ICON COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

Pearson BTEC HND in Business

Unit 11 Research Project (RQF) L5
Assignment Brief
Session: September 2019

Programme title Pearson BTEC HND in Business (RQF)

Unit number and title Unit 11 Research Project

Unit Type Core

Unit Level and Value Level 5 30 Credit

Assessor (s)

Issue Date 01/10/19

Final assignment
6-11 January 2020
submission deadline

13-18 January 2020

Late submission deadline The learners are required to follow the strict deadline set by the College
for submissions of assignments in accordance with the BTEC Level 4–7
submission guidelines and College policy on submissions.

Resubmission deadline TBA

Formative feedback will be available in class during the semester.

Feedback Final feedback will be available within 2 weeks of the assignment
submission date.

General  The work you submit must be in your own words. If you use a quote or an
Guidelines illustration from somewhere you must give the source.
 Include a list of references at the end of your document. You must give all
your sources of information.
 Make sure your work is clearly presented and that you use correct grammar.
 Wherever possible use a word processor and its “spell-checker”.

Internal verifiers

Signature (IV of the

Date 27/9/19
brief) *
 Pearson BTEC HND in Business (RCF)
Unit 11: Research Project (L5)
Assignment Brief
Session September 2019
Recommended word limit: 6,500 (excluding references and appendices)

This Unit will be assessed by assignment only and will be in two

parts. Semester 3 will cover LO1
Semester 4 will cover LO2, LO3 and LO4

You are strongly advised to read “Preparation Guidelines of the Coursework

Document” before answering your assignment.

ASSIGNMENT

Assignment Theme: Equality and diversity in the workplace

Introduction to theme
Equality is relevant in all workplaces, regardless of whether the business employs two people or two
hundred people, irrespective of whether they work remotely, in an office, a warehouse or on a shop
floor. It is about ensuring that everybody has the same access to the same opportunities without any
discrimination. Diversity takes into account differences between people and groups of people, by
placing a positive value on those differences. A diverse and inclusive work place values people’s
different backgrounds, knowledge, skills, and experiences, and uses these differences to create a
productive and effective workforce.

Managing both equality and diversity is equally important as it impacts on all the employees
working in an organisation. Business cases have proven that biases and discrimination within the
workplace can impede business growth and productivity and therefore, many businesses look
beyond any legal considerations and policies to effectively promote equality and diversity to
improve productivity, opportunity, and competitiveness.

Consider that you have recently been appointed as a Junior Human Resource Manager of a UK-
based global company of your choice which is facing major cultural diversity issues. You have to
produce a research proposal and a report to be presented to the Board of Directors of your
organisation. The assignment requires that you conduct research to examine the impact of the
managing cultural diversity on a specific organisational performance.

You should identify a specific problem or issue related to the theme (“Managing cultural diversity in
the workplace”) and write a research proposal outlining the issues as a problem statement -
identifying the research objectives necessary to address your research question. The research
proposal should include a relevant literature review which supports and justifies your research
objectives. This will form the basis of your research project. When you have completed the
research proposal, you should complete an ethics form and get this approved by your tutor.

You must carry out and conduct the whole research project yourself to show your independent
enquiry and critical analysis throughout. You must submit as evidence project findings, research
proposal and ethics form, and scanned copies of all research instruments (e.g., completed
questionnaires, interview guide, interviews).

2
What you must do

Part 1:
Consider the development of a methodical, ethical, reliable and valid research proposal as the
foundation for the project. The proposal should be agreed with your tutor prior to undertaking any
research. Proposal and ethical forms should also be agreed and completed. An ethics form must be
submitted prior to completion of research as part of the research proposal.

The project topic should reflect personal interest in a specialism and should allow for a sufficient
degree of research through the existence of adequate background materials.

The framework of your proposal should address a specific research problem or question. This can
be stated as a research question, objectives or hypothesis.

As guidance, a good project proposal and project title should have an existing body of literature or
source material that can be reviewed. In addition, it should extend the current line of learning,
lending itself to further rigorous exploration. You should decide on appropriate research methods
and select an appropriate sample. Finally, provide a literature review that identifies the background
and conceptualisation of your proposed area of study. This would provide existing knowledge and
benchmarks by which your data can be judged.

Part 2:
You should conduct your research as outlined in your proposal and keep track of your findings as
you progress.

The research methodology and research process, should be considered and clearly defined,
demonstrating an understanding of the pitfalls and limitations of the methods chosen and ethical
issues that could be encountered.

Conduct your research, analyse your findings and draw conclusions. Research methods should be
applied to evaluate the data collected from primary research sources. Your research and analysis
of your findings should be specific to your original research question, from which conclusions can be
drawn.

Reflect on the success of your research project and your performance at the end of the project with
the inclusion of a project evaluation and recommendations. In addition, based on the results of your
study, what alternative research methodologies would you use in future to improve the results? In
addition, based on the results of your study, what alternative research methodologies you would use
in future to improve the results?

