Analyse how the structure, size and scope of different organisations link to the business objectives and product and services offered by the organization.

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Higher Nationals

Assignment Brief – BTEC (RQF)

Higher National Certificate in Business

Student Name/ID Number  
Unit Number and Title Unit 1 Business and the Business Environment
Academic Year  2019/2020
Unit Assessor  Tahir Mahmood
Assignment Title Organisational Types, Functions and Structures
Issue Date  23/03/2020
Submission Date  08/05/2020
IV Name S Mustafa
Date  23/03/2020

 

Submission Format:
 

The submission is in the form of an individual written report.  This should be written in a concise, formal business style using single spacing and font size 12.  You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and sub sections as appropriate, and all work must be supported with research and referenced using Harvard referencing system.  Please also provide a bibliography using the Harvard referencing system.  The recommended word limit is 3000 words, although you will not be penalised for exceeding the total word limit.

 

 
Unit Learning Outcomes:
 

LO1 Explain the different types of organisations, including their size and scope.

 

LO2 Demonstrate the interrelationship of the various functions within an organisation and how they link to organisational structure.

 
Assignment Brief and Guidance:
 

You have been employed as a Business Analyst by a large multinational organisation of your choice.

 

You are required to investigate and explain three different types of organisations, their size and classification to highlight differences between them. This should include their legal structure, size and scope, as well as their key stakeholders.

 

For one of the organisations you must then explain the various functions within the business and create an organisational chart to explain the interrelationships between different functions. You must also explain how this would be different in the other two organisations.

 

This will be presented as a report to the CEO and should include the following:

 

1. Introduction to provide an overview of different types of organisations and the growth of the international business environment.

 

2. An explanation of each of the chosen organisations, including: background details of the organization; the products and services they supply; the size and scope of the organization; their vision, mission and business objectives; the organizational and legal structure; and information about their stakeholders.

 

3. In detail, explain the functions for one of the chosen organisations, using an organization chart to show how the functions interrelate and an explanation of how they relate to structure.

 

*Please access HN Global for additional resources support and reading for this unit. For further guidance and support on report writing please refer to the Study Skills Unit on HN Global. Link to www.higher nationals.com

 
 
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
 

Learning Outcome

  

Pass

  

Merit

  

Distinction
LO1 Explain the different types, size and scope of organisations. P1 Explain different types and purposes of organisations; public, private and voluntary sectors and legal structures.

 

 

 

 

P2 Explain the size and scope of a range of different types of organisations.

 

 

 M1 Analyse how the structure, size and scope of different organisations link to the business objectives and product and services offered by the organization. D1 Provide a critical analysis of the complexities of different types of business structures and the interrelationships of the different organisational functions.
LO2 Demonstrate the interrelationship of the various functions within an organisation and how they link to organisational structure. P3 Explain the relationship between different organisational functions and how they link to organisational objectives and structure. M2 Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of interrelationships between organisational functions and the impact that can have upon organisational structure.

Which one of these theories applies to your motivation, offering examples in support of your reflections – 200 words

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Faculty of Social Sciences – Assignment Brief for Students – 2019/2020                    

Assessment brief  (if appropriate, please refer to module assessment briefing document)

 
 

Instructions: You are required to develop a portfolio. The portfolio has four parts (referred to as Portfolio assignments 1, 2, 3 and 4) but is submitted as one document (4000 words). Your portfolio encourages you to develop greater self-awareness and to explore strategies and approaches to leadership and managing others. Your portfolio should be well written from an academic perspective and well presented, grammar, punctuation and spelling. You must engage with relevant theories and perspectives explored within formal lectures and guided reading from the recommended literature, fully supporting your portfolio with accurately cited academic references throughout.

The four assignments that form the final portfolio, cover different aspects of the module content as follows:

Portfolio assignment 1 – (1000 words) 

There are many theories of motivation deriving from a number of schools of thought on the subject and you should read widely and engage thoroughly with this topic. Then you should undertake the following tasks:

a)     Critically review the strengths and limitations of TWO theories of motivation (you must avoid merely describing them) – 800 words

b)    Which one of these theories applies to your motivation, offering examples in support of your reflections – 200 words

 

Portfolio Assignment 2 – (1000 words)

Compare and contrast two leadership theories. You should support your argument with academic theories, research and references.

