Higher Nationals

Internal verification of assessment decisions – BTEC (RQF)

INTERNAL VERIFICATION – ASSESSMENT DECISIONS
Programme title Higher National Diploma in Business Management

Assessor Internal Verifier

Unit 11 : Research Project
Unit(s)
Devise a project report based on the project proposal
Assignment title
D Renisha Rajmi Dasanayaka
Student’s name
List which assessment Pass Merit Distinction
criteria the Assessor has
awarded.
INTERNAL VERIFIER CHECKLIST

Do the assessment criteria awarded match

those shown in the assignment brief? Y/N

Is the Pass/Merit/Distinction grade awarded

justified by the assessor’s comments on the Y/N
student work?
Has the work been assessed
Y/N
accurately?
Is the feedback to the student:
Give details:

• Constructive?
Y/N
• Linked to relevant assessment
criteria? Y/N

• Identifying opportunities for

improved performance? Y/N

• Agreeing actions? Y/N

Does the assessment decision need

Y/N
amending?
Assessor signature Date

Internal Verifier signature Date

Programme Leader signature(if
Date
required)
 Confirm action completed
Remedial action taken

Give details:

Assessor signature Date

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Date
signature
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signature (if required)
Higher Nationals - Summative Assignment Feedback Form

Student Name/ID D Renisha Rajmi Dasanayaka / COL00080637

Unit Title Research Project
Assignment Number Assessor
Date Received 1st
Submission Date
submission
Date Received 2nd
Re-submission Date
submission
Assessor Feedback:

LO2 Conduct and analyse research relevant to a chosen business research project

Pass, Merit & Distinction P3 P4 M2 D1

Descripts

LO3 Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders

Pass, Merit & Distinction P5 M3 D2

Descripts

LO4 Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts

Pass, Merit & Distinction P6 P7 M4 D3

Descripts

Grade: Assessor Signature: Date:

Resubmission Feedback:

Grade: Assessor Signature: Date:

Internal Verifier’s Comments:

Signature & Date:

* Please note that grade decisions are provisional. They are only confirmed once internal and external moderation has taken place and grades decisions have
been agreed at the assessment board.
Assignment Feedback
Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student

Action Plan

Summative feedback

Feedback: Student to Assessor

Assessor signature Date

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Pearson
Higher Nationals in
Business
Unit 11: Research Project
Assignment 01
General Guidelines

1. A Cover page or title page – You should always attach a title page to your assignment. Use previous page as
your cover sheet and make sure all the details are accurately filled.
2. Attach this brief as the first section of your assignment.
3. All the assignments should be prepared using a word processing software.
4. All the assignments should be printed on A4 sized papers. Use single side printing.
5. Allow 1” for top, bottom , right margins and 1.25” for the left margin of each page.

Word Processing Rules

1. The font size should be 12 point, and should be in the style of Time New Roman.
2. Use 1.5 line spacing. Left justify all paragraphs.
3. Ensure that all the headings are consistent in terms of the font size and font style.
4. Use footer function in the word processor to insert Your Name, Subject, Assignment No, and Page Number
on each page. This is useful if individual sheets become detached for any reason.
5. Use word processing application spell check and grammar check function to help editing your assignment.

Important Points:

1. It is strictly prohibited to use textboxes to add texts in the assignments, except for the compulsory information.
eg: Figures, tables of comparison etc. Adding text boxes in the body except for the before mentioned
compulsory information will result in rejection of your work.
2. Carefully check the hand in date and the instructions given in the assignment. Late submissions will not be
accepted.
3. Ensure that you give yourself enough time to complete the assignment by the due date.
4. Excuses of any nature will not be accepted for failure to hand in the work on time.
5. You must take responsibility for managing your own time effectively.
6. If you are unable to hand in your assignment on time and have valid reasons such as illness, you may apply (in
writing) for an extension.
7. Failure to achieve at least PASS criteria will result in a REFERRAL grade .
8. Non-submission of work without valid reasons will lead to an automatic RE FERRAL. You will then be asked to
complete an alternative assignment.
9. If you use other people’s work or ideas in your assignment, reference them properly using HARVARD
referencing system to avoid plagiarism. You have to provide both in-text citation and a reference list.
10. If you are proven to be guilty of plagiarism or any academic misconduct, your grade could be reduced to A
REFERRAL or at worst you could be expelled from the course
Student Declaration

I hereby, declare that I know what plagiarism entails, namely to use another’s work and to present it as my own
without attributing the sources in the correct way. I further understand what it means to copy another’s work.

