Business research method

Paper details:

Step structure”.
Step One –
Start with these forms
Files:
o MBA MSc Research Project Topic Template(1).docx (17.031 KB)
o Dissertation Proposal Planning Template.docx (35.881 KB)
Grading Criteria – the Project / Dissertation
Attached Files:
• BRP Rubric inc GRADE CRITERIA.docx (19.48 KB)

Step Two – Research Proposal

•
Research Proposal
Attached Files:
o Research Proposal and how to write it.docx (35.381 KB)
Once you have a supervisor allocated, you need to produce a research proposal. This should be sent directly to your supervisor 4 weeks after your workshop. It is important that you work closely with your supervisor and decide on how you will maintain your relationship. Attached is a guide to writing your Research Proposal.

Step Three – Consider Research Ethics

•
Research Ethics
Please read the research ethics guidelines and complete an ethics form before undertaking any research for your project.
A completed ethics form must be appended to your final Project. You cannot undertake fieldwork or distribute questionnaires, etc., without having your ethics form signed off (normally electronically) by your supervisor.

• Please be reassured – it is very unusual indeed for there to be an issue with ethics. Normally the form can be signed-off (or returned for slight amendment) by your supervisor. There may be the very rare eventuality that if – for example – your area of research necessitates collecting sensitive personal information, then the Faculty Ethics Committee will review your plans and grant / withhold approval.
Please note that, in addition to completing the ethics form – you must make every effort to keep all data that you collect anonymous and secured (as per the Data Protection Act in the UK and whatever other legislation applies in the jurisdiction and / or environment in which you are working). You are strongly encouraged to prepare Participant Information Sheets and other materials for your research respondents and ensure their anonymity (in all media) unless explicitly stated by respondents that they are content to be identifiable.
For commercially sensitive and other proprietary information – work with your supervisor and Module Leader (if necessary) to ensure that the businesses or other organisations that you are working for are appropriately anonymised and not identifiable.

•
Business School Ethics Form
Attached Files:
o Revised NBS Ethics Form.doc (41.5 KB)
This document must be completed by all Postgraduate Dissertation students and signed (electronically or otherwise) by your supervisor prior to you conducting any primary research.
•
Ethics Policy Notes
Attached Files:
o KE Guidance on Ethics for Reseach.doc (41 KB)
This document provides some guidance on the University of Nothampton Ethics Policy.