Portfolio Assignment 3 – (1000 words)

Discuss the question, “Is conflict always dysfunctional in the workplace?” You must refer to academic theories and your answer should be supported by references.

Portfolio Assignment 4 – (1000 words)

Organisational change invariably prompts an emotional response. How might organisations use the OD (Organisational Development) model to ensure more positive outcomes? You should relate to academic theories within your writing.

You must submit these as four portfolio assignments, but together as one word document, references at the end of each section or at the end of the assignment and in the Harvard style.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

 

Your essay and all your assessment evidence must be collated into one word document only and e-submitted through Canvas by the deadline set. Thank you.

 

 

Pass mark

           

Undergraduate                                                                                                                        40%

Other (PSRB or subject specific)
Performance descriptors in use;

·         University of Wolverhampton                                                                                                Yes  No Mark Sheet specific to each question.

·         Professional or Statutory Body                                                                                             Yes  No 

·         Module specific                                                                                                                       Yes x No 

·         Other (specify below)                                                                                                                               Yes  No 

 

 

Return of assessments

(Instructions for return / collection of assessments)

  

Feedback sent within 4 working weeks after submission date.

 

 

  This assessment is testing Module Learning outcomes Tick if tested here  
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding and awareness of the concepts of managing and motivating oneself and be able to explain and apply the fundamentals of motivation theories that might underpin staff motivation in an organization. Ö Q1
LO2 Identify and explain the concepts of leading and managing others in respect of current and key leadership theories. Ö Q2
LO3 Explain and discuss theories that impact upon conflict management approaches relevant to the management of people. Ö Q3
LO4 Explain some of the basic theoretical constructs of managing change in the workplace by applying the Organization Development model.

 

 Ö Q4

Additional information for students

The University’s Learning Information Services have produced a series of guides covering a range of topics to support your studies, and develop your academic skills including a guide to academic referencing http://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/skills_for_learning/study_guides.aspx

Your module guide and course handbook contain additional and important information regarding;

  • The required referencing style for your assignment.*

Whilst many modules require referencing in accordance with the Harvard Referencing convention, some modules – for example those within the School of Law – require Oxford Referencing. Familiarize yourself with the requirements of your module.

  • Submission of your work
  • Marking, feedback and moderation in accordance with the University of Wolverhampton Assessment Handbook
  • Extensions on submission dates *
  • Additional support *
  • Academic conduct with regards to cheating, collusion or plagiarism *
  • Links to appropriate sources of relevant information *

* Further information regarding these and other policies can be accessed through your student portal on wlv.ac.uk.

 

Always keep a copy of your work and a file of working papers

The requirement to keep a file of working papers is important.  There may be circumstances where it is difficult to arrive at a mark for your work. If this is the case, you may be asked to submit your file and possibly meet with your tutor to answer questions on your submission.

When you submit your work you will be required to sign an important declaration confirming that:

  • The submission is your own work
  • Any material you have used has been acknowledged and appropriately referenced
  • You have not allowed another student to have access to your work
  • The work has not been submitted previously.

The following information is important when:

  • Preparing for your assignment
  • Checking your work before you submit it
  • Interpreting feedback on your work after marking.

Module Learning Outcomes

Module Learning Outcomes are specific to this module, and are set when the module was validated.

  • Assessment Criteria
  • The module Learning Outcomes tested by this assignment, and precise criteria against which your work will be marked are outlined in your assessment brief.

Performance Descriptors

  • Performance descriptors indicate how marks will be arrived at against each of the assessment criteria. The descriptors indicate the likely characteristics of work that is marked within the percentage bands indicated.

To help you further:

  • Re-sit opportunities are available for students who are unable to take the first sit opportunity, or who need to re take any component.
  • Refer to the Canvas topic for contact details of your module leader / tutor, tutorial inputs, recommended reading and other sources, etc. Resit details will also appear on the Canvas module topic.
  • The University’s Learning Information Services offer support and guidance to help you with your studies and develop your academic skills http://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/skills_for_learning/study_guides.aspx

Can different training approaches in non business sectors be applied in business sectors? Do authors highlight problems in introducing and developing different training approaches?

