King Edward VII College: Applied Research Assessment 1 Questions

This document presents a comprehensive response to an applied research assignment. It begins by addressing questions on communication processes, methods, and their importance in research, followed by an exploration of various data collection and analysis techniques, including both manual and electronic methods. The assignment delves into legal requirements concerning data handling, privacy, and freedom of information. It also outlines key steps in the applied research process, presentation techniques, and reporting methods. Ethical principles in research are discussed, along with examples of applied research tools and methods. The document concludes with a research strategy project focusing on managing diversity and equity policies in Australian organizations, specifically at King Edward VII College, including a research proposal, hypothesis, and research strategy. The assignment covers a wide range of topics related to applied research, providing a detailed overview of essential concepts and practical applications.

Initiate and lead
applied research

Table of Contents
Assessment Task 1: Written Questions............................................................................................1
Assessment Task 2: Research strategy project................................................................................6
Research topic........................................................................................................................6
Research proposal...................................................................................................................6
Documentation of research findings and research report.....................................................10
References......................................................................................................................................13

Assessment Task 1: Written Questions
Q1) Describe communication processes and the importance of such when conducting
applied research.
Communication is mainly associated with sharing and transmission of an ideas, thoughts,
feelings opinion and information from one person to other through a two way process to have
better shared understanding. The communication is thus, dynamic process that begins and starts
with the development of an ideas in the mind of sender who wants to transmits that idea and
message through a efficient channel to the receiver by making use of a two way channel that
facilitates effective feedback in written in the form of some message or information in a given
time frame (Decourtye and et. al., 2019). Effective communication is important while conducting
a research as it facilitates an effective evaluation of research topic and also ensures better results
and data collection to meet the objectives of research.
Q2) Describe four communication methods that you may consider using in relation to
applied research.
The four types of communication methods that can be used for conducting an applied
research include:
Verbal- Under this method use of speaking and sign language is made for communication
either directly or over phone or in meetings. Use of this method is best suitable for collection of
data from respondents.
Nonverbal- Under this mode of communication use of body language, facial expressions
and gesture is made to transfer or convey information. Use of this communication method is
helpful in developing better understanding about thoughts and expressions while conducting an
applied research (Stull, 2019).
Written- It includes act of writing, printing and typing message in form of letters,
numbers and symbol to convey information. Use of written communication is made to ensure
proper planning and record keeping for current applied research.
Visual- This type of communication includes act of Photography, art, sketches, charts,
drawings and graphs in order to convey information in most effective way. Thus, visual
communication is best suitable for presentation of findings of applied research.
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Q3) Explain three data collection methods, including both manual and electronic methods.
The data collections method that can be used for an applied research are as follows:
Interview- It basically represents a two – way conversation between an interviewee and
interviewer where researcher ask questions and participants gives reply about it perceptive on
asked question (Boyle and Schmierbach, 2019). Interview can be conducted manually through
establishing a direct connection or can be conducted with help of some electronic or online
mode.
Questionnaire- It is a written document mainly used for data collection in survey method
that contain a set of questions to evaluate response and answer from respondents. Use of an
electronic questionnaire can be made through transferring questionnaire to respondents through
making use of e-mail or other electronic modes.
Observation- It includes an action or process of closely monitoring or observing actions of
participants and respondents to develop understanding about their behaviour.
Q4) Explain three data analysis methods, including both manual and electronic methods.
Regression analysis- Use of this method facilitates better predications and forecast about
future trends and provide a relation between dependent and independent variable.
Hypothesis testing- This method of analysis provide comparison of data against
hypotheses and assumptions thus, helpful to forecast decisions that are effective for organisation
(Quinlan and et. al., 2019).
Content analysis- This analysis method provides information about overall theme and used
for analysis of qualitative data through making use of color coding to specify a research idea.
Q5) Explain legal requirements that apply to the handling and storing of data when
conducting research.
The legal requirements for handling and storing data while conducting a research
includes that the collected data must be fairly and lawfully processed and collected by the
researcher tighter with a limited and ethical use of data. For this, purpose a written consent can
be obtained from respondents.
