level of complexity and demand

OTHM LEVEL 7 CERTIFICATE IN RESEARCH METHODS ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

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1

OTHM LEVEL 7
CERTIFICATE IN
RESEARCH METHODS
Qualification Number: 603/5746/0
Assignment Brief
Issue: April 2020
OTHM LEVEL 7 CERTIFICATE IN RESEARCH METHODS ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
©2020 OTHM WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK
Assessment guidance for criterion referenced marking.
The assessment grading criteria characterises the level of complexity and demand expected of students at each level of qualification. Please note
that these are generic descriptors which apply mainly, though not exclusively, to written academic work.
Any further unit-specific assessment criteria, such as number of words, should be clearly stated in each individual assignment brief.

Result.	Level 3	Level 4	Level 5	Level 6	Level 7
Pass	Detailed answers to all parts of the questions or tasks. Clearly structured and focused, demonstrating overall coherence and in depth understanding of the unit content and assessment requirements. Evidence of the use of independently sourced material, well applied in all contexts. Very few errors in grammar as appropriate.	Detailed response to all relevant parts of the questions or tasks, with evidence of clear understanding of the issues. Well-structured with evidence of independent reading supporting the argument. Clear evidence of a range of independently sourced material, well applied in all contexts. Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate.	Very full, independent response to the assignment, applying relevant material well beyond any module input, demonstrating independent study. Excellent understanding and application of relevant theory, concepts and models. Very clear logical structure. Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate.	Excellent links between relevant ideas, theories and practice. Evidence of independent learning and the ability to engage critically and analytically with a wide range of contextually relevant resource material. Demonstration of original insights supported by well structured overall argument. Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate.	The work demonstrates engagement in an academic debate which presents clear evidence of a considered understanding of the topics studied. There is evidence of clear synthesis of theoretical issues and practice. A critical analysis of theoretical models and/or practical applications has resulted in originality. Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate.

OTHM LEVEL 7 CERTIFICATE IN ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
©2020 OTHM WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK

Fail

Little attempt to engage with assignment brief. Learning outcomes not fully met. Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice.

Little attempt to engage with assignment brief. Learning outcomes not fully met. Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice.

Little attempt to engage with assignment brief. Learning outcomes not fully met. Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice.

Little attempt to engage with assignment brief. Learning outcomes not fully met. Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice.

Whilst some of the characteristics of a pass have been demonstrated, the work does not address each of the outcomes for the specified assessment task. The work may be an overly descriptive account demonstrating minimal interpretation, and there is very limited evidence of analysis, synthesis or evaluation. No counterarguments or alternative frames of reference are generated or considered.

OTHM LEVEL 7 CERTIFICATE IN RESEARCH METHODS ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

©2020 OTHM WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK

4

RESEARCH METHODS

Unit Reference Number	T/618/0798
Unit Title	Research Methods
Unit Level	7
Number of Credits	20
Total Qualification Time (TQT)	200 Hours
Guided Learning Hours (GLH)	100 Hours
Mandatory / Optional	Mandatory
Unit Grading Structure	Pass / Fail

Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ ability to prepare for various types of
academically based management research through the development and design of a
research proposal. Learners will develop a critical understanding of the
philosophical, practical and ethical concepts of research within the context of a
relevant environment.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcome – the learner will:	Assessment Criterion – the learner can:
1. Be able to develop research approaches in a relevant context.	1.1	Appraise research problems relevant to a stated subject.
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 relevant to a stated 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	3.1	Critically evaluate relevant research research
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.

methodologies to reflect the objectives.

OTHM LEVEL 7 CERTIFICATE IN ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
©2020 OTHM WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK
Scenario
There is no scenario for this assignment. Instead, you must propose an
independent, small scale research project about an area of interest to you
within a relevant context. Ideally, the research proposal should deal with an
opportunity or a problem at the organisation where you are currently employed.
You should select a manageable area within a subject area related to your
studies. (e.g. Finance, HR, Project Management, CSR, etc.)
Task 1 of 1 – Research Project Proposal (All LOs)
Instructions
In this task, you will need to produce a research project proposal in which you:
1. Introduction
a. Introduce the 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 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:
o Discuss data collection methods.
o Select the instrument, design it and justify an appropriate method with
an outline of a pre-test/pilot to be included as an appendix.
o 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 of error.
4. Statement of Ethics
a. Discuss access to respondent issues, permissions from organisation to
conduct research, confidentiality, rights of withdrawal, consent, management
OTHM LEVEL 7 CERTIFICATE IN ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
©2020 OTHM WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK
of data security etc.
5. Timeline

a. research.

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

Delivery and Submission
A completed research proposal (circa 2500 words excluding relevant
appendices) with an extended bibliography of at least twenty academic, journal
and industry relevant sector sources to be included at the end of 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: 2500-word research proposal
OTHM LEVEL 7 CERTIFICATE IN RESEARCH METHODS ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

©2020 OTHM WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK