Research Project: Implications of Digital Tech on SMEs - Unit 11

This report presents a comprehensive research project exploring the implications of digital technologies on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The assignment, undertaken as part of a BTEC HND Business (Level 5) program, addresses the core unit requirements for Unit 11, focusing on the impact of digital technologies on business activities, particularly customer satisfaction within the context of a chosen organization, Qbic Hotel UK. The project encompasses a research proposal, including defined objectives, research questions, and literature review, as well as a full dissertation adhering to a specified word count and structure. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to analyze data, communicate outcomes, and reflect on the effectiveness of applied research methods. The report adheres to academic standards, including Harvard referencing and Turnitin report submissions, and evaluates the impact of digital technologies on SMEs, examining how they shape the future workforce, and exploring both the challenges and opportunities these rapid technological advances represent for businesses. The assignment also provides a detailed analysis of research methods, data analysis, and the communication of research outcomes to stakeholders, reflecting on the effectiveness of the research methods applied.

Learning Outcome Assessme
nt
Criteria
Address the criteria by providing an
evidence that shows you are able to :
Task
Number
Evidence
page
number
LO1Examine appropriate research
methodologies and approaches as
part of the research process
P1
P2
Produce a research proposal that
clearly defines a research question or
hypothesis supported by a literature
review
Examine appropriate research
methods and approaches to primary
and secondary research
LO2 Conduct and analyse research
relevant for
P3
P4
Conduct primary and secondary
research using appropriate methods
for a business research project that
considers costs, access and ethical
issues.
Apply appropriate analytical tools,
analyse research findings and data.
LO3 Communicate the outcomes of
a research project to identified
stakeholders
P5 Communicate research outcomes in
an appropriate manner for the
intended audience.
LO4 Reflect on the application of
research methodologies and
concepts
P6
P7
Reflect on the effectiveness of
research methods applied for meeting
objectives of the business research
project.
Consider alternative research
methodologies and lessons learnt in
view of the outcome’s.
Please see that you include the
Turnitin report. This work will not
be accepted without the Turn it in
report
Report
attached:
Yes
No
If no Reason: % of the turn it in
report.
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Assignment Guidelines:
 Use a standard report structure, Word-process the report and use Normal script of a proper font size 12.
 Produce an academic report, detailing the above issues with an approx. word limit of 4000-5000, with +/- 10% margin.
 Complete the title page and sign the statement of authenticity. The Assignment front sheet should be attached in the front.
 It should be uploaded on to Turnitin on the submission date
 Assignments submitted after the deadline will not be accepted unless mitigating. Assignments submitted after the submission
date may not be eligible for support towards feedbacks, if not submitted in time.
 Resubmission is capped to a pass. Learners are allowed to resubmit only once and if fails to pass at the time of resubmission,
would be advised to retake the unit.
 Collusion and Plagiarism must be avoided.
 Start each answer on a new page and pages should be numbered. Highlight each question clearly.
 Include a Bibliography at the end of the assignment and use the Harvard referencing system.
 All work should be comprehensively referenced and all sources must be fully acknowledged, such as books and journals, websites
(include the date of visit), etc.
 Try to give the page numbers, publishers' details and the year of publication
 In order to pass you need to address all the LO
 In order to get a merit you need to address the characteristics of pass and address all the M’s
 In order to get a Distinction you need to address the characteristics of pass, merit and address D’s.
Use a common format for the questions, for example:
 Introduction (analyse the question.)
 Underpinning Knowledge (write about the relevant theory/points)
 Applied knowledge(Data Analysis)
 Conclusions and Recommendations (summarizing the whole scenario keeping in view pass, merit, distinction criteria.)
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Due Dates
Issue Date Week commencing 02/10/2017 Submission Date for the
research proposal and Research
Project
15/12/2017
20/04/2018
Formative Feedback for
LO1
Week commencing from the 1st week of
December
Deadline for submission. No
more submissions allowed after
this date unless mitigating.
11/05/2018
Formative feedback for
LO2
Week commencing from 1st week of March
Formative feedback for
LO3
Week commencing from 2nd week of March
Formative feedback for
LO4
Week commencing from 2nd week of March

Research Proposal and Dissertation
Unit Number and title Unit 11: Research Proposal and
Research Project
Qualification BTEC HND Business (Level 5)
QUALIFICATION CODE R/508/0522 (Core unit)
Start Date 11/09/2017
Deadline / Hand-in for
Proposal
15/12/2017
Deadline /Hand in for
Research project
(Dissertation)
20/04/2018
Assessor
Topic: “The implications of digital technologies on
SME’s” (With reference to the chosen organisation of
your choice)
1. Address the research proposal (Submit the proposal form along with
ethics form and must be signed by the tutor before starting the
Dissertation)
2. Complete your dissertation report
Important points to be noted for the Research Proposal
and Dissertation:
1. Learners need to complete their Research Proposal by the 15th of
December, 2017.
