MBA Research: Analysis of Tesco's Business Proposition and Strategy

This document presents a confidential Stage 1 Research Ethics Application Form submitted by a student for their MBA program at the Faculty of Business & Law – School of Management (MET). The research focuses on developing a new business proposition for Tesco, leveraging secondary research to analyze market reports, statistics, and academic literature. The project aims to evaluate Tesco's customer loyalty programs in comparison to competitors, identifying factors contributing to its success and addressing recent challenges. The application includes a detailed project summary, an explanation of the research's value to society and the economy, and a research ethics checklist. The student confirms completion of an online ethics training module. The research utilizes secondary data sources like internet data, government agencies and journals. The application also includes responses to ethical considerations, confirming that the research does not involve human participants, sensitive data, or any activities that pose ethical risks. The research is categorized as 'Green', indicating no immediate ethical concerns.

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Stage 1 Research Ethics Application Form
Section 1: Details of the Researcher and their Research
N.B. If you are conducting research that involves ‘animals (dead or
alive) and significant habitats’, please use the Stage 1 Research Ethics
Application Form involving Animals and Habitats
Applicants carrying out research with children or vulnerable adults may also
need to carry out an online Safeguarding course and submit the pass
certificate with their ethics application. Please refer to the Question
Specific Advice for the Stage 1 Research Ethics Application Form at the
above weblink.
Researcher details
First name Insert first name
Family name Insert surname
School/Faculty Faculty of Business & Law – School of Management (MET)
Students (including staff proposing research on
a course/programme)
Your SID Insert student identification number
Your course/programme title Masters of Business Administration
Name of your First Supervisor (for PGR) or
Supervisor (for UG and PGT)
Insert name of Supervisor
Research details
Title of your research project
N.B. For UG/PGT students, this is not the
title of your research module
Insert title of project
Name and institutional affiliation of any
research collaborators
n/a

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Date of application Insert date
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Start date of proposed research Insert date
Brief Project Summary (up to 700
words) Please summarise your research
in non-specialist language.
Please describe where relevant:
Methodology (please describe
what you plan to do as opposed to
providing a background in your
chosen methodology)
Theoretical approaches
Research questions
Details of participant population
(recruitment, inclusion and
exclusion criteria
This is a secondary research project that supports the development of
a new business proposition for Tesco. The research will provide the
evidence to support an entrepreneurial opportunity for the module
MOD007666 Entrepreneurial Action.
The market justification will be built through a thorough analysis of
existing market reports and statistics plus relevant academic literature
to explain the relevant issues and context behind the idea, explain the
size and challenges within the market sector and establish the size and
nature of the opportunity.
Tesco Plc is the British MNC engaged in the retail business which
is headquartered in UK. It is the 3rd largest retail company across
the world. The company was founded by Jack Cohen in the year
1919 and is currently having its stores in across 7 countries and is
the market leader in the retail sector in UK. It has different types
of chains like supermarket, hypermarket, Metro, Express, fuel
stations, Jack's, one shop etc. Tesco is known for having a huge
customer base through its various customer loyalty schemes and
programs. This business proposition is based on the concept of
how the loyalty programs of Tesco is successful in comparison to
its competitors which has failed to achieve success. This study on
Tesco will help in determining the various factors which has
resulted into gaining success in contrast to its other competitors.
This project will through some light on the key aspects which has
positively impacted the customers. Tesco is having currently
facing various types of challenges because of this past acts like
accounting scandal and the horse meat scandal. But apart from
this, there are immense opportunity which is available to the
company of which it can take advantage of. This will be critically
evaluated in the project, which will be useful in further evaluation
of the research topic in an effective manner. Therefore, immense
opportunity is available to the company of varied nature. For
carrying out this research project effectively and in a better way
various sources of secondary data will be used.
Example secondary research resources will include: data available
through internet, gathering statistical data through government
and non-government agencies, libraries, newspaper, journals etc.
I have successfully completed the online ethics training module
‘Introduction to Research and Professional Ethics’ and the certificate of
completion is attached with this application.
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Please explain the potential value of your
research to society and/or the economy
and its potential to improve knowledge and
understanding.
This project forms part of an assessment for the MBA. It has educational
value. It may also have some value to the organisation on which it is
based.
This research will help in gaining understanding and knowledge
about how things are carried out in reality. This research will
support in adding value to the society and the stakeholders as well.
With the help of it one can understand the actual scenario of the
case and how the business is undertaken. The steps and strategies
implemented by Tesco and its impact over the society, consumers
and other stakeholders. Through this research, each aspect to the
society will know what value the company is adding the society
and the economy as a whole. Society can reap the advantage of this
research project if the outcomes are marketable or the consumer
goods. A comparison between Tesco and its competitor will result
into drawing a meaningful conclusion from the outcome so that
they can take right decision while choosing the product or a brand.
On the educational point of view, this will assist in grabbing
knowledge about the various factors which are required to be
understood in order to carry out the research effectively. Along
with that, this help in determining the skills which are very
essential for the project, future growth and development. From the
economic perspective, it will add further value in knowing how the
business operation and the strategies implemented by Tesco will
have an impact over the economy which can be either positive or
negative.
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Section 2: Research Ethics Checklist (Refer to Section 3
for an explanation of the colour coding.)
N.B. If you are conducting research that involves ‘animals and
significant habitats’, please use the Stage 1 Research Ethics
Application Form involving Animals and Habitats
You must provide a response to ALL questions. Please refer to the Question Specific
Advice for completing the Stage 1 Research Ethics Application Form for guidance.
Will your r esearch (delete
as appropriate):1 Involve human participants? NO
2 Utilise data that is not publicly available? NO
3 Create a risk that individuals and/or organisations could be identified in the outputs? NO
4 Involve participants whose responses could be influenced by your relationship with
them or by any perceived, or real, conflicts of interest?
NO
5 Involve the co-operation of a ‘gatekeeper’ to gain access to participants? NO
6 Offer financial or other forms of incentives to participants? NO
7 Involve the possibility that any incidental health issues relating to participants could be
identified?
NO
8 Involve the discussion of topics that participants may find distressing? NO
9 Take place outside of the country where you work and/or are enrolled to study? NO
10 Cause a negative impact on the environment (over and above that of normal daily
activity)?
NO
11 Involve genetic modification of human tissue or use of genetically modified organisms
classified as Class One activities?1.
NO
12 Involve genetic modification of human tissue or use of genetically modified organisms
above Class One activities?2.
NO
13 Collect, use or store any human tissue or DNA (including but not limited to, serum,
plasma, organs, saliva, urine, hair and nails)?3
NO
14 Involve medical research with humans, including clinical trials or medical devices? NO
15 Involve the administration of drugs, placebos or other substances (e.g. food, vitamins) to
humans?
NO
1
? for further information.
2 As above.
2
3 ? For any research involving human material you must contact for further guidance on how to proceed.
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16 Cause (or have the potential to cause) pain, physical or psychological harm or negative
consequences to humans?
NO
17 Involve the collection of data without the consent of participants, or other forms of
deception?
NO
18 Involve interventions with people aged 16 years of age and under? NO
19 Relate to military sites, personnel, equipment, or the defence industry? NO
20 Risk damage/disturbance to culturally, spiritually or historically significant
artefacts/places, or human remains?
NO
21 Contain research methodologies you, or members of your team, require training to carry
out?
NO
22 Involve access to, or use (including internet use) of, material covered by the Counter
Terrorism and Security Act (2015), or the Terrorism Act (2006), or which could be
classified as security sensitive?4
NO
23 Risk being construed as encouraging terrorism or inviting support for proscribed
organisations and/or contain extremist views that risk drawing people into terrorism or
are shared by extremist groups
NO
24 Involve you or participants in a) activities which may be illegal and/or b) the
observation, handling or storage (including export) of information or material which
may be regarded as illegal?
NO
25 Does your research involve the NHS (require Health Research Authority and/or NHS
REC and NHS R&D Office cost and capacity checks)?
NO
26 Require ethical approval from any recognised external agencies (Social Care,
Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence)?
NO
27 Involve individuals aged 16 years of age and over who lack ‘capacity to consent’ and
therefore fall under the Mental Capacity Act (2005)?
NO
28 Involve processing special category data5 and/or intend to recruit 100 or over
participants? (only answer if your research involves the EEA – see Section 5 for
further information).
NO
29 Pose any ethical issue not covered elsewhere in this checklist (excluding issues
relating to animals and significant habitats which are dealt with in a separate form)?
NO
Please note that the Faculty Research Ethics Panel (FREP) will refer to the Office of the Secretary
and Clerk any application where, in the view of the Chair, the proposed research poses a risk of a
4 ? The Counter Terrorism and Security Act (2015) and Terrorism Act (2006) outlaws web posting of material that encourages or
endorses terrorist acts, even terrorist acts that have occurred in the past. Sections of the Terrorism Act also create a risk of prosecution
for those who transmit material of this nature, including transmitting the material electronically. The storage of such material on a
computer can, if discovered, prompt a police investigation. Visits to websites related to terrorism and the downloading of material issued
by terrorist groups (even from open-access sites) may be subject to monitoring by the police. Storage of this material for research
purposes may also be subject to monitoring by the police. Therefore, research relating to terrorism, or any other research that could be
classified as security-sensitive (for example, Ministry of Defence-commissioned work on military equipment, IT encryption design for
public bodies or businesses) needs special treatment. If you have any doubts about whether your research could be classified as
security-sensitive, please speak to your FREP Chair.
5 ? Special category data is defined as personal data which reveals racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or
philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, and the processing of genetic data, biometric data for the purpose of uniquely
identifying a person, and data concerning health or data concerning a person’s sex life or sexual orientation.
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legal or security related nature to Anglia Ruskin University. The Chair will seek guidance from the
Secretary and Clerk before the FREP decides if the proposed research can be granted ethical
approval and/or the nature of any special arrangements which need to be put in place.
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Section 3: Approval process
All student applications must be sent to your Supervisor for checking.
Your Supervisor must then forward the application to the SREP/FREP (as appropriate)
FREP = Faculty Research Ethics Panel
SREP = School Research Ethics Panel
NO answered to all
questions
Risk category Green
Complete Section 6 of this form
and then send it to your SREP.
You do not require ethical
approval from a committee.
You can start your research
immediately.
YES to any of Questions
1-11 and/or 29 but NO to
all other questions
Risk category Yellow
Complete Section 4 -6 of this form and
submit it, and the Participant Information
Sheet (PIS) and Participant Consent Form
(PCF), to your SREP. Your faculty may
require further documents.
You need to wait for ethical approval
before you start your research.
YES to any of Questions
12-24
Risk Category Red
Complete Section 5 and 6 of this form and
complete the Stage 2 Approval form. Submit
both, and any other documents required, to
your FREP.
If you answered YES to Question 23
you must also complete and submit
for consideration by the committee
the Stage 3 Approval form.
You need to wait for ethical approval
before you start your research.
YES to any of
Questions 25-27
Risk Category
Purple
Yes to Question 28
Risk Category Blue
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You need
external
approval(s)
which, if granted,
may be regarded
as equivalent to
approval from an
Anglia Ruskin
ethics
committee.
Refer to the
Question Specific
Advice for the
Stage 1 Research
Ethics Application
Form and Code
of Practice for
Applying for
Ethical Approval
for further
information
You need to
wait for ethical
and/or
governance
approval before
you start your
research.
You must also
complete the
Special Category
Data Questions
and submit
these with your
application (see
Section 5).
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Section 4: Project details
Management of Ethical Risk
For each of Questions 1-11 and Question 29, where you have responded ‘Yes’, please explain for the
panel how you justify and will manage the ethical risk created.
Not applicable. All answered ‘No’.
Section 5: Data Protection
If your research involves personal data and will be in the European Economic Area (EEA), involve
transferring data in or out of the EEA (the EEA includes EU member states and also Iceland, Liechtenstein
and Norway) or accessing.
You must complete the Research Checklist for Data Protection and confirm that you have done this in Section 6.
If you have said ‘yes’ to Question 28, you must also complete the Further Data Protection Questions and follow further
instructions if applicable. You need to submit this document with your ethics application.
If your research will not involve the EEA, you need to confirm in Section 6 that you will comply with the data legislation
relating to the country you are carrying research out in or transferring data in or out of.
Section 6: Confirmation/Declaration statements
Confirmation Statements (delete as appropriate)
1 I have completed the relevant training in research ethics.6 Yes
2 I have consulted the Research Ethics Policy and the relevant sections of the Code of Practice for
Applying for Ethical Approval, available at.
Yes
6
? Where required, UG or PGT students must submit confirmation with this form that they have passed the on-line ethics training. Some
courses have exemption from this requirement. Please check with your supervisor.

3 I have completed a Risk Assessment (Health and Safety) and had it approved by the appropriate person.7 Not applicable
4 Either
I have reviewed the Research Checklist for Data Protection and comply with its requirements. If I needed
to complete the Further Data Protection Questions, I obtained advice from our Data Protection Officer if
any of my responses were ‘no’ and submit the correspondence with this ethics application.
Or for research that does not involve the EEA, I will comply with any data protection legislation of the
country or countries that my research will involve.
Yes
5 For research funded externally where the funding was acquired via Anglia Ruskin, I have
completed a Project Risk Assessment.8
Not applicable
6 I have attached my confirmation of passing a Safeguarding course. Not applicable
7 If my research project involves a contract between Anglia Ruskin University and an external
party, I have had the contract approved by the Secretary and Clerks Office9
Not applicable
Applicant Declaration
By sending this form from my Anglia Ruskin e-mail account, I confirm that I will undertake the research as detailed here. I
understand that I must abide by the terms of my ethical approval and that I may not amend the research without further ethical
approval. I also confirm that the research will comply with all Anglia Ruskin ethical guidance, all relevant legislation and any
relevant professional or funding body ethical guidance.
Supervisor/First Supervisor Declaration
By sending this form from my Anglia e-mail account, I confirm the statements in the Applicant Declaration and that I will
supervise the research as detailed in the application.
Thank you for completing the Stage 1 Research Ethics Application Form.
Please submit it as follows:
Staff Researchers: Send form directly to the relevant committee.
Student Researchers (including staff carrying out research in a student capacity): Send form to
Supervisor/First Supervisor.
Supervisor/First Supervisor: Check application and forward to the relevant committee.
For FREP/SREP details please visit the Ethics website: On this page you will also find links to each
Faculty’s website where more information on SREPS can be found.
7 ? For research conducted at, go to for the relevant guidance. Students at other institutions must follow local processes.
8 ? For details go to
9 ? For details go to

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