Q6) Explain legal requirements that apply to privacy of data when conducting research.
It is the responsibility of researcher to maintain the authenticity and confidentiality of
collected data and for meet its legal requirements all the provisions of data protection act must be
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comply and adopted by a researcher while instigation and conducting applied research (Daly,
2019).
Q7) Explain legal requirements that apply to freedom of information when conducting
research.
The legal requirements that apply to freedom of information is related with correct and
ethical use of information collected for various primary and secondary information. The
Freedom of information act of Australia allows researcher to access documents that are hold by
Australian government ministers and its agencies to provide support for its research but the use
of official information should be limited and lawful (Busch and Lacy, 2019).
Q8) Explain key steps in the applied research process that may be referred to in policies,
procedures and guidelines relating to applied research.
The key steps included in the applied research process are as follows:
 Identification of problem
 Review of literature
 Clarification of problem
 Defining terms and concepts
 Development of instrumentation plan
 Collection of data
 Analysis of data
 Result findings and conclusion
 Recommendations if needed.
Q9) Describe three presentation techniques that could be used when presenting applied
research.
Power point presentation – It is most common techniques that is used for presentation as
it is simple to create and provide better visualisation of resrch outcomes and findings through use
of pictures and images that engage stakeholders to topic.
Charts and graphs- Use of frequency tables and charts can also be made by a researcher
to show and reflect it research findings.
Poster- Use of posters is effective when researcher wants to showcase its research findings
to a larger section of individuals (Van Willigen, 2019).
Q10) Describe two ways of reporting on research.
The two type of reporting are described as follows:
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Reporting in picture- Use of this way of reporting eliminates visual noise and maximize
“data ink” together with accentuate difference.
Reporting via third party- This type of research reporting includes use of press release,
chronicle of higher education and trade magazines in order to report and cover wide area.
Q 11) Explain five key principles in research ethics.
The five key principles of research ethics that must be followed by a researcher while
conducting an investigation includes:
Minimizing the risk the harm- A dissertation or research should not harm a participants or
associated individual neither emotionally nor physically.
Obtaining informed consent- It includes a written confirmation from participants about
their willingness to take part in a research and to make them understand that they are taking part
in a research activity (Battaglio Jr and et. al., 2019).
Protecting anonymity and confidentiality- It is necessary that a researcher should
maintain confidentiality and sensitive of personal data of respondents through ensuring proper
collection and storing data.
Avoiding deceptive practices- It is necessary that researcher must avoid all kind of
deceptive and unethical practises to maintain the ethnicity and viability of research.
Providing right to withdraw- The researcher must offer all respondents and researcher a
right to withdraw from research activity an anytime and should not be pressured or coerced in
any way to try and stop them from withdrawing.
Q12) Review the following Code of Conduct and summarise in your own words the key
principles of responsible research:
The key principles associated with a responsible research on the basis of various code of
conduct includes maintaining viability and authenticity of data through ensuring proper
confidentiality of personal information (Machlis and Tichnell, 2019). Further, efforts should also
be made to eliminate deceptive and unethical activities along with getting a written confirmation
from participants through signing a consent form.
Q13) Outline three examples of applied research tools and how they are applied during
research.
Three examples of applied research tools includes use of various quantitative and
qualitative research method a description of which is provided below:
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Interview- it is most commonly used qualitative research tool that facilitates collection of data
directly from respondents through two way communication.
Questionnaire – It is a quantitative research method that facilitates easy and less complex
data collection with the help of written document that contain a set of question related with
specific topic (Mays and Pope, 2020).
Focus group- It is basically a market research method is used by researcher to bring
together around 6-10 people in a room or some other common place to get feedback and replies
from them on current research topic .
Out of these applied research tool use of interview and questionnaire is made a data
collection tool for current research.
Q14) Give three examples of applied research methods and outline how they are applied
during research.
The three examples of applied research methods are described as follows:
Evaluation research- This research method is used by researcher to improve and inform
delivery of future and forecasted programs through use of a systematic assess and investigation
method.
Feasibility studies- This method of research is associated with analysis of expected costs
and benefits for a particular program or intervention that justify its implementation and
introduction.