2. Research Proposal needs to be approved by the supervisor.
3. Research project briefs must be based on a proposal defined by the student
4. The student must agree and sign off their research proposal form along with
the ethics form with the supervisor before embarking on their project.
5. If this requires extra time to agree – this could be addressed through the
student’s tutorial time.
6. This will form the basis of their project and must be related to their specific
pathway, unless the student is on the general business pathway.
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7. Students must complete the research project in order to complete their work
for this unit.
8. Students work must be individual.
9. Students will need to reflect on the success of their research project and
their performance at the end of the project with the inclusion of a project
evaluation and recommendations.
10. The research project must be in a Dissertation format.
11. The Dissertation report should not exceed 5000 words.
12. The research sources and usage of qualitative and quantitative
methods need to be clearly reflected
Important points to be noted for Dissertation as
specified below
Topic for the purpose of Dissertation:
The Pearson-set theme for use with Level 5 Unit 11: Research Project is
“The impact of digital technology on business activity of SME’s “
Digital technology has revolutionised the way we conduct business. Over the last
decade it has dramatically changed traditional business models and transformed
business activities. The use of digital mobile technology has provided businesses
with a wealth of choice and opportunity. This has enabled existing products to
become more profitable and innovative new products to be developed, leading to
increasingly diverse product portfolios. Its impact is evident at the core of all key
business systems:
• Administration - cloud technology enables effective filing, storage and sharing of
information.
• Communication - social media and mobile technology allows businesses to
connect, communicate, collaborate and build relationships on a global scale.
• Storage and Distribution - `The Internet of Things’ is connecting and integrating
systems throughout business structures.
• Production - Artificial intelligence and big data analytics are driving Innovation
and product growth.
However, changes in the way we work are not without their challenges as
businesses have to adopt and deal with change management, recruit and sustain
creative talent, invest in new technologies and respond to an increasingly
competitive environment.
The purpose of this research project is to enable, to examine the impact of digital
technology on how we conduct business through the context of their chosen
research objective. This will provide the opportunity to contextualise the
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implications of digital technology in the workplace and how it is shaping the future
workforce. It will also enable to explore both the challenges and opportunities
rapid technological advances represents for businesses.
Choosing a research objective/question : Students are to choose their own
organisation addressing the research topic “The implications of digital
technologies on SME’s” for this unit. Strong research projects are those with
clear, well focused and defined objectives. A central skill in selecting a research
objective is the ability to select a suitable and focused research objective. One of
the best ways to do this is to put it in the form of a question. Students should be
encouraged to discuss a variety of topics related to the theme and from here to
generate ideas for a good research objective.
Guidance for Students You should read this information before starting to
define and work through your research brief. You should refer to these instructions
as you complete work for this unit.
 Consider the development of a methodical and valid research proposal as
the foundation for the project.
 Choose a topic of personal interest in a specialism. Stick to the topic as specified on your Proposal form
 The topic chosen should allow a sufficient and suitable degree of research
through the existence of adequate background materials.
 A good project proposal title should meet the following criteria: The
proposal is one that has an existing body of literature or source material that
can be reviewed. The proposal extends a current line of learning that will
lend itself to further rigorous exploration. Decide on appropriate research methods and select an appropriate sample. Ensure that the proposal is ethical, reliable and valid. An ethics form must be
submitted prior to completion of research as part of the research proposal. Agree the research proposal with your tutor before beginning the
Dissertation. Conduct the research as outlined in the proposal agree with your tutor. Define your research problem or question, this can be stated as research
question, objectives or hypothesis. Provide a literature review giving the background and conceptualisation of
proposed area of study. This would provide existing knowledge and
benchmarks by which data can be judged. Consider and define research methodology and research process.
Demonstrate understanding of the pitfalls and limitations of the methods
chosen and ethical issues that might arise. Keep track of finding as you work
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 Carry out the research, analyse research findings in relation to your original
question and draw conclusions. Apply both qualitative and quantitative
research methods to evaluate data collected from primary research. Communicate research outcomes in a manner appropriate to the audience. Reflect on the success of the Dissertation and evaluate the problems /issues
encountered. Ensure you refer your work and follow Harvard referencing. Be conscious of
the turnitin report At the end include the references and bibliography Ensure to see that the Proposal form and the ethics form are attached as
Annexure
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Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID:
______________________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date:
___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: ______________________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question,
objective or hypothesis)
The implications of digital technologies on SME’s
Research objectives (e.g what is the question you want to answer? What
do you want to learn how to do? What do you want to find out?):
• To understand the concept of digital technology and customer satisfaction
• To determine the relationship between digital technology and customers
satisfaction on Qbic hotel
• To evaluate the importance of digital technology on increasing customers
satisfaction at Qbic hotel UK.
