The category of grade (distinction, pass or fail) is selected on the basis of: DISTINCTION A well-defined aim/research question with a clear and narrowly-focussed business and management academic area identified. This should be accompanied by (typically) 3-4 objectives demonstrating a coherent and logical journey to achieve the project’s aim. PASS A potentially feasible topic that has an aim/research question with an identifiable business and management academic area but the scope is too wide-ranging both in terms of the academic subject (too general or too many areas considered) and the research aim is too broad and/or ambitious. Accompanying objectives may be incomplete or imprecise. FAIL A lack of coherent discussion of a feasible business and management topic, typified by a vague aim/research question that is unrealistic and lacking in detail. The core academic area is either absent, difficult to identify or outwith a business and management agenda. Objectives are either missing or lack credibility.

GENERAL The specific grade (F5-F1, P1-P5, D1-D5) awarded will reflect the extent to which the following areas are addressed (with more of these satisfied giving a higher grade within the categories of fail, pass or distinction): 1. Clear and accurate title reflecting academic subject and sector/organisation(s); 2. Context and rationale clearly stated and justified; 3. Consistent and appropriate methodology, design and methods commensurate with the project aims (methods texts should be referenced) 4. Ethical issues addressed, as appropriate. 5. Accurate APA 6th referencing covering relevant texts, journals etc. (not just web-based!)

Further to earlier request, please see additional information. Kindly note that the research paper with the 3500 words can be sent by 25. Thanks. A brief justification of why these aims and objectives are appropriate is also useful to highlight the focus of your proposal. Formulating clear and well-defined objectives

Not all of these may be appropriate but the majority should be. In essence, this section should allow the reader to clearly identify the academic arena in which the research is located and its potential to 'fill a gap' that exists within this area of business and management. Aim and objectives This section should include a very clear statement of the overall aim of the research, leading on from the introduction. Typically, you will have three or four specific objectives which will enable you to achieve your main aim. It is likely that these will incorporate an academic element (perhaps 'testing' a hypothesis or basing your research/analysis on an existing framework/theory) and a practical perspective (possibly leading to recommendations) relating to the workplace/sector/industry. The balance between the two is dependent on the research topic selected, but the academic focus must be visible at this stage. The objectives should flow in a logical fashion and your first objective is typically a review of the appropriate academic and practitioner (as appropriate) literature.

In this section, you will contextualise the rationale for your proposed research. For example, you should include: • Your particular background, inspiration and motivation for the proposed research; • The practitioner or work-based context that leads you to examine this topic; • The functional areas of business which you are drawing upon; • Academic literature (including supporting references) which you are using to illustrate the academic underpinning of the research; • Why this research project is potentially important — you could perhaps refer to how it might assist industry, organisations or practitioners; • How innovative the research could be e.g. using existing published research but in a different context.