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Investigating Strategic Human Resource Practices in SME Business Growth

Assignment Brief

Submission Deadline

Marks and Feedback

Before 10am on:

Week 11

20 working days after deadline (L4, 5 and 7)
15 working days after deadline (L6)
10 working days after deadline (block delivery)

Click or tap to enter a date. 

 

Unit title & code

BSS045-3 Specialist Project (Dissertation)

Assignment number and title

Assignment 2 Final Report

Assignment type

WR-I

Weighting of assignment

80%

Size or length of assessment

8,000 words (+/- 10%)

Unit learning outcomes
  1. Demonstrate understanding of the research process in the context of your chosen business-related specialist project
  2. To develop, plan and implement a valid and academically reliable research-based project

 

What am I required to do in this assignment?

 You are required to produce an individual dissertation based on your own research. This must be a fully referenced, researched and academically valid and reliable (Specialist Project) dissertation (8,000 words).

The dissertation must develop the ideas from your proposal based on your further research, supervisor feedback and discussions. You cannot resubmit previously submitted work.

Detailed guidance on each section will be given week by week in class. The work must be your own and you must use the general structure to each section detailed within the Masterclass teaching.

Layout of the final Report (the dissertation)

The word count of the final report should be 8,000 words (+/- 10%). The layout of most projects should follow a standard structure:

University header page (BREO template provided)

  • Your name
  • The date
  • The name of the course
  • The name of the department and University
  • Any statements of confidentiality (page ii).

Abstract (max 250 words) Not included in word count

  • The stated aims and objectives
  • What it looked at (the business problems)
  • How it looked at it (research methods, concepts, models)
  • What was found
  • The limitations of the research
  • What conclusions can be drawn, and recommendations made.

List of Contents

List of Figures and/or Tables (if applicable)

Introduction (Max 1,000 words)

  • The detailed aims and objectives
  • Identification of the business problem
  • What the report intends to achieve
  • The conceptual/theoretical framework to be used
  • Any definition of terms (if no Glossary)
  • The general methodology to be used in the investigation
  • Background history, if necessary

Literature Review (Max 2,000 words)

Methodology (Max 1,800 words)

Findings/Analysis/Discussion (Max 2,000 words)

Conclusions (Max 500 words)

Reflection (Max 700 words) Please note this should be reflective not descriptive

Your reflection must be based on the process of your report development; what you have learned, your ability to relate theory to practice. How your skills have developed, your ability to relate the dissertation learning to your future career path.

References (and Bibliography if appropriate)

Appendices

What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)

Submit your work through BREO by the deadline required

  • To have received ethics committee approval

  • Demonstrate sufficient understanding of the process of carrying out a research project by completing all the chapters of the dissertation 

  • Demonstrate appropriate understanding of your chosen project evidenced by literature review, data analysis and discussion

  • Demonstrate the ability to develop, plan and implement an academically valid and reliable project by designing a robust research methodology and then carrying out and reporting on the research

  • Evidence critical reasoning using Harvard style of referencing

Note (1): All students must have submitted, and had approved, an ethics form before they can start research. Research carried out / submitted without ethics approval will not be marked. 

Note (2): Turnitin will be used for all submissions to check for plagiarism. We also reserve the right to initiate a viva voce examination if we have concerns regarding the originality of your submission. You need to be available for a viva if called following the submission of your work. Non-attendance counts as non-submission.

How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?

We will be filling this section in together in class on week 5: make sure you have downloaded/printed out the Assignment Brief and bring it to the session with you.

How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?

The unit is based on independent study, requiring you to be responsible for the management and direction of the research, project supervisors are assigned to oversee and guide you through the process. The proposed topic is agreed by yourself and respective supervisors and should relate to a specific Business Management issue as well as being of interest to you.

The supervisor-supervisee relationship is managed by you, and you are provided with the opportunity for 4-hour individual contact with your supervisor over the dissertation process. You drive the project with the supervisor acting as a support mechanism.

A one-hour master class is provided via the local tutor that addresses issues that are relevant to all students. Broadly topics covered may include:

  • Identifying topics

  • Literature Review

  • Academic Writing

  • Research Design

  • Qualitative data analysis

  • Quantitative Data Analysis

 

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Sample Answer

Investigating Strategic Human Resource Practices in SME Business Growth

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the impact of strategic human resource practices on the growth and sustainability of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study examines how HR strategies, including talent management, employee engagement, and performance appraisal systems, influence organisational productivity and competitiveness. Data were collected through mixed methods, combining qualitative interviews with SME managers and quantitative surveys of employees across various sectors. Findings suggest that SMEs with structured HR practices demonstrate higher levels of employee retention, innovation, and financial performance. Limitations include the relatively small sample size and the focus on specific geographic regions, which may affect generalisability. The study concludes with recommendations for SMEs to integrate formal HR frameworks and continuous professional development initiatives to enhance organisational outcomes.

Introduction

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute the backbone of many economies, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. Despite their importance, SMEs often face challenges related to human resource management, which can impede growth and sustainability. This dissertation aims to explore how strategic human resource practices influence SME performance, focusing on recruitment, employee engagement, and appraisal systems. The study intends to provide actionable insights for SME managers seeking to leverage HR as a competitive advantage. The conceptual framework integrates resource-based theory with human capital theory, positing that well-managed human resources constitute a critical organisational asset. The methodology combines qualitative interviews with managers and quantitative employee surveys, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of HR practices’ effectiveness.

Literature Review

Research indicates that strategic human resource management (SHRM) is essential for organisational growth, especially in SMEs where informal HR practices prevail. Becker and Gerhart (1996) highlight that aligning HR strategies with organisational goals enhances productivity and innovation. Similarly, Boxall and Purcell (2016) emphasise that SMEs with structured HR frameworks are better equipped to retain talent and respond to market changes. Employee engagement emerges as a critical factor, with Gallup (2020) showing that engaged employees are 21% more productive than disengaged counterparts. Performance appraisals, when effectively implemented, provide a mechanism for continuous development and performance feedback, which positively affects motivation and organisational commitment (Armstrong & Taylor, 2020). However, gaps remain in understanding the practical implementation of SHRM in SMEs, particularly regarding resource constraints and the informal organisational structures that characterise these firms.

Methodology

A mixed-methods approach was adopted to capture both qualitative and quantitative insights. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten SME managers across manufacturing, retail, and service sectors. The interview questions focused on HR practices, challenges in implementation, and observed outcomes. Additionally, 150 employees completed an online survey measuring engagement, perceived HR support, and job satisfaction. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, while qualitative data underwent thematic coding to identify recurring patterns. This methodology ensures triangulation of data, enhancing the reliability and validity of findings.

The dissertation should be 8,000 words, with a 10% margin (+/- 800 words).

No, all work must be original and based on new research. Previously submitted work cannot be resubmitted.

Yes, all students must have approved ethics forms before beginning research. Submissions without ethics approval will not be marked.

You are allowed up to four hours of individual supervisor contact over the dissertation process, with the supervisor acting as guidance and support.

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