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Literature Review
Literature review sources examples;
Relevant – Academic books, articles, journals, institutes, expert unbiased statements etc
Linked to your research project, undertake a wide literature review to identify;
Expert opinions – Proven facts – data – evidence
Qualitative and quantitative secondary information and data.

DO NOT SIMPLY REPORT WHAT AUTHORS SAY!
Analyse and critically compare (eg agreements / disagreements)
Form arguments and conclusions.
Analyse quantitative research (Form conclusions, do not simply state facts)
Project:- How can training and development positively impact on employee performance and productivity.

Hypothesis:- Continuous training and development contributes towards achieving organization aims and objectives.
You are researching into different forms of training and development approaches which contribute to achieving organization objectives.

DO NOT SIMPLY REPORT WHAT AUTHORS SAY!
Example approaches, you could;
Different authors views on different training approaches – agreements/disagreements
Is there evidence that certain training approaches work in certain circumstances.
Do authors promote deploying certain training and development approaches.
Can different training approaches in non business sectors be applied in business sectors?
Do authors highlight problems in introducing and developing different training approaches?
Are there errors in authors methods, perspectives and conclusions?
Are authors past perspectives no longer relevant.
Are sources valid/invalid? Biased/unbiased?
Are there gaps in authors research which questions validity of their views?

Discuss any problems or shortcomings with the way the study was conducted (if any) If necessary, describe methods of improving the study.

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Write a formal business report to your “boss” at the company. The purpose of this business report is to permit you to show what you have learned in the course about statistics, in particular what you have learned about correlation and regression, and what should be included in a practical business report using statistical analyses.
Students must submit a concise business report for which they should:
Utilize appropriate statistical analyses of the sample data provided.
Interpret the results in the context of a business situation.
Discuss the statistical results in the context of the business situation.
Discuss any problems or shortcomings with the way the study was conducted (if any)
If necessary, describe methods of improving the study.
Discuss any recommendations you think appropriate.

Assume that you are writing this report so that it can be read by two types of readers: those who know no statistics (such as your “boss” at this company) and those who know statistics (such as her statistics expert assistant who will want enough information to know if you analyzed the data properly and whether you have drawn the correct conclusions). Use anything you have learned throughout this course when composing your comprehensive, yet concise, well-organized and well-written report. Instructions: The business report is strictly limited to a maximum of 3 pages, 12-point, double-spaced, Times Roman (not including title page, graphs, tables, references, or appendices). Ensure all Excel analyses are attached. This report should be written in essay-format (i.e., sentences and paragraphs), not point form.
Criteria for evaluation will include appropriateness and correctness of analyses; quality and thoroughness of analyses; quality of organization and writing; clarity and correctness of interpretation; professional quality of job performed.

Critically examine a range of theoretical approaches to the evaluation of an organization’s strategic position.

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Assessment Criteria
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding tested in this assignment:
· Explore the risks and opportunities confronting strategic leaders in a changing world.

· Assess the challenges facing organisations in times of economic growth and recession.

· Critically examine a range of theoretical approaches to the evaluation of an organization’s strategic position.
Learning Outcomes: Skills and Attributes tested in this assignment:
· Research, diagnose and analyze a complex range of strategic problems.

· Critically evaluate strategic concepts and theory.

· Reflect on the experience of working as part of a team on a group project.
· Feedback /Marking criteria for this Assignment
Performance will be assessed using HBS Grading Criteria and Mark scheme.
Guidance for improvement will be given in writing on the Assessment Feedback Form or on the StudyNet Feedback Form within 4 weeks of submission.For each day or part day up to five days after the published deadline, coursework relating to modules submitted late will have the numeric grade reduced by 10 grade points until or unless the numeric grade reaches 40 for levels 4, 5 and 6 or 50 for level 7 (PG).  If a submission is more than 5 working days after the published deadline, a grade of zero will be awarded.

Where the numeric grade awarded for the assessment is less than 40 for level 4, 5 and 6, or 50 for level 7, no lateness penalty will be applied;

 

Detailed Brief for Individual/Group Assessment
Assignment Title: Individual Academic Reflective Report

 

Description of the assignment:

The sole aim of this assignment is to enable students to critically reflect on their academic experience of the module, including the evaluative, research and analytical skills gained throughout the module journey. It is also intended to enable the students to articulate their self-awareness, especially after working with colleagues in their assigned learning set during tutorials. Therefore, it is vital to follow the structure as laid out below to reflect on your experience of the module.