Needs assessment- This research method is used to evaluate needs and solve issues of
societies that requires urgent attention (Decourtye and et. al., 2019).
From the above stated research method use of Need assessment is made for current
research work as it facilitates better evaluation of research topic together with needed and
justified recommendations.
Assessment Task 2: Research strategy project
Research topic
The research topic selected for current investigation is “To evaluate about managing
diversity and equity policies and programs in Australian organisations”. A research on King
Edward VII College.
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Send an email to the CEO (your assessor).
An email is send to the assessor to request their approval on current research topic i.e.
“To evaluate about managing diversity and equity policies and programs in Australian
organisations”. A research on King Edward VII College.
Research proposal
Purpose
The main purpose and aim behind conducting this research is to get better understanding
about the importance of managing diversity and equity in organisation. This research project
better evaluation of policies that can be adopted by an Australian organisation to ensure better
management of equity and diversity in its organisation to built an inclusive workforce that
facilitate better performance and success for an organisation (Özbilgin, 2019). Further, the
purpose behind selecting this research project also includes the reason that it meet the
educational background and academic purpose of researcher.
Context
The context or geographical context selected for conducting this research work King
Edward VII College which aim at providing high quality training and services to its students that
can only possible with having an atmosphere of equality and diversity at its workplace. It also
lead to better workplace environment that ensures better achievement of mission and objective of
work King Edward VII College through sustain excellence in training and assessment.
Hypothesis
This part of research provides information about ideas and assumption that are tasted or
evaluated with the help of a research project. The main hypothesis, ideas and objectives that are
to be tested, answered and achieve by this research work are stated below:
 To evaluate the concept of equity and diversity.
 To study about the importance and need of managing equity and diversity at workplace of
an organisation.
 To get better understanding about the policies and strategies that can be adopted by King
Edward VII College to ensure better management of equity and diversity.
Research strategy
The research study and framework selected for current research work is descriptive research
strategy that is used to describe and evaluate a particular situation. Descriptive strategy includes
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use of three main research methods and tools that include surveys, case studies and observations
(Syed and Ozbilgin, 2019). For current research work use of survey method of descriptive
strategy is made that includes collection of data through making use of questionnaire as research
instrument. This strategy of research is selected as it is cost effective and also provide better
collection id data to meet research objectives.
Compliance with Policies and Procedure
In order to support the choice of current research topic a number of online articles and
journals are evaluated to ensure proper compliance with policies and procedure a description of
which is provided below:
Importance of managing equity and diversity
According to the view point of Louise Petty, 2016, equity and diversity become crucial and
important for all organisation in order to improve their workplace. The main aim of concept of
equality and diversity is to provide access to same opportunities and faire treatment to everyone
at workplace that is free of all kinds of discrimination, harassment, victimisation and bullying. It
facilitates a better motivation level in employees and workforce that improves productivity and
performance of an organisation (Luanglath, Ali and Mohannak, 2019). Thus, maintenance of
equality and diversity is important as it facilitates better coordination among diversified
employees and yield better expansion and success opportunity for organisation through
eliminating discrimination and favouritism.
Managing diversity and equity policies
As per the view point of Lynne Callister, 2016, workplace discrimination is a major
concern and issues for organisation as it negatively affects motivation level and performance of
employees. Therefore, adoption of suitable policies to manage equality and diversity become
essential. The policies and strategies that can be adopted by an organisation to provide better
creation and management of equality and diversity includes adoption of Unbiased HR prcatises,
formation of inclusive diversity, effective communication and participative leadership styles that
ensures and facilitates better bonding and connection among staff (Brooks, 2019). Therefore, led
to better management and creation of equality and diversity to ensure success and better
performance of an organisation.
Ethical compliance
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This sections is related with principles and code of conduct that must be followed by a
researcher while performing a investigation. All the provisions and code of conduct associated
with resrch are fulfilled to ensure that the task and activities of current research work will not
harm or hurt sentiments or emotions of any individuals. A written consent is also opted from
participants and compliance with data protection act is also made to ensure confidentiality and
safety of collected data.
