Reference no: EM132538017 , Length: word count:3000

Unit 11 Research Project - Pearson BTEC HND in Business (RQF)

Learning Outcome 1: Conduct appropriate research methodology which integrates knowledge into the research process.

Learning Outcome 2: Conduct and analyse research relevant to a chosen business research project.

Learning Outcome 3: Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders.

Learning Outcome 4: Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts.

You are strongly advised to read "Preparation Guidelines of the Coursework Document" before answering your assignment.

ASSIGNMENT

Assignment Theme: Equality and diversity in the workplace

Introduction to theme

Equality is relevant in all workplaces, regardless of whether the business employs two people or two hundred people, irrespective of whether they work remotely, in an office, a warehouse or on a shop floor. It is about ensuring that everybody has the same access to the same opportunities without any discrimination. Diversity takes into account differences between people and groups of people, by placing a positive value on those differences. A diverse and inclusive work place values people's different backgrounds, knowledge, skills, and experiences, and uses these differences to create a productive and effective workforce.

Managing both equality and diversity is equally important as it impacts on all the employees working in an organisation. Business cases have proven that biases and discrimination within the workplace can impede business growth and productivity and therefore, many businesses look beyond any legal considerations and policies to effectively promote equality and diversity to improve productivity, opportunity, and competitiveness.

Consider that you have recently been appointed as a Junior Human Resource Manager of a UK- based global company of your choice which is facing major cultural diversity issues. You have to produce a research proposal and a report to be presented to the Board of Directors of your organisation. The assignment requires that you conduct research to examine the impact of the managing cultural diversity on a specific organisational performance.

You should identify a specific problem or issue related to the theme ("Managing cultural diversity in the workplace") and write a research proposal outlining the issues as a problem statement - identifying the research objectives necessary to address your research question. The research proposal should include a relevant literature review which supports and justifies your research objectives. This will form the basis of your research project. When you have completed the research proposal, you should complete an ethics form and get this approved by your tutor.

You must carry out and conduct the whole research project yourself to show your independent enquiry and critical analysis throughout. You must submit as evidence project findings, research proposal and ethics form, and scanned copies of all research instruments (e.g., completed questionnaires, interview guide, interviews).

What you must do

Section 1:
Based on your chosen business research project, produce a research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis, supported by a literature review. You should conduct literature in your research proposal.

You should examine appropriate research methods as Section of conducting a primary study to solve the problem identified in your organisation. You should also evaluate the different research approaches and methodology, and make justifications for the choice of methods you have selected based on your philosophical/theoretical framework.

The proposal should be agreed with your tutor prior to undertaking any research. The proposal and ethical forms should be agreed and completed and submitted prior to the commencement of the research.

Section 2:
Based on your chosen business research project, conduct primary research using appropriate methods that take into account costs, access and ethical issues. Apply appropriate analytical tools to analyse research findings and data. You should discuss the merits, limitations and pitfalls of approaches to data collection and analysis you used.

You are also required to critically evaluate the research methodologies and processes in the application to your business research project to justify the chosen methods and analysis.

It is important to communicate the results of your project in a manner that is appropriate to the Board of Directors of your chosen organisation. You should communicate the research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the Board of Directors, coherently and logically demonstrating how the outcomes meet the set research objectives you developed in the research proposal. You should also critically evaluate the research outcomes and make valid, justified recommendations.

As Section of learning from the research project, reflect on the effectiveness of research methods you applied for meeting the objectives of your chosen business research project and consider alternative research methodologies and lessons learnt in view of the outcomes of your research project. Provide a critical reflection and insights and recommend actions for improvements in future research undertakings. You should demonstrate reflection and engagement in the resource process leading to recommended actions for future improvement.

Attachment:- Research project assignment brief.rar