Understand how to formulate a research specification

Assignment Brief

In this paper, you are supposed to write a research paper in which you have to include the following elements along with adhering to all the rules:

• Critical review of references
• Research specification
• Suitable plans and procedures
• Analysis of research findings
• Propose recommendations and implementation

 Instructions 

LO	Learning outcome	Assessment Criteria	In this assessment you will have the opportunity to present evidence that shows you are able to:
1	LO1 Understand how to formulate a research specification	1.1;1.2;1.3;1.4;1.5	1.1 formulate and record possible research project outline specifications.    1.2 identify the factors that contribute to the process of research project selection.   1.3 undertake a critical review of key references.   1.4 produce a research project specification.   1.5 provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research specification.
2	LO2 Be able to implement the research project within agreed procedures and to specification	2.1;2.2,2.3	2.1 match resources efficiently to the research question or hypothesis.   2.2 undertake the proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and procedures.    2.3 record and collate relevant data where appropriate.
3	LO3 Be able to evaluate the research outcomes	3.1; 3.2; 3.3	3.1 use appropriate research evaluation techniques    3.2 interpret and analyse the results in terms of the original research specification   3.3 make recommendations and justify areas for further consideration
4	LO4 Be able to present the research outcomes	4.1;4.2;4.3	4.1 use an agreed format and appropriate media to present the outcomes of the research to an audience.

Sample Answer

Research Paper: The Impact of Flexible Working on Employee Productivity in the UK

1. Critical Review of References

Flexible working has gained importance, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many researchers have looked into its effect on productivity, job satisfaction, and work-life balance.

For example, Bloom et al. (2015) conducted a study with a Chinese travel company and found that employees working from home were 13% more productive. Similarly, Choudhury et al. (2020) stated that flexible workers report higher job satisfaction and lower stress levels.

However, not all studies agree. Grant et al. (2013) noted that without proper management, flexible work can lead to isolation and poor communication. The critical review of the literature shows both positive and negative aspects. Most agree that outcomes depend on how well flexible work is managed and supported by leadership.

This research paper aims to explore whether flexible working increases employee productivity in the UK, using mixed research methods.

2. Research Specification

2.1 Formulate and Record the Research Specification

Title: The Impact of Flexible Working on Employee Productivity in the UK.

Aim: To find out whether flexible working improves productivity in UK businesses.

Objectives:

• To understand how employees feel about flexible working.

• To measure changes in productivity after the introduction of flexible working.

• To recommend strategies for improving remote working practices.

2.2 Factors Influencing Research Topic Selection

This topic was chosen because:

• It`s highly relevant in the post-pandemic world.

• Many UK companies are now using hybrid or remote working models.

• It affects HR, business strategy, and overall performance.

2.3 Critical Review of Key References

The research draws from academic journals (Harvard Business Review, CIPD, etc.), government reports (ONS), and articles from trusted business sources like McKinsey and Deloitte.

2.4 Research Project Specification

This study will use mixed methods:

• Quantitative data: employee productivity metrics (before/after remote work).

• Qualitative data: interviews with employees and managers.

2.5 Plans and Procedures

• Create a research questionnaire.

• Send to 3 companies using flexible working.

• Interview 5 employees and 3 managers.

• Analyse survey and interview results using Excel and thematic analysis.

3. Implementation of the Research

3.1 Match Resources to Research

Resources used:

• Microsoft Forms for surveys

• Zoom/Teams for interviews

• Time (2 months for data collection)

• HR contacts in small and mid-sized UK firms

3.2 Undertake Research as Per Procedure

The survey was sent to 60 employees. 45 responses were received. Interviews were conducted with 8 people (5 employees, 3 managers). All data was collected with ethical consent and stored securely.

3.3 Record and Collate Data

Survey responses were recorded in Excel. Interview recordings were transcribed. Key themes were noted: communication, productivity, time management, job satisfaction, and isolation.

Continued...