Critically evaluate appropriate research methodologies in terms of research objectives;

Assignment Brief

Business Research Methods

Unit Aims :

This unit deals with principles of research including the formulation of research questions, hypothesis and objectives. The unit will cover literature reviews, referencing, data collection using interviews and surveys, questionnaire design, statistical analysing using SPSS, qualitative data and methods for drawing conclusions from the analysed data.

Learning Outcomes:

3. Understand the design of business research methodologies.

3.1 Critically evaluate appropriate research methodologies in terms of research objectives;

3.2 Design an appropriate methodology in terms of research objectives;

3.3 Justify a selected methodology in terms of research objectives;

4. Develop a research proposal.

4.1 Propose techniques for use with quantitative and qualitative data

4.2 Create a research question, literature review and methodology

4.3 Create a research question, literature review and methodology

INDICATIVE CONTENTS

• Learning Outcomes 3 –designing a research using the most appropriate method; research question or hypothesis test; reliability and validity test; ethical issues consideration; quantitative methodology; questionnaire design and distribution; conducting interviews; surveys; qualitative methodology; interviews; observation; case studies; 
• Learning Outcomes 4 – writing a research report for professional audiences; following a criteria sequence as rationale of the research, formatting, editing, critical analysis, discussions of evidences and findings

ASSESSMENTS

• Learning Outcomes 3 & 4 – You will be assessed via submission of assignment. Your assignment should cover  Assessment criteria under learning outcomes 3 and 4. Word count – 4000 words.

INDICATIVE READING LIST

• Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornnhill, A. (20013). Research Methods for Business Students 4th ed. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
• Anderson, V. (2009). Research Methods in Human Resource Management. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
• Booth, A., Papaioannou, D. & Sutton, A. (2012). Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review. London: Sage Publications.
• Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (2011). Business Research Methods. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Deniels, P. & Becker, L. (2012). Developing Research Proposals. London: Sage Publications.

Sample Answer

Designing and Developing a Business Research Proposal

Introduction

Business research plays a key role in helping organisations understand their environment, make informed decisions, and improve performance. To ensure the research is meaningful, it is essential to design the right methodology and structure the project clearly. This paper will first explain and evaluate different research methods and then develop a research proposal, covering research questions, methodology, and data collection techniques. It will also discuss ethical considerations and the importance of validity and reliability in research.

Section 1: Understanding and Evaluating Research Methodologies (LO3.1)

What Is Research Methodology?

Research methodology refers to the overall strategy and approach used to collect, analyse and interpret data in a study. It helps ensure that the research meets its objectives in a reliable and valid way.

Types of Research Methodology

1. Quantitative Methods – Based on numbers and statistics. Useful for measuring, comparing, and testing hypotheses. Common tools include:

   • Surveys

   • Questionnaires

   • Experiments

   • Statistical analysis (e.g., SPSS)

2. Qualitative Methods – Focus on understanding meanings, experiences, and opinions. Methods include:

   • Interviews

   • Focus groups

   • Observations

   • Case studies

3. Mixed Methods – Combine both approaches to give a fuller picture.

Evaluating Research Methods

A good research design should match the method with the aim of the study.

Section 2: Designing an Appropriate Methodology (LO3.2)

Suppose the research aims to explore: "The impact of remote work on employee productivity in UK SMEs post-COVID-19"

Chosen Methodology: Mixed Methods

• Quantitative: A structured questionnaire distributed to 100 employees across SMEs.

• Qualitative: 10 in-depth interviews with managers and HR officers to get deeper insights.

Why Mixed Methods?

• Surveys allow collection of broad, general data.

• Interviews offer deeper understanding of challenges and experiences.

Section 3: Justifying the Selected Methodology (LO3.3)

This mixed-methods approach fits the research objective because:

• It measures real productivity trends (quantitative)

• It explores how people feel about working from home (qualitative)

• It provides both numbers and narratives, giving a more balanced view

Reliability and Validity Considerations

• Reliability: Using the same questions for all respondents improves consistency.

• Validity: Questions are based on reviewed literature to ensure they are relevant.

Section 4: Techniques for Analysing Data (LO4.1)

Quantitative Data (Survey Results)

• Analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)

• Descriptive statistics: mean, mode, standard deviation

• Inferential statistics: correlation and regression to explore relationships

Qualitative Data (Interview Responses)

• Analysed using thematic analysis (e.g., Braun & Clarke’s method)

• Coding responses and identifying patterns

• Use of NVivo software can assist in analysis

Section 5: Research Proposal (LO4.2 & LO4.3)

Research Title:

Exploring the Impact of Remote Work on Employee Productivity in UK SMEs After COVID-19

Research Question:

How has remote working affected employee productivity in small and medium-sized businesses in the UK since the COVID-19 pandemic?

Objectives:

1. To measure changes in productivity levels in SMEs since the shift to remote work.

2. To understand employee and manager perspectives on working from home.

3. To suggest strategies for improving productivity in remote settings.