  1. Introduction:

· Briefly introduce your report to the reader – what is your report about?

· Discuss the specific issues that will be covered in the report

· Briefly discuss the company selected by your learning set: How and why the learning set settled for the selected company?

· Specify the models/frameworks that were used in analysing the issues in Assignment 1

· Discuss the rationale for writing the reflective report

  1. Description:

· Describe the aspects of the module that have significantly enhanced your knowledge and skills: Ensure you are specific and clear about the areas of the module you find most productive to your future career.

· Describe and justify how the module has developed your research, evaluative and analytical skills

· Describe the opportunities and challenges of writing an academic report with colleagues of differing backgrounds

· Describe how you applied the theories and theoretical concepts in your learning set to critically analyze the issues faced by your selected organization

  1. Feelings:

· Discuss your feelings about your selected company, including the strategic issues they faced and what they did to address them?

· Demonstrate how it has helped transform your thinking about Business Strategy generally.

· What new perspective(s) of Business Strategy have you captured during the module delivery? You can focus your discussion on any specific strategic theories/concepts/frameworks/models you have either learnt during the lectures and/or tutorials or within your learning set and show how they are applicable in practice? It is vital to ensure that, your arguments are specific and appropriately tailored to a key issue(s).

·Ensure you complement your discussions above with appropriate and specific examples

  1. Evaluation:

· Highlight the areas of the learning set discussions during the tutorials you considered invaluable/good, and the aspects that are inappropriate/bad. How did it affect your perception of working with others?

· What did you discover about yourself working with others? How do you intend to earnest the skills gained and/or address the weaknesses identified? How will they be useful/beneficial to your career in the future?

· Were there any cultural challenges within the learning set? How did you overcome these challenges? What lessons did you learn?

· How did the learning set communicate? Note: Think about: how meetings were held, email communication, specific social media interactions and tools used, etc.

· Ensure that you present appropriate justification for each argument.

  1.  Analysis:

· Analyse your perspective of the learning set discussions and the module. Discuss the sense you make of the situation.

· Articulate what lessons you have learnt and how that will improve and/or enhance your ability of working with others in the future?

· Specify how the knowledge gained from the learning set discussions has improved your understanding of strategic concepts/theories and your understanding of their applications in contemporary management practice.

  1. Conclusion:

Summarize your key points and indicate their implications on your future practice.

Note: your conclusion should come from the various sections discussed above.

Any specific instructions:

Reflective writing is personal, and therefore you are free to use first person (I, me, we) and emphasise the use of vocabulary, which relates to personal feelings and emotions. Be frank and specific in the way that you describe the research and analytical skills gained and use specific examples to illustrate how studying on this module have improved your level of application of these skills. The examples highlighted might relate to how you worked with colleagues in your learning set, and/or relevant real-life Business Strategy issues. You are also encouraged to consider how studying on this module might have developed your skills, knowledge and other attributes associated with enhancing your future career development. In summary, try to reflect on your overall experience of the module, your selected company and consider whether you have developed any new perspectives on Business Strategy and how this, together with changes in your skill set, might assist you in future.

· You are encouraged to include headings and subheadings to improve the clarity of your work

· You can include theories and/or concepts where appropriate, but must be directly linked with your arguments

· Ensure you include page numbers

· You are expected to use in-text referencing where appropriate and the use of Harvard Referencing style is essential (please check the Harvard Reference guide on Studynet if you need further information).

·         Word count limit must be adhered to with an allowance of +/- 10%

Mark scheme:

e.g. Weighting
Presentation and Structure 15
Harvard Referencing 5
Content and findings 25
Business Application 25
Analysis 30
Total 100
Student Support and Guidance

·         For further help, contact your module leader in their drop-in hours or by email.

·         Use the Grading Criteria and Mark Scheme to help improve your work.

·         Go to CASE workshops, use the CASE website and drop-in hours www.studynet.herts.ac.uk/go/CASE/

·         Academic English for Business support is available through daily drop-ins from the CASE office.  See the CASE workshop timetable on the CASE main website page for details.

·         Some tutors allow students to test their work using Turnitin.  Guidance on submission to Turnitin via StudyNet can be found by using the following link. http://www.studynet1.herts.ac.uk/ptl/common/asu.nsf/resource+library/TURNITIN+FOR+STUDENTS+2016+USER+GUIDE.pdf/$FILE/TURNITIN+FOR+STUDENTS+2016+USER+GUIDE.pdf

Analyse the resources and key competences of the organization to identify a set of Strengths and Weaknesses and identify core competences (key factors that may give the company its competitive advantage).

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Applied Corporate Strategy Assessment: Strategic Analysis Report

he module is assessed (100%) by an individual Strategic Report (maximum 3,000 words) involving an in-depth, strategic analysis of a large organization. The subject of the report will be decided by the module convenor but students will be able to choose from a list of several examples.

Instructions for assessment

This assignment is focused on the selected organization, its industry and business environment. By week 2 you will be given a list of organisations (cases) to choose from. Please choose one case (featuring an organization) for the purposes of this assignment.

Formative work in weekly seminars will guide students through analytical techniques and processes required to complete the task.

The Strategic Report should address the following:

2) Analyse the resources and key competences of the organization to identify a set of Strengths and Weaknesses and identify core competences (key factors that may give the company its competitive advantage). (30%)

3) Evaluate the given strategy (as per chosen case) using SAFe criteria. (30%)

A further 10% is available for clarity, structure, grammar, correct Harvard referencing and overall professional presentation showing clear report style.

Note that the emphasis is on application! This assignment is not about general (or critical) discussion of strategic models. You are asked to apply these models to the case chosen. Appropriately referenced data should be used in support of your arguments and discussion.

The report should not exceed 3,000 words + 10%.  Appendices are allowed outside this limit but NO MORE than 6 pages.

How will we support you with your assessment?

There will be weekly references to the assessment task in seminars and weekly activities in those seminars will be helpful in creating “scaffolding” for eventual submission.

The formative mini-casework in seminars will be of direct help in the application of relevant strategic tools. There will be regular Q&A sessions linked to the assessment report and in the final weeks of teaching there will be an opportunity to review and reflect upon work from previous cohorts.

How will your work be assessed?

Your work will be assessed by a subject expert who will use the marking scheme indicated below.  Feedback will be given in the Turnitin/Grademark system with script comments plus overall points. When you access your marked work it is important that you reflect on the feedback so that you can use it to improve future assignments.

In this Strategic Report, high marks come from using strategic concepts and analysis from the module clearly applied to the organization. Harvard referencing, a professional report style plus appropriate diagrams/tables are also required. Outline marking expectations are as follows:

Q1: (30%) External analysis.

Discuss the business environment and identify a number of Opportunities – Os and Threats – Ts (we expect 6 issues from business environment to be discussed in total each of which concluded as an O or a T). Please note that there is no need to address each factor (if for example there are no important legal or technological issues do not discuss these factors). Your task is to identify and discuss 6 most important issues in your opinion. Demonstrate how an issue is an Opportunity or a Threat.

Industry analysis (5 Forces) should be applied to assess industry attractiveness (each force should be discussed and assessed as High, Moderate or Low and industry attractiveness should be assessed having these forces in mind).

Make sure that you use appropriately referenced data (charts, figures, quotes etc) to support your arguments. Also, note that this is an external analysis so it is not about the firm but about issues in that industry (in context).

Q2: (30%) Internal analysis.

Identify and discuss organizations unique resources & distinctive capabilities (at least 6 Strengths and Weaknesses should be covered in total). Discuss resources (what a company has) and competences (activities) separately.

While addressing unique resources (physical – e.g. retail outlets, manufacturing facilities, products etc.; human – e.g. people and teams crucial for successful strategic development; intangible – e.g. brands, links to external stakeholders etc. and possibly financial) make sure that each is discussed separately and concluded as an S or a W.

While discussing distinctive competences construct Value Chain for the organisation and within list a number of specific and distinctive activities for your organization. Demonstrate how unique capabilities link to competitive advantage (each distinctive competence from Value Chain should be “pushed” through VRIO to identify Core Competences for the organization). Once you identify one (or two at most) core competence provide a discussion about these below Value Chain or VRIO (what is the activity and how does it contribute to firm’s competitive advantage). Note that all competences listed n value chain (and VRIO) should be company’s Strengths (Weaknesses could be discussed in a descriptive fashion separately). Again, use properly referenced data to support your arguments. This question is about the company (internal analysis).

Q3: (30%) Strategy Evaluation

Evaluate the given strategy – please see “Cases for the assignment” on moodle) using the three SAFe tests:

Construct TOWS populating Os, Ts, Ss and Ws fully (all Os and Ts obtained from Q1, all Ss and Ws obtained from Q2). Place the strategy you are evaluating in one of the inner sections and try to associate it to one or more internal and one or more external items while addressing Suitability (e.g. if you place a strategy in S-O quadrant identify appropriate S or Ss combined with O or Os while contemplating this strategy).

Construct Power/Interest matrix with a number of relevant stakeholders, then choose two stakeholder groups that will be affected with the strategy and for each discuss if the strategy you are evaluating is acceptable not and why.

While addressing Feasibility, comment on financial resources and skills required for implementation of the strategy being evaluated.

Note that it is a specific strategy that is evaluated!

PRESENTATION: (10%) We expect a professional report with clear report style (not an essay) e.g. frontsheet, contents, clear sections, tables & diagrams and relevant Harvard referencing. The word count should not be exceeded by more than 10%.

(In addition to marker feedback, a full marking rubric will be available within the Turnitin submission system for student consideration.)

Marking and feedback process

Between you handing in your work and then receiving your feedback and marks, there are a number of quality assurance processes that we go through to ensure that students receive marks which reflects their work. A brief summary is provided below:

  • Step 1 – The module and marking team meet to agree standards, expectations and how feedback will be provided.
  • Step 2 – A subject expert will mark your work using the criteria provided in the assessment brief.
  • Step 3 – A moderation meeting takes place where all members of the teaching and marking team will review the marking of others to confirm whether they agree with the mark and feedback.
  • Step 4 – Work at Levels 5 and 6 then goes to an external examiner who will review a sample of work to confirm that the marking between different staff is consistent and fair.
  • Step 5 – The Office process your mark & feedback & it is made available to you.

Do authors highlight problems in introducing and developing different training approaches?

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Literature Review
Literature review sources examples;
Relevant – Academic books, articles, journals, institutes, expert unbiased statements etc
Linked to your research project, undertake a wide literature review to identify;
Expert opinions – Proven facts – data – evidence
Qualitative and quantitative secondary information and data.

DO NOT SIMPLY REPORT WHAT AUTHORS SAY!
Analyse and critically compare (eg agreements / disagreements)
Form arguments and conclusions.
Analyse quantitative research (Form conclusions, do not simply state facts)
Project:- How can training and development positively impact on employee performance and productivity.

Hypothesis:- Continuous training and development contributes towards achieving organization aims and objectives.
You are researching into different forms of training and development approaches which contribute to achieving organization objectives.

DO NOT SIMPLY REPORT WHAT AUTHORS SAY!
Example approaches, you could;
Different authors views on different training approaches – agreements/disagreements
Is there evidence that certain training approaches work in certain circumstances.
Do authors promote deploying certain training and development approaches.
Can different training approaches in non business sectors be applied in business sectors?
Do authors highlight problems in introducing and developing different training approaches?
Are there errors in authors methods, perspectives and conclusions?
Are authors past perspectives no longer relevant.
Are sources valid/invalid? Biased/unbiased?
Are there gaps in authors research which questions validity of their views?

Does your information sheet (or equivalent) contain all the information participants need? If your research changes, how will consent be renegotiated?

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PRE-APPROVED TEMPLATE: 

UNDERGRADUATE, MASTERS, AND MBA STUDENT PROJECTS INVOLVING INTERVIEWS.

has approved the following research protocol for use as part of student research projects.  Any student projects that meet the conditions below and which follow the protocol set out need not apply for further ethical approval.  The responsibility for ensuring that the project meets the conditions and uses the protocol that has been pre-approved rests with the student carrying out the research and the supervisor/module coordinator as appropriate.

Student projects which do not fit the conditions of this or one of the other pre-approved protocols may still be undertaken, but will need individual ethical approval from the School REC before the project starts.  This takes an average of two weeks, so you should factor in this time into your project planning.

This protocol can be used for projects with the following characteristics:

Permitted Methods:

Interviews or focus groups with research participants conducted with the aim of collecting data for a student project.

A participant information form (template attached as annex 1) must be completed and given to each research participant in advance of the interview and a copy left with them afterwards.  You should translate the participant information form into the appropriate language if research participants are not fluent in English.  You must store the data securely (password protection for electronic files) and anonymize the data as much as possible.

You must follow the guidance notes on ethical research in the latest version of the course handbook (reproduced as annex 2).

The research may not:

  • Involve payment or other compensation to interviewees
  • Involve the data being used for any other purpose not specified in the consent form

 

Permitted Topics:

This approval only covers research on non-sensitive topics.  Topics considered sensitive include sexuality, drug use, illegal activities, and any other personal topics with the potential to cause offence or upset.  If your research is commercially sensitive, you must complete a confidentiality agreement.

 

Permitted Research Participants:

This approval does not cover the participation of the following groups:

  • NHS staff or patients
  • Children (under 18s)
  • Adults with learning disabilities whose ability to consent is impaired

[appendix 1 – Participant Information Sheet]

 

Information for Participants

Thank you for agreeing to participate in the project.  Your participation is voluntary, and you may change your mind about being involved, or decline to answer a particular question or questions at any time and without giving a reason.

This information sheet is designed to give you full details of the project, its goals, and what you will be asked to do as part of the research.  If you have any questions that are not answered by this information sheet, please ask.

What is the project title?

 

Who is carrying out the project?

[Your name]

 

What is the project about?

[Please include a brief, straightforward summary of the objectives of the research

 

 

Who is being asked to take part, and why?

[Please include information about how and why participants have been identified / chosen.  You should not name other participants]

 

What will participants be asked to do?

[Include details of all of the topics you will be asking questions about]

 

What will happen to the information I provide?

[include information about data storage/retention, as well as how the information provided will be used– extent of anonymity, will direct quotes be used, how will participants be referred to etc]

 

What will be the outputs or outcomes?

[Give details of the assignment you will write as a result of the research as well as any other purpose for which it may be used.]

 

Contact details

[Your name, phone, email, postal address]

[Supervisor/module coordinator’s name, phone email, university postal address]

 

Complaints and governance procedure:

If you wish to complain about the way in which the research is being conducted or have any concerns about the research then in the first instance please contact the [Principal Investigator or supervisor] or the School’s Research Ethics Officer:

[This document should be no more than two sides of A4 at the absolute maximum]

Appendix 2:  Handbook text on Research Ethics

Research Ethics

Some of your assignments may require you to undertake some original or primary research of your own.  If this research involves human participants (for example, through interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, or surveys) or their personal data or information, you will need approval from the School’s Research Ethics Committee (REC).

Most student research projects can be undertaken under the auspices of a pre-approved protocol.  At the time of writing, there are approved protocols for projects involving interviews or focus groups; projects involving surveys; business plans; and projects on behalf of a company.  Further protocols may be added during the year.  These protocol documents contain details of the kinds of project that they may and may not be used for, and a template for a research participant information sheet.   If your project does not fit any of the pre-approved protocols you may need to submit a formal application to the REC for ethical approval.  The relevant module convenor or your dissertation supervisor will let you know about any such requirements.

The latest version of these protocols and templates can be found on Moodle.

The School encourages students to undertake independent research where appropriate, normally as part of a dissertation module.  The intention of these procedures is not to discourage students from undertaking imaginative and original research, but to safeguard the interests, rights, and dignity of research participants.  This is just as important for student projects as for cutting-edge academic research led by world class researchers.

The process of ethical review and approval is an important part of safeguarding participants, but at least as important is for researchers to be aware of ethical issues when planning and carrying out their research.  The following guidance is adapted from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Framework for Research Ethics (2015):

http://www.esrc.ac.uk/funding/guidance-for-applicants/research-ethics/

There are six key principles of ethical research that the ESRC expects to be addressed whenever applicable:

The six key principles:

  1. Research should be designed, reviewed and undertaken to ensure integrity, quality and transparency.
  1. Research staff [including students undertaking research] and participants must normally be informed fully about the purpose, methods and intended possible uses of the research, what their participation in the research entails and what risks, if any, are involved.
  1. The confidentiality of information supplied by research participants and the anonymity of respondents must be respected.
  1. Research participants must take part voluntarily, free from any coercion.
  1. Harm to research participants must be avoided in all instances.
  1. The independence of research must be clear, and any conflicts of interest or partiality must be explicit.

