Business School Application: Godiva Market Analysis and Sales Growth

This homework assignment is a Business School application for ethical approval for a taught degree, focusing on a market analysis and sales development project for Godiva in Hong Kong. The research aims to determine Godiva's current marketing strategy, sales growth, and the impact of market segmentation. The research methods include primary and secondary sources, questionnaires, multi-source secondary data, and group interviews. The application addresses ethical considerations, including maintaining anonymity, confidentiality, data storage, and data protection. The document also includes a declaration by the principal investigator confirming the accuracy of the information and adherence to the University's Research Ethics Policy. The application also provides the details on the process to inform the participants about the research project's objectives and purpose along with data protection act compliance.

Business School Application for Ethical Approval for Taught Degrees
February 2017
This form should be completed for any research involving primary data collection conducted by students on taught degrees
of the Business School. This procedure particularly aims to minimize ethical issues where the primary data involves human
data and includes human beings and their records (such as medical, genetic, financial, personnel, criminal and test results
including scholastic achievements). Please note that no research may be conducted in the Business School where
participants are children.
A copy of this application will be retained by the School for up to 6 years. The Business School will provide summary
information to University’s Research Ethics Committee (UREC) and will provide further information to UREC as requested.
1. Title of project:
Market Analysis and Sales Development of Godiva-Hong Kong.
2. This Project is:
UG Research linked to Taught Course* UG Dissertation*
PG Research linked to a Taught Course* PG Dissertation*
*May require University UREC approval – if this is the case, then a new application using the UREC form will be required.
PLEASE ENSURE THAT THIS FORM IS APPROVED BEFORE COMMENCING RESEARCH. IF NOT, YOUR RESEARCH
MAY BE SUSPENDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
3. Principal Investigator(s):
Family Name: Given Name: Banner ID: Programme:
4. Details of the Project
Proposed start date: February
2, 2017
Probable duration: 42 days
Brief outline of project (Describe the objectives and methods. Write approx 150 words in everyday language)
 Research objectives:
1. To determine the current marketing strategy and sales growth of the company.
2. To determine the impact of market segmentation and strategies on the market and sales
performance of the company.
3. To determine the various aspects for increasing the sales development and market
presence of the company.
4. To analyze and determine the effectiveness of marketing strategies of Godiva
 Research methods:
1. Research design- primary and the secondary sources and the secondary source will include
the approach of case study.
2. Data collection methods- questionnaires, multi-source secondary data and the group
interviews.

5. Will the research involve primary data collection?
Yes Yes No (if ‘no’ go to Question 10)
Will the research involve human participants?
Yes Yes No (if ‘no’ go to Question 10)
6. Could the participants be considered to…
a) be vulnerable? (e.g. mentally ill?) Yes No No
b) feel obliged to take part? (e.g. employees in organisationally sponsored projects)
Yes No No
If the answer to either of these is ‘yes’, please explain how ethical considerations will be minimised

7. If the research generates data relating to individuals (e.g. interview quotes or unique questionnaire
responses), describe the arrangements for maintaining anonymity and confidentiality
The information will be kept confidential and will be handled with complete safety. The data will be secured
confidentially with the personal information of the participants and will not be used by other people. When
the research is complete, the data will be destroyed.
8. Describe the arrangements for storing data and maintaining its security as part of the project.
The data will be stored in hard drive and will be analyzed in the system of the company. Once the data has
been used in the company, the data will be destroyed so that the data is not misused.
It is a requirement of the Data Protection Act 1998 that individuals are aware of how information about them
is managed. Tick to confirm participants will be informed of data access and security arrangements. yes
9. Describe how will participants be informed of the research project’s objectives, purpose and Data
Protection Act compliance (per question 8) Please attach a participant information sheet.
The participants will be informed about all the details personally and also through a consent form which is
attached at the end in the appendix.
10. If the research is going to be conducted within the University or its subsidiaries or partners, which
Manager or Officer of the institution has granted access?
11. If there are other relevant issues that have not been mentioned in this form please note them below:
12. Declaration of Principal Investigator:
1. The information contained in this application, is, to the best of my knowledge, complete and correct. I/we have
read the University of Greenwich’s Research Ethics Policy and accept responsibility for the conduct of the
procedures set out in this application in accordance with it. I/we have attempted to identify all risks related to
the research that may arise in conducting this research and acknowledge my/our obligations and the rights of the
participants.
2. I have discussed the project with my proposed academic supervisor or course leader, and she/he indicates they
have approves the planned research.
Signature(s): ...........................................................................(please insert an image of your signature)
Greenwich email address: ………………………@gre.ac.uk Date: ………….……………………
Appendix