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SBP Structure and Contents

It is suggested that you adopt the following format in presenting your SBP:

1. Title Page: Please use the standard cover page attached as per prescribed in SBP Handbook.

2. Abstract: It should provide a brief summary of the SBP not exceeding 300 words

3. Acknowledgements: Acknowledgements of outside help and support.

4. Table of Contents: It should list the sequence with page numbers of all relevant subdivisions of the dissertation; i.e. chapter headings, section and sub-section (if appropriate).

5. List of Tables

6. List of Figures / Illustrations

SBP Structure and Contents

7. Chapter 1: Introduction

8. Chapter 2: Literature Review

9. Chapter 3: Theoretical Framework and Research Methodology

10. Chapter 4: Data Presentation, Analysis and Findings

11. Chapter 5: Conclusion (s) and Recommendations

12. Reference List: The SB should include a list of all relevant texts / journals used following the Harvard Referencing System / Style. Please refer to Referencing Guide .

13. Appendices: The appendices should only include material that is not central to the arguments in the main text.

SBP Marking Criteria/ Guide

Percentage Margin (up to 5%)
Supervisor Examiner 2 Supervisor Examiner 2
Abstract, introduction, continuity and presentation (15%)
Literature review (25%)
Research Methods (20%)
Results & Discussion ( 30%)

Conclusion & Recommendations( 10%)
1. Abstract, introduction, continuity and presentation (15%)

In general, your markers will assess the clarity of stated aims and objectives, relevance to sector related issues, feasibility of aims of SBP, the rationale and significance of the research undertaken.

Title: is the title focused, summative, and does it reflect the proposed SBPcontent?

Abstract: is it short (300 words), self-contained, summative, objective, precise and easy to read.

Introduction: is background information included? Is an introduction to current research included and developed? An introduction to the organisation (if applicable)?

1. Abstract, introduction, continuity and presentation (15%)

Have you demonstrated the relevance of your SBP to the field and is it theoretically grounded? Links to relevant literature and academic debates, the evidence of extensive reading will be valued.

Aim(s): is the aim feasible and manageable (have resource and data accessibility been taken into account)? Is the aim original and does it have the potential to add insights to the field of study? Does it conform to the right aim format?

Rationale and Significance of Study: is the sound rationale to undertake the study included? Are the benefits / significance of this study presented?

2. Literature Review (25%)

In general: Search for relevant literature. Critical assessment of literature. Awareness of contribution of other researchers. Awareness of relevant theories, concepts, models and methodology. Direct linkage to SBP aims and objectives identified.

Provide a critical review of relevant academic literature

Critique existing research and link it to aims / objectives

Review key academic theories

d. Demonstrate relevance to contemporary / current debates

2. Literature Review (25%)

Be current (not outdated sources)

Be related to previous published and “recognised” work

Be critical (sources that both support and oppose aims and objectives)

Be able to differentiate fact and opinion

Assess strengths and weaknesses of previous work

Be objective, unbiased, coherent and cohesive

k. Adhere to the Harvard Referencing System

3. Theoretical Framework and Research Methodology (20%)

In general: Choice and use of research methods are appropriate to the aims and objectives. Sound justification provided, including evidence of secondary data supporting choice of methods.

The type (s) of research undertaken

The theoretical / conceptual framework

The research methods

The research design

The data collection (i.e. sampling)

Ethical issues

Reliability and validity of the study

h. Limitations

4. Data Presentation, Analysis and Results/Findings (30%)

In general: Presentation, analysis and interpretation of data followed by your findings. Clear relationship made between aims & objectives, literature and findings.

Is the data appropriately presented i.e. graphically (quantitative research) or verbatim (qualitative research)?

Is the data presentation factual or interpretative?

Does the analysis answer the research questions?

Does the analysis relate or is linked to previous knowledge in the field?

Is the analysis built from the findings?

Is the analysis linked to the literature review?

g. Is the analysis analytical or merely descriptive?

5. Conclusions and Recommendations (10%)

In general: Aims and objectives are satisfied and appropriate course (s) of action is / are recommended.

Are the conclusions drawn from the findings?

Are the conclusions linked to the literature?

Are the conclusions linked to aims and objectives?

