shows evidence of original thinking, showcasing this through a research-based report examining a particular industry, sector, geography or situation.
• LO4: Based on statistical principles rigorously utilise state-of-the-art data management software to critically interrogate quantitative data.

Transferable Skills

In a Quantitative Business Research Master's module, you would develop a wide range of transferable skills that can be applied to various industries and roles. These skills are not just useful for academic success but are highly valued by employers. Here are some key transferable skills:

1. Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Skills Developed: Statistical analysis, data cleaning, interpreting quantitative data, using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Excel, and introduction to R, Python).
• Transferable to: Business analysis, market research, finance, consulting, data science.

2. Research Methodology

• Skills Developed: Designing and conducting research, formulating hypotheses, understanding different research methods (e.g., surveys, experiments, case studies).
• Transferable to: Market research, business consultancy, product development, and academic roles.

3. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

• Skills Developed: Evaluating research findings, analysing complex business problems, and making decisions based on evidence.
• Transferable to: Management consulting, strategic planning, project management.

4. Communication Skills

• Skills Developed: Writing research reports, presenting findings to stakeholders, creating data visualisations, and communicating complex ideas.
• Transferable to: Business strategy, client-facing roles, management positions, teaching, and training.

5. Time Management & Project Management

• Skills Developed: Managing research projects, meeting deadlines, prioritising tasks, and working on long-term and short-term projects.
• Transferable to: Project management roles, team leadership, operations management.

6. Attention to Detail

• Skills Developed: Analysing large datasets accurately, identifying patterns, checking data integrity, and ensuring high-quality research output.
• Transferable to: Financial analysis, quality control, operational management.

7. Teamwork & Collaboration

• Skills Developed: Working with peers, collaborating on group projects, sharing insights, coordinating tasks, and managing different perspectives.
• Transferable to: Cross-functional teams, collaborative business projects, leadership roles.

8. Ethical and Legal Awareness

• Skills Developed: Understanding ethical issues in research (e.g., data privacy), following guidelines for ethical data handling, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
• Transferable to: Compliance roles, regulatory affairs, business ethics management.

9. Adaptability & Flexibility

• Skills Developed: Adapting to new software, changing research methods, responding to evolving data and business challenges.
• Transferable to: Consulting, product development, innovation roles.

Developing these skills will make you well-rounded and highly attractive to employers, whether you go into finance, consulting, marketing, or data analysis roles.

Penalties for late submission

At the time of publication, the rules regarding late submission of work are:

• Assessments submitted up to 1 hour after the published deadline will receive no penalty.
• Assessments submitted between one and 24 hours after the published deadline will be reduced by 5% of the actual mark given by the tutor.
• Assessments submitted between 24 hours and five working days after the published deadline will be reduced by 10% of the actual mark given by the tutor.
• Work submitted more than five working days after the published deadline will not be marked, and the student will be deemed to have failed an attempt at the assessment.

If a student has a support statement specifying additional time to complete coursework, the penalties will only apply from the alternative deadline provided by the statement.

Importance of Taking Assessments

You must complete your assessment; otherwise, it is classed as a failed attempt (unless you have made a successful EC claim relating to Extenuating Circumstances).

If you fail any of your modules you will have to re-take it, although there are limits on the number of times that you can re-take and you may even have to re-study a module you have failed. Having to re-sit or re-study modules means that your workload will be increased and you will be putting yourself under more pressure.  You may even be liable to incur more fees if you are required to re-study a module.

The university does appreciate that there are times when you may be unable to take an assessment due to circumstances outside your control, such as illness.  If this is the case, you need to make a formal claim for an extension or deferral, as without this, you are expected to submit within the standard guidelines.

No tutor, module leader or course leader can grant any form of extension to the published deadlines - this is done by a separate team within the university to ensure consistency and fairness for all.  For full guidance on what constitutes an exceptional circumstance and how to make a claim, please visit the Extenuating Circumstances page on iCity; you can also contact the Student Support Team for help.