Target group
The target group for this research work are the stakeholders of King Edward VII College
that includes it directors, employees, teachers and students together with other associated parties
and individuals of society who are benefited with creation of diversity and equality in
organisation and educational institution of Australia.
Research methods
The main types of applied research methods that can be used by an investigator are
explained below:
Evaluation research- Use of this research method is made to inform and improve delivery of
future programs through use of a systematic assess and investigation method (Özbilgin, 2019).
Feasibility studies- This research method is associated with analysis of expected costs and
benefits for a particular program or intervention that justify its implementation and introduction.
Needs assessment- This research method is used to evaluate needs and solve issues of societies
that requires urgent attention (Syed and Ozbilgin, 2019).
Action research- This research method improves participants and encourage them to meet their
responsibility.
Epidemiological research- It associated with evaluation of health related problems.
Out of these applied research method use of Needs assessment is made to evaluate the
requirement of equality and diversity at workplace.
Research approach- It is mainly of two type deductive and inductive and for current research
work use of deductive research approach and theory is made as it provide better generalisation of
quantitative research data.
Type of study- Out of two main types of resrch study that is quantitative and qualitative, use of
quantitative research method is made as it facilitates collection of data in numeric terms that
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ensures better presentation and understanding of resrch findings (Luanglath, Ali and Mohannak,
2019).
Data collection
For collection of data use of both primary and secondary sources is made. Primary data will
be collected through making use of questionnaire while secondary data will be evaluated on the
basis of online journal and articles (Brooks, 2019). A sample size of 30 respondents is selected
from employees and teachers of King Edward VII College for collection of data through making
use of random sampling method. Further use of interview is also made to collect and evaluate
view point of individuals in topic of equity and diversity to have better performance and quality
at a training institution.
Data validity
The issues and limitations related with implication of current research work are associated
with lack of sufficient resources and time that could affect the authenticity and reliability of
collected data.
Data integrity
To maintain the integrity and authenticity of collected data use of best possible research
methods are made. Further proper compliance with all ethical principles and code of conduct is
also made to ensure confidentiality and authenticity of data.
Send an email to the CEO (your assessor).
A mail is send to the assessor with maintaining accuracy in grammar and spelling to get
their consent and approval for the mailed research proposal stated above.
Meet with CEO
A proper meeting with CEO is conducted in order to clarify and confirm the proposal and
its aim objective and purposes. Use of non verbal communication together with clear and concise
tone is made to ensure proper guidance and conformation from CEO for current research work.
Revise research proposal
After the meeting with CEO it has been observed that the research topic and objectives
are approved by CEO without any modifications and also get the consent and approval to
continue with current research project and investigation.
Conduction of resrch work
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After getting approval from CEO a detailed research is conducted through making use of
stated tools and techniques in provided in the research tools that include use of questionnaire and
interview techniques. A description of various task and activity included in conduction of
research is provided below:
 Proper analysis of industry specific trends, issues and statics in order to develop and
identify growth opportunity and anticipated risk and issues.
 Collection of data through use of questionnaire and interview to have better assistance in
decision making for betterment of business in all areas.
 Use of risk management methods in order to have assistance and more effectively
manage current and expected risks.
 Making efforts to overcome the obstacles related with implementation of WHMS.
 To have cutting edge employment and better recruitment procedures for having a
efficient team for research.
 Analysis of strategies, policies, practices, or work processes developed and implemented
and to assess their effectiveness and the need for change.
 Better application of theories and procedure to relate research work with dynamics with
the workplace to have better performance and development of employees to ensure
achievement of objectives.
Documentation of research findings and research report
Summary
The current research project is based in the importance of managing equity and diversity
at workplace to enhance the overall viability and performance of organisation. It has been
evaluated in the basis of conducted research that to have better quality and to provide more
efficient training and education to students it is necessary for an institution to maintain high level
of equity and diversity at its premises to ensure high moral level in all (Stull, 2019).
Methods
Use of various methods and tools are made to accomplish this research work that includes
use deductive approach for more practical investigation and better generalisation of data and
findings. Further use of qualitative and quantitative research methods are also made to collect
information with the help of an interview and questionnaire.
