Unit 3 Research for Strategic Development Assignment v1.0 13/02/23 For: ATHE Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management ATHE Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management Unit 3 Research for Strategic Development Assignment Assignment Scenario Your research must be related to a topic associated with strategic business development. To achieve the learning outcomes at the standards provided, you must prepare a portfolio which includes all the work completed for the following tasks. When citing sources of information that you have used for your research, provide a reference using an appropriate format, e.g., Harvard. Task 1 In section one of your portfolio, you should: • Identify a valid area for research to support the strategic development of a business area • Explain the aim, scope and objectives for a chosen area of research • Prepare a research proposal and project plan including success criteria, key milestones and critical pathways Extension activities To achieve a Merit, you must justify how the research area you have chosen supports the achievement of an aspect of strategic business development. Learning outcomes and assessment criteria LO1 AC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1M1 Task 2 In section two of the portfolio, you need to: • Complete a review of different literature sources identifying those which are most appropriate for your chosen area of research • Use different research methodologies to gather data from primary and secondary sources (the data must be sufficient to ensure you can make valid conclusions) Extension activities To achieve a Merit, you must justify the research methodologies chosen. Learning outcomes and assessment criteria LO2 AC 2.1 2.2 2M1 Unit 3 Research for Strategic Development Assignment v1.0 13/02/23 Task 3 In section three of the portfolio, you must present all your research findings in an appropriate format for the target audience. You must: • Provide a comprehensive explanation of the purpose, methodologies and findings • Use the information collected to explain your conclusions and recommendations Extension activities To achieve a Distinction, you must analyse how the findings of your research can be used in a specific strategic business context. Learning outcomes and assessment criteria LO3 AC 3.1, 3.2, 3D1 Task 4 On completion of your research project, you must prepare a reflective log which contains an evaluation of the skills you used while undertaking the research. The reflective log should be included in section four of your portfolio and must include: • A review of your own skills using personal reflection and feedback • Recommendations on ways to improve your personal skills while undertaking research Extension activities To achieve a Merit, you must include a plan to improve your own research skills in your reflective log. Learning outcomes and assessment criteria LO4 AC 4.1, 4.2, 4M1 Note: When citing sources of information that you have used, provide a reference using an appropriate format, e.g., Harvard. Unit 3 Research for Strategic Development Assignment v1.0 13/02/23 Guidelines for assessors The assignments submitted by learners must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by the assessment criteria for the unit. To achieve a merit or distinction grade, the learners must demonstrate that they have achieved all the criteria set for these grades. Where work for the pass standard is marginal, assessors can take account of any extension work completed by the learners. The suggested evidence listed below is how learners can demonstrate that they have met the required standards. The command verbs contained within the AC are highlighted in bold in the suggested evidence boxes. Task number LOs and AC Suggested evidence PASS Suggested additional evidence MERIT Suggested additional evidence DISTINCTION 1. LO1 AC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 1M1 The learner should ensure that the tutor has approved their choice of research area/ hypothesis. AC1.1 The learner may consider different areas of research but will identify one which is linked to the strategic business development. AC1.2 The learner will need to explain clearly and in detail the aim, scope and objectives of the research which is to be undertaken. AC1.3 The learner will produce a research proposal with the development of suitable research question(s) or hypotheses for the selected area of research. The learner must produce specific success criteria which are related to the achievement of the research proposal. The success criteria should be referred to in the reflective log which is required for Task 4. 1M1 The learner must produce detailed written justification for the choice of research area showing how it is directly related to an aspect of strategic business development. Unit 3 Research for Strategic Development Assignment v1.0 13/02/23 The final proposal must be presented in writing. However, it could be accompanied by oral or written evidence of viva with tutor/assessor with observation statement recording discussions, questions and answers. The plan must be clearly presented, and a tabular form would be useful. It should be a tool which the learner will use in completing the research. 2 LO2 AC 2.1, 2.2 2M1 AC2.1 The learner should prepare a detailed literature review and accurate bibliography in an appropriate referencing format. The review will identify literature sources which are pertinent as well as those which are not. A wide range of appropriate and relevant information sources must have been considered, including academic journals, reports, texts and valid online material AC2.2 The learner will then apply research methodologies using primary and secondary sources. This must provide sufficient information so that valid conclusions can be drawn. 2M1 The learner must produce a comprehensive explanation of their reasons for choosing the research methodologies and justify why each is fit for purpose. 3 LO3 AC 3.1, 3.2 3D1 AC3.1 The learner must explain the research purpose, methodologies, and findings. The learner should choose the most appropriate format in which to present their research findings. In most cases, this is likely to be a final written report 3D1 The learner will produce a written piece of work that analyses how the findings of the research can be used in a specific business context. The analysis should examine Unit 3 Research for Strategic Development Assignment v1.0 13/02/23 demonstrating that the learner has: • applied relevant research methods for the area and type of research undertaken • provided a comprehensive explanation of the purpose, methodologies and findings • referenced all sources using a recognised system AC3.2 The report should explain conclusions and recommendations using the information collected. It should draw on an analysis of the research findings in justifying results and conclusions and should consider research methods and techniques, as well as the validity of the findings. each part in detail, identifying the main findings and their relationship to the business context. 4 LO4 AC 4.1, 4.2 4M1 AC4.1 The learner will be required to prepare a reflective log that reviews their own learning in carrying out research investigations. This will be a written review based on the learner’s own experiences. AC 4.2 The learner will draw on the review for AC 4.1 in order to identify and recommend ways to improve their own skills while undertaking research 4M1 The learner will produce a detailed plan with clear specific actions, in timeframes, to show how their skills will be improved for future research.