Assessment Overview

Method of assessment

The assessment consists of 100% Coursework. There are two coursework items in this assessment. Coursework 1 is an analysis report with 50% weighting. and has a word limit of 2000 words. Coursework 2 is an in-class presentation, with 50% weighting. and has a slide limit of 15 slides.

To pass this module, you must achieve a final overall mark of at least 50%. If your mark is less than 50%, you will be required to retake the assessment. 

Deadlines & submission

The deadline for submissions is: As stated on page one of this document

Work must be submitted online via the link provided in the Assessment area of the module’s Moodle site.  Please follow the University policy regarding online submission and submitting assessed material on time.

Please retain a copy of your original assessment material for your records.

Word count / Time allowance

The maximum word count for your assignment is: Coursework 2- 15 Slides (10% +/-).

Coursework 1- 2000 words (10% +/-).

Assignment format

The presentation (50%) and the Report (50%, 2000 words) comprise two distinct components of the assessment, both of which must be completed. Failure to submit any part of the assignment will result in a reduction in the maximum marks that can be awarded. Ensure that your work is thoroughly checked before submission for appropriate grammar and correct English spelling, as clarity and accuracy in written communication are essential for achieving high standards in both components.

You must prepare and submit your assignment in PowerPoint (Coursework 2) and Word format (Coursework 1). Only Microsoft PowerPoint and Word files will be allowed for submission. 
Your student ID number should be shown on each page of your assignment.

Material should be written in formal business English and structured clearly to ensure that ideas are expressed effectively.
Slides should be clear and readable.
ALL facts, concepts and quotations should be referenced as appropriate using the Harvard referencing system.

Tutor support

Support is available at any time throughout this module; simply contact your tutor if you need help.  Feedforward sessions will be scheduled to help you plan your work to provide further guidance.
Specific feedback on individual assessments will only be available via scheduled, face-to-face meetings, not via email.  To make the most of these sessions, it is expected that you will have already begun work on your assessment and have a list of questions for your tutor prepared in advance.

Detailed feedback will not be possible via email, and lecturers can only comment in detail on one draft.  Comments on multiple drafts are not possible, as there is a danger that your work will become your lecturer’s work.  However, if you have any specific queries, or need additional support, you can still book a tutorial at any time up to one week before the deadline – tutorials and draft reviews will not be provided in the final week before the deadline, so you must start work on your draft early and book a meeting as soon as possible.

Please note that tutors are unable to indicate a provisional grade for your work at any point before the official release date.  As such, please do not ask tutors what grade your work is likely to achieve before final submission.

Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct 

Any work you submit must be your original work.  Any work that is plagiarised - this means submitting any item of assessment which contains work produced by someone else in a way that makes it look as though it is your work – will be subject to an academic misconduct review.  This includes 'self-plagiarism' - you are not allowed to re-use work or significant sections from work, which you have already submitted for an assessment.

You are also not allowed to collude with others to produce work unless your assessment brief specifically outlines group work.  Collusion means working with at least one other person to produce a piece of work that you then pass off as your own.  You can discuss ideas for the work with other students, but you must not work with them to produce a piece of work together, you must not copy or share another student's work, and you must not lend your work (including drafts) to another student to allow them to copy your work.

If your piece of work is very similar to that of another student, you are likely to be accused of collusion.  If you are found to have made your work available for another student to copy all or part of it, you may be referred for disciplinary action even after you have completed your award and are no longer a student of the University.  You must not also falsify information, resources or data in any way.

These, and any other types of academic misconduct that are likely to give you an unfair advantage in an assessment, will be referred for investigation.  Academic misconduct threatens the standards of awards we make, so we take this matter extremely seriously indeed and any student found guilty of this will have penalties applied and in the most serious of cases, students with be withdrawn from the course. 