• To recommend ways to improve the satisfaction level of customers at Qbic
hotel UK.
Research questions:
 What is the concept of digital technology and customer satisfaction?
 What is the relationship between digital technology and customer’s
satisfaction on Qbic hotel?
What is the importance of digital technology on increasing customer’s
satisfaction at Qbic hotel UK?
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project (e.g links to other subjects you are
studying, personal interest, future plans, knowledge/skills you want to
improve, why the topic is important):
I have developed by interest in this specific sector so that research can be conducted adequately. I have
implemented multiple strategies that assist me in improving my performance level in effective and
efficient manner. This research helps me in development of my skills by nurturing my abilities. As
hospitality sector remains unknown to me, the research proposal provided me an opportunity to get
familiar with the industry. Further, I have acquired adequate information about implications of digital
technologies in the organisation. Eventually, this research proposal provides me ample of opportunities
to interact with employees of the Qbic hotel UK. This was very crucial for me in order to collect and
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analyse the data effectively.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective
or hypothesis:
Durkin, M., 2013. Tweet me cruel: Perspectives on battling digital marketing
myopia1. The Marketing Review, 13(1), pp.51-63.
Gagliardi, D., 2013. Next generation entrepreneur: innovation strategy through
Web 2.0 technologies in SMEs. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management,
25(8), pp.891-904.
Högberg, K., 2015. Social Media Marketing in Hotel Organizations and the
Process of Creating Value in a Cross-Cultural Environment–An International Case
Study. In Cross-Cultural Business Conference 2015, May 21st-22nd, School of
Management, Steyr Campus (pp. 117-126).
Laforet, S., 2013. Organizational innovation outcomes in SMEs: Effects of age,
size, and sector. Journal of World business, 48(4), pp.490-502.
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project
(e.g research, development and analysis of ideas,
writing, data collection, numerical analysis, tutor
meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation,
writing the report):
How long this
will take:
Milestone one: ___Literature Review______________
Target date (set by tutor): ____20th December________________
Milestone two: _______Drafting of methodology________________
Target date (set by tutor): ______24th December________________
Milestone three: data collection
Target date: 7 January
Milestone four: analysis of data
Target date: 15th February
Milestone five: Tutor meetings
Target date: 16th February
Milestone six: Writing the report
Target date:17th February
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to use
and why?
Deductive research approach is chosen so that the researcher could make
specific observations about use of digital technologies in Qbic hotel and
determine implications for business activities of SME’s
Data will be collected by primary and secondary methods. Primary data will be
collected from 20 employees of Qbic hotel through questionnaire.
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Secondary data will be collected from books, journals, organization records etc.
Data will be analysed by using qualitative analysis through thematic technique.
What your areas of research will cover:
Area of research will cover the digital technologies being used by Qbic hotel.
Further, second area of research would be the business activities of a SME in
context of Qbic hotel. Thirdly, and most importantly, this research will cover the
impact of digital technology on business activities of cited firm.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted
for another qualification and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV)
Date
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Research Ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the
use of data collected form human participants are required to gain ethical approval
before commencing their research. Please answer all relevant questions and note
that your form may be returned if incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research
fully with your unit tutor. Please complete this form in good time before your
research project is due to commence.
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title: The implications of digital technologies on SME’s
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date:
Intended research end date:
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
 Interviews No
 Questionnaires Yes
 Observations No
 Use of personal records No
 Data Analysis Yes
 Action Research No
 Focus Groups No
 Others (Please specify) :
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research fully with your unit
tutor. Please complete this form in good time before your research project is due to commence
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: Young people aged: 17-18 Adults: -
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
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 Particiants were recruited by a face to face meeting
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are
doing:
 Personal interaction with the participants as well as participant information sheets will be used
for communicating about research.
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it
be made clear to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at
any time?
 Written consent will be obtained.
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting
questions that do not wish to answer?
No
If no please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues
arising from this
 This is because all the questions in the questionnaire are important for attaining the aim of the
study.
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for
their informed consent to be observed.
Yes
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a
brief explanation of the study)?
Yes
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This
could be a brief summary of your findings in general)
No
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with
the Data Protection Act (1998)
Yes
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
 Only the researcher and other authorized personnel.
During the research:
Where will the data be stored?
 In electronic form.
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes
If Yes, please provide further details:
 Laptop will be used for collecting and storing information.
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
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 In Laptop
How long will the data and records are kept for and in what format?
 Till the research is over. It will be kept in electronic form.
Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
No
Section 5 : Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may raise ethical
concerns? If so, please outline how you will deal with these:
 No, there are no such features which may raise ethical concerns.
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may
arise because of your research. Please consider/address all issues that may
apply. Ethical concerns may include, but are not limited to the following :
 Informed consent. – This will be obtained from the participants
 Potentially vulnerable participants- There are no such participants.
 Sensitive topics – No, the research does not involve sensitive topics.
 Risk to participants and /or researchers – No risk.
 Confidentiality/anonymity – This will be considered in the research.
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality
 Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including
transfer, sharing, encryption, protection). – This will be maintained.
 Reporting
 Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and
Ethics Policy:
Yes No
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit
Tutor:
Yes No
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct, and this is a full description of the
ethical issues that may arise in the course of my research
Name: Date:
Please submit your completed form to the Cohort Leader and a copy to
your supervisor only
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Unit Planning:
This unit is assessed by Pearson set assignment. The Topic is “The impact of digital technology on SBE’s. The aim
of this unit is to offer students the opportunity to engage in sustained research in a specific field of study. The
unit enables students to demonstrate the capacity and ability to identify a research theme, to develop research
aims, objectives and outcomes, and to present the outcomes of such research in both written and verbal formats.
The unit also encourages students to reflect on their engagement in the research process, during which
recommendations for future and personal development are key learning points.
Students will choose their own SME organisation and continue the research project addressing the Impact of
digital technology on the chosen SME. The project must be related to their specialist pathway of study (unless
the student is studying the general business pathway). This will enable students to explore and examine a
relevant and current topical aspect of business in the context of the business environment and their chosen
specialist pathway.
Ensure to see that all the LO and AC as specified below are addressed in the Proposal and Dissertation. This is a
30-credit unit where 15 credits awarded for the research proposal and 15 credits towards the dissertation
submission. Please note dissertation is incomplete unless the proposal is approved before dissertation.
Please refer to the Assessment criteria’s for a pass merit and distinction as specified below.
For the Merit and Distinction criteria, please refer to the marking scheme as specified below.
The module will be assessed and graded against all the Pass, Merit and Distinction criteria as specified
by the awarding body, Pearson Edexcel.
Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified.
Contribution: 100% of the module
Outline Details:
1. Research Proposal as specified above
2. Research proposal form
3. Research ethics form
4. Dissertation approx. 4000 – 5,000 words. Details enclosed in the assignment brief above.
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Assessment Criteria:
Guidance in addition to the Pass criteria’s, this assignment gives you the opportunity to submit
evidence in order to achieve the following Merit and Distinction grades. Learning outcome and
assessment criteria, Assessment Grid indicating their pass, merit and distinction:
Unit 11: Research Project
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15
Pass Merit Distinction
LO1 Conduct appropriate research methodology which integrates
knowledge
into the research process
LO1 and LO2
P1. Produce a research proposal that
clearly defines a research question or
hypothesis, supported by a literature
Review.
P2 Examine appropriate research
methods and conduct primary and
Secondary research.
M1 Evaluate different research
approaches and methodology, and
make
justifications for the choice of
methods
selected based on philosophical/
theoretical frameworks
D1 Critically evaluate
research methodologies and
processes in application to
a business research project
to justify chosen research
methods and analysis
LO2 Conduct and analyse research relevant to a chosen business
research project.
P3 Conduct primary and secondary
research using appropriate methods
for
a business research project that
consider
costs, access and ethical issues.
P4 Apply appropriate analytical tools
to
analyse research findings and data.
M2. Discuss merits, limitations and
pitfalls of approaches to data
collection and analysis.
LO3 Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified
stakeholders.
D2 Communicate critical
analysis of the outcomes and
make valid, justified
recommendations.
P5 Communicate research outcomes in
an appropriate manner for the intended
audience.
M3 Coherently and logically
communicate outcomes to the
intended audience, demonstrating
how outcomes meet set research
Objectives.