1. I know that plagiarism is a punishable offence because it constitutes theft.

2. I understand the plagiarism and copying policy of the Edexcel UK.
3. I know what the consequences will be if I plagiaries or copy another’s work in any of the assignments for this
program.
4. I declare therefore that all work presented by me for every aspects of my program, will be my own, and where
I have made use of another’s work, I will attribute the source in the correct way.
5. I acknowledge that the attachment of this document signed or not, constitutes a binding agreement between
myself and Edexcel UK.
6. I understand that my assignment will not be considered as submitted if this document is not attached to the
attached.

Student’s Signature: Date:

(Provide E-mail ID) (Provide Submission Date)
Assignment Brief
Student Name /ID Number D Renisha Rajmi Dasanayaka

Unit Number and Title Unit 11 – Research Project

Academic Year 20…

Unit Tutor

Assignment Title Devise a project report based on the project proposal

Issue Date

Submission Date

IV Name & Date

Submission Format:

The submission should be 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 subsections as appropriate, and all work must be supported with research and referenced
using Harvard referencing system.
Report format- Please provide a referencing list using Harvard referencing system. The recommended
word limit is minimum 4,500 words

Unit Learning Outcomes:

LO2. Conduct and analyze research relevant to a chosen business research project.;

LO3. Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders;

LO4. Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts

Assignment Brief and Guidance:

Learner is now required to provide a comprehensive research project report based on the findings of secondary
and primary researches carried out on the project proposal submitted in the previous section.

The Learner requires to produce a detailed research project report covering following areas

• Conduct primary and secondary research using appropriate methods for a business
research project that consider costs, access and ethical issues.
• Apply proper data collecting tools and discuss merits, limitations and pitfalls of
approaches to data collection and analysis
• Carry out your research and apply appropriate analytical tools to analyse research
findings and data.
• Draw conclusion based on the research findings.
• Coherently and logically communicate outcomes to the intended audience,
demonstrating how outcomes meet set research objectives.
• Communicate critical analysis of the outcomes and make valid, justified recommendations.
• Provide critical reflection and insight that results in recommended actions for improvements
and future research considerations.
• Demonstrate reflection and engagement in the resource process leading to recommended
actions for future improvement.
Grading RUbric

Grading Criteria Achieved Feedback

P3 Conduct primary and secondary research using

appropriate methods for a business research project
that consider costs, access and ethical issues

P4 Apply appropriate analytical tools to analyse

research findings and data.

M2 Discuss merits, limitations and pitfalls of

approaches to data collection and analysis.

P5 Communicate research outcomes in an

appropriate manner for the intended audience.

M3 Coherently and logically communicate

outcomes to the intended audience, demonstrating
how outcomes meet set research objectives.

D2 Communicate critical analysis of the outcomes

and make valid, justified recommendations.

P6 Reflect on the effectiveness of research methods

applied for meeting objectives of the business
research project.

P7 Consider alternative research methodologies and

lessons learnt in view of the outcomes.

M4 Provide critical reflection and insight that results

in recommended actions for improvements and
future research considerations.

D3 Demonstrate reflection and engagement in the

resource process leading to recommended actions
for future improvement.
Influence of Global Pandemic
on Acceleration of Work:

A Case Study of BRANDIX LANKA

LTD
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all I would like to thank Professor Hiranthi Rathnayaka for giving us the
possibility to participate in their Minor Field Study program. With your help we have
been able to extend the knowledge field of Corporate Social Responsibility and for
contributing you’re your knowledge, experience and commitment. I also very grateful to
our reviewers, and to those who have taken the time to read and review thesis and by
doing so given us valuable feedback.
CONTENTS

