Reference no: EM133032382 , Length: word count:1400

Assessment Task

Research skills portfolio (AS2), 1400 words.

The student is expected to outline how they would undertake a research project to explore one of the following topics and the key literature areas they would examine:

- How to increase diversity in the workplace

- Understanding the importance of globalisation on organisational strategy

- Integrating sustainability into how organisations operate

- Examining how organisations create a skilled workforce

You will need to produce a portfolio that includes the four elements corresponding to your research project as described in section 2.1.

2.1 Research skills portfolio

The student is expected to outline how they would undertake a research project to explore one of the following topics and the key literature areas they would examine:

- How to increase diversity in the workplace

- Understanding the importance of globalisation on organisational strategy

- Integrating sustainability into how organisations operate

- Examining how organisations create a skilled workforce

(a) Portfolio element 1: Critically examine literature with regard to the topic of your choice

It is important that you demonstrate that you can evaluate and critically analyse what you are reading. As a post graduate business student, it is essential that you demonstrate up-to-date knowledge regarding critical business issue chosen and that you can reach evidence-based conclusions in your writing.

You should introduce your topic and then state what the research suggests are the 2-3 key issues in this field. You should also state why you think this topic is important to examine in the context of the literature you have examined. 350 words

(b) Portfolio element 2: Define the research objectives for a research project provided
.
Outline the nature of a research project that you would undertake in the chosen area. This includes outlining the specific issues regarding your chosen topic you wish to analyse and any research questions to wish to answer. 350 words

(c) Portfolio element 3:Outline the methodology you will adopt to undertake the research project

It is crucial that you clearly understand the methodology you will be adopting and why you are taking this approach. You should outline in what paradigm it sits: Are you adopting a quantitative approach, a qualitative one or a triangulation method?

You will then need to explain what techniques you are using and what sampling approach. If you are using more than one technique then explain why and in justify this. Consider the time and resources you have to deliver the research project. These will be limited. In outlining the size of your sample be exact and do not be over ambitious.

Outline briefly how you will analyse the data that you collect and the approach you will use. 350 words.

(d) Portfolio element 4:Explain any ethical questions related to the research and how you would address them

Ensuring that ethical issues are considered and addressed is a fundamental research skill. Please consider what the research participants and if relevant their organisations need to know about the research you are undertaking and how you will conduct the research to ensure their privacy and needs are respected. Please state whether the information you are collecting is sensitive in any way and who if anyone may be damaged if the data you collect is not kept securely or if it is shared in an inappropriate way. 350 words.