Are the suggested recommendations linked to the deficiencies identified in the research findings?

e. Are the suggested recommendations practical and workable?

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8.0 RESEARCH METHODS

These guidelines address postgraduate students who have completed course

requirements and assumed to have sufficient background experience of high-level

engagement activities like recognizing, relating, applying, generating, reflecting and

theorizing issues. It is an ultimate period in our academic life when we feel confident

at embarking on independent research.

It cannot be overemphasized that we must enjoy the experience of research process

and not look at it as an academic chore.

To enable such a desired behaviour, these guidelines consider the research process

in terms of the skills and knowledge needed to develop independent and critical

styles of thinking in order to evaluate and use research as well as to conduct fresh

research.

The guidelines should be viewed as briefs which the Research Supervisors are expected

to exemplify based on their own experience as well as expertise.

8.1 Chapter 1 - Introduction

INTRODUCE the subject or problem to be studied. This might require the

identification of key managerial concerns, theories, laws and governmental rulings,

critical incidents or social changes, and current environmental issues, that make the

subject critical, relevant and worthy of managerial or research attention.

• To inform the Reader (stylistically - forthright, direct, and brief / concise),

• The first sentence should begin with `This Study was intended

to’….’ And immediately tell the Reader the nature of the study for the

reader's interest and desire to read on.

8.1.1 The Research Problem

What is the statement of the problem? The statement of the problem or problem

statement should follow logically from what has been set forth in the background of

the problem by defining the specific research need providing impetus for the

study, a need not met through previous research. Present a clear and precise

statement of the central question of research, formulated to address the need.

8.1.2 The Purpose of the Study

What is the purpose of the study? What are the RESEARCH QUESTION (S) of

the study? What are the specific objective (s) of the study? Define the specific

research objective (s) that would answer the research Question (s) of the study.

8.1.3 The Rationale of the Study:

1. Why in a general sense?

2. One or two brief references to previous research or theories critical in structuring

this study to support and understand the rationale.

3. The importance of the study for the reader to know, to fully appreciate the need

for the study - and its significance.

4. Own professional experience that stimulated the study or aroused interest in the

area of research.

5. The Need for the Study - will deal with valid questions or professional concerns

to provide data leading to an answer - reference to literature helpful and

appropriate.

8.1.4 The Significance of the Study:

1. Clearly describe the significance of the study.

2. Justify why the subject requires attention.

3. Identify key contributions of the research that can be achieved.

4. Highlight the contributions that the study seeks to achieve towards - management

practices; theoretical and methodological applications; governmental procedures,

policies and laws; nation building.

8.1.5 The Scope of the Study:

1. Break general research problem down to specific sub problems

2. Major analysis of the data exposed as one of sub problems

3. Identify the dimensions / population of the subject that you plan to study.

4. Discussion on issues such as types of data the subjects or sources of information

utilised, the time period involved and the geographic locations covered in the research

may be discussed in this section.

5. What aspects of the subject do you intend to study? What are the key questions to

be investigated?

8.1.6 Definition of Terms

Define the terms used in the study that are not usually encountered by readers, generally.

If the study focuses on only one institution or company then a short background history

of it should be included in this chapter.

8.1.7 Summary

A synopsis of the contents of the chapter that leads to the introduction of the

following chapter.

8.2 Chapter 2 - Literature Review

1. Identify the appropriate academic and / or professional fields

2. Evaluate and critique the literature - challenge the assumptions

3. Be highly selective and include only those aspects of the research literature and

non-research or conceptual literature that are relevant to developing the foundation

of the current study.

4. Each major previous study is discussed in a separate paragraph (s) with the findings

summarised collectively - same as with non-research or conceptual literature by

authorities who hold similar views.

5. A review of literature should read as a synthesis, written by someone who has

read all of the literature and so is able to look across it all, select the highlights,

and synthesise these into a totally integrated section in the context of the current

study, for further use when writing the discussion of the results and conclusions.

8.2.1 History of Research:

Provide a brief history of the empirical research on the subject. Pioneering studies,

thrust of prior research on the subject i.e. which issues have received attention, theories

explored, viewpoints expressed, and research methods typically used.

8.2.2 Review of Key Studies

1. Identify and summarise the key empirical studies that have a bearing on the

research.