Contents
Background of the study .................................................................................................... 15
Research Problem .............................................................................................................. 16
Research Questions ........................................................................................................ 16
Research Objectives ....................................................................................................... 17
Literature Review ............................................................................................................... 18
Increase of Financial Cost .......................................................................................... 18
Workforce Management ............................................................................................ 18
Lockdown Limitations ............................................................................................... 19
Product Development and Research .......................................................................... 20
Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 21
Data Collection .......................................................................................................... 21
Data analysis .............................................................................................................. 21
Validity and Reliability .............................................................................................. 21
Ethical considerations ................................................................................................ 22
Research Analysis .............................................................................................................. 22
Questionnaire ................................................................................................................. 22
Q1: Are you having any doubts about your career?................................................... 22
References List ................................................................................................................... 23
Background of the study

COVID-19 has had an enormous effect on the health and economy of every country
involved. Economic problems were caused as supply chain disruptions made
manufacturing less efficient. Manufacturing companies cannot operate without supply
chains, and they have to terminate or reduce production processes. Job loss is another
main problem that arises with this COVID-19 situation as well. As manufacturing
companies depend on supply chains for their work, any disruption to the production
process can lead to job loss & company bankruptcy. COVID-19 has been a major
disruption without a clear solution. As manufacturing companies rely on supply chains
for their work, any disruption to the production process can lead to job loss and company
bankruptcy. COVID-19 has been an ongoing disruption without a clear solution.

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has created more than 400,000 jobs and recorded export
earnings close to $ 6 billion in the last financial year. The country’s coorperation with
DENIMCOV apparel companies had given a boost to this industry, as exports recorded
an increase to $ 1.5 billion over the course of three months from the end of 2017. The
manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka was heavily impacted by the curfew imposed in all
districts and the ban on raw material imports from China due to workforce shortages. In
response, the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka exclusively banned the export of
inputs to ensure that the supply of raw materials for export goods did not interfere with
foreign suppliers' local regulations. Garment manufacturers have also implemented pay
and job cuts, the elimination of benefits, and changes to working hours and productivity
targets in response to the crisis.
Research Problem
The global pandemic caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a significant impact
on businesses around the world, including Brandix Lanka Ltd. Some of the ways in which
the pandemic may have affected the company include, Changes in the Workplace - The
pandemic has led to a shift in the way work is done, with many companies adopting
remote work policies and using technology to facilitate communication and collaboration.
At Brandix Lanka Ltd, this may have resulted in changes to the way work is organized
and conducted. Changes in Demand, The pandemic has also led to changes in consumer
behavior, with people shifting their spending habits and prioritizing essential products and
services. This may have affected the demand for the products and services offered by
Brandix Lanka Ltd. Supply Chain Disruptions, The pandemic has disrupted supply chains
around the world, leading to delays and shortages of raw materials and other resources.
This may have affected the production and distribution of products at Brandix Lanka Ltd.
Financial Impact, The pandemic may have also had a financial impact on Brandix Lanka
Ltd, as the company may have faced increased costs related to implementing safety
measures and adapting to changes in the market.

Overall, it is likely that the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on Brandix
Lanka Ltd, as the company has had to adapt to a range of challenges and changes brought
about by the pandemic. With that saying, Brandix took a range of measures in order to
adapt to the challenges and changes brought about by the pandemic. These measures could
include things like implementing remote work policies, adapting to changes in demand
and supply chains, and implementing safety measures to protect employees and
customers.

Research Questions

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the performance of the apparel
industry, including Brandix Lanka Ltd. A range of factors have contributed to this impact,
including financial considerations, limitations imposed by lockdowns and other social
distancing measures, workforce management challenges, and disruptions to product
development and research. These factors have varied in their impact on different
companies within the industry. The multifaceted nature of the pandemic's impact
highlights the need for companies to be able to adapt and respond to a range of challenges
in order to maintain their performance during times of crisis and their growth. [Bolonne,
Hiruni. (2020)]. To explore the above issues following research questions have been
developed.

1. What are the lockdown limitations faced by Brandix during Covid-19 crisis?
2. What is the effect toward finance and workforce management practices?
3. What is the current challenges faced by the company?
4. What are the product research and development straggles implemented?
Research Objectives

The research objective for a study on the influence of the global pandemic on the
acceleration of work at Brandix Lanka Ltd was to identify and understand the
specific ways in which the pandemic has affected the company's work processes
and to determine the strategies and measures that the company has implemented
in order to adapt to these changes.