 

To implement these principles:

  • The responsibility for conduct of the research in line with relevant principles rests with the principal investigator and the research / employing organization.
  • Risks should be minimized.
  • Research should be designed in a way that the dignity and autonomy of research participants is protected and respected at all times.

POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING RESEARCH

Have you considered risks to:

  • the research team?
  • the participants? (harm, deception, impact of outcomes)
  • the data collected? (storage, considerations of privacy, quality)
  • the university?
  • Might anyone else be put at risk as a consequence of this research?
  • What might these risks be?
  • How will you protect your data at the research site and away from the research site?

 

Details and recruitment of participants:

  • What types of people will be recruited?
  • How will the competence of participants to give informed consent be determined?
  • How, where, and by whom will participants will be identified, approached, and recruited?
  • Will any unequal relationships exist between anyone involved in the recruitment and the potential participants?
  • Are there any benefits to participants?
  • Is there a need for participants to be de-briefed? By whom?
  • What information will participants be given about the research?
  • Who will benefit from this research?
  • Have you considered anonymity and confidentiality?
  • How will you store your collected data?
  • How will data be disposed of and after how long?
  • Are there any conflicts of interest in undertaking this research?

 

Have you considered consent?

  • Does your information sheet (or equivalent) contain all the information participants need?
  • If your research changes, how will consent be renegotiated?

Are you conducting research outside the UK? Are there any additional issues that need to be considered as a result? (e.g. local customs, local ‘gatekeepers’, political sensitivities)

How will the ethics aspects of the project be monitored throughout its course?

How will unforeseen or adverse events in the course of research be managed?

Using the concept of “interdependence,” analyze and explain what parts play a more significant role in shaping the overall behavior of the system.

/in /by

Watch the “Systems Thinking” video prior to responding to this week’s discussion question. The analytical framework that is presented in this video should inform and guide your responses to the following questions. 

Video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GPW0j2Bo_eY

Consider the DQ1 Scenario (i.e., the selected system) that you picked for DQ1 (scenario at bottom of page). Use a multiscale analytical perspective (i.e., switching back and forth between zooming in and zooming out) to address the following:

QUESTIONS:

  1. What individual “parts” are involved within the boundary of the selected system?
  1. Using the concept of “interdependence,” analyze and explain what parts play a more significant role in shaping the overall behavior of the system.
  1. Based on your responses to questions 1 and 2, create and share a visual representation of the system, similar to the spinning gears in the “Systems Thinking” video. Note that each gear should represent an individual part and the size of the gear should indicate the part’s significance in relation to the system as a whole.
  2. Informed by the insights that you gained from using a multiscale analytical perspective, “briefly” discuss some of the actions that you might take to reach your primary goal in the case/scenario of interest. As noted previously, examples of these goals might include increasing profits, enhancing customer service, and improving quality.

DQ1 Scenario:

Looking at the case of a coffee shop striving to increase profits, it can adopt the following strategies for a proper response towards unpredictable external demands. A coffee shop should be mindful of unpredictable change in ingredients used to prepare its coffee by allocating resources towards an unforeseeable future. Due to the inability to predict such a change, the coffee shop should be informed by gathering new information beyond the available

Create an international business or international venture outside of the U.S. (e.g., export/import, franchising, manufacturing, joint venture, etc.)

/in /by

Create an international business or international venture outside of the U.S. (e.g., export/import, franchising, manufacturing, joint venture, etc.)
Define the name, nature of the business, and brief background of the company and industry. Be sure this venture is created and is unique and innovative.
State the specific target market for the venture.
Create a strategic plan that includes the following (in any order you decide):
An analysis of the competitive advantage of your venture (Why will it be successful?).
A PESTLE analysis, or a similar business analysis process, of the host country.
A 6- to 12-month timeline of your venture’s expansion.
A list of SMART goals.
A summary of startup human resources and marketing concepts.
A SWOT analysis of the venture that evaluates at least four challenges and advantages and/or opportunities and threats (e.g., cross-cultural, foreign currency, legal, etc.).
Suggest recommendations to overcome the challenges and threats from the SWOT you conducted.