Relevant Information
To gain a Pass in a BTEC HND Unit, you must meet ALL the Pass criteria; to gain a Merit, you must
meet ALL the Merit and Pass criteria; and to gain a Distinction, you must meet ALL the Distinction,
Merit and Pass criteria.
 Assessment Criteria
Pass Merit Distinction
LO1 Conduct appropriate research methodology which D1 Critically evaluate
integrates knowledge into the research process. research
methodologies and
P1 Produce a research proposal that M1 Evaluate different research processes in
clearly defines a research question or approaches and methodology, and application to
hypothesis, supported by a literature make justifications for the choice of a business research
review. methods selected based on project to justify
philosophical/ theoretical chosen research
P2 Examine appropriate research frameworks. methods and
methods and conduct primary and
analysis.
secondary research.

LO2 Conduct and analyse research relevant to a chosen

business research project.
P3 Conduct primary and secondary M2 Discuss merits, limitations and
research using appropriate methods for a pitfalls of approaches to data
business research project that consider collection and analysis.
costs, access and ethical issues.
P4 Apply appropriate analytical tools to
analyse research findings and data.

LO3 Communicate the outcomes of a research project to

identified stakeholders.
P5 Communicate research outcomes in an M3 Coherently and logically D2 Communicate
appropriate manner for the intended communicate outcomes to the critical analysis of
audience. intended audience, demonstrating the outcomes and
how outcomes meet set research make valid,
objectives. justified
recommendations.
LO4 Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts.
P6 Reflect on the effectiveness of M4 Provide critical reflection and D3 Demonstrate
research methods applied for meeting insight that results in recommended reflection and
objectives of the business research actions for improvements and future engagement in the
project. research considerations. resource process
leading to
P7 Consider alternative research recommended
methodologies and lessons learnt in view actions for future
of the outcomes. improvement.

Guide to student

1. Preparation guidelines of the Coursework Document

a. All coursework must be word processed.
b. Document margins must not be more than 2.54 cm (1 inch) or less than 1.9cm (3/4 inch).
c. Font size must be within the range of 10 point to 14 points including the headings and body
text (preferred font size is 11).
d. Standard and commonly used type face, such as Arial and Times New Roman, should be
used.
e. All figures, graphs and tables must be numbered.
f. Material taken from external sources must be properly referred and cited within the text using
Harvard system
g. Do not use Wikipedia as a reference.
2. Plagiarism and Collusion
Any act of plagiarism or collusion will be seriously dealt with according to the College regulations.
In this context the definitions and scope of plagiarism and collusion are presented below:

Plagiarism is presenting somebody else’s work as your own. It includes copying information
directly from the Web or books without referencing the material; submitting joint coursework as
an individual effort.
Collusion is copying another student’s coursework; stealing coursework from another student
and submitting it as your own work.
Suspected plagiarism or collusion will be investigated and if found to have occurred will be dealt
with according to the College procedure (For details on Plagiarism & Collusion please see
the Student Handbook).

3. Submission
a. Initial submission of coursework to the tutors is compulsory in each unit of the course.
b. The student must check their assignments on ICON VLE with plagiarism software Turnitin to
make sure the similarity index for their assignment stays within the College approved level. A
student can check the similarity index of their assignment up to five times in the Draft
Assignment submission point located in the home page of the ICON VLE.
c. All Final coursework must be submitted to the Final submission point into the Unit (not to
the Tutor). The student would be allowed to submit only once and that is the final
submission.
d. Any computer files generated such as program code (software), graphic files that form part of
the coursework must be submitted as an attachment to the assignment with all documentation.
e. Any portfolio for a Unit must be submitted as an attachment in the assignment

4. Good practice
a. Make backup of your work in different media (hard disk, memory stick, etc.) to avoid distress
due to loss or damage of your original copy.

5. Extension and Late Submission

a. If you need an extension for a valid reason, you must request one using an Exceptional
Extenuating Circumstances (EEC) form available from the Examination Office and ICON
VLE. Please note that the tutors do not have the authority to extend the coursework
deadlines and therefore do not ask them to award a coursework extension. The completed
form must be accompanied by evidence such as a medical certificate in the event of you
being sick, and should be submitted to the Examination Office.
b. Late submission will be accepted and marked according to the College procedure. It should
be noted that late submission may not be graded for Merit and Distinction.
c. All late coursework must be submitted to the Late submission point into the unit (not to
the Tutor) in the ICON VLE. A student is allowed to submit only once and that is also
treated as the final submission.
d. If you fail in the Final or Late submission, you can resubmit in the Resubmission
window.

Submission deadlines Online to the ICON College VLE

Final Submission date: 6-11 January 2020
Late Submission date: 13-18 January 2020
Glossary:

Analyse: Break an issue or topic into smaller parts by looking in depth at each part. Support each
part with arguments and evidence for and against (Pros and cons).

Critically Evaluate/Analyse: When you critically evaluate you look at the arguments for and
against an issue. You look at the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments. This
could be from an article you read in a journal or from a text book.