• Examining the impact of the shift to remote work on the efficiency and
productivity of the company.
• Analyzing the impact of changes in demand and supply chain disruptions
on the company's operations.
• Identifying the measures that Brandix Lanka Ltd has taken in response to
the pandemic, including changes to working hours, productivity targets,
and safety measures.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of these measures in helping the company
adapt to the challenges of the pandemic and maintain its performance.

Overall, the research objective of this study could be to gain a comprehensive

understanding of the impact of the global pandemic on the acceleration of work
at Brandix Lanka Ltd and to identify the strategies and measures that the company
has implemented in order to adapt to these changes.
Literature Review
Increase of Financial Cost

The global pandemic caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a significant impact
on businesses around the world, including the apparel industry. One of the ways in which
the pandemic has affected the industry is through increased financial costs.
Several factors have contributed to the increase in financial costs for apparel companies
during the pandemic. These include:

Reduced Sales:
Many apparel companies have experienced a decrease in sales due to the impact of
lockdowns and other social distancing measures on consumer behavior. This has led to a
decrease in revenue for many companies, which can result in increased financial costs as
companies try to maintain their operations.

Supply Chain Disruptions:

The pandemic has disrupted supply chains around the world, leading to delays and
shortages of raw materials and other resources. This has resulted in increased costs for
many apparel companies as they try to source materials and maintain production.

Safety Measures:
Apparel companies have also faced increased costs related to implementing safety
measures to protect employees and customers from the spread of the virus. These
measures can include things like personal protective equipment (PPE), additional cleaning
and sanitization, and modifications to the workplace to allow for social distancing.

Business Diversification:
Some apparel companies have had to diversify their business in order to adapt to the
changing market conditions brought about by the pandemic. This can involve developing
new products or expanding into new markets, which can result in increased financial
costs.
Overall, it is clear that the global pandemic has had a significant impact on the apparel
industry, including an increase in financial costs for many companies.

Workforce Management

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on workforce management in the
apparel industry, particularly in Sri Lanka. Some of the ways in which the pandemic has
affected workforce management in the industry include:

Remote Work:
Many companies have implemented remote work policies in response to the pandemic,
allowing employees to work from home and reducing the need for in-person interactions.
This has had an impact on the way work is organized and conducted, requiring companies
to adopt new technologies and processes to facilitate communication and collaboration.
Health and Safety Measures:
The pandemic has also led to increased focus on health and safety measures in the
workplace. Companies have had to implement measures such as social distancing, the use
of personal protective equipment (PPE), and increased cleaning and sanitization in order
to protect the health and safety of employees.

Changes in Demand:
The pandemic has resulted in changes in consumer behavior, with people shifting their
spending habits and prioritizing essential products and services. This has had an impact
on the workforce within the apparel industry, as companies may have had to adjust their
staffing levels in response to changes in demand.

Supply Chain Disruptions:

The pandemic has disrupted supply chains around the world, leading to delays and
shortages of raw materials and other resources. This has had an impact on workforce
management in the apparel industry, as companies may have had to adjust their production
schedules or find alternative sources of materials.

Overall, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on workforce
management in the apparel industry, particularly in Sri Lanka. Companies have had to
adapt to a range of challenges and changes in order to maintain their operations and protect
the health and safety of their employees.

Lockdown Limitations

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the implementation of lockdowns and other
social distancing measures in many countries, including Sri Lanka. These measures have
had a significant impact on the apparel industry, particularly in terms of lockdown
limitations. Some specific ways in which lockdown limitations have affected the industry
include:

Reduced Sales:
Many apparel companies have experienced a decrease in sales due to the impact of
lockdowns and other social distancing measures on consumer behavior. This has had a
negative impact on revenue for many companies.

Supply Chain Disruptions:

The pandemic has disrupted supply chains around the world, leading to delays and
shortages of raw materials and other resources. This has been particularly challenging for
companies in the apparel industry, which rely on a complex global supply chain to
produce their products.

