UMCDVF-15-3 Business Project Assessment Brief 2025 | UWE

Module learning outcomes assessed by this task:

• Identify and refine a suitable business issue to do research
• Identify and apply appropriate methodologies to address a specific research issue
• Apply analytical techniques to present and interpret quantitative and/or qualitative data
• Critically reflect on relevant theoretical frameworks in the context of business project research
• Plan and manage a piece of extended individual writing - manage time, work effectively, write clearly and concisely, organise material coherently

Use of AI in assessment

Possible ways to use AI in this assessment include the use of AI for researching bibliography, checking spelling and syntax, grammar, translation, etc.

Guidance on Referencing (inc Al):

Please note that referencing aims to demonstrate you have read and understood a range of sources to evidence your key points. You need to list the references consistently and in such a way as to ensure the reader can follow up on the sources for themselves. You are expected to use UWE Harvard as the referencing style in your report.

Submission and Feedback Dates

Submission deadline

• Before 14:00 on 07 May 2025
• eligible for 48-hour late submission window

Submission format:

• Word or PDF, submission via Moodle

Marks and Feedback due on

20 working days after the submission deadline

N.B. all times are 24-hour clock, current local time (at time of submission) in the UK

Marks and Feedback will be provided via

Blackboard uses a rubric to show achievement against the marking criteria as well as qualitative feedback to portray the strengths and areas of improvement.

Completing your assessment

What am I required to do on this assessment?

A 3,500-word individual Business Project report on a topic of your choice. Topics were chosen in the Business Project in Theory module (Semester 1).

Proposed structure of the assessment:

1. Introduction (300 words)

• The business issue and the purpose of the project
• Background to the study and why it is relevant and of interest to research and practice. Structure of the remainder of the report

2. Review of the literature (800 words)

• Evaluation of the existing body of knowledge on the research issue
• Theoretical framework (if applicable)
• Where your research fits in and the research question(s) and propositions or hypotheses (if applicable)

3. Methodology (800 words)

• Identification of paradigm
• Justification of choice of methodology and methods
• Limitations of the research design

4. Findings/Results (1100 words)

i) Presentation & discussion of the analysis of your research data (approximately 500 words)

• Statistical tests (if applicable)
• Thematic codes (if applicable)

ii) Discussion of findings concerning the literature discussed in the literature review section and discussion of limitations of findings (approximately 500 words)

iii) Limitations of findings (approximately 100 words)

5. Conclusion (500 words)

• Summary of what you found out about each research question you investigated
• Your contribution to the existing body of knowledge on the chosen business issue
• Limitations of your research and suggestions for future research
• Implications of your research for practice

References

• A detailed, alphabetical list of all the sources cited in the text
• Using UWE Harvard referencing style

Appendix

• Dataset(s) (compulsory)
• , Evidence of Ethics form completion (compulsory).
• Data, tables and figures referred to in the text, but not shown elsewhere (optional).
• Any evidence of your project management (e.g. Gantt chart, etc) (optional).

Notes:

• The word count suggestion per section is indicative, and you are encouraged to adjust the word count balance according to the needs of your project and writing style.
• Failing to provide evidence of your dataset(s) in the Appendix will result in 0 for the results and conclusion sections.
• Any report that does not include a signed off Ethics form in the Appendix will result in an O for the results and conclusion sections.

Where should I start?

✓ Please refer to the feedback you received on your research proposal and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of your research.
✓ Consider if you wish to make any changes to your Research Question(s), Introduction, Literature Review and Methodology.
✓ Create a Word document and use headings for each section of the Business Project report.
✓ Refer to the suggested structure table above (pages 2 &3) for information on the content you need to cover in each section.
✓ Attend all lectures and seminars, as these will help you advance your understanding of research and manage your time effectively.
✓ Continue reading on your topic and the business management research methods field.

What do I need to do to pass?

Refer to the marking criteria and achievement of the minimum marks, namely a mark of 40% or above for the level of your study (i.e. level 6).

How do I achieve high marks in this assessment?

• Refer to the marking criteria and the characteristics of work that achieves a higher 2:1 or 1st on the marking rubric.
• Engage with the module content and utilise the weekly feedback effectively.
• Refer to module resources (e.g., help sheets, extra support sessions, library resources, drop-ins with the module leader).
• Manage your time effectively using technology solutions and time management frameworks (e.g. Gantt's chart).

How does learning and teaching relate to the assessment?

Lectures and seminars link directly to the assessment. The lectures are directly linked to the Business Project report and provide essential information about the structure, content, and processes need to be followed to complete your research effectively.

Seminars include activities that provide students with the opportunity to:

• Advance their understanding of the research process
• The expectations of the assessment (e.g., weekly workbooks)
• Discuss the progress in their research
• get recommendations for improvement

Attending the seminars is crucial for doing well on this module.

What additional resources may help me complete this assessment?

• Lecture slides and recordings
• Seminar slides
• Seminar workbooks
• Reading lists/materials
• FAQs and other resources on your Blackboard site
• Help Sheets (they will be shared on key weeks via Blackboard)
• Regular Updates via Blackboard
• Bespoke coursework support sessions
• Office hours with the module leader
• Specific UWE library study skills pages:

What do I do if I am concerned about completing this assessment?

It is recommended that you review all of the relevant materials on Blackboard. You can also speak to your module leader for advice and guidance.

UWE Bristol offers a range of Assessment Support Options that you can explore through this link, and both Academic Support and Wellbeing Support are available.

For further information, please see the Student Study Essentials.

How do I avoid an Assessment Offence on this module?

Use the support above if you feel unable to submit your work for this module. The most common forms of Assessment Offence on the Business project module are: omission of ethical clearance; data fabrication; non-authentic analysis of collected data.

To avoid an Assessment Offence, you need to engage with the Teaching and Supervision on the Business Project module, utilise effectively the information and support provided on this module, discuss your concerns in an open and honest way with your Tutor and request relevant support.