LO4 Reflect on the application of research methodologies and
concepts
P6 Reflect on the effectiveness of M4 Provide critical reflection and D3 Demonstrate reflection

Achievement Summary
The Following Sections to be completed by the assessor:
Centre Name: REGENT COLLEGE HIGHER EDUCATION
Campus: WEMBLEY CAMPUS
Centre Number: 12727
Please note that the assessor’s signature below denotes conformation that he/she has in no way influenced the
outcome of the
Assessment:
UNIT 11 Research Project
UNIT LEADER Arun Chalise
Assessors Name:
Assessors Signature:
Learners Name (to be filled by the Assessor)
Intake:
Sept16
Cohort: Sept16 Term: 4 Campus: WEMBLEY
16
UNIT 11: Research Project
FINAL GRADE:

Learners Edexcel Reference Number
Has the Unit been Internally Verified? Date of verification:
Name of the Internal Verifier:
Internal verifiers signature :
If Sampled ,Internal verifiers comments on the assignment brief:
Evidence Checklist Summary of the evidence
required by the student
Evidence presented
LO1 -Completed Research
Proposal Form ,
-Completed Research Ethics
Approval Form
LO2 Data Collection sheet and
research analysis in the
written report format.
LO3 Presentation of the
Research findings in the
written dissertation format.
LO4 Reflection of the Research
Process in the written
report format
Learning
Outcome
Evidence for the criteria to pass, merit and distinction as
specified in the student feedback and contextualised.
Assess
ors
decisi
on
Internal
verificati
on
decision.
(agree,
disagree
)
PASS MERIT DISTINCTION
Topic: The Pearson-set theme for use with Level 5 Unit 11: Research Project is “The impact of
digital technology on business activity of SME’s “. You are advised to select an SME organisation of
your choice and address all the LO and AC for the chosen topic as specified below. This should include
the Research Proposal form, Research Ethics form and the Authentication of the project. Research
projects without these documents will not be accepted.
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LO1 Conduct
appropriate
research
methodology
which integrates
knowledge
into the research
process.
P1 Produce a research
proposal that clearly defines a
research question or
hypothesis, supported by a
literature review.
P2 Examine appropriate
research methods and conduct
primary and secondary
research.
M1 Evaluate
different research
approaches and
methodology, and
make justifications
for the choice of
methods
selected based on
philosophical/
theoretical
frameworks.
LO1 and LO2
D1 Critically
evaluate
research
methodologies
and processes in
application to
a business
research project
to justify chosen
research methods
and analysis
(P,M,D
)
(P,M,D)
Contextualised Feedback addressing LO1, reflecting the pass , merit and distinction:
IV comments towards LO1 :
Task 2 Continue your dissertation as specified in your assignment brief , addressing the LO2 and the AC
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LO2 Conduct and
analyse research
relevant to a
chosen business
research
project.
P3. Conduct primary and
secondary research using
appropriate methods for
a business research project
that consider costs, access
and ethical issues.
P4 Apply appropriate
analytical tools to analyse
research findings and data.
M2 Discuss merits,
limitations and
pitfalls of
approaches to data
collection and
analysis.
D1 Critically
evaluate
research
methodologies
and processes in
application to
a business
research project
to justify chosen
research methods
and analysis
(P,M,D
)
(P,M,D)
Contextualised Feedback addressing LO2 , reflecting the pass , merit and distinction:
IV comments towards LO2 :
Task 3
Continue your Dissertation as specified in your assignment brief , address the LO3 and the AC
LO3
Communicate the
outcomes of a
research project
to identified
stakeholders.
P5 Communicate research
outcomes in an appropriate
manner for the intended
audience
M3 Coherently
and logically
communicate
outcomes to the
intended audience,
demonstrating how
outcomes meet set
research objectives
D2
Communicate
critical analysis
of the outcomes
and make valid,
justified
recommendations
.
(P,M,D
)
(P,M,D)
Contextualised Feedback addressing LO3, reflecting the pass , merit and distinction:
IV comments towards LO3 :
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Task 4 Conclude your Dissertation report by addressing the LO and AC
LO4 Reflect on
the application of
research
methodologies
and concepts.
P6 Reflect on the
effectiveness of research
methods applied for meeting
objectives of the business
research project.
P7 Consider alternative
research methodologies and
lessons learnt in view of the
outcomes.
M4 Provide critical
reflection and
insight that results
in recommended
actions for
improvements and
future research
considerations.
D3 Demonstrate
reflection and
engagement in
the
resource process
leading to
recommended
actions for future
improvement.
(P,M,D
)
(P,M,D)
Contextualised Feedback addressing LO4, reflecting the pass , merit and distinction:
IV comments towards LO4 :
Pass , Merit
and Distinction
grades
awarded
D
1
D2 D3 M
1
M2 M3 M4 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 Resubmit Retake
Any other comments
Grade given by the Assessor:
Pass Merit Distinction Resubmission
Retake
Assessors Signature: Date:
IV Grading Check: Comments if any:
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