QUALIFI Unit 701 Research Methods Assignment: Workforce Diversity & Motivation Study for Public Sector Services

University University of Plymouth(UoP)
Subject Unit 701: Research Methods

Assignment Brief – Unit 701 Research Methods

Unit 701: Research Methods

Introduction

The aim of the unit is to develop the learner’s knowledge and understanding of academic practice and approaches to research. It utilises a problem‐based learning approach to develop your practical competence in aspects appropriate to academic practice and research in business and management.

Learning outcomes

Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria
1. Be able to understand and apply different research methods that can provide realistic and applicable outcomes 1.1 Critically apply the principles and practices of quantitative and qualitative research on a practical level

1.2 Define research and development questions and prioritise them in relation to contemporary managerial and business needs

2. Be able to use standard research methodologies 2.1 Produce critical literature reviews based upon research methodology

2.2 Use methodology, instrumentation and research design appropriate to the specific nature of fieldwork

2.3 Critically apply statistical methods

3. Be able to produce research reports 3.1 Plan and deliver management research projects using research methodologies

3.2 Provide written research reports that include data visualisation

3.3 Address ethical issues in research

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Assignment Brief – Unit 701 Research Methods

Scenario

You are an independent business analyst. You have recently responded to the following call for research proposals. This call was circulated by your university Graduate School and submitted by Watchingham County Council. The information is included below.

“Call for Research Project Proposals – Watchingham County Council, UK”

Watchingham County Council provides and manage public services for a population of 1.74 million on behalf of the UK government. These services include: waste management, public safety and fire services, libraries and education, social care, leisure centres and parks, cemeteries, transport, planning, and social care.

Members of the population pay a fixed sum annually for the services provided and, in addition, national government provide an annual budget in order to manage and maintain the given services. Providing these key services is not without challenges and with greater accountability and scrutiny by the public, focus on the quality of service and value for money (even in times of austerity) is critical. We do attempt to provide high-quality services to the many schools (400, with 165,000 pupils) and community carers (providing services to approximately 9,000), provide effective maintenance of over 2,000 kilometres of road and manage 300,000 tonnes of waste as part of our role. To achieve this, we rely heavily on our employees (approximately 60,000) and subcontractors (40,000) to maintain these standards. However, within our existing workforce, we have a high diversity (cultural, gender and age most specifically) and it has come to our attention via internal staff satisfaction surveys that existing management practices may not be sufficiently motivating this diverse workforce as it should. Further external evidence supports this possibility as in the last six months we have received a 20% increase in complaints from the public about our services.

We are aware that increasing complaints and employee dissatisfaction could have severe implications for the reputation of Watchingham County Council and could lead to scrutiny from the national government, who provide us with partial funding to provide our services. As such, developing a greater understanding of our diverse workforce – and motivating it – becomes rather crucial to our strategy for 2014/15.

In order to generate a holistic picture of our employees, we are seeking to commission an external impartial researcher to do the following.

  • Identify challenges of managing and motivating diversity
  • Identify and propose good practice when managing diverse workforces

At this time we are inviting professional research proposals from business researchers to tender for this research project. We will consider proposals which demonstrate sound conceptual frameworks and academic rigour, as well as feasibility and ethical mindfulness.

Task 1

In task 1, you are expected to propose and apply different research methods that can provide realistic and applicable outcomes. The tasks include:

  1. 1.1 Applying principles and practices of quantitative and qualitative research on a practical level in the given case scenario
  2. 1.2 Develop and outline research aims, objectives and development questions and prioritise them in relation to contemporary managerial and business needs of the case organisation

LO’s covered: 1.1 and 1.2

Suggested word count: 700 words

Task 2

In task 2, you are required to evaluate and apply standard research methodologies for the case scenario. You are required to outline a detailed methodology for the proposed research and justify your choices.

  1. 2.1 Produce critical literature reviews based upon research methodology
  2. 2.2 Use methodology, instrumentation and research design appropriate to the specific nature of fieldwork
  3. 2.3 Critically evaluate statistical methods available for data analysis and outline a data analysis plan for the proposed study

LO’s covered: 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3

Suggested word count: 900 words

Task 3

In this task, you are required to produce a detailed research proposal for the case organisation. This includes the following tasks:

  1. 3.1 Develop an action plan and timeline for delivering the management research projects using research methodologies
  2. 3.2 Develop written research reports that include a discussion of the data visualisation tools likely to be used in the final report
  3. 3.3 Develop a plan for managing ethical issues in the proposed research

LO’s covered: 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3

Suggested word count: 900 words

Learning outcomes covered in the assessment: LO1, LO2 and LO3

Learners are required to complete all tasks.

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Assignment Guidelines

All work must be submitted in a single electronic document (.doc file). This should go to the tutor, and Centre Manager/Programme Director, plus one hard copy posted to the Centre Manager.

The assignment must be the Learner’s own work and not copies of theories or models. Direct quotes should be kept to a minimum, and shown in inverted commas. Models described and other quotes used must be properly attributed and referenced as appropriate. Learners must acknowledge or reference any sources that have been used to complete the assignment, listing reference material and websites used.

Overall word count guide: 2500

Plagiarism and Collusion

In submitting the assignment Learner’s must complete a statement of authenticity confirming that the work submitted for all tasks is their own. The statement should also include the word count.

Plagiarism and collusion are treated very seriously. Plagiarism involves presenting work, excerpts, ideas or passages of another author without appropriate referencing and attribution. Collusion occurs when two or more learners submit work which is so alike in ideas, content, wording and/or structure that the similarity goes beyond what might have been mere coincidence.

Appendices

Separate Appendices should not be used. Any published secondary information such as annual reports and company literature should be referenced in the main text of the assignment but not included.

Confidentiality

Where a Learner is using organisational information that deals with sensitive material or issues, they must seek the advice and permission from that organisation about its inclusion. Where confidentiality is an issue, Learners are advised to anonymise their assignment report so that it cannot be attributed to that particular organisation.

Word Count Policy

In total, the assignment report should be approximately 2500 words. Learners must comply with the required word count, within a margin of +10%. These rules exclude the index (if used), headings and information contained within references and bibliographies. When an assessment task requires learners to produce presentation slides with supporting notes, the word count applies to the supporting notes only.

Referencing and Professionalism

A professional approach to work is expected from all learners. Learners must therefore identify and acknowledge ALL sources/methodologies/applications used. The learner must use an appropriate referencing system to achieve this. Marks are not awarded for the use of English; however, the learner must express ideas clearly and ensure that appropriate terminology is used to convey accuracy in meaning.

Submission of Assignments

All work to be submitted on the due date as per Centre advice.

All work must be submitted in a single electronic document (.doc file). This should go to the tutor, and Centre Manager/Programme Director, plus one hard copy posted to the Centre Manager.

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