Overview of the assignment
\nResearch is an essential element of the skillset of a modern professional and key to develop accounting and financial management competencies. As the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (2021) argue, research is vital for innovation in the national economy.
\nWorking on this task will equip students with skills in identifying research problems in Accounting and Financial Management research areas, and developing a research proposal that will reflect the research design, methods, and instruments to resolve the problem.
\nStudents are encouraged to investigate the Accounting and Financial Management needs within their current job roles, examine the contemporary research demands in the UK, and develop their research proposals based on the identified questions.
\nIn both cases, students will need to explore the theoretical background of the research problem, review research literature and verify if the research question they ask is responded to in the previous research, or, alternatively, there is a gap in the research and no solution has been found yet. In the latter case, students will set the research aim, objectives, and develop research methodology, including research design, research methods, research instruments, and a feasible timeline.
\nThis implies that learning about research methodology and applying this information to develop own research proposal will help students to get prepared for their degree research paper in Level 6 and develop mandatory research skills to find informed solutions for the chosen Accounting and Financial Management Research areas in the UK under the changing circumstances. This is a core employability skill.
\nConsequently, this assignment provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate the ability to understand and interpret information relevant to the research methodology and present it to a number of audiences in both academic and business environments in a written form as a 2000-word research proposal with required appendices (see the Research Proposal Template).<\/p>\n
Description of the task \u2013 what you are being asked to do.<\/p>\n
Required task:
\nDevelop a research proposal for a theoretical or practical problem in the chosen Accounting and Financial Management Research areas in the UK.
\nHowever, A practical problem is more suitable for undergraduate research, as it is the first attempt at conducting research. Therefore, the research proposal could focus on addressing an issue within Accounting and Financial Management Research Areas in existing UK-based businesses.
\nSee the assignment guide for a breakdown of this task.<\/p>\n
Referencing and research requirements
\nPlease reference your work according to the Canterbury Harvard style guidance which you can access on Moodle. Include at least 15 references.<\/p>\n
How your work will be assessed
\nYour work will be assessed to the extent it demonstrates your achievement of the stated learning outcomes for this assignment (see above) and against other key criteria, as defined in the University\u2019s institutional grading descriptors. If it is appropriate to the format of your assignment and your subject area, a proportion of your marks will also depend on your use of academic referencing conventions.<\/p>\n
This assignment will be marked according to the grading descriptors for Level 5 see Research Proposal Marking rubrics available in the Assessment area in Moodle.<\/p>\n
Submission details
\nThis assignment should be submitted electronically via Moodle (module tutors will discuss this process with you during class time).
\n\u2022\tPlease ensure that your work has been saved in an appropriate file format (Microsoft Word). Your file must also contain at least 2000 words of text without references and appendices and be less than 40MB in size.
\n\u2022\tYou can submit your work as many times as you like before the submission date. If you do submit your work more than once, your earlier submission will be replaced by the most recent version.
\n\u2022\tOnce you have submitted your work, you will receive a digital receipt as proof of submission, which will be sent to your forwarded e-mail address (provided you have set this up). Please keep this receipt for future reference, along with the original electronic copy of your assignment
\n\u2022\tYou are reminded of the University\u2019s regulations on academic misconduct, which can be viewed on the University website: Academic Misconduct Policy. In submitting your assignment, you are acknowledging that you have read and understood these regulations.<\/p>\n
Submission Date and Time
\nThis assignment should be submitted to Moodle on or before the 04th of October 2024 by 2.00 pm.<\/p>\n
You should submit all work for summative assessments by the above deadline. Work submitted up to two working days after the deadline will be accepted and marked, but the mark will be capped at the pass mark (40%) unless there is a valid reason for the late submission (i.e., having been granted an extension to the deadline or a deferral under the terms of the Extenuating Circumstances Policy).
\nWork submitted more than two working days after the deadline without a valid reason will not be accepted and will be recorded as 0% RN (refer, no work submitted).