RES7018 Assessment Brief

Coursework 1 Brief: Quantitative Analysis Report (50%) – 2000 words

Purpose of Quantitative Business Research

Quantitative Business Research plays a crucial role in providing data-driven insights to support decision-making in business. The primary purpose is to use numerical data and statistical analysis to:

1. Identify Trends and Patterns: Quantitative research helps in understanding trends, relationships, and patterns within large datasets, which can inform business strategy, marketing, and operations.

2. Make Evidence-Based Decisions: By using objective data, businesses can make decisions grounded in facts rather than intuition, reducing risks and increasing the likelihood of success.

3. Measure Business Performance: It allows companies to assess various performance indicators, such as sales growth, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency, helping them improve processes and outcomes.

4. Forecast Future Outcomes: Statistical techniques, like regression analysis and forecasting models, are used to predict future trends, market conditions, and customer behaviour.

5. Validate Hypotheses: Quantitative research is often used to test specific hypotheses about business scenarios or phenomena (e.g., does a price reduction increase sales?).

6. Support Strategic Planning: Business leaders rely on quantitative research findings to shape long-term strategies, allocate resources, and guide organisational change.

What Do You Need to Do?

1. Choose a Topic or Context

Select a research topic related to Circular Economy; Digital Transformation; Industry 5.0; ESG; Triple Bottom Line; the topics may be in any context such as marketing, finance, operations, human resources, information management, within business and management. Your topic should be specific enough to focus your problem context while providing sufficient scope for a quantitative analysis.
Example: Statistical analysis of FMCG retail and eCommerce technological developments in Last Decade; Financial Sector Growth and Development in the last Decade; etc.

Creating a 2000-word report involves a systematic approach to understanding the key components involved. Below is a guide to help you structure the report effectively:

1. Introduction (Approx. 200-300 words)

Overview of Quantitative Business Research: Define quantitative research in the context of business. Explain its significance in decision-making and problem-solving. Mention that the report will focus on a profile assessment, which typically refers to understanding the demographic, behavioural, or performance characteristics of a specific group or segment within the business environment. 

Purpose of Profile Assessment in Quantitative Research: State the purpose of conducting a profile assessment, which could include identifying key characteristics of consumers, understanding trends, segmenting markets, etc.

Outline the Structure of the Report: Briefly introduce what each section of the report will cover.

2. Literature Review (Approx. 400-500 words)

Review Key Concepts of Quantitative Research: Explain the methods and tools used in quantitative research, such as surveys, statistical analysis, and data modelling. Discuss how analyses are applied in business contexts, using examples like customer segmentation, employee performance reviews, or product market analysis.

Previous Studies on Quantitative Analysis: Provide insights from existing literature or case studies where quantitative research has been conducted in businesses. Discuss the methodologies used and the outcomes of these studies.

Theoretical Framework: Discuss relevant theories or models used in quantitative business research that could guide the quantitative research methods, such as regression analysis, cluster analysis, or factor analysis.

3. Methodology (Approx. 300-400 words)

Research Design: Outline the design of your study, explaining whether you’re conducting a primary or secondary research project. Will you be using surveys, data mining, or another approach?

Sampling Techniques: Detail the sample size, selection criteria, and demographic characteristics of the population being studied. If it's a customer profile, specify age, location, behaviour, etc.

Data Collection Methods: Describe how data will be gathered, whether via surveys, interviews, public records, or other means. Discuss the types of data (e.g., numerical, categorical) and measurement techniques.

Data Analysis Methods: Discuss the statistical tools and software used for data analysis, such as SPSS, R, or Excel. Explain the type of analysis you plan to use (e.g., descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation analysis).

4. Data Analysis and Findings (Approx. 500-600 words)

Presentation of Data: Present your data using tables, graphs, or charts where appropriate. Provide clear visuals that help explain the profile you are assessing.

Analysis of Key Metrics: Provide insights based on your analysis. Discuss significant trends, patterns, or correlations observed in the data.

Interpretation of Findings: Explain the findings in a business context. What do the results suggest about the profile being assessed? How does it inform business decision-making or strategic planning?

