Advanced Research Methods (A/618/0236) Assignment Brief 2026

Advanced Research Methods Assignment Brief

Unit Aims

The unit aims to equip learners with the practical, technical, and methodological skills to conduct independent research for their research project and management broadly defined. It recognises that conducting research requires the development of specific and generic research skills, including understanding the research design process, understanding different techniques for conducting research in business and management studies, and appreciating the ethical and social implications of undertaking high value research. This unit will enable learners to develop critical awareness of key research skills as researchers and/or intendent practitioners.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

1. Be able to develop research approaches in an appropriate project management context.

1.1 Appraise relevant research problems.

1.2 Develop and justify appropriate research aims and objectives within a defined scope and timeframe.

1.3 Critically explore, select and justify research approaches.

2. Be able to critically review literature on a relevant project management research topic.

2.1 Critically analyse different theoretical approaches to a research problem.

2.2 Create a structured and thorough critical literature review.

3. Be able to design research methodologies for a relevant project management topic.

3.1 Critically evaluate relevant research methodologies to reflect the research objectives.

3.2 Design an appropriate methodology in terms of the research objectives for a defined population.

3.3 Justify the methodology selected in terms of the research objectives within agreed ethical guidelines.

4. Be able to develop and present a research proposal.

4.1 Create a research question, literature review and methodology.

4.2 Propose techniques for use with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.

4.3 Present the proposal using suitable methods.

Scenario

This assessment will require you to propose an independent, small scale research project set in a project management context by using appropriate research approach, strategy, methodology and techniques that make up formal research.

In order to achieve the unit  learning outcomes and assessment criteria, you need to select a topic area for an investigative primary research project. The research itself is dependent on you, the context of your area of learning, your focus of interest and the anticipated outcomes.

You may draw together a range of other areas of content within the programme of study to form a holistic piece of work that makes a positive contribution to your area of interest.  However, it is expected that your project will be work focused and you will demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and application of aspects of Project Management, while addressing a “live” issue.

You will need to check with your Tutor that your choice of topic is appropriate.

Task 1 – Research Project Proposal  (ACs 1.1, 1.2, ACs 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3

Instructions

In this task, you will need to produce a research project proposal in which you cover the following areas:

1. Introduction

a. Introduce the business problem or opportunity with supporting data and trends.

b. Clearly explain  the  background  to  the  business  problem  or  opportunity,  and  justify the reasons  for,  and  the  value  of,  the  research  to  your  employer  and  the  wider  academic community.

c. Outline the research project’s aims and objectives.

d. State the limitations and scope of the proposed research.

2. Literature Review

a. Critically review key literature and recent academic publications around the subject area discussing key  definitions,  current  theoretical  frameworks,  and  research  carried  out  in similar business areas.

b. Develop a  conceptual  and  theoretical  framework  for  the  research  from  the  literature review  explaining  how  and  why  it  supports  and  informs  your  approach  the  research process.

3. Research Methodology

a. Explain and justify your research approach and strategy.

b. Data collection:

• Discuss data collection methods.
• Select the instrument, design it and justify an appropriate method with an outline of a pre-test/pilot to be included as an appendix.
• Clearly outline the administration of the data collection process.

c. Population and Sampling: Define the research population, sampling strategy and clarify access to respondent issues.

d. Data  Analysis: Describe  and justify how  you  propose  to  analyse  and  report  the  results and  findings  of  your  research  with  a  discussion  about  reliability  and  validity  and  the management  error.

4. Statement of Ethics

a. Discuss access to respondent issues, permissions from organisation to conduct research, confidentiality, rights of withdrawal, consent, management of data security etc.

5. Timeline

a. Develop a plan using GANTT Chart from start to completion of the research.

Delivery and Submission:

• A completed  research  proposal  (circa  2500  words  excluding  relevant  appendices)  with  an extended reference list of  at  least  twenty academic,  journals and  industry  sources  to  be included at the end of the work.

Referencing:

• Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
• A comprehensive Harvard style bibliography (not a reference list)

Evidence to be submitted: 

• Research proposal – 2500 words

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