\nFor more information, please refer to: Student Handbook on Moodle.
\nFeedback and marks for this assignment will be available in three weeks from the deadline.<\/p>\n
Assignment Guide – Research Proposal
\nThis Assignment Guide should be used with the Assignment Brief and the Research Proposal Template. Its purpose is to provide guidance on the best way to meet the task requirements in the assignment brief. It also gives an indication of what the marker will be looking for in the case study.
\nPlease, use the Research Proposal Template to type in your information as required.<\/p>\n
Start you research proposal with a strong title, which includes relevant key words, indicates your research approach and contains a research question.
\nThe word count in the following guidelines is given approximately to help students keep the proportions withing the research proposal volume. Each section divided into subsections might require different word count, however, generally the biggest sections \u2013 Literature Review and Research Methodology, will require elaborated approach and more specific details.
\nFollow the structure and suggestions in the Research Proposal Template:
\n1.\tIntroduction (250 words)
\nThe introduction should draw from either industry or business reports or academic sources and include the following:
\n1.1.\tBackground and Context.
\nLead the reader into the topic and scope of your research, explain why this research has value and why it will be original, and why the research is required.
\n1.2.\tProblem Statement.
\nDescribe the theoretical or practical research problem that you want to address.
\nWhat is already known about the problem? What is missing from current knowledge?
\nBriefly refer to 2-3 main policies\/reports\/frameworks that introduce the reader into the context and specify the contradiction\/problem that still exists and needs solution. Here you will use relevant terminology: relate to the key concepts, theories and empirics (reports\/statistics which reveal the problem)
\n1.3.\tResearch Question(s).
\nState the specific question that you aim to answer.
\nOne research question is enough for the undergraduate degree. However, these may be two or more related questions. The more specific questions you ask, the wider the scope of the research will be, usually at higher levels of scientific research.
\n1.4.\tResearch Aim.
\nMake it clear what new insights you will contribute.
\nFormulate a clear research aim in one line, e.g.
\n\u2022\tThe aim of this study is to determine\u2026
\n\u2022\tThis research aims to explore\u2026
\n\u2022\tThis research aims to investigate\u2026
\n1.5.\tResearch Objectives.
\nDefine research objectives (at least three). Justify a major approach you will take (general methodology to achieve these aims) Start using active verbs, e.g.
\n\u2022\tTo discover current research surrounding the topic of post-merger financial performance
\n\u2022\tTo evaluate the post-merger financial performance of target company
\n\u2022\tTo use financial statements to determine target company\u2019s post-merger performance.
\nOR include specific detail HOW you will achieve these objectives, e.g.
\n\u2022\tTo measure \u2026\u2026 using quantitative methods.
\n\u2022\tTo analyse \u2026 by means of \u2026. analysis.
\n\u2022\tTo test (e.g. customer brand awareness).
\nDO NOT REPEAT THE VERBS!<\/p>\n
2.\tLiterature Review (800 words)
\nThe literature review summarises, compares and critiques the most relevant scholarly sources on the topic. There are many different ways to structure a literature review, but it should explore:
\nThere will be three main subtopics mentioned in the Literature Review, usually in the synthesised ways:
\n–\tKey Concepts, Theories and Studies (and include three topics there under headings).
\n–\tKey Debates and Controversies (optional for undergraduate research)
\n–\tGap(s) in Existing Knowledge<\/p>\n
Important: Students are free to organise their Literature review in one of two ways:
\nStudents either divide the Literature review as suggested into subsections:
\n2.1.\tKey Concepts, Theories and Studies.
\nCompare, contrast, and establish the theories and concepts that will be most important for your project. These should be divided into topics.
\n2.1.1.\tTopic 1.
\n2.1.2.\tTopic 2.
\n2.1.3.\tTopic 3.
\n2.2.\tKey Debates and Controversies (optional for undergraduate research)
\nIdentify points of conflict and situate your own position as for any controversies or conflict research\/academic opinions you might find in the literature related to the research topic.