2. Provide a tabular summary of the subjects, issues studied, research methods used

and other pertinent details relating to the studies.

3. Summarise the findings of the studies.

8.2.3 Evaluation of Key Studies:

1. Evaluate the findings of the studies in the light of your concerns.

2. What has been accomplished and what remains to be done?

3. How do you intend to use the experience of these studies in your research?

8.2.4 Summary:

A synopsis of the contents of the hypotheses / research questions and the

rationale derived from the researcher's experience and from the readings of

research and conceptual literatures should be stated effectively at the

conclusion of the review of literature chapter that leads on to the following chapter.

8.3 Chapter 3 - Theoretical Framework and Research Methodology

THEORETICAL / CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK - using material from the previous

chapter, produce the working definitions of the main concepts you will use in your study.

If possible, form them into a conceptual framework of theories or hypotheses to be

tested.

8.3.1 Research Methodology

1. Discuss the nature of the questions you are asking and choose an appropriate

methodological stance for answering them.

2. Justify the research methods you are using.

3. Describe the practical and technical aspects of conducting the research.

8.3.2 Theoretical Framework

Identify the various variables investigated in the study. Illustrate how the

variables interact with each other as hypothesised in the research by the aid of

diagram (s) (if possible).

8.3.3 Research Approach

Describe the approach adopted in the study, justification for

using the approach and issues related to adopting the approach.

8.3.4 Research Subjects

1. Provide details about the population and sample used.

2. What sectors of the labour force, industry or groups is the sample drawn?

3. What are the characteristics of the population sample?

4. What are the strong points and limitations of the sample?

5. What is the justification of choosing the sample?

6. Can the findings be generalised to the population?

8.3.5 Questionnaire

1. Describe the questionnaire used in the study

2. Background of the questionnaire

3. Is it original? If any items are taken from existing questionnaire, identify the

sources

4. Describe the question categories

5. Describe the scaling methods used and state the reasons for choosing them

6. Issues on validity and reliability

7. Pilot test to check the clarity and appropriateness of the survey questionnaire prior

to the actual conduct of the actual survey.

8.3.6 Administration of the Questionnaire

1. Describe how the questionnaire was administered

2. Discuss problems encountered, if any, that affected the results relating to sample

characteristics and their potential impact on reliability and validity of the data.

3. Ensure that in collecting the data, individual respondents / organization were duly

briefed and made aware of the ethical practices including ensuring the

confidentiality of the information gathered and data protection, voluntary and non

- monetary inducement to participate in the intended research. Full consent of

participations by individual respondents is solicited without any form of coercion.

8.3.7 Statistical Methods

1. Discuss the selected Descriptive and Inferential Statistical methods [as in the

SPSS] used in analysing the results. Having selected the variables for your study,

you assume that they would either help to define your problem (dependent

variable/s) and its different components or that they were contributory factors to

your problem (independent variable).

2. The purpose of data analysis is to identify whether these assumptions were correct

or not, and to highlight possible new views on the problem under study.

3. The ultimate purpose of analysis is to answer the research questions outlined in

the objectives with your data.

8.3.8 Summary

1. A synopsis of the contents of what has been written about in the Theoretical /

Conceptual Framework and Research Methodology used.

2. The description of the sample used.

3. Descriptive data and the instrument used.

4. The design of the study and the way data were collected.

5. The way data were analysed - assumptions and limitations of the study.

8.4 Chapter 4 - Data Presentation, Analysis and Findings

1. Describe what you found out and what it means.

2. Refer back to the Literature Review and your Theoretical/ Conceptual

Framework.

3. Present the Data in the form of tables, figures, charts or other illustrations as

needed and sequenced in terms of the research questions or hypotheses tested.

4. Discuss your findings in terms of what the data actually means in terms of each

segment or cell of data gathered.

8.4.1 Summary

State the findings as concretely as possible in terms of each segment or cell of

data gathered to answer the research questions and hypotheses.

8.5 Chapter 5 - Conclusions and Recommendations

1. As an introduction to the chapter, Summarise [recapitulate] the argument of the

dissertation in terms of what you attempted to find out and what you

accomplished i.e. address the research questions / hypothesis(es).