Retail Limitations:
Lockdown measures have also had an impact on the retail sector, with many physical
retail locations being forced to close or operate at reduced capacity. This has had a
negative impact on sales for many apparel companies.
Online Sales:
While lockdowns have had a negative impact on sales at physical retail locations, they
have also led to an increase in online sales for many companies. This shift to online sales
has required companies to adapt their operations and may have had an impact on
workforce management and logistics.

Overall, it is clear that lockdown limitations have had a significant impact on the apparel
industry in Sri Lanka, with companies facing a range of challenges related to reduced
sales, supply chain disruptions, and changes in the retail environment.

Product Development and Research

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the apparel industry,
particularly in Sri Lanka. The industry has been heavily affected by supply chain
disruptions, declining demand, and other economic challenges. In this review, we will
discuss the ways in which the pandemic has affected product development and research
in the Sri Lankan apparel industry.

One of the main ways in which the pandemic has affected product development and
research in the Sri Lankan apparel industry is through supply chain disruptions. The
pandemic has caused widespread disruption to global supply chains, with many factories
in China and other countries shutting down or operating at reduced capacity. This has led
to delays in the production and delivery of raw materials and finished goods, and has
made it difficult for apparel companies in Sri Lanka to get the materials they need to
produce their products.

In addition to supply chain disruptions, the pandemic has also led to declining demand for
apparel, as consumers around the world have reduced their spending on non-essential
items. This has led to a decrease in orders for apparel from Sri Lankan companies, which
has in turn led to a decrease in production and research activity.

To address these challenges, many apparel companies in Sri Lanka have had to adapt and
innovate in order to continue operating. Some have turned to digital platforms and e-
commerce to reach customers and sell their products, while others have focused on
developing new products and designs that meet the changing needs and preferences of
consumers. For example, there has been an increased demand for comfortable, casual
clothing as people have started working from home and engaging in more leisure activities
at home. This has led to the development of new styles of clothing and accessories, such
as loungewear, athleisure, and home office wear.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on product

development and research in the Sri Lankan apparel industry. The industry has faced
challenges due to supply chain disruptions and declining demand, but many companies
have been able to adapt and innovate in order to continue operating. In the future, it is
likely that the industry will continue to face challenges related to the pandemic, but it is
also likely that it will continue to find ways to adapt and thrive.
Methodology

Data Collection

Data were collected through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.

Interviews with employees at Brandix to gather in-depth insights into their experiences
and perspectives on the impact of the pandemic on work. For this a detailed interview
with Mr. Dhanushka Tharanga, a Marketing Associate from Brandix were interviewed.
Surveys was conducted among other employees to gather more structured and
standardized data on their experiences and attitudes towards the pandemic and its impact
on work. Analysis of company data, such as performance indicators and productivity
measures, to understand the overall impact of the pandemic on the company.

Survey Questions
1. Are you having any doubts about your career?
2. Rate your idea on a scale that your company can go through this pandemic situation
successfully
3. Are you satisfying with the counter measures taken by your company?

Sample Size
For the given questionnaire the researcher identified the target sample as 500 non-
executive employees from Rathmalana & Biyagama Factories.

Sampling Technique

Simple random sampling: This is a technique where all employees, who is agreed to
participate to the survey at Brandix have an equal chance of being selected for the study.
First list of all employees were created and use a random number generator to select a
certain number of employees for the study.

Data analysis

The collected data could be analyzed using a variety of techniques, depending on the
specific research question and data collected. For example, interviews and surveys could
be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns in the data.
Company data could be analyzed using statistical techniques to identify trends and
relationships.

Validity and Reliability

It is important to ensure the validity and reliability of the study by carefully designing the
research question, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. To ensure
validity, the study should be designed to accurately answer the research question, and the
data collected should be relevant and representative. To ensure reliability, the data
collection methods should be consistent and the data analysis should be objective and
transparent.
Ethical considerations

It is also important to consider ethical issues when conducting this study. For example,
the study should ensure the privacy and confidentiality of participants, and informed
consent should be obtained from all participants before collecting any data.

Research Analysis

Questionnaire

Q1: Are you having any doubts about your career?

Result

Yes No
References List

Bolonne, Hiruni. (2020). THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 TO APPAREL SECTOR, SRI

LANKA.