Discuss: When you discuss you look at both sides of a discussion. You look at both sides of the
arguments. Then you look at the reason why it’s important (for) then you look at the
reason why it’s important (against).

Explain: When you explain you must say why it is important or not important.

Evaluate: When you evaluate you look at the arguments for and against an issue.

Identify: When you identify you look at the most important points.
 Pearson BTEC HND in Business
Unit 11 Research Project (RQF) L5
Assignment Brief
Session: February 2019
Research Proposal Form

Student Name Student ID

Tutor Date

Unit

Proposed title

Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities

Title or working title of research project (in the form of a question, objective or hypothesis)
Research project objectives (e.g. what is the question you want to answer? What do you want to learn how
to do? What do you want to find out?):

Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project

Reasons for choosing the project (e.g. links to other subjects you are studying, personal interest, future
plans, knowledge/skills you want to improve, why the topic is important):

Section Three: Literature sources searched

Use of key literature sources to support your research question, o bjective or hypothesis:

Section Four: Activities and timescales

Activities to be carried out during the research How long this will take: (See Gantt Chart below)
project (e.g. research, development and analysis of
ideas, writing, data collection, numerical analysis,
tutor meetings, production of final outcome,
evaluation, writing the report):
Milestone one: .....See Gantt Chart
Target date (set by tutor): .........................................................................................
Milestone two: .........................................................................................
Target date (set by tutor): .........................................................................................
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to use and why?

What your areas of research will cover:

Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional)

I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another qualification and is
appropriate

Agreed Name: Date:

Comments and agreement from project checker (if applicable)
Comments (optional)
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another qualification and is
appropriate

Agreed Name: Date:

Gantt Chart
Milestone Projective W1 W3 W4 W7 W8 W11 W12 W16 W17 W20 W21 W23 W24
Activities
M1 Project
formulation
and Project
Planning
M2 Literature
Review
M3 Methodology
M4 Data
Collection
and Analysis
M5 Discussion
of the
results
M6 Report
writing
M7 Presentation
of the
project to
the Board of
Directors

Achievement based on Gantt chart (To be completed by students)

Week Activities to achieve planned milestones Tutor’s feedback
and date
W3 Problem formulation and Project Planning
Research Problem and background to the problem
Research Topic
Research objectives
W7 Literature Review
Key sources of information
W11 Methodology
Choice of methodology
Sampling
Brief description of how data would be collected and analysed
W16 Data Collection and Data Analysis
Data collection
How it was collected
Advantages and disadvantages of the technique
Data Analysis
Technique used to analyse the data
Advantages and disadvantages of the technique
Interpret the results
W20 Discussion of the results
What do the results mean based on the literature reviewed?
Recommendations to solve the research problem
W23 Report writing
Appropriate structure
W24 Presentation of the project to the Board of Directors
Research Ethics Approval Form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the use of data
collected from human participants are required to gain ethical approval before commencing their
research. Please answer all relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if
incomplete.

For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor.

Before competing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research fully with
your Unit Tutor. Please complete this form in good time before your research project is due
to commence.

Section 1 Basic Details

Project title:

Student name:

Student ID Number:

Programme:

College:

Intended research start date:

Intended research end date:

Section 2 Project Summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as part of your project:
(Copy and paste the tick where applicable)
Interviews:

Questionnaires:

Observations:

Use of Personal Records:

Data Analysis:

Action Research:

Focus Group:

Other (Please specify):

Section 3: Participants

Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16:  Young People aged 17-18:  Adults: 
How will participants be recruited (identified and approached)?
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made
clear to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time?

Studies involving questionnaires: Will participants be given the option of omitting questions
they do not wish to answer?
Yes:  No: 
If No please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising
from this Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for
their informed consent to be observed.
Yes:  No: 
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e. give them a brief
explanation of the study)?
Yes:  No: 

Will participants be given information about the findings of your study? (This could be a brief
summary of your findings in general)
Yes: No: 
 Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data Protection
Act (1998) Yes:  No: 
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
During the research:
Where will the data be stored?
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be
used? Yes:  No: 
If yes, please provide further
details: After the research:

Where will the data be stored?

How long will the data and records be kept for and in what
format? Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
Yes:  No: 
If yes, please provide further details:

Section 5: Ethical Issues

Are there any particular features of your proposed work which may raise ethical

concerns? Yes:  No: 

If so, please outline how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise as a result of
your research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical concerns may include, but
are not limited to the following:

• Informed consent.
• Potentially vulnerable participants.
• Sensitive topics.
• Risks to participants and/or researchers.
• Confidentiality/anonymity.
• Disclosures/limits to confidentiality.
• Data storage and security, both during and after the
research (including transfer, sharing, encryption,
protection).
• Reporting.
• Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy: Yes: No:
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor: Yes: No: 
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct and that this is a full description of the ethics issues that may arise in the course of my re
Name: .....................................................................................................................................................................
Date: ...................................................................................
Please submit your completed form to ......................................................................................................................................................................