critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of data gathered
Word Length : 2500 words
Weighting within Module : 40% (100 marks)
Learning Outcomes – To examine key methodological issues and approaches to research in
management studies, and to critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of data gathered
from interviews, case studies, focus groups, surveys and experiments.
PLAGIARISM WARNING! – Assignments should not be copied in part or in whole from
any other source, except for any marked up quotations, that clearly distinguish what has been
quoted from your own work. All references used must be given, and the specific page number
used should also be given for any direct quotations, which should be in inverted commas.
Students found copying from the internet or other sources will get zero marks and may be
excluded from the university.
MBFD5 1710A, MBFD5 1811A, MIMD5 1710A, MIMD5 1811A_ASB 4415 Management Research
Assignment
Page 2 of 4
Individual assignment question
(1) Each student must write and submit a Management Research Methodology Essay. (2) Student can choose ANY research methods used in management e.g. Observation, face-
to-face, internet, mystery customer and others.
(3) Explain the methodology chosen (4) Justify the usage of the chosen method (5) Assess the strategies, response rate, sampling integrity, result accuracy and any
potential pitfalls of the chosen method
(6) Evaluate the key ethical concerns/issues of the chosen method (7) Appraise the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen method (8) Recommend improvements to avoid some of the difficulties encountered in the chosen
method
The methodology essay will follow the usual structure of an essay e.g.: The title page will be
followed by the essay which will contain a clear introduction, body and conclusion. Following
the conclusion, a reference list will be presented (see Student Manual).
You will be marked on your ability to analyse and synthesise the literature e.g.: the adequacy
of application, strengths and weaknesses, whether they provide a strong enough foundation on
which to base rigorous research. Therefore, do not write a descriptive essay.
This is a research essay requiring you to search academic journals only – not textbooks or non-
academic internet sources. You should primarily search the academic journals from online
library. If you feel it is appropriate, you may use other journals if you consider the journal
article to be a relevant and quality source for your assignment.
A minimum of eight (8) journal reference sources will help you write a more complete paper,
if all the sources are relevant. It is preferable that your journal sources be no older than 10 years
and, definitely, no earlier than 2000.
Note: you are discouraged from including excessive numbers of citations in your essay that do
not add critical significance to your discussion, as there is NO reward in the marking process
for quantity over quality.
Submission Mode
Work should be in TNR, font 12, double-spaced with 2.4cm margins. Typed in A4 paper and
stapled on top left hand corner. No files and envelope need to be used.
All assignments must be submitted to MDIS Blackboard TURNITIN for plagiarism checking.
The detail FULL similarity report must then be attached to the assignment when submit over
the Post Grad Centre counter.
Note that it is your responsibility to keep a copy of each assessment task that is submitted
and the submission receipt as proof of submission.
MBFD5 1710A, MBFD5 1811A, MIMD5 1710A, MIMD5 1811A_ASB 4415 Management Research
Assignment
Page 3 of 4
Late Submission
Assessment submitted after the due date, without an approved extension of time, will be
reduced by 10% of the possible maximum mark for that assessment item for each day or part
day that the assessment item is late (this applies equally to week and weekend days). Please
note there will be a time lag if you want to get Turnitin similarity check. You are therefore
advice to factor in such delays and the leadtime needed to do any amendments to your
assignment after the Turnitin results so that you will not miss the deadline.
MBFD5 1710A, MBFD5 1811A, MIMD5 1710A, MIMD5 1811A_ASB 4415 Management Research Assignment
Page 4 of 4
Categories
Grade Relevance 10% Knowledge 10% Analysis 20% Argument and Structure 20% Critical Evaluation 20% Presentation 5% Reference to Literature 15%
P a s s
86 – 100%
The work examined is exemplary and provides clear evidence of a complete grasp of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also ample excellent evidence showing that all the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that Level are fully satisfied. At this level it is expected that the work will be exemplary in all the categories cited above. It will demonstrate a particularly compelling evaluation, originality, and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse.
76-85% The work examined is outstanding and demonstrates comprehensive knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also excellent evidence showing that all the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that level are fully satisfied. At this level it is expected that the work will be outstanding in the majority of the categories cited above or by demonstrating particularly compelling evaluation and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse.
70 – 75%
The work examined is excellent and is evidence of comprehensive knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. There is also excellent evidence showing that all the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that level are satisfied. At this level it is expected that the work will be excellent in the majority of the categories cited above or by demonstrating particularly compelling evaluation and elegance of argument, interpretation or discourse.
60 – 69%
Directly relevant to the requirements of the assessment
A substantial knowledge of relevant material, showing a clear grasp of themes, questions and issues therein
Good analysis, clear and orderly
Generally coherent and logically structured, using an appropriate mode of argument and/or theoretical mode(s)
May contain some distinctive or independent thinking; may begin to formulate an independent position in relation to theory and/or practice.
Well written, with standard spelling and grammar, in a readable style with acceptable format
Critical appraisal of up-to-date and/or appropriate literature. Recognition of different perspectives. Very good use of source material. Uses a range of sources
50 – 59%
Some attempt to address the requirements of the assessment: may drift away from this in less focused passages
Adequate knowledge of a fair range of relevant material, with intermittent evidence of an appreciation of its significance
Some analytical treatment, but may be prone to description, or to narrative, which lacks clear analytical purpose
Some attempt to construct a coherent argument, but may suffer loss of focus and consistency, with issues at stake stated only vaguely, or theoretical mode(s) couched in simplistic terms
Sound work which expresses a coherent position only in broad terms and in uncritical conformity to one or more standard views of the topic
Competently written, with only minor lapses from standard grammar, with acceptable format
Uses a variety of literature which includes some recent texts and/or appropriate literature, though not necessarily including a substantive amount beyond library texts. Competent use of source material.
F a
il
40 – 49% Some correlation with the requirements of the assessment but there is a significant degree of irrelevance
Basic understanding of the subject but addressing a limited range of material
Largely descriptive or narrative, with little evidence of analysis
A basic argument is evident, but mainly supported by assertion and there may be a lack of clarity and coherence
Some evidence of a view starting to be formed but mainly derivative.
A simple basic style but with significant deficiencies in expression or format that may pose obstacles for the reader
Some up-to-date and/or appropriate literature used. Goes beyond the material tutor has provided. Limited use of sources to support a point. Weak use of source material.
35 – 39%
Relevance to the requirements of the assessment may be very intermittent, and may be reduced to its vaguest and least challenging terms
A limited understanding of a narrow range of material
Heavy dependence on description, and/or on paraphrase, is common
Little evidence of coherent argument: lacks development and may be repetitive or thin
Almost wholly derivative: the writer’s contribution rarely goes beyond simplifying paraphrase
Numerous deficiencies in expression and presentation; the writer may achieve clarity (if at all) only by using a simplistic or repetitious style
Barely adequate use of literature. Over reliance on material provided by the tutor.
The evidence provided shows that the majority of the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that Level are satisfied.
30 – 34%
The work examined provides insufficient evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. The evidence provided shows that some of the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that Level are satisfied. The work will be weak in some of the indicators.
15-29% The work examined is unacceptable and provides little evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. The evidence shows that few of the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that Level are satisfied. The work will be weak in several of the indicators.
0-14% The work examined is unacceptable and provides almost no evidence of the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to the Level of the qualification. The evidence fails to show that any of the learning outcomes and responsibilities appropriate to that Level is satisfied. The work will be weak in the majority or all of the indicators.