\n2.3.\tGap(s) in Existing Knowledge
\nShow what is missing and how your project will fit in.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, students may have three subsections, Topic 1; Topic 2; Topic 3, and include in each of them Key Concepts, Theories and Studies; Key Debates and Controversies (optional for undergraduate research) and Gap(s) in Existing Knowledge.
\n2.1.\tTopic 1 (including Key concepts, theories, debates, and a gap).
\n2.2.\tTopic 2 (including Key concepts, theories, debates, and a gap).
\n2.3.\tTopic 3 (including Key concepts, theories, debates, and a gap).
\nThere must be at least three topics with 4-5 resources minimum for each of topic. The resources must be synthesised. Topics present key theories and concepts definitions, reflect previous research and analysis.<\/p>\n
Generally, in your Literature Review you will:
\n–\tCompare and contrast the main theories, methods, and analyse the debates and controversies
\n–\tCritically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
\n–\tShow how your research fits in the previous research.
\n–\t How will you build on, challenge, or synthesise the work of others?
\n–\tFill a gap in the existing body of research and explain why you consider your research idea innovative.<\/p>\n
3.\tResearch Methodology (800 words)
\nThis section should explain your approach to the research and describe exactly what steps you will take to answer your questions:
\n3.1.\tResearch Design.
\nExplain how you will design the research: qualitative\/quantitative\/mixed data research. Determine what kind of data you need to analyse, and which resources you will use, primary or secondary. Decide and justify if this will be a descriptive, correlational, or experimental research.
\n3.2.\tResearch Methods and Sources.
\nDescribe the tools, procedures, participants and sources of the research. Specify when, where and how you will collect and select data. Justify chosen methods. State exactly what or who you will study and if you will collect data personally or use the databases. If the databases will be used, which ones and what data will be taken from there. State clearly how you will access the databases or the resources of information.
\nInclude data analysis methods and justify them.
\n3.3.\tSampling Design.
\nDescribe the procedure and the sample of the participants of your research.
\nOutline the proposed sample group, including any specific criteria, e.g. age, sex, marital status\/family size, income level, etc.
\nIn case you collect primary data via the interview or questionnaire survey, make sure you explain this and make reference to Appendices where the Questionnaire must be enclosed.
\n3.4.\tResearch Procedure and Ethical Considerations.
\nIndicate clearly what the involvement of the sample group will be in the research process. Address any ethical issues which might arise during the research, e.g. data protection, ownership of the research materials, etc. How will you plan for and deal with problems?
\nSpecify how the consent of subjects will be obtained. Refer to Appendices where the Consent Form must be enclosed. Please include within this, a description of any information with which you intend to provide the subject. Indicate any potential risks to subjects and how you propose to minimise these. Mention policies and guidelines regulating data collection and data protection in the university and in the UK (there will be at least two documents). Include them in the reference list.
\n3.5.\tPractical considerations.
\nGive a balanced view of the chosen research methodology based on the literature (Pros and Cons of this approach). Address any potential obstacles, limitations, or practical issues. Clarify how you plan to deal with problems?<\/p>\n
4.\tImplications and contributions to knowledge (150 words)
\nThis section should emphasise why your proposed project is important and how it will contribute to practice or theory.
\n4.1.\tPractical Implications.
\nExplain if your research findings will help to improve a process, inform policy, or make a case for concrete change. State in one sentence who will benefit from your research findings \/solution of the problem (the audience).
\n4.2.\tTheoretical Implications.
\nExplain if your research findings will help to strengthen a theory or model, challenge current assumptions, or create a basis for further research. How?
\nReferences.
\nPlease reference your work according to the Canterbury Harvard style guidance which you can access on Moodle. Include at least 15 references here (These sources are highlighted in green throughout the template).
\nPlease, include only the resources that you used for:
\n\u2022\tcontextualising your research topic,
\n\u2022\tanalysing the previous research in the Literature Review
\n\u2022\tregulating your research procedures, especially Ethical Considerations.
\nDo NOT use bullet points or numbering!<\/p>\n
Appendices are mandatory, though not included in the word count. The content of the appendices impacts the mark and is reflected in the grading rubrics. There are three appendices as specified in the Research Proposal Template:
\nAppendix A. Questionnaire
\nYou will have to create a research questionnaire on one of the online platforms, e.g. Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, etc., then download it and present as Appendix A.
\nThe survey will have different types of questions depending on the type of data you will need to collect. It is obligatory that developed questionnaire contains both closed and open questions. This may be one long survey, or two short (up to 10 questions) questionnaires. If you opt to have two questionnaires, name them Appendix A.1. Title, and Appendix A.2. Title.<\/p>\n
Appendix B. Consent Form
\nYou will develop the consent form or, alternatively, use the CCCU Consent Form with a proper reference. <\/p>\n
Appendix C. Research Timeline<\/p>\n
A nice way to lay out the timeline for your program is to use a Gantt diagram as shown in the Research Proposal Template. Alternatively, create your timeline in Excel. It is best to arrange the time divisions according to your particular timeline as described in the Research Methodology section, so if it works better for you to divide your months into weeks.
\nThe sample in the Research Proposal Template must be replaced with an actual Gannt Chart created in Microsoft Office, which will reflect all stages of your research and relevant dates, starting with research proposal preparation (now) till project completion. In case you will use the research proposal for your degree paper in Level 6, you will be able to make changes and adapt the actual dates.
\nThe dates must be realistic, and the tasks feasible withing the set time limits.<\/p>\n
Academic Integrity
\nOur GBS and CCCU community is based on the shared values of honesty, fairness and responsibility. In your studies, it is vital that the work you present is your own so that CCCU can award you credit for your work. When you use any information from another person, or the internet (that can be words, ideas or images), you must acknowledge and credit the original work by using citations and references. There are serious consequences for continued malpractice which can result in your withdrawal from your course.
\nPlease, get acquainted with the following documents to comply with the requirements on Academic Integrity, preventing and handling cases of Academic Misconduct:
\n\u2022\tStudent-Academic-Integrity-Policy (canterbury.ac.uk)
\n\u2022\tStudent-Academic-Misconduct-Procedures-staff-students (canterbury.ac.uk)<\/p>\n
Learning Materials\/Resources
\nAt GBS you have access to our online databases through ESBCO, which can be accessed through the Moodle page. You also have access to the CCCU library which can be accessed online at:
\nhttps:\/\/ulms.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk\/client\/en_GB\/CCCU
\nEssential Resources (available on shelves and electronically in GBS library)
\nBell, E., Harley, B., and Bryman, A. (2022) Business Research Methods. 6th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
\nBell, E., Bryman, A. and Harley, B. (2019). Business Research Methods. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
\nSaunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students. 8th ed. Harlow: Pearson.
\nFlick, U. (2020) Introducing research methodology: Thinking your way through your research project. London: SAGE.
\nTracy, S.J. (2020) Qualitative research methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis, Communicating Impact. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
\neBooks (unlimited user access):
\nBig Data for Qualitative Research \/ Kathy A. Mills
\nInternational Organizations and Research Methods: An Introduction \/ Fanny Badache, Leah R Kimber and Lucile Maertens
\nResearch Methods for Business and Social Science Students \/ John Adams, Hafiz T. A. Khan and Robert Raeside
\nResearch Methods for Graduate Business and Social Science Students \/ John Adams, Hafiz T A Khan, Robert Raeside and David I. White
\nOther recommended reading:
\nAbdulai, R. T., & Owusu-Ansah, A. (2014) Essential Ingredients of a Good Research Proposal for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students in the Social Sciences. SAGE Open, 4(3). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/2158244014548178
\nBooth, W.C., Colomb, G.G., & Williams, J.M. (2016) The Craft of Research. University of Chicago Press.
\nCottrell, S. (2019) The Study Skills Handbook. 5th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave, pp. 352-361.
\nCreswell, J.W. (2017) Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. SAGE Publications.
\nCreswell, J.W., & Plano Clark, V.L. (2017). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. SAGE Publications.
\nDavies, M. and Hughes, N. (2014) Doing a successful research project: using qualitative or quantitative methods. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
\nFord, N. (2012) The essential guide to using the Web for research. London: Sage
\nKirk, R. (2012) Experimental Design: Procedures for the Behavioral Sciences. SAGE Publications.
\nKumar, R. (2019) Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. SAGE Publications.
\nLaetus O K Lategan, Liezel Lues and Hesta Friedrich-Nel (2011) Doing research. Bloemfontein, South Africa: Sun Press. Available at: https:\/\/search.ebscohost.com\/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,shib&db=nlebk&AN=2256576&site=eds-live&scope=site (Accessed: 19 December 2023). UNLIMITED COPIES AVAILABLE
\nNeuman, W.L. (2019) Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Pearson.
\nPunch, K.F. (2001) Developing Effective Research Proposals. London: Sage
\nYin, R.K. (2017) Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. SAGE Publications.
\nJournals:
\nJournal of Accounting Research: https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/journal\/1475679X
\nInternational Journal of Accounting Research: https:\/\/meridian.allenpress.com\/jiar
\nThe Accounting Review https:\/\/www.bing.com\/images\/search?FORM=IARRTH&q=the+accounting+review&PC=U531
\nEducational Researcher: Sage Journals (sagepub.com)
\nInternational Journal of Research & Method in Education: Vol 46, No 5 (Current issue) (tandfonline.com)
\nJournal of Business Research | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier
\nJournal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics: Sage Journals (sagepub.com)
\nJournal of Mixed Methods Research: Sage Journals (sagepub.com)
\nJournal of Research in Science Teaching – Wiley Online Library
\nJournal of Research Practice \u2013 DOAJ
\nQualitative Research: Sage Journals (sagepub.com)
\nOpen Access SAGE Journals with a Research Methods Focus:
\nBig Data & Society (BD&S)
\nMethodological Innovations
\nResearch Ethics
\nTeaching Methods Identifying & Planning Research
\nThe International Journal of Qualitative Methods
\nWebsites and electronic resources:
\n\u2022\tOn Academic Writing and writing a Research Proposal:
\nAcademic Phrasebank | The University of Manchester
\nBrennan, M. (1998) Accounting Research: Practical Guide. (Practical Guide on how to write a research proposal) Available at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/264352639 (Accessed: 11 April 2024)<\/p>\n
McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. https:\/\/www.scribbr.com\/research-process\/research-proposal\/ (Accessed: 18 December 2023).<\/p>\n
Sheffield University (2024) How to write research proposal. Available at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.sheffield.ac.uk\/academic-skills\/study-skills-online\/how-write-research-proposal (Accessed: 11 April 2024)<\/p>\n
National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM)
\nResearch Objectives (manchester.ac.uk)
\n\u2022\tOn research in Accounting and Financial Management:
\nACCA \/ Certified Chartered Accountant
\nAll data related to Accounting and Financial management – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
\nAccounting and Financial Management Complete\/ EBSCO
\nArticle Archives – CMI (managers.org.uk)
\nBusinessweek – Bloomberg
\nCensus – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
\nCMI Career Confidence | Management & Leadership Development (managers.org.uk)
\nCorporate Governance \/ Financial Reporting Council
\nECGI\/ UK Corporate Governance Membership
\nFinancial Reporting | Statista
\nFinancial Times (ft.com)
\nHarvard Business Review – Ideas and Advice for Leaders (hbr.org)
\nICAEW\/ Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
\nLondon Stock Exchange\/ FTSE 100
\nOxford Economics
\nThe Economist | World News, Economics, Politics, Business & Finance
\nUK Yahoo Finance
\n\u2022\tOn Research Ethics:
\nGovernance and Ethics – Canterbury Christ Church University<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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