Results
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The result of current research includes better understanding about the importance of
equity and diversity for an organisation together with evaluation of various policies that ensure
management of better atmosphere. It facilitates enhancement in quality and efficiency level of an
organisation through developing better morale and motivation at premises of an organisation.
Impact
This resrch project ensure positive impact on quality level and performance of King
Edward VII as it lead to creation of atmosphere of fairness and equality at premises that ensure
high motivation and performance level in all employees and students (Boyle and Schmierbach,
2019). Beside this, proper management of equity and diversity also lead to better expansion of
business operation and attract students form diversified background that enhance viability and
performance of King Edward VII.
Accuracy
To maintain the accuracy of research conducted many efforts are made by investigator
that includes use of most suitable and authentic research methods and tool. Collection of data
through questionnaire and interview facilitates direct connection with respondents that enhance
the chances of accuracy. Further, use of random sampling method for selection of observation
also reduces the chances of biasness and favouritism that too enhance the accuracy and
authenticity of collected data.
Relevance
The data collected through current research work is relevant and accurate to meet the
desired objectives and purpose. The information about management of equity and diversity
tighter with information about policies to manage equity are useful and relevant for King Edward
VII to provide a fair and positive atmosphere to students and teachers that enhance quality and
efficiency of training provided in order to accomplish its objective.
Further research
The current research is very informative and useful to meet the overall objectives of
researcher and organisation thus, in future further researcher can also be lead by investigator on
some other relevant topic for betterment and success of organisation and its personal interest.
Send E-mail to CEO
An e-mail is sent to CEO in order to provide information about research findings and
report.
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Research presentation
The findings and outcomes of research are presented with the help of power point
presentation as it facilitates one of the easiest and simplest way of presentation. PPT ensures
better use of pictures and animation to maintain the engagement and interest of stakeholders and
other associated parties thus, facilitates better understanding and evaluation of research.
References
Books and journal
Decourtye, A. and et. al., 2019. Toward the protection of bees and pollination under global
change: present and future perspectives in a challenging applied science. Current opinion
in insect science.
Stull, D. D., 2019. Collaborative research and social change: Applied anthropology in action.
Routledge.
Boyle, M. and Schmierbach, M., 2019. Applied communication research methods: Getting
started as a researcher. Routledge.
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Quinlan, C. and et. al., 2019. Business research methods. South Western Cengage.
Daly, J., 2019. Ethical intersections: Health research, methods and researcher responsibility.
Routledge.
Busch, L. M. and Lacy, W. B., 2019. Science, agriculture, and the politics of research.
Routledge.
Van Willigen, J. ed., 2019. Making our research useful: Case studies in the utilization of
anthropological knowledge. Routledge.
Battaglio Jr and et. al., 2019. Behavioral public administration ad fontes: A synthesis of research
on bounded rationality, cognitive biases, and nudging in public organizations. Public
Administration Review. 79(3). pp.304-320.
Machlis, G. E. and Tichnell, D. L., 2019. The state of the world's parks: An international
assessment for resource management, policy, and research. Routledge.
Mays, N. and Pope, C., 2020. Quality in qualitative research. Qualitative research in health care,
pp.211-233.
Özbilgin, M. F., 2019. Global Diversity Management. In Global Diversity Management (pp. 25-
39). Springer, Cham.
Syed, J. and Ozbilgin, M., 2019. Managing diversity and inclusion: An international perspective.
SAGE Publications Limited.
Luanglath, N., Ali, M. and Mohannak, K., 2019. Top management team gender diversity and
productivity: the role of board gender diversity. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An
International Journal.
Brooks, R., 2019. Diversity and the European higher education student: policy influencers’
narratives of difference. Studies in Higher Education, pp.1-12.
Online
Petty. L., 2016. How Equality & Diversity Improves Your Workplace: Examining the Benefits .
[Online]. Available Through: < https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/equality-
diversity-benefits-workplace/ >
Lynne Callister, 2016. Managing diversity and equality in the workplac.[Online]. Available
Through: <https://ideas.repec.org/a/taf/oabmxx/v3y2016i1p1212682.html>
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