5. Discussion (Approx. 300-400 words)

Interpretation of Results in Context: Compare your findings with those from the literature review. Do your results align with or differ from previous studies or theoretical expectations?

Implications for Business: Discuss the implications of your findings for business strategies or operations. For example, if assessing customer profiles, how can businesses tailor marketing strategies based on these profiles?

Limitations of the Study: Mention any limitations in your research process, such as sample size, response bias, or data quality.

6. Conclusion (Approx. 100-150 words)

Summarise the Key Findings: Briefly restate the most important findings of the profile assessment.

Recommendations: Offer actionable recommendations for businesses based on your analysis. For example, recommend targeting certain customer segments, improving product offerings, or implementing specific policies.

Suggestions for Future Research: Suggest areas for further study or improvements in the methodology for better insights.

7. References: List all the sources you’ve cited throughout your report using the Harvard citation style. Ensure that you include books, journal articles, reports, or any online resources you referenced.

Writing Tips:

Clarity and Structure: Use clear, concise language, and break the content into sections with headings for easy navigation.

Data Presentation: Use visuals like charts, tables, and graphs to present data and analysis clearly. Ensure each visual is labelled and explained.

Logical Flow: Ensure the report flows logically from section to section. Each part should build upon the last, and your findings should relate to the research objectives you introduced earlier.

Critical Thinking: In your discussion and analysis, critically assess the data and consider how it might affect business decisions or strategies.

Coursework 2 Brief: Presentation (50%) – 15 Slides

This assessment guide is designed for a 15-slide presentation on quantitative business research. The presentation should demonstrate a clear understanding of the research process, its application in a business context, and how to use quantitative methods to answer business-related questions. The assessment is based on several key criteria that address content, structure, data analysis, and communication skills.

Criteria for Evaluation

1. Clear Introduction to the Research Problem (Slides 1-2)

Key Points to Include:

• Define the research problem or business question.
• Provide background information on the topic.
• Explain the significance of the research to a specific business or sector.

2. Quantitative Research Design (Slides 3-4)

Key Points to Include:

• Identify the research design (e.g., survey, experiment, observational study).
• Justify why this design is appropriate for the research problem.
• Describe any hypotheses or key variables being tested.

3. Data Collection Methods (Slides 5-6)

Key Points to Include:

• Discuss the sources of data (e.g., primary vs. secondary data).
• Explain the data collection methods (e.g., surveys, experiments, databases).
• Mention the sample size and sampling method.

4. Application of Statistical Techniques (Slides 7-9)

Key Points to Include:

• Identify and explain the statistical techniques used (e.g., regression analysis, t-tests, chi-squared).
• Explain why these techniques are appropriate for addressing the research question.
• Provide an example of how the statistical techniques will be applied to the data.

5. Data Analysis and Results (Slides 10-11)

Key Points to Include:

• Present the data analysis results using graphs, tables, or charts.
• Interpret the findings in the context of the research question.
•  Discuss any limitations of the data or analysis.

6. Conclusion and Recommendations (Slides 12-13)

Key Points to Include:

• Summarise the main findings of the research.
• Provide actionable recommendations for the business or sector based on the analysis.
• Highlight the potential implications of the findings.

7. Visual Presentation and Structure (Slides 14-15)

Key Points to Include:

• Ensure slides are visually engaging, well-organised, and free of excessive text.
• Use appropriate graphs, charts, and visuals to aid in the presentation of quantitative data.
• Maintain a consistent, professional format throughout the presentation.

8. Delivery and Communication Skills

Key Points to Include:

• Speak clearly and confidently.
• Engage the audience with enthusiasm and interest.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the topic with minimal reliance on notes.

3. Marking criteria

Marking Criteria for Coursework 1: Business Research Report (50%)

Major Focus on Learning outcomes: LO3 and LO4 but also implicit to reflect on LO1 and LO2

 Marking Criteria for Coursework 2: In the Class Presentation and Slides (50%)

Major Focus on Learning outcomes: LO1 and LO2, but also to reflect on LO3 and LO4