2. The final chapter is entitled `Conclusions and Recommendations'. Conclusions

here mean that for each of the findings that address the research questions and

hypotheses, the researcher draws a conclusion.

3. Recommendations mean that for each Conclusion, the researcher suggests a

recommendation.

4. Consider:

a. Discussion: Discuss the findings of Study in terms of the main Research

Questions and Hypotheses as well as the Title of the Research and relate the findings

to the Literature Review. In addition, try to explain the significance and non-

significance of the results using available theory, data and facts as well as the

validity and reliability of the findings and

arguments in the dissertation as a whole.

b. Implications: What are the substantive implications of the experience for -

Management, unions and other interest groups; for public policy; Nation building. -

The Methodological or procedural implications of the experience for other

researchers.

c. Limitations of Research: Describe the possible limitations faced in the study

especially from the methodological perspective.

d. Suggestions for Further or Additional Research: Provide concrete suggestions

for FURTHER RESEARCH in the field or additional research (if possible) in the

research methodological areas encountered in the study The researcher's last

Recommendation will be Suggestions for Further

Research.

e. The FINAL CONCLUSION to the chapter addresses the TITLE of the Research as

the title reflects the whole study. Discuss how the objectives and research questions

of the study have been met with the research.

f. Highlight the key findings, implications, etc. that the research has revealed.

SBP��ҵս����Ŀ�����IJο�����/1. SBP��Ŀ˵��/uws-sbp-wb-en-GB (1).pdf
uws-sbp-wb-en-GB August 19, 2014 - 16:45 1

Strategic Business Project Workbook

Stuart Paul

Release 1.1 2014

www.uws.ac.uk

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Published by the University of the West of Scotland.

© 2014 University of the West of Scotland

The right of Stuart Paul to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with Sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms and licenses issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency.

www.uws.ac.uk

Captured, authored, published, delivered and managed in XML CAPDM Limited, Edinburgh, Scotland www.capdm.comCapdm

uws-sbp-wb-en-GB August 19, 2014 - 16:45 3

Strategic Business Project iii

Contents

1 An Introduction to Business Research and Your MBA Project Report 1 2 Literature Review 13 3 Quantitative Research Methods 20 4 Qualitative Research Methods 42 5 Writing Up Your MBA Project Report 55

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Strategic Business Project iv

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1

An Introduction to Business Research and Your MBA Project Report

Learning outcomes

After completing the study of this topic you should be able to:

• know the main approaches to business research;

• be equipped to begin planning your MBA project.

The prescribed reading for this topic is from the core text: Sekaran and Bougie (2010) Research Methods for Business, Chapters 1 and 3.

Introduction

This short topic about business research and the MBA project will set out the following key areas:

• What is business research?

• Approaches to business research

• Planning Your MBA research project.

1.1 What is business research?

The core text for the module describes business research as a ‘systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific problem in the work setting, which needs a solution’. Most business degrees at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels require students to undertake some form of research. As such it can be one of the most interesting parts of any degree course. It offers you a degree of control and autonomy over what you learn and how you do it. Of course, a supervisor will be appointed to help you as you go through the MBA project, but it is very much down to you to manage your time and effort to ensure a successful completion of your MBA. Collis & Hussey (2009) suggest that the purpose of research can be:

• Review or synthesize existing knowledge

• Investigate existing situations or problems

• Provide solutions to problems

• Explore and analyse more general issues

• Construct or create new procedures or systems

• Explain new phenomenon

• Generate new knowledge

• Or a combination of any of the above!

Therefore, you are about to embark on a journey on which you will not only learn about research and how to do it, but you will also (with a bit of luck!) contribute to knowledge and understanding in an area of your choosing.

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Strategic Business Project

2

1.2 Approaches to business research

Business research provides the necessary information that guides managers in mak- ing informed decisions to successfully deal with problems, determine strategies and arrive at solutions. This information (data) can either be quantitative or qualitative.

• Quantitative data are data in the form of numbers and are generally gathered through structured questions, often utilising structured questionnaires. Quant- itative research concentrates on measuring the scale, range and the frequency of phenomena. Data from quantitative research are usually highly detailed and structured and are presented statistically.

• Qualitative data are data in the form of words as generated from broad answers to questions in interviews or from responses to open-ended questions in a questionnaire. Qualitative research is more subjective in nature and usually involves investigating less tangible aspects of a research subject, for example, values and perceptions.

These are two descriptions applied to types of research with which you should become familiar. Research is often described as:

• basic or applied, and as either

• inductive or deductive.

1.2.1 Basic or applied research

The focus of basic research is to improve knowledge generally whereas applied research addresses a particular situation or problem. For example, a product may not be selling well and the organisation wishes to address this issue− this as applied research. In your MBA project, you are required to engage in applied research by addressing a specific business or management issue. Ideally, the research which you undertake for your MBA project should be applied in that it should have practical value. To this extent it can be said to be similar to a management consultancy report.

1.2.2 Inductive or deductive research

In an inductive approach to research, a researcher begins by collecting data that are relevant to his or her topic of interest. Once substantial amounts of data have been collected, the researcher will then look for patterns in the data, working to develop an explanation or theory for those patterns. In other words, this research approach moves from data to explanation (and sometimes theory), or from the specific to the general. Most qualitative based research studies are inductive.

Researchers adopting a deductive approach take the steps described earlier for inductive research and reverse their order. They start with a theory that they find compelling and then test its implications with data. That is, they move from a more general level to a more specific one. A deductive approach to research is the one that people typically associate with scientific investigation. The researcher studies what others have done, reads existing theories of whatever phenomenon he or she is studying, and then tests hypotheses that emerge from those theories. Most quantitative research studies are deductive in approach.

Reflective exercise 1.1

Every research approach has its advantages (i.e. its positive features) and dis- advantages (i.e. its points of criticism). Take a few minutes to note down key points in answer to the following two questions.

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An Introduction to Business Research and Your MBA Project Report

3

What are the advantages of applying an inductive/qualitative approach utilising interviews to a research project?

What are the advantages of applying a deductive/quantitative approach util- ising a structured questionnaire to a research project?

Once you have answered these two questions, consider the points below. Do your answers match these?

Inductive/qualitative approach

Advantages

• You can use a relatively small sample for your research.

• Data can be gathered which is ‘rich’ in personal comment and personal insights.

• The ‘why’ is automatically addressed in the data.

• With interviews, respondents are free to answer any way they would like− they aren’t constrained to a pre-determined set of possible responses as you might see on a survey.

Disadvantages

• The findings are subjective and it can be difficult to generalise from the research.

• Your research would be very hard to reproduce if another researcher wanted to reproduce your research and test your findings.

• A qualitative approach is often time consuming − interviewing people takes time.

• And, because time is very often linked with cost, qualitative approaches can be expensive.

Deductive/quantitative approach

Advantages

• It can be an extremely efficient approach for gathering data, especially for large groups of people.

• Quantitative methods are easier to replicate and this can make it easier for other researchers to test your findings.

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Strategic Business Project

4

Disadvantages

• Not a particular good approach to take if you are trying to explain why things happen.

• Assumes that researchers can be objective, but researchers may allow their own values and interests to influence the research.

• You need to use a large sample to be able to make generalisations from the results.

For your MBA project, the decision to adopt a qualitative/inductive approach or a quantitative/deductive approach will be determined by:

• The issue you wish to research; and by

• Your own skills and preferences.

1.3 Planning your MBA project research

Experience has shown that the main stages of an MBA project research can be sub- divided into 8 main stages. However, in practice these stages are likely to overlap and the transition between one stage and another is not always clear-cut. In practice, it is often necessary to move back and forth between stages to, for example, read additional material, collect additional data, or adjust a timescale. It is rare for an MBA project to proceed smoothly and in a ‘straight line’. Indeed, it is arguable that one of the distinguishing features of the successful MBA researcher is her/his ability to capitalise on opportunities, manage setbacks and still deliver a quality project on- time. Notwithstanding, timeous delivery of an MBA project will be greatly enhanced if a student carefully works out a timetable for each stage of the research. The 8 main stages of an MBA project are shown below. Think about what you want to achieve in your MBA project. Can you put in tentative dates to each of the stages?

Stage 1. Establish a general field of interest− discuss with supervisor